Hello there, as you and I know we have so many people if not all that love to rock their natural nails with that beautiful glow and confidence all combined. Cool, right? Oh yes but we obviously can’t run away from the fact that not everyone can grow their natural nails based on different reasons. For others, it’s due to bad habits like biting off their nails, nutritional issues, or biological factors. Despite the reason behind your nails not growing as desired, nail overlays are your way to go. I am pleased to inform you that today I got you covered on the best overlays for natural nails. Having said that let’s first discuss what natural nail overlays are.
What is a natural nail overlay?
In simple terms, these are products that are placed on the tip of our natural nails with the quest of preventing them from breaking and facilitating firmness helping them to reach one’s desired length.
Some people are fold of eating their nails as I alluded earlier. As funny as that may sound. It is one of the common reasons why most people don’t have long and strong nails but with the overlays, one is prevented from not eating up their nails because it is isn’t pleasant to eat nail overlays as it makes your nails so hard.
It’s good you have gotten just what a nail overlay is. I know for a fact that finding the best overlay for natural nails can be strenuous. No wonder I will give you 8 of the best overlays for natural nails.
Overlays for Natural Nails Top Picks.
- IDB hard gel.
- Kiara Sky Dip powder Starter Kit.
- NKY 1 Powder builder gel
- Gelish structure gel
- Mia secret professional acrylic nail system.
- Markarrt overlay builder 50ml.
- Glossy Uv thick builder clear gel.
- ECBASKET poly nail extension gel.
8 Best Overlay For Natural Nails – 2023 Review
1. IDB hard gel.
There are a number of overlays for natural nails but IDB hard gel grabs the first position as it is a very effective nail overlay product that is neither too thin nor thick but is just right and enables you to get a natural look without demanding for any complicated procedures. This gel is held in high esteem among renowned personalities in the nail industry and does not only work on natural nails but also acts as a builder gel that adds form or builds a nail from scratch.
This overlay’s formula holds the most guaranteed and loved position by many for decades and has advanced as it is now offering new LED/UV gels for making the best French manicure. It cures even faster under LED and UV lamps giving you full awesome colour coverage. IBD builder gel can come in handy when it comes to the application over one’s tips and natural nails enhancing that added strength with no chipping or peeling experience as it lasts perfectly for two good weeks.
For those with the desire of having a French manicure. This gel got you covered as it has a pink colour to best meet your demand. You can apply this gel with a gel brush. It cures at a fast rate with a general duration of 1 minute in LED light and 3 minutes in UV light. This is however dependent upon the strength and brand of the lamp.
This hard gel helps you get a professional manicure despite being a beginner. There’s no need for you to stress or put up with all the long queues at a salon as this gel helps you spend less money on a reliable overlay with a large quantity of gel to help you fix that weak nail quagmire.
Pros
- Easily used.
- Comes at an affordable price.
- Has a good or rather large quantity of gel.
- Cures so fast under a good lamp.
Cons
- Demands you to have a brush when applying.
- Requires a good lamp for effective curing.
2. Kiara Sky Dip powder Starter Kit.
This overlay is long-lasting as it is made up of harsh formulas that prevent it from chipping and losing colour. It is bombarded with everything one needs to achieve an awesome full coverage and a French manicure.
This baby is light in weight, easy to use as it has a healthy blend of health atonement. Its Features and details when it comes to Item Package range from Length: 5.08cm, Width: 17.272cm, Height: 34.036cm and Weight: 0.862kg.
Kiara sky helps you get a perfect nail overlay and gives you a non-gel or acrylic work with no scent process. I must put it to light that, this technique demands multiple systems as it does only require you to use the powder but other supplements as well. This demands for you to read the instructions that are displayed on the kit carefully especially on first-time use as things can go sower. But be rest assured that with a good number of experiences you are good to go.
This overlay’s starter kits have everything required to create a dashing manicure. It has products that are cruelty-free and non-toxic which is an added advantage. Neither brushes nor Uv/LED lamps are needed when applying this overlay as it quickly dries with air. Not only that, this nail overlay is easily removed as you are only required to file off the shiny layer, acetone soaked cotton ball and a 10 minutes nail wrapping with aluminium foil and off you go the removal is a done deal! Well, that’s an easy and fast way to strengthen and beautiful your natural nails within a day with Kiara sky deep powder. Having said that let’s get to look at the pros and cons of this baby.
Pros
- Has no disturbing scent.
