CND™ PLEXIGEL – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Here you will find CND™ PLEXIGEL handy FAQS. Got a question that you can’t find the answer to here? Simply call, slide into our DMs or message us HERE and we’ll get right back to you.
Vidio about Plexigel
Plexigel bottle lineup
Plexigel bottle lineup – click image to shop

Why do I need CND™ PLEXIGEL

PLEXIGEL is newest generation of enhancements, it’s more than just a builder in a bottle (BIAB) it’s an all-in-one, multi-problem solving, nail enhancement system, that safely lengthens, shapes, builds and protects for 3+ weeks wear

CND™ PLEXIGEL is a versatile & convenient brush-in-a-bottle gel system, that provides strength, length and shape, with No Pots. No Tubes, No Mixing, No Mess. Use alone for crystal clarity, or team with CND™ Shellac to provide flawless colour!

What skill level is CND™ PLEXIGEL designed for?

CND™ PLEXIGEL is designed for every professional skill level, depending on how you best describe your skulls:

  • THE PAINTER: PLEXIGEL is a bridge to nail enhancing, with brush-on application.
  • THE GO-GETTER: Provides speed and convenience by cutting re balancing and filing time in half.
  • THE ARTISAN: Elevates offering and enhances creativity with crystal clarity.

How is CND™ PLEXIGEL different than other types of enhancements?

CND™ provides enhancement options so the Nail Professional can customize their service to meet client needs based on nail type & lifestyle. It offers a convenient and versatile way to add shape and length to nails. 

  • FILL IT – Save cracked nails 
  • FIX IT – Repair broken nails
  • SHAPE IT – Plump and shape flat nails
  • BUILD IT – Create customizable length
    • Scroll further down for the videos.

CND™ will continue to still produce their alternative  enhancement systems, giving a the professional a portfolio of products to cater for every client requirement:

  • CND™ BRISA™ Gel enhancements are tough and flexible, designed for hard, brittle nails that need light enhancing. This solvent-resistant oligomer must be filed off or grown out if removal is desired.
  • CND™ RETENTION+™ Liquid & Powder enhancements are the hardest and strongest enhancement option, perfect for soft, weak nails that require transformation. Liquid & Powder is removable.
How to FILL IT :]
How to FIX IT :]
How to SHAPE IT :]
How to BUILD IT :]]]

What is the difference between CND™ PLEXIGEL Shaper & Builder?

CND™ PLEXIGEL Shaper is a crystal-clear brush-on gel enhancement that plumps, smooths and shapes nails. Perfect for natural nail overlays and short length enhancing. Its crystal-clear formula is also excellent for nail art! CND™ PLEXIGEL Builder is slightly thicker in viscosity and therefore easier to create longer enhancements that require more apex and architecture.

Visit our blog post HERE, to learn more HERE

Application

Is CND™ PLEXIGEL soak-off or removable?

CND™ PLEXIGEL is removable. Removal time is approximately 20-30 minutes and can vary based on thickness of product. For efficiency, we recommend reducing the enhancement by 95% using an E-file before wrapping the nail with CND™ OFFLY FAST™ Moisturizing Remover or acetone and a double cotton pad.

Click HERE to view CND™ PLEXIGEL Builder removal and HERE to view CND™ PLEXIGEL Shaper removal

However, we recommend professionals use CND™ PLEXIGEL as an ongoing system for their clients and rebalance every 4-6 weeks, depending on the clients requirements Click HERE to view CND™ PLEXIGEL Builder removal and HERE to view CND™ PLEXIGEL Shaper removal 

Should CND™ PLEXIGEL be shaken before use?

It is not necessary to shake Shaper and Builder. However, for Bonder and Protector Top Coat CND™ recommend to gently roll the bottle to blend the ingredients as these do contain solvents.

Does the natural nail need to be filed prior to applying CND™ PLEXIGEL?

CND™ PLEXIGEL is a gel enhancement system that requires P.R.E.P for proper adhesion. Light shine removal is needed using a 240-grit buffer or medium enhancement E-file bit. P-Preform a manicure R-Remove shine E-Eliminate surface contaminants P-Purify nail plate layers

Click HERE to view the CND™ P.R.E.P guide 

When using CND™ SHELLAC™ Gel Polish over CND™ PLEXIGEL, should the top film be removed prior to colour application?

