Nail Tips and Forms for Gel Nail Extensions
Tips and forms decide the shape, length and strength of an extension before the first layer of gel goes on. Whether you prefer fast extensions on soft gel tips, a perfectly repeatable shape with upper forms or free sculpting on paper forms, in this collection you will find the base for every technique, for nail salons as well as for home manicure.
Soft Gel Tips – Fast Extensions
Soft gel tips are ready-made, full-cover tips made of flexible gel. They follow the natural curve of the nail, are fixed with a base or gel and cured in the lamp, so a full set of extensions takes much less time than sculpting. Most soft gel tips can be filed or soaked off. You will find them from HEYLOVE, LUNAmoon, TOUCH and DARK in Almond, Coffin, Stiletto and Ballerina shapes, in boxes with the most common sizes.
Upper (Dual) Forms – Repeatable Shape
Upper forms are filled with builder gel or polygel, pressed onto the nail and cured. After removing the form, the nail already has an even shape, a defined C-curve and a thin free edge, so there is very little filing. They are a great choice for technicians who want the same result on every finger. Choose from DARK, HEYLOVE and TOUCH upper forms in Square, Oval and Ballerina shapes.
Paper Nail Forms – Classic Sculpting
Disposable adhesive paper forms are placed under the free edge, and the extension is sculpted on them with builder gel, acrylic or polygel. They give full control over length, shape and C-curve, so they suit every nail shape and anatomy. DARK paper forms come in several pack sizes, including an elongated version for long extensions.
Tools for Tips and Forms
A tip cutter shortens gel tips quickly and cleanly before shaping, and STALEKS reverse-action tweezers hold small nail art elements securely, so you can place them precisely.
Which Option to Choose
- Fastest extensions and easiest start: soft gel tips.
- The same shape on every nail with minimal filing: upper forms.
- Full control over length and architecture: paper forms.
Tips and Forms by Brand
- DARK: gel tips, upper forms and paper forms.
- HEYLOVE: soft gel tips and upper forms.
- LUNAmoon: soft gel tips.
- TOUCH: extension tips and upper forms.
Complete Your Extension Kit
For extensions on tips and forms you will need builder gels or polygels and acrygels, a base coat, nail files and a UV/LED nail lamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gel tips or forms: what is better for beginners?
Soft gel tips are the easiest start. The shape is ready-made, so you can focus on fixing the tip and finishing the nail. Upper and paper forms need more practice but give more freedom.
How do I choose the right tip size?
Try the sizes for each finger before you start. The tip should cover the nail from side wall to side wall without pressing on the skin. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one and file the sides.
Can upper forms be reused?
Many upper forms can be used repeatedly: remove the gel residue and clean and disinfect them between clients. Check the product description for the specific form.
Which materials can I use with paper forms?
Builder gel, acrylic and polygel. Paper forms work with all three sculpting techniques.
How are gel tip extensions removed?
Most soft gel tips can be filed off or soaked off. Check the recommended method in the product description.