- Nontoxic and does not require a scripted procedure.
- Strengthens your nails.
- Dries quickly with no need for UV or LED lamp use.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Demands for lots of steps when applying.
- One is likely to mess up as the power easily spills.
3. NKY 1 Powder builder gel
Let’s now get to the third one. This overlay for natural nails repairs your nails as it strengthens them while protecting the structure of your natural nails. It amazingly does this within minutes and allows you to use top shellac gel nail polish brands either curing it under a UV or LED lamp. This overlay’s well and studied soak off formula works perfectly on one’s weak natural nails and tips not forgetting overlays.
The NKY 1 Powder builder grants you that fantastic and neat manicure experience. Are you having a broken nail or is it ridged or any other nail scandal? Well, good news! This beauty gel got you covered as it can give you a sliver plate provision of strengthened nail layer or overlay.
Among the amazing things about this gel is the fact that you can soak it off, unlike filing it off like other nail overlays. I can safely say it levels itself in a well-organized manner at a good rate. Not only that but is also not a very thick gel but just thin enough for the great natural nail overlay. While giving you that wide option of creating a good look without worrying about unhealthy and messy overlaying your natural nails due to doing away with shaping and filing, this gel builder is packaged with a brush that helps you get rid of the hustle of looking for a brush and whatnot.
You are only required to think about how you are gonna apply the gel especially if you are new biz. No need to worry, the process is fast and easy as it only demands one to have a lamp in stock that will be used when you applying a base coat, hard gel and topcoat finish.
Pros
- Convenient for new biz.
- Easily soaked off.
- Perfect for natural nail overlays.
- Comes with a brush to help you when applying.
Cons
- Costly
- Scarcely found.
4. Gelish structure gel.
This nail overlay gives you an all-time strengthened and awesome nail length without worrying about breakages. It is also known as a viscosity brush-on gel among nail beauticians and celebrities as it has proven to intensity their natural nails for a long-lasting experience. This gel cures in a good 30 seconds in an 18G LED Light, and 2 minutes in a 36-watt UV Light. Really? Yes really, it also protects brittle nails and is convenient for strengthening after a foundation Base Coat. Not only that, this gel gives you room to add some art to your natural nails.
You can get rid of the sticky layer if so wished, or leave it as a style and better still finish it with a classic gel topcoat. I must put it to light that this gel’s solidity is firmer than that of ordinary polishes. Do not be alarmed by that, because this baby is easily applied and reveals it’s own nice shape with no filing or shaping.
There is a need for me to reveal that the Gelish structure gel can be applied in two ways or rather techniques. So here is the thing. The first technique requires you to only grab your brush and lightly brush a thin layer on your natural nails. No complicated way of application is needed just do it the same manner that you do when applying ordinary nail polish. Having done that, proceed with curing your thin coat, second coat or third coat if need be and your top coat under a LED/UV lamp. Feel free to add colour so as to get that perfectly desired look.
The second technique is not so different from the first one as it requires you to first apply a thin layer of the structure gel and cure it. Then proceed with a second layer that calls for an additional lavishing brush focusing more on the apex of your nails to get your Pro and less risky overlay. Ensuring that it has no flat surface on top of your natural nails.
Pros
- Uncomplicated application.
- Budget-friendly.
- No extra brushes needed.
Cons
- Not as stiff as hard gel.
- Very Expensive.
5.Mia secret professional acrylic nail system.
My fifth selection is non-other than the above-underlined Mia secret professional acrylic nail system that was professionally made in the USA. This acrylic powder is a polymer and gives an outstanding thickness and levels itself but calls for a bit of filing.
Let me emphasize to you that Mia Secret has great and budget-friendly products that can come in so handy when it comes to the enhancement of one’s nails. Less I forget Acrylic is slightly firmer than gel which calls for a use of both polymer (powder) and monomer (liquid) so as to become firm or rather harden. I know it might sound complicated after hearing Polymer and monomer, but trust me there is no need to despair as this baby is easy to use. It, however, doesn’t dry fast indicating that it calls for patience and extra caution, especially for new biz.
Please note that the acrylic manicure can last for a good 3 to 4 weeks. It can be directly applied to natural nails after a primer application.
The Mia secret can self-clear and stand on its own without any additional colour but as you may be aware acrylic is not as clear as a gel. It leaves a bit of cloudiness therefore if you desire a more outstanding, perfect and professional kind of manicure, you might as well add some colour of ordinary nail polish after drying the acrylic. Others prefer using gel but in terms of strength purposes acrylic can be the best to use. The best manicure calls for the correct application worse off if you have broken and brittle nails thus a hard call for you and me to apply this product correctly as instructed.
