C8 Brand Spotlight · No. 07
Meet Aprés
The Los Angeles brand that invented Gel-X® — since 2015
Aprés: The Original Gel-X® Soft Gel System
Aprés Nail is the Los Angeles professional nail brand that created Gel-X® — the world's first full-coverage, soak-off soft gel nail extension system. Founded in 2015, Aprés builds its lineup around that patented soft gel formula: Gel-X tips in a wide range of shapes and lengths, Extend Gel adhesives, the Gel Couleur color line, and the new Soft Gel Builder in a Bottle.
If a client has ever asked you for "Gel-X nails," this is the brand they mean. The name became the category — the same way people say Band-Aid — and the look has carried red-carpet manicures covered by Vogue, Allure and Refinery29. At C8 we stock the Aprés system deep, from tips and adhesives to color and prep.
The Story
Aprés was founded in Los Angeles in the fall of 2015 by Carol Ma and award-winning nail artist Albee Chen, and grew up inside parent company Applied Lacquer Industries. The company's stated mission is elevating the nail industry by developing cutting-edge products that give professional nail technicians a competitive advantage — while keeping products approachable for at-home enthusiasts. Its breakthrough was Gel-X: a full-coverage soft gel tip that applies in minutes with Extend Gel, cures under LED, wears like an enhancement, and soaks off without heavy filing. Today the system anchors a full ecosystem — color, builder gels, prep, lamps — plus Aprés University, the brand's own Gel-X certification program for techs.
What Aprés Is Known For
Tech Favorites at C8
Join us Sunday, July 26, 2026, 10AM–5PM at our Garden Grove showroom (13858 Brookhurst St) for a free live demo of the new Aprés Soft Gel Builder in a Bottle with educator Daritza Pesqueira (@darieenailedit). Free education, no purchase required — just bring your questions.
Browse Aprés before the demo →What Techs Love About It
Across the pro community, Aprés earns consistent praise for three things: the speed of a full set — Gel-X applies dramatically faster than sculpting acrylic — the natural, lightweight feel clients keep coming back for, and the gentle soak-off removal that protects the natural nail between sets. Techs also point to how well the ecosystem fits together: tips, Extend Gel, color and top coat all cure on the same lamps and remove the same way.
Aprés FAQ
What is Gel-X®?
Gel-X is Aprés Nail's patented full-coverage soft gel extension system — the world's first. Pre-shaped soft gel tips are bonded with Extend Gel, cured under LED, and soak off without heavy filing.
Where is Aprés Nail based?
Aprés was founded in Los Angeles, California in 2015 and operates under parent company Applied Lacquer Industries.
Is Aprés a professional or consumer brand?
It's professional-first — built to give nail techs a competitive advantage, with its own Gel-X certification program — but products are also made with at-home nail enthusiasts in mind.
Where can I buy Aprés?
C8 Nail Supply carries 200+ Aprés products — tips, Extend Gel, Gel Couleur, builder, prep and lamps. Browse the collection below or call us at 714-868-7088 for volume orders.