Nail extensions vs fill: which service do you need?
A full set of nail extensions is your starting point when your natural nails are short or when you want to begin wearing gel or acrylic nails. A fill — also called a refill — is the maintenance appointment you book every three to four weeks to keep an existing set looking fresh.
Which should you choose?
At Ongles Maily in Carrefour Beauport, our technicians perform full sets and fills every day. Knowing the difference helps you plan your visits and manage your beauty budget. A full set involves applying gel or acrylic over your natural nails, usually with a tip extension to add length. You choose your shape — square, almond, oval, or coffin — and your technician sculpts, seals, and finishes with your chosen colour or nail art. Expect the appointment to take between 90 and 120 minutes depending on the complexity of the design. A fill is your maintenance visit. As your natural nail grows, a gap appears at the base of your existing set. Your technician fills that gap with fresh product, re-shapes the curve of each nail, and refreshes the colour. A fill typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. If you wait longer than five weeks between appointments, the gap becomes too wide and your technician may recommend removing the old set entirely and starting fresh — leaving it too long increases the risk of lifting and can trap moisture under the product. Our advice: if you are new to nail extensions, book a full set. If your existing set is intact and less than five weeks old, a fill is the right choice. Our team will assess your nails on arrival and recommend the best approach. Walk-ins are welcome at Carrefour Beauport.