Pros
- Easy to use, flexible for beginners.
- Very affordable.
- Does not easily chip or peel for a good number of weeks.
- Combo package of powder and liquid.
Cons
- Monomer is strong scented.
- Unfortunately, it can take a good number of experiences for a beginner to know or master the liquid to powder ratio.
6.Markarrt overlay builder 50ml.
This overlay is a 50ML tube containing nail extension gel and has a natural pink colouring with a bit of sheer and that offers you a glamorous natural look. It is convenient for forming a wide range of nail extension shapes. Do you desire a French, square, coffin or oval-shaped nails? If your answer is yes then boy! This gel is a go! Less I forget this beauty product also blends well with almost any colour of gel or ordinary nail polish.
Do you want an easy and fast overlay? Well, Makartt nail extension gel is definitely what you need. It is more pliable, long-lasting and easier to handle compared to other nail extension gel products and is brighter than acrylic and builder nail gel. It gives you that bright and captivating look as you flaunt your nails. This banger has proven to last a whole one month or even longer with a correct nail prep, cleaning, buffing and or filing. You might as well consider applying nail dehydrator and premier for a more lasting experience. Outstanding, right?
Oh yes, it even gets better because this overlay gives you fashionable nail art. An in-fashion look is what you get after applying this product. As they say what you see is what you get, well this baby comes in a high-quality professional-made bottle that indeed gives you high quality and professional banging appearance.
Let me reveal to you that Makarrt is dedicated in manicure and pedicure products, which includes other gel polish, nail polish remover, nail holder, nail files, nail tips, nail brush, dipping powder nail set and foot care tool that will satisfy all your nail art requirements. Not only that but this brand also has an objective of coming up with a professional manicure online mall which will avail all kinds of high-standard manicures to satisfy all your nail beauticians and lovers out there.
Pros
- Perfect for beginners as well as professionals.
- Lasts longer.
- Has a natural pink colour.
- Enables you to form a wide range of nail extension shapes.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- Not easily found.
7. Glossy Uv thick builder clear gel.
My seventh best overlay for natural nails is non-other than Glossy Uv think builder clear gel that grants it’s users incredible flexibility, easy application and overall good presentation. This builder has a low scent and does not require any soaking but grants you a glossy finish just like the name suggests.
Talk of resistance, well this overlay is highly resistant and lasts long perfectly good enough for one’s natural nail overlay and any other nail improvements. Coming in an easy flip cap in two size options of 1 and 8 ounces this baby is easy to use.
This product is made in the USA and has a neat, thin-thickness formula that helps it to be so fast and simple when working with. It can also be useful when overlaying and sculpting on natural nails. Not only that but it has self-levelling abilities that grant an overwhelming grip and lasting experience. The amazing Glossy Uv thick builder clear gel has a package dimension of 6×2×2 inches and a weight of 1 pound. Not only that but this product can also be used as a clear coat on one’s natural nails so as to prevent them from breaking.
Pros
- Good price range.
- Easy to use.
- Self-levelling.
- Stays where you put it.
Cons
- Calls for a good amount of application time.
- Can be unappealing if not correctly used.
8. ECBASKET poly nail extension Gail.
My eighth and final but not the least good overlay for natural nails is non-other than ECBASKET poly nail gel extension whose kit poly incorporates 15g poly nail gel, 1 20ml slip solution, 1, 100pcs nail forms, 1, 1pcs gel brush pen, 1, 8ml-base coat and 1, 8ml-top coat. This is perfectly handy for a nail professional beautician or new business still learning on how to go about with a DIY nail.
This overlay has what I would call a hands-on administration. In order for you to do away with sticky gel crisis, one is advised to dip their brush in slip solution so as to smoothen the nail extension. This product is 70% isopropyl alcohol. Let’s now talk fashion, well this New and improved Poly Nail Gel is more malleable than acrylic & firmer than hard UV gel and absolutely brighter than both.
This overlay is one that you can’t afford not having as a nail beauty freak. It accommodates a 20ml bottle slip solution that makes the poly nail gel even. Tired of waiting long hours and spending a lot of money at the salon? Well, this beauty product can spare you all that hustle as it is very affordable and very convenient for home use. Thoughtfully enough, this poly gel’s kit comes in handy when it comes to a gel or acrylic or any other nail extension process. Multi tasked!!
