Imenka Dual Forms Size XL: Old Version vs New Version — What Can You Actually Create?
The XL size in the Imenka range is one of the most misunderstood in the entire lineup. This comparison looks at the old and new versions of Size XL specifically, what actually changed between them, and what this form is genuinely designed to produce.
Old Version vs New Version: The Short Answer
The new version of Imenka Size XL is a clear upgrade. It offers more sizes, a more pronounced natural curve, and flexible cuticle-area plastic that achieves a clean imprint without filing. The old version’s thick, rigid plastic and built-in architecture make clean imprint results difficult to achieve consistently.
What Size XL Is Actually For
Despite the name, XL is not primarily intended for larger nails. This size is used mainly for corrections, particularly nails that grow downward or are hooked. Because it has a notably strong apex, it can also work on bitten nails in certain conditions. This is one of the most common misunderstandings in the range, and it applies specifically to XL, not the size letter suggesting scale.
Packaging and Quantity
The old version comes in a clear box holding 120 pieces. The new version comes in a larger blue box holding 140 pieces, with additional sizes added at both the smaller and larger ends of the range.
A More Pronounced, Natural Curve
The architecture has changed meaningfully between versions. The old XL sits relatively flat, closer in profile to a Size S than a true correction form. The new version has a noticeably more pronounced C-curve, which allows it to follow the natural direction of downward or hooked nail growth more effectively and produce a more natural-looking, modern result.
Sizing Is Not Consistent Between Versions
Comparing the same numbered size across old and new reveals genuine inconsistency. Size zero on the old version is noticeably wider than size zero on the new version, despite the new range being marketed as offering bigger sizes overall. The old version’s larger sizes are, in some cases, genuinely useful for toenails specifically, given their width.
This inconsistency extends across the range. Comparing size five on each version shows two forms that are close in overall shape but not identical in scale. Do not assume a size number carries across from the old range to the new one.
Plastic Flexibility and the Cuticle Zone
This is where the two versions differ most. The old version’s plastic is thick and rigid, with built-in structure that tends to create a visible ridge near the cuticle area, making a genuinely clean imprint difficult to achieve. The new version uses noticeably thinner, more flexible plastic at the cuticle zone, allowing the form to be pushed easily under the fold and producing clean imprint results without any filing or refinement, straight out of the box.
A Small Detail That Saves Time
The new version has also reduced a ridge along the form’s edge that previously needed trimming before use on the old version. It sounds minor, but removing that extra manual step adds up across a full working day.
What You Can Realistically Produce With Size XL
This size suits overlays, short nail extensions, and corrective work well. With the correct technique, medium-short to medium extensions are achievable, including a rounder-style almond shape, though this requires care given the form’s architecture.
Despite offering a form with visible length, Size XL is not designed for long extensions. A useful guideline is to treat the distance from the start of the nail bed section to the free-edge margin as the practical maximum length, rather than using the full length of the form. Suitable shapes are round, square, and a shorter to medium rounded almond.
Which Version Should You Buy
The new version is the clear recommendation, offering cleaner imprint results, better cuticle adaptation, and more modern architecture overall. If you already own the old version and budget is a genuine constraint, it remains usable. When you are able to upgrade, the new version is worth the investment.
For the equivalent comparison on Size S, see Imenka Dual Forms Size S: Old Version vs New Version, and for first impressions across the full Version 2 range, see Imenka Dual Forms V2: First Impressions of the Full Range.
Choosing and Using Dual Forms With Confidence
Product comparisons like this one help with a single purchasing decision. Understanding how to select and apply the right dual form shape and size for a given correction, whether hooked nails, downward growth, or bitten nails, is covered in depth inside the Ultimate Dual Forms Online Course, including infills, different architectures and shape-specific demonstrations.
Key Takeaway
XL is a corrective form, not a size for larger nails. The new Imenka version offers a more pronounced curve, flexible cuticle plastic, and cleaner results than the old version, though sizing numbers do not carry across consistently between the two ranges.
Want to Choose Dual Forms With Real Confidence?
Understanding correction work, sizing and shape suitability across any dual form brand is covered in the Ultimate Dual Forms Online Course.
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About the Author
Radina Ignatova
Professional Nail Expert | International Nail Educator
I am Radina Ignatova, a Professional Nail Expert since 2014 and International Nail Educator, based in Scotland, UK. I am the Founder of Artistic Touch Nail Training Academy and TheNailWiki.
At Artistic Touch Nail Training Academy, I provide professional online nail courses specialising in dual forms, gel systems, polygel application, advanced nail structure, E-File work and Russian Manicure, with a strong focus on professional salon safety. I continue to work actively in salon practice, ensuring that all education reflects real client scenarios and current industry standards.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I show real salon challenges, real mistakes and real performance testing, not just perfect demonstrations. This is how you develop genuine technical competence and become a confident, capable nail professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XL intended for clients with large nails?
No. XL is used mainly for corrections, particularly downward-growing or hooked nails, and in certain conditions for bitten nails. The name refers to the form’s role, not the size of the nail it is intended for.
Does size zero on the old version match size zero on the new version?
No. The old version’s size zero is noticeably wider than the new version’s size zero. Sizing numbers do not carry across consistently between the two ranges, so each should be assessed on its own.
Can Size XL be used for long nail extensions?
No, despite the form having visible length. A reasonable maximum is the distance from the start of the nail bed section to the free-edge margin, rather than using the form’s full length.
Are the larger old-version sizes still useful for anything?
Yes. The wider large sizes in the old version can work well for toenails specifically, even though they are not the recommended choice for fingernail work compared to the new version.
Is it worth replacing old XL forms that still work?
If budget is a genuine constraint, the old version remains usable for corrective work. When you are able to invest in an upgrade, the new version offers a meaningfully cleaner result with a more natural curve.
Want to build real confidence choosing and working with dual forms? View the course details →
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New to dual forms, or want to understand sizing and selection before your next purchase? Start with the free guide.
Free Course: How to Pick Dual Forms →Disclaimer: This content reflects personal professional opinion based on hands-on comparison and is for nail technician education purposes only. Product ranges and specifications may change over time; always check current details with the manufacturer before purchasing.
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