Are you hesitating between classic tips and American Gel-X tips? These two nail extension techniques are among the most popular right now. But their differences can sometimes be unclear. Here's a complete guide to choosing the method best suited to your needs.
Classic Capsules vs. Gel-X (Soft Gel): Summary
1. What is a Classic Capsule?
Classic tips are plastic extensions that are glued onto the natural nail using special tip glue . They are then filed and covered with gel or semi-permanent varnish for a uniform finish.
Benefits :- Easy to find and inexpensive.
- Allows you to lengthen your nail quickly.
- Suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
- Glue can weaken the natural nail.
- Sometimes rendered less fine and natural.
- Average hold compared to other techniques.
AMERICAN NAIL TIPS LONG ALMOND (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic tips, also known as nail extensions, are perfect for creating extensions in record time. These tips provide a solid structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their long, almond shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the natural nail...
- 5,93 €
- 5,93 €
- Unit price
- per
AMERICAN NAIL TIPS LONG SQUARE (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic tips, also known as nail extensions, are ideal for creating extensions in record time. These tips provide a solid structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their long, square shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the natural nail...
- 5,99 €
0,00 €- 5,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -5,99€
AMERICAN NAIL EXTENSIONS LONG COFFIN (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic nail extensions, also known as American nail tips, are ideal for creating extensions in record time. These tips offer a strong structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their long, ballerina shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the...
- 5,93 €
- 5,93 €
- Unit price
- per
AMERICAN NAIL EXTENSIONS LONG STILETTO (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic nail extensions, also known as American nail tips, are perfect for creating extensions in record time. These tips offer a durable structure and are easy to customize. Their long, pointed stiletto shape adds sophistication to your nails. They adhere to the natural nail...
- 5,93 €
- 5,93 €
- Unit price
- per
AMERICAN NAIL TIPS MEDIUM COFFIN (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic tips, also known as nail extensions, are ideal for creating extensions in record time. These tips provide a solid structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their medium, coffin shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the natural nail...
- 5,93 €
- 5,93 €
- Unit price
- per
AMERICAN NAIL TIPS MEDIUM STILETTO (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic tips, also known as nail extensions, are perfect for creating extensions in record time. These tips provide a solid structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their medium, pointed shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the natural nail...
- 5,99 €
0,00 €- 5,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -5,99€
AMERICAN NAIL TIPS SHORT ALMOND (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic tips, also known as nail extensions, are perfect for creating extensions in record time. These tips provide a solid structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their short, almond shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the natural nail...
- 5,99 €
0,00 €- 5,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -5,99€
AMERICAN NAIL TIPS SHORT SQUARE (Box of 120 Tips)
Classic tips, also known as nail extensions, are ideal for creating extensions in record time. These tips provide a solid structure while being easy to work with and customize. Their short, square shape adds sophistication to your hands. They attach to the natural nail...
- 5,93 €
- 5,93 €
- Unit price
- per
2. What is Gel-X (American Capsules / Soft Gel)?
The American Gel-X pose , also called American capsules or soft gel tips , is an innovation from the United States. It uses soft gel capsules that cover the natural nail from the cuticle to the free edge. These capsules are fixed with a gel base then catalyze under UV/LED lamp.
Benefits :- Ultra-natural finish, close to a sculpted nail.
- Quick installation (less filing, no glue).
- More comfort: the capsule fits the nail.
- Long lasting (up to 3-4 weeks).
- Specific equipment (Gel-X capsules + lamp).
- Higher price than classic capsules.
- A technique still little known to beginners.
SOFT GEL NAIL TIPS LONG COFFIN (Box of 440 capsules)
Soft Gel Nail Tips, also known as Gel X Nails, are perfect for achieving natural and elegant-looking nails. Crafted from soft and impact-resistant material, they offer a blend of durability and comfort. Their long and slender shape adds an elegant touch and visually elongates...
- 11,99 €
0,00 €- 11,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -11,99€
SOFT GEL NAIL TIPS LONG COFFIN (Box of 550 capsules)
Soft Gel Nail Tips, also known as Gel X Nails, are perfect for achieving natural and elegant-looking nails. Crafted from soft and impact-resistant material, they offer a blend of durability and comfort. Their long and slender shape adds an elegant touch and visually elongates...
- 10,99 €
0,00 €- 10,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -10,99€
SOFT GEL NAIL TIPS LONG COFFIN (Box of 440 capsules)
Soft Gel Nail Tips, also known as Gel X Nails, are perfect for achieving natural and elegant-looking nails. Crafted from soft and impact-resistant material, they offer a blend of durability and comfort. Their long and slender shape adds an elegant touch and visually elongates...
- 12,99 €
- 12,99 €
- Unit price
- per
SOFT GEL NAIL TIPS LONG STILETTO (Box of 550 capsules)
Soft Gel Nail Tips, also known as Gel X Nails, are perfect for achieving natural and elegant-looking nails. Crafted from soft and impact-resistant material, they combine durability with comfort. Their long and pointed shape adds an elegant touch and visually elongates the fingers. A...
- 11,99 €
0,00 €- 11,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -11,99€
AMERICAN COFFIN LONG CAPSULE (Box of 440 capsules)
The box of 440 Long Coffin capsules offers long coffin shape nail extensions for a modern and chic look. These capsules are pre-formed for easy and quick application. Their resistance and flexibility ensure perfect grip and lasting comfort. How to Apply These False Nails...
- 13,99 €
0,00 €- 13,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -13,99€
AMERICAN COFFIN LONG CAPSULE (Box of 440 capsules)
The box of 440 Long Coffin capsules offers long coffin shape nail extensions for a modern and chic look. These capsules are pre-formed for easy and quick application. Their resistance and flexibility ensure perfect grip and lasting comfort. How to Apply These False Nails...
- 9,99 €
0,00 €- 9,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -9,99€
SOFT GEL NAIL TIPS MEDIUM BALLERINA (Box of 550 capsules)
Soft Gel Nail Tips, also known as Gel X Nails, are perfect for achieving natural and elegant-looking nails. Made from soft and impact-resistant material, they combine durability with comfort. Their medium and slender shape adds an elegant touch and visually elongates the fingers. A...
- 10,99 €
0,00 €- 10,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -10,99€
AMERICAN COFFIN LONG CAPSULE (Box of 440 capsules)
The box of 440 Long Coffin capsules offers long coffin shape nail extensions for a modern and chic look. These capsules are pre-formed for easy and quick application. Their resistance and flexibility ensure perfect grip and lasting comfort. How to Apply These False Nails...
- 10,99 €
0,00 €- 10,99 €
- Unit price
- per
Save -10,99€
3. Classic Capsules vs. Gel-X: The Comparison
4. Which Technique to Choose?
- You are a beginner and want to try nail extensions at a low price → Choose classic capsules .
- Are you looking for a natural, modern, trendy TikTok/Instagram look? Choose Gel-X .
- You are a nail technician → Gel-X allows you to speed up application and attract a young clientele.
Where to Find Your Equipment?
- Capsule Collection – for classic poses.
- Gel-X / Soft Gel Collection – for the American pose.
- Coats (Base & Top) – gel bases, rubber/BIAB and top coats.
- Files & Polishing Blocks – preparation and finishing.
Conclusion
Both techniques have their advantages, but Gel-X is emerging as the 2025 trend thanks to its speed, natural-looking finish, and long-lasting hold. Traditional capsules remain a cost-effective alternative, but if you want salon-quality results, Gel-X is for you.
Do you want ideas or to share your creations?
Join us on Instagram @ongleose and share your look with the hashtag #OngléoseSummer – we can’t wait to see your style!!
