Gel Nail Extensions in Toronto.
Hand-sculpted on a Russian-technique base. Lighter and more flexible than acrylic. From CA$235.
Gel extensions add length to the natural nail by sculpting builder gel directly onto the nail plate, with no need for acrylic powder, plastic tips, or adhesive. The result is a lighter, more flexible extension that mimics the feel of a natural nail while supporting custom shapes including square, almond, and coffin. At Take My Hand in Toronto's Annex, every gel extension appointment is built on Russian-technique nail prep, which significantly extends wear time. Gel extensions start at CA$235.
What are gel extensions?
Builder gel is a thicker, sculptable gel cured under UV light. We apply a small amount on a form held under your nail, build the desired length and shape directly on top of the natural nail, then cure and refine. There is no acrylic powder, no monomer fumes and no pre-formed plastic tip — which is the difference between what we do and a Gel-X service.
Because the extension is one continuous piece of gel sculpted onto your nail, there's no weak join where a tip meets the natural nail — the most common acrylic break point.
Gel extensions vs. acrylic vs. Gel-X
| Aspect | Gel Extensions (Take My Hand) | Acrylic | Gel-X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base material | Builder gel sculpted on nail | Powder + monomer | Pre-formed plastic tip + gel |
| Weight | Lightest | Heavy | Light |
| Flex | Natural-feeling | Rigid | Semi-rigid |
| Smell | Minimal | Strong fumes | Minimal |
| Custom shape | Fully custom | Yes | Limited to tip shapes |
| Removal | Soak-off (gentle) | File or soak | Soak-off |
| Damage to natural nail | Lowest with Russian prep | Highest | Moderate |
| Typical wear | 3 – 4 weeks | 2 – 3 weeks | 2 – 3 weeks |
Why our extensions last longer
Lift starts at the cuticle. Because every set begins with a true Russian manicure, the gel sits flush, sealed and stable from day one. The shape is sculpted by hand on a form — never glued from a tip — so the nail flexes naturally with your finger.
Sculpting is led by Anna Urlapova, a two-time Ukrainian manicure champion. We use premium-grade builder gel and finish with the same Dior scrub and Chanel hand massage as every appointment. Three-to-four-week wear is the standard.
Four tiers, one standard.
Sculpted shape, your colour.
Chrome, French, simple stamps, ombre.
Multi-stamp, marble, hand-painted detail.
Full custom, advanced hand-painted work.
Common questions.
Three to four weeks for a fill, or a full re-sculpt every six to eight weeks depending on your nail growth and lifestyle. Because every set is built on a true Russian manicure base, the gel sits flush against the cuticle and resists lifting longer than tip-and-glue methods.