How Do I Know if My Client’s Nails Work Better with Hard Gel, Soft Gel, or MultiFlex?

As a nail tech, one of the most common questions we ask ourselves mid-consultation is:
👉 “What’s the best gel system for this client’s nails?”

Choosing between hard gel, soft gel, or MultiFlex gel isn’t just about what looks pretty (though we LOVE a good nail moment ✨). It’s about long-term nail health, retention, and durability — and trust me, matching the right product to the right client is what separates a basic mani from a professional service worth rebooking every 3 weeks.

Let’s break it down:

 

Rubber Base / MultiFlex Gel (Alyssita Nails MultiFlex & Luminary)

Think of this as the yoga instructor of gels — flexible, adaptable, and gentle on natural nails.

• Texture: Flexible, slightly soft. It bends with the natural nail.

• Strength: Adds strength but still has “give” so it won’t crack if the nail bends.

• Look/Feel: Super natural, thin, and lightweight — clients often forget they’re wearing it.

• Removal: Soak-off (like gel polish). Less filing = healthier natural nails over time.

✅ Best for:

• Weak, bendy, or peeling natural nails.

• Clients who want short to medium length nails.

• Natural-look lovers who just want durability.

• People who don’t want long-term commitment (easy removal for a “reset”).

👉 Pro Tip: My Alyssita Nails MultiFlex Gel is a Canadian-made alternative that gives you everything you love about Luminary, but at a better price point with zero import headaches. Perfect for nail techs who want the same results without the border stress.

 Hard Gel (Loona Nails Builder Gels)

Hard gel is the bodybuilder of gels — rigid, strong, and ready to carry weight.

• Texture: Rigid, strong, non-flexible.

• Strength: Much stronger than MultiFlex — perfect for holding shape and length.

• Look/Feel: Feels thicker and sturdier.

• Removal: Cannot be soaked off — must be filed down.

✅ Best for:

• Clients who want long extensions or sculpted shapes (coffins, stilettos, etc.).

• Clients with naturally strong nails looking for extra durability.

• People who are hard on their hands (typing, lifting, hairstylists, moms who live in the kitchen sink 🧽).

👉 Why I love Loona Nails Hard Gel: It’s vegan, cruelty-free, Canadian-made, and completely odorless. Plus, it’s strong but not “too thick” to work with — making it a dream for nail techs who want control without the mess.

Soft Gel (Gel Polish & Extensions)

Soft gel is like the easy-going friend who doesn’t ask for much — fun, pretty, but not built for heavy lifting.

• Texture: Flexible and thin.

• Strength: Adds color and shine, but minimal reinforcement.

• Look/Feel: Glossy, lightweight, and natural.

• Removal: Soak-off — super easy for clients who like to switch shades often.

✅ Best for:

• Clients with naturally healthy nails who just want color + shine.

• Short nail wearers who don’t need added strength.

• “Commitment-phobes” who want to switch things up often.

How to Decide Which System to Use?

Here’s a quick decision guide for your consultations:

• Is the client’s natural nail weak, bendy, or peeling? → MultiFlex Gel (Alyssita).

• Does the client want length, extensions, or strong shapes? → Hard Gel (Loona).

• Does the client already have healthy nails and just wants color? → Soft Gel.

💡 Remember: Matching the wrong system to the wrong nail can cause lifting, chipping, or damage over time — so your choice matters just as much as your application technique.

Why Stock Both Loona Nails & Alyssita Nails at Your Table?

By offering both MultiFlex Gel and Loona Hard Gel, you’re basically unstoppable:

• You can serve ALL client types (from fragile nails to extreme length lovers).

• You get high-quality, Canadian-made, cruelty-free products that align with nail health.

• You support your business profitability (no tariffs, no border delays, better margins 💸).

Whether your client needs flexibility or strength, we’ve got the solution.

Ready to upgrade your nail table? Because healthy, long-lasting nails aren’t just about the mani — they’re about choosing the right system for the right client. 💖

Being a great nail tech isn’t just about application — it’s about choosing the right system for the right client. At Alyssita Nail Supply, we’ve curated products that make your job easier, healthier, and way more profitable.

👉 Shop our Loona Nails Collection for Canadian-made hard and soft gels.
👉 Explore Luminary MultiFlex Gel for the ultimate hybrid system.
👉 Or check out Alyssita Nail Supply Courses to learn exactly how to apply each system like a pro.

Because when you match your client’s nails with the perfect gel system? That’s when the magic (and the retention ✨) happens.