How about durability? Oh yes, you are so grateful for a long-lasting experience after using the ECBASKET extension gel nails. It has a record of lasting for a gorgeous two to three weeks even longer with a good nail prep. Less I forget let me make mention that this extension gel has a product dimension of 5.63×2.83×4.06 Inches and a weight of 11.2 ounces.
Pros
- Comes in four great colours.
- Easy to use.
- Great for both new biz and Pros.
- Not messy compared to other nail overlays.
Cons
- Likely to experience sticky gel drama if not well used.
- May be difficult to squeeze out the gel from the tube if under low temperatures.
Oops! I have been discussing the best overlays for natural nails without revealing how they were invented. But as they say “it’s never too late.” So let’s do this right now. Nail overlays were invented in the year 1950 by a Dentist Fred Slack who cut his nail while in the process of working. Being in a profession that has to uphold hygiene at all times and bearing in mind that this was not hygienic and exposed him to a lot of discomforts. The Dentist, fortunately, thought of creating an artificial nail by combining the dental materials that were around him. As time went on, he further improved his idea and Boom!!!! We have what we now call nail overlays. Captivating, right?
Yes! who could have imagined that overlays that are applied on our natural nails to help strengthen and beautify them were birthed by dentistry. Definitely out of this world! It is a common mistake for people to think a natural overlays the same as a nail extension. Having already spoken about what nail overlays. Let me now explain to you what a nail extension.
Nail Extensions
Nail extensions come with a primary mission of extending the length of your nails at a fast rate which can be done by glueing plastic tips to natural nails then overlaying hard gel or acrylic. Fascinating enough, an ancient belief of the Chinese people contributed to many people upholding nail extension. It was believed that long nails were a sign of wealthy people who were not involved in all sorts of chores that demanded labour and had all the money and time to have nails as long as 6 inches. Really? Yes oh, you heard it right 6 inches. Wait for it! These people were very serious with keeping long nails that they even employed guards to protect their nail materials made from gold, precious stones, tortoiseshell, wood and other expensive materials. The same guards were made to treat the long nails.
How to achieve a DIY gel nail overlay
Here is enlightenment on how long you should keep your nail extension. A good 2 to four weeks is okay for you to have your nail extension removed. Note that the nail extension removal process is quite critical and can be a risk for a beginner. I would therefore recommend for you to seek professional help at your nearest salon or from your personal nail beautician.
Buckle your seat belt and get all your nail tools and products ready because am about to guide you on how to achieve a DIY gel nail overlay.
Start your nail prep by protecting your table lay a towel or mat under the lamp on your table. Then dry your nails off of any moisture by wiping them with nail varnish using cotton wool in a rotating motion around your nail. Grab a nail stick and softly move back the cuticle.
Buff your nails using a nail buffer and hydrate them using nail hydration solution. Having done that, you can go ahead and apply your nail gel using a gel brush. Ensure to keep your brush clean throughout the process by wiping it with a tint-free wipe dipped in a gel wipe solution. This is of importance as it does not only help you maintain cleanliness but also preserves your nail gel and brushes.
The next step calls for you to wipe off excess nail gel with a clear gel especially around the cuticle as it is a trickle part. Place your hands under the lamp gel for a 2-minute cure. Note that this depends on the directions on your lamp or the intensity of the lamp. Make sure you neither over or under-cure but perfectly cured.
Second, coat your nail with a white gel and place your nails under the gel lamp. There is a number of gel applying and curing in this process as you will see in the third step which requires you to apply pink gel around your entire nail but leaving a tiny gap around your cuticle area. Get your tint-free wipe dipped in gel solution and use it to remove the sticky layer of gel you are having. Grab your nail file and file your nails to your desired shape. Finally, add a top coat to your nails and cure them for a good 2 to 3 minutes. And there you go. You have just achieved a DIY gel nail overlay.
FAQ
Are overlays good for your nails?
Nail overlays are important mostly for individuals that have short nails because they have problems with nail growth. Usually, overlays are mostly used by people that have nails that are short and damaged or brittle, they also help with making longer nails look better in terms of appearance.
Having said that this is where I get to rap it all up, hoping you have gotten your hands on the best nail overlays for natural nails and not forgetting the other juicy topics I have just served you right here.
Awesome natural nail overlay selection my nail overlay buddies!
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