One of the questions I am asked most often is: what is the difference between single-phase and three-phase gel?
The difference between single-phase and three-phase gel
I like to explain it with this comparison: imagine caring for a lovely head of curly hair. Besides a good shampoo, you need a good conditioner and, ideally, a styling product to define the curls as they dry.
Now imagine that single-phase gel is an all-in-one shampoo, conditioner and curl-defining product, while the three-phase system consists of:
- a good-quality shampoo formulated specifically for thorough cleansing;
- a repairing conditioner;
- a styling fluid to shape curls and add shine.
What can we learn from this comparison?
Single-phase gel: what is it and how does it work?
A single-phase gel is formulated to perform all three stages of a nail enhancement with one product:
- create an adhering base;
- extend or overlay the nail;
- seal and add shine.
This means using the same jar of product for every stage of the enhancement.
Three-phase gel: what is it and how does it work?
What does creating an enhancement with a three-phase gel involve?
- I use a dedicated base, formulated specifically for that role;
- I use a builder gel to extend or overlay the nail;
- finally, I seal the work with a dedicated top coat, formulated specifically for sealing.
I therefore need 3 different jars of product to complete the service.
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Single-phase or three-phase gel for nail enhancements?
You might therefore think that a single-phase system is the best and most economical option. But is that really the case?
I do not know if you have ever tried an all-in-one shampoo. I have, and—as with many products trying to do too much at once—I was disappointed.
For nail enhancements, single-phase gel can perform very well as a builder, but show weaknesses as a base and top coat: there may be lifting on more challenging nails. It rarely achieves the shine of a dedicated top coat, and its thickness can make thin, polish-style application difficult.
Now consider a three-phase system consisting of:
- a base formulated 100% for that role, perhaps specifically for challenging nails;
- a builder gel formulated 100% for building, perhaps suitable for pinching and with properties suited to our work;
- a top coat formulated 100% for sealing, whether glossy or matte, anti-yellowing or extra shiny.
You can see that both durability and appearance improve considerably with this second approach.
However, there is an important point: a single-phase gel can also perform very well within a three-phase system, because it is paired with a dedicated base and top coat.
The choice of gel is important, but it is not enough
A three-phase system does not guarantee perfect durability in every case.
The result depends on our technical skills and knowledge.
A good three-phase system must always be combined with correct nail plate preparation and chosen to suit the nails we are working on, as well as the service requested.
For a Russian almond, I choose a different product from the one I use for an infill on salon-length oval nails.
Anyone taking nail courses with me knows how much I insist on this point.
It is essential to understand the properties of each gel in a brand’s range so that we can meet each client’s practical, aesthetic and personal needs.
Conclusions
- A single-phase gel can be used as a base, builder and top coat, but on some nails it may cause lifting, and as a top coat it is even more likely to look cloudy and lack shine;
- a three-phase system uses a dedicated base, a three-phase or single-phase builder gel, and a dedicated top coat;
- a three-phase system must still be tailored to the client and her nails. Three-phase does not automatically mean reliable retention: meticulous preparation and the right builder for the nail and service are essential.