If the enhancement doesn’t require shaping or finishing, you can apply CND™ SHELLAC™ Gel Polish directly over the top film of the gel.

Can I just use my CND™ SHELLAC™ Topcoat over CND™ PLEXIGEL instead of Protector Top Coat?

For clear enhancements, and best results it is recommend to finish using CND™ PLEXIGEL Protector Top Coat. If using CND™ SHELLAC™ Gel Polish over CND™ PLEXIGEL, finish with CND™ SHELLAC™ Original (or DURAFORCE™Top Coat) instead of Protector Top Coat.

My client has experienced cracking or chipping, what am I doing wrong?

If your client experiences cracking or chipping, you may be applying the gel too thin. Try applying an additional layer and ensure to seal the edge of all layers for best wear

Watch our application videos HERE, or email us at and we’d be happy to arrange some free one-to-one training

Could CND™ SHELLAC™ Base Coat be used instead of CND™ PLEXIGEL Bonder?

No. To guarantee the longevity of a CND™ PLEXIGEL service, CND™ PLEXIGEL Bonder must be used to anchor the enhancement to the nail and act as an attraction layer during sculpting.

Can CND™ PLEXIGEL be cured in the CND™ UV Lamp?

The CND™ UV Lamp has a beautiful broad distribution of wave length and should do a good job, however since CND™ no longer manufactures the UVLamp, we did not test it with CND™ PLEXIGEL.

We recommend the CND™ LED Lamp as top choice for proper curing. CND™ PLEXIGEL was calibrated to properly cure in both of our CND™ LED lamps (closed and open units). If another lamp is used, it might lead to under or over curing and could impact the wear results of the product.

Can CND™ PLEXIGEL be properly cured with a mini hand-held LED light?

Mobile or mini LED lights have a wide range of light output, which makes it difficult to calibrate their effectiveness in proper curing with CND™PLEXIGEL. We recommend using the CND™ LED Lamp that is calibrated to work as a system together with the CND™ Custom Cure protocol to ensure proper and comfortable cure.

Why do some of my clients experience heat when curing?

CND™ PLEXIGEL is a monomer-rich formula and some clients may experience heat sensitivity. Reference the CND™ Custom Cure protocol blog post

What does flash cure do?

Flash Cure means to partially cure the gel for 2-3 ‘flashes’ in the CND™LED Lamp for client comfort and product control. Using the CND™ LED Lamp with button 1 for 2-3 pulses will reduce the output by 50%, which will control the heat sensation. Once the gel is applied to entire hand, cure for one minute using present button 2B for complete cure.

FORMULA AND YOUR HEALTH CONCERN

Is CND™ PLEXIGEL 12-Free?

CND™ PLEXIGEL was formulated without the following 12 ingredients:  Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde resin, Camphor, Xylene, Parabens, Ethyl Tosylamide, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), MIT, Animal Derived Ingredients & Gluten

Is CND™ PLEXIGEL Vegan?

CND™ PLEXIGEL is a vegan product formulated without animal derived ingredients.

Is CND™ PLEXIGEL cruelty-free?

CND™ PLEXIGEL was not tested on animals. 

Does CND™ PLEXIGEL contain monomers of HEMA and Di-HEMA?

CND™ PLEXIGEL does contain HEMA at levels well within safe limits according to The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. The SCCS is of the opinion that HEMA and di-HEMA-TMHDC, when applied appropriately to the nail plate at concentrations of up to 35% and 99% respectively as part of an artificial nail modelling system, are not likely to pose a risk of sensitization, provided that their use is restricted to the nail plate only and contact with the adjacent skin is avoided

Is CND™ PLEXIGEL low odor?

Yes, although you may note a slight odor from the solvents contained in Bonder and Protector.

PACKGING, PRICING AND SERVICES PER BOTTLE.

CNDPlexigel
CNDPlexigel

What is the purpose of the large bottle neck?

