Structured Gel Manicures Are Changing the Game — But What Are They?

Long gone are the days when getting your nails done simply meant picking a polish color. These days, there are countless products at your literal fingertips, from classic lacquers to dip powders and gels, each with its own set of benefits (and drawbacks). Among the most popular options — at least in recent months — are structured gel manicures. (There are more than 32 million videos about the nail enhancement technique on TikTok alone.) 

Fans of structured gel claim it provides a flawless, long-lasting finish and helps strengthen your natural nails over time. We had to know more, so we tapped Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse Salon in Beverly Hills, to shares the 411 on structured gels, how they differ from standard gel manicures, and whether there’s truth to the claim that they can help strengthen weak nails. 

What Is a Structured Gel Manicure?

Structured gel — sometimes referred to as “builder gel,” or by the brand name Builder in a Bottle — is a type of nail enhancement created by professional nail supply brand The Gel Bottle. As Huber-Millet explains, “Structured gels are a thicker type of gel polish applied directly to the natural nail or over nail extensions using a brush.” The viscous polish is cured under a UV or LED light to form “a strong but flexible layer that is less prone to chipping and cracking” than traditional gel nail polish. Because of its thicker texture and superior strength, structured gel is often used to help sculpt, shape, and, in some cases, add length to the nail — like acrylics, but with far less damage (more on that shortly). 

What Are the Benefits of Structured Gel Manicures? 

The biggest advantage of structured gel is that it lasts longer and is more durable than traditional gel polish. Huber-Millet says that on average, a structured gel manicure “will last three weeks or more before needing to be redone,” though the specific time frame depends on your lifestyle, habits, and how fast your nails grow. Structured gel is also “generally less damaging to the natural nails compared to other types of nail enhancements,” she says. The Gel Bottle’s Builder in a Bottle even contains nourishing ingredients to help strengthen the nails, allowing them to grow longer and healthier over time.  

Are There Any Downsides of Structured Gel Manicures?

While structured gel manicures are considered gentler than other types of nail enhancements, “damage can still occur if the gel is improperly removed,” Huber-Millet says. “It is important to have a professional apply and remove structured gel to minimize any potential damage.” You can remove them yourself, but it’s time-consuming and tedious — you can expect the DIY removal process to take upwards of 20 minutes with an acetone-based nail polish remover. 

Structured gel polish also requires curing under a UV or LED lamp, which some choose to avoid for the potentially harmful effects on the skin. (Wearing sunscreen or manicure gloves can help mitigate the effects.) Finally, there’s the cost. Though Huber-Millet says structured gel is “generally more affordable than other nail enhancement options like bio sculpture or hard gel,” it’s pricier than your typical gel manicure. Depending on your location, nail artist, and the design, you can expect a structured gel manicure to cost around 50% more than what you’d pay for a standard gel manicure. (Still, because structured gel lasts longer than standard gel polish, it’s often a more cost-effective choice in the long run.) 

Structured Gel Manicures: The Bottom Line 

Overall, Huber-Millet calls structured gel “revolutionary” and notes that it’s one of her go-to products — high praise from a pro. With their superior strength, longevity, and durability, structured gel manicures are a great option for those looking to get the most bang for their buck at the nail salon (with less damage to their nails). If you’re considering trying a structured gel manicure at your next appointment, be sure to go to a qualified salon and prepare to spend a little longer than usual in the chair to achieve your desired result. We have a feeling you’ll find it’s well worth it.