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Builder Gel Guide
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Medium coffin builder gel nails with a pearl chrome finish over a nude base.

Image rights · AI-generated editorial reference created for Builder Gel Guide, 2026; not a photograph of a real manicure.

Coffin · MediumNudeChromeIncludes extension

Medium nude coffin with pearl chrome

Chrome over a nude base reads as a soft metallic nude, flattering across skin tones and very photographable.

Skill level
Best for salon
Maintenance
Medium maintenance

Tell your nail tech

Copy this and paste it into your booking note or show it on the day.

Medium coffin extension, nude base, pearl chrome powder, gloss top coat, structured apex.
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Who this look suits

Nail bed shape

Coffin (ballerina) shape needs length to read correctly. It suits medium to long nail beds and looks most balanced on narrow to medium-width nail plates. On short or wide beds, the tapered sides can make the nail look pinched.

Finger length

Coffin shape creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers. It works especially well if you feel your fingers are on the shorter or wider side and you want a lengthening effect.

What to expect at the salon

Appointment time

Expect 75 to 90 minutes for a full set with medium coffin extensions. The extra time goes into building the apex and refining the shape. Infills take 45 to 60 minutes. Clear and nude finishes are faster because there is no colour layering step.

What to bring

Show the “tell your nail tech” text above. If you have a specific reference photo, bring that too. For nude and pink tones, mention your preferred undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) so the colour matches your skin.

Maintenance and wear

How it wears over time

Medium-maintenance: the colour or finish will show regrowth at the cuticle by week 3. Book infills at 3 weeks to keep the look fresh. Clear and nude builder gels are the most forgiving on regrowth — the gap between the gel and the natural nail is barely visible.

Best season and occasion

Nude tones are seasonless and suit every occasion from office to wedding. They are the safest choice when you need one set to work across multiple events.

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