The CND™ PLEXIGEL bottle was designed specifically for ease of use based on the individual viscosity of each product. The larger bottle neck accommodates the viscosity of the gel, making it easier to remove from the bottle and for portion control with each application.

What is the purpose of the two different brushes for CND™ PLEXIGEL?

The length of the brushes has been uniquely adapted to provide an easy application based on their viscosities. The CND™ PLEXIGEL Bonder & Builder feature a short, flat brush for precision

placement. The Shaper & Protector Top Coat feature a long, full brush

for flow and smooth application.

How many approximate services per bottle?

  • CND™ PLEXIGEL Bonder (0.5 fl. oz.) = 100 Services per 15 mL bottle
  • CND™ PLEXIGEL Shaper (0.5 fl. oz.) = 30 Services per 15 mL bottle
  • CND™ PLEXIGEL Builder (0.5 fl. oz.) = 20 Services per 15 mL bottle
  • CND™ PLEXIGEL Protector (0.5 fl. oz.) = 80 Services per 15 mL bottle

Got a question you can’t find the answer to here? Email our Squares and let us know how we can help 

Comments 20

  1. Been doing plexigel for about 7 months. I have one nail that I some how had trauma to. Technician said nail was lifting. Didn’t explain what that meant. Don’t remember hitting it. Removed plexigel and saw dermatologist. Said it appeared to be trauma. Gave Jublia to put on nail, but told not to use any other products and try to protect nail. It was getting better until nail started cracking from one side to other. Still discoloration and a couple of brown spots. Derm said to continue to protect the nail until the nail broke off. Not sure if there is another nail growing underneath. This has been for about a month. Now my technician tells me that one of my other nails is slightly lifting and has a brown spot on it. Is this all caused from the plexigel? Should I quit using this technique? Neither have said to do that, but I would like another opinion.

  2. Post
    Author

    Dear Sandae oh.. dear your fingers are not happy huh!!! look im andrew and a CND education ambassador and im going to try and shed some light and hopefully scientific facts ( without even asking to see a picture of your nail or in real life like your Derma person did and gave you some im guessing cream to put on your nails – ( i dont knw what Jubial is ) so look – Trauma to your nail ‘plate’ can happen any time you physically hit it or bash it somewhere in a very long time ago 0 but if you never got it hit in any way – then it could be your trauma could be caused by simply filing your nail plates too thin . . does nail tech use a drill – to get the job done ?? = Fact – nail plates are dead from the cuticile outwards – which is why anytihnng you coat – like Plexigel is not doing any harm. But if you nail plaete are too thin = then it can invite probelms like bactera ( green nails ) or fungal infections – ( brown nails ) = both of which can spread to other fingers and even your toes .. ( which you saying you can alread see ) so – you have to take action.. if problem nail ( and other brown ones – ) are very thin – do not coat them with color – ( so you can see if it gets worse or better ). get some CND Scrubfresh – and clean these nails with a good dose ( it kills bactera ) – ( or else if your tech is CND trained – tell her to do a PEP = mani ( prep without filing ) – then get CND Rescue Rxx and apply at home to you unhappy nail plates – all over .. wait a bit then get orignal CNd Solar OIl . .and coat all the fingertip and nail plates as well. . rub it in. ( you can use solar oil 2-3 times a day if you want – and Rescue daily … and be patient.. dont worry if bad nail plate falls off – it s dead and damaged it seem already . = you wil need to see and chcek if your new nial is going to grow or not ( on the matrix / cuticle are – if it does great . .because it means all will be good ) – but you age and even your diet /health will effect you new nail growth ( dont by any ‘shit’ from you tech.. or derma or even parmacy – claiming its a magic potion to grow your nails faster . .like even calcium tablets = they are all FAKE . If tech has them – tell her to stop – becuse she is selling fake products as well. – do not use a teck that has a drill. – now in then next months you will hopefully see new nails – which will get long like the others and you can get them coated how you like. – original CND shellac – Plexigel and even Brisa gel and liquid and powder do not harm yourself or your nails. – but you nails need to be good . not brown or green or with blood underneath. = cool :]] = hope this helps :]] – andrew in sunny malta ( where do you live ) ?? thanks

  3. Is there a way to get the plexigel to last more than 2 days? I am prepping as it says, doing exactly what it says, and they end up popping right off. As if they’re not adhering to my nails. I’ve tried 3 times over the last several and I can’t get it right.

