For decades, acrylic nail extensions have been one of the most popular ways to achieve long nails. But acrylic nails can be damaging to the natural nail and often use several chemicals. For these reasons, many long-nail fans have been opting for a newer service: soft gel nail extensions. Soft gel nail extensions are said to be less damaging to the natural nail and free of potentially harmful chemicals. Insider producer Herrine Ro visited Paintbucket nail salon in New York City to receive soft gel nail extensions and see if they caused any visible damage to her nails after a few weeks.