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      Author

      hi thanks for your question :] re Plexigel problems can you please explain exactly what you are doing and using in more detail :]]?please thanks .

  4. Can I use a layer of plexigel shaper and then add a layer of plexigel builder for color? Client doesn’t need builder, just a bit of strength with shaper, she’s but is in love with the mauve color.

  5. Post
    Author

    hi Helen nice to meet you and thanks for your questions about Plexigel shaper/ builder. Im andrew and try to give you my input from the proper use and what rules might be broken – basically we all know that bond should have be on natural nails as a first layer. which are preped or peped. – by design builder should always be the next to apply then shaper and top. to get the best results .. this is because they all have different jobs to do – and different toughness . ( build and shape ) but if you are going to use the builder on the shaper – because client already has great nails – and does not need any enhancements – you might be able to get shape on and then 1 layer of colour builder . ( but this is not tested by CND as yet ) – i will put your question to my girls in my service shop and see if they have better information / maybe they tried this out with success or not. pelase give me a few days in the meantime there would be nothing wrong in letting the customer know that this is something new and maybe if she loves and wants this milky effect – maybe you can do 1 or 2 nails for her and see if they hold for a few days . Thanks :]]

    1. Post
      Author

      hey helen im andrew nice to meet you and thanks for your question about Plexigel . YES ‘ you can fill acrylic nails with Plexigel . Do your normal PREP ( like acrylic re-fill ) to file down – blend the product into the nail and finish with 180grit file. Any natural nail exposed can also be buffed with CND boomerang padded buffer ( 180 grit ) or even CND koala buffer ( 240 grit ). then you can apply thin layer of bonder ( to make sure the exposed natural nail is got what it needs and then use builder if there is a lot to fill or even shaper if its a much smaller or thinner size. Just remember that ALL cnd systems are set to work great together ( if the acrylic is anoher brand ) i can not guarantee anything .. but the above should still work . Thanks andrew

    1. Post
      Author

      hi Lorraine thanks for your question on the time-frame required where you should inspect the nail. If your preparation and application is done properly and you are using everything CND . . the time frame is the same as any enhancements you make like with L&P or gel. Plexigel is not going to thin out the nail plates on its own. So you can keep safly doing your infills without worry for many months for sure if not years. if the nail plates are thin to begin with ( or mabe came from another place with cheap stuff ) if you to check your service and refill to make sure your cleint does not pick up a bacterial or fungal infection …. ( if you see green or dark brown nail plates . .then for sure remove and inspect and restore with you next service to deal with the problem you have. Thanks andrew :]]]]

  6. Hello!! What is the correct order of applying shaper and builder after bonder on natural nail? I have been applying bonder, shaper, builder then top and my nails are all popping off after 1 day.
    If not using builder is the proper order bonder, shaper, colour and then top?
    Thank you!

    1. Post
      Author

      hi im anderw nice to meet you and thanks for your questions about CND Plexigel and application problems you are having. You need to think of the builder and shaper like 2 different problem solutions not 1. ( applying bond shaper builder is not good for the following reasons )
      Builder is for when you make full sets of enhancements – so boner – builer ( 2 coats ) then file and apply colour like Vinylux or Shellac or put Plexigel top for that look as well.
      in short you do not use shaper for makeing full enhancements.

      you are going to love shaper because its a great fixer when your clients break or chip – and you can file down the damage to remove and get to the natural Nail and just apply bond and shpaer .. then file and continue with whatever .

      after 3 weeks you need to refill – ( if there is a lot then remove in the back and go bonder builder )
      Many times you might see a small amount so try boner shaper and that might work too…

      Just remember that if builder is 10 in strength and durability then shaper is 6 or 7 so putting it underneath is just going to all apart ..

      Thanks ☺️
      have and go now you should get better results :]]]]

    1. Post
      Author

      hi im anderw nice to meet you and thanks for your questions about CND Plexigel and application problems you are having. You need to think of the builder and shaper like 2 different problem solutions not 1. ( applying bond shaper builder is not good for the following reasons )
      Builder is for when you make full sets of enhancements – so boner – builer ( 2 coats ) then file and apply colour like Vinylux or Shellac or put Plexigel top for that look as well.
      in short you do not use shaper for makeing full enhancements.

      you are going to love shaper because its a great fixer when your clients break or chip – and you can file down the damage to remove and get to the natural Nail and just apply bond and shpaer .. then file and continue with whatever .

      after 3 weeks you need to refill – ( if there is a lot then remove in the back and go bonder builder )
      Many times you might see a small amount so try boner shaper and that might work too…

      Just remember that if builder is 10 in strength and durability then shaper is 6 or 7 so putting it underneath is just going to all apart ..

      Thanks ☺️
      have and go now you should get better results :]]]]

      1. Hi there I’ve been trying to get info on why you would use PLEXIGEL over Brisa? I have been using Brisa for 20 years and love it! Why did CND change the Brisa bond to Brisa base coat?? We didn’t need another layer of gel and going thru it so quickly. Could I use the PLEXIGEL Bonder with Brisa?

  7. I have been a plexiglass gel client for 8 weeks. It is great and lasts at least 4 weeks between treatments, even though I am in a pool 4 times a week. My technician takes off the top layer wth the machine and then applies the gel, etc. My question is this: After 12 weeks, is it important to have all of the product soaked off before applying again. I am asking because my daughter uses a different soft gel and she told me it needs to be soaked off after 12 weeks so that the nails remain healthy. Thanks for your time. I love your product.

  8. Hi. I’ve been wearing the shaper for a week and noticed that it looks like it has water getting underneath some nails. Can you tell me why this is?

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      Author

      hi Sophie thanks for your message and enquiry about what is going on since you 5 day application and now you are seeing what looks like water underneath some fingers …. so i will try to answer as best as possible since without a picture to see myself i can only guess … but i am going to try to give you some information for you to consider … you need to look and confirm wiht yourself if the ‘water you are seeing is just on top or your nail plates or worse -underneath you own nail plates…. if you actually see the water is on top of your natural nail plates then it might simply be that your enhancement is slightly lifting. If this is the case try to go back to your nail pro and show her the problem and tell her to “PREP’ your nails and finish with CND Scrubfresh – and then do the repair by simply starting with Plexigel BONDER first – and then shaper . ( shaper only does not work well on natural nails . ) – using the whole system is very important because this can easily happen and you might end up with a bacteria infection ) – now if its water is underneath your own nail plate this is not good either … did you nail pro use an electric drill to file your fingers when she was doing the job ????? this shouldn’t be done – in the first stage – where you nails are ‘PREPPED ‘ be careful because if the your nail plate is actually lifting up from your nail bed – then stop and listen to me – you might have a condition called ‘Onychoysis ‘( i dont know how to spell it ) – but it means your body is not happy with what is going on and a true good nail pro should be responsible for the care of your own nails – so be careful – this is not good and you might end up having to get to a doctor and a life of treatments .. so please take my advice very seriously – im hoping that its simply the need to go back and fix and your damage is on top of the nail plates not underneath . thanks Andrew – and good luck – feel free to keep me posted :]]]]]]]]

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      Author

      hi Laura im Andrew lovely to meet you and thanks for your question and queries about using plexigel builder on natural nails? This is a great question but it needs a bit more clarification which i will try to do as well. In a situation where you need to do a quick repair on a small amount of damage or infill where the is only a tiny amount of natural nail to begin with .. this should be ok. However when you need to extend and the nail bed is open and has the forms on for a full set or even a refill – the bondre is very important to be done first = builder is expecting the chemistry of the bonder layer and sticky layer to for it to work – so if you try to extend without the bonder you might not get the results you are looking for – and the bonder is just as important as the builder …. Remember that natural nails are bendy so why would you want to try and use the builder only.. the bonder is there for a reason .. just use it as per CND videos and you will have the best results :]]

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