Contents
You’ve probably encountered the gel nails vs. acrylic nails argument if you’ve ever wanted a manicure that lasts longer than conventional nail polish. While both alternatives are excellent ways to experiment with different nail trends, finding the appropriate look and method for you can take time and effort. With Maby, you can take the initiative in everything.
Making the right choice is essential to ensuring that your nails last the distance, given the hazards of broken nails, damaged nail polish, and more. To help you prepare for your next manicure visit, we’ve broken down the distinctions between gel and artificial nails in the sections below. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
What are gel nails?
Let’s review what you receive with each before we compare gel nails versus artificial nails. A base coat, nail polish, and top coat are brushed over your natural nails in a three-step process to create gel nails.
After each layer, the nail is exposed to a UV light to cure for between 30 seconds and two minutes (dry). The layer of gel polish hardens and won’t smudge like regular nail lacquer once it has dried. The end effect is flawless, boasting a glossy finish and a just-manicured appearance. On your natural nails, you can apply gel polish or install tips, which are nail extensions.
What are acrylic nails?
Acrylic nails are created by brushing a mixture of liquid and powder over your pin. Your nails are filed and nail shaped to resemble natural nails after applying for the medicine.
Once your acrylic nails are sculpted, each pin is usually coated with a standard base coat, polish color, and top coat. Then the nails are placed under a fan to dry. Although acrylic might weaken your nails over time, it can also be put on tips or natural nails.
Editor’s tip: You may combine the two trends by applying gel polish over acrylic nails for the ideal solid and long-lasting manicure.
What’s the difference between gel and acrylic nails?
Although gel and acrylic nails can produce comparable results, there are important distinctions between the two nail types. As we previously discussed, gel nails are usually created by brushing polish onto natural nails and curing them under a UV lamp. Applying acrylic is much slower than this, especially since the nails dry instantly and frequently have a more natural appearance. Online kits are now available to get gel nails at home. Gel nails typically last 14 days without chipping after being finished. They may begin to peel or lift at the corners near the conclusion of this time.
Once you’re ready to take off your gel nails, you must soak them off. An aluminum foil wrap is placed over each nail after a cotton ball soaked in acetone is placed over the pin. The gel polish can be readily removed after 10 minutes. Although gel nails can peel, they are thought to be more flexible than acrylic nails. However, both types of nails carry a danger of wearing down your natural nails over time.
On the other hand, they offer a hard, protective covering because of the hybrid powder and liquid mixture used in creating acrylic nails. You usually don’t have to worry about your nails breaking, lifting, or cracking when you have acrylics because they are robust (you may even notice that your natural nails grow longer and faster with acrylics).
However, they are flexible, and they could break if you work with your hands a lot (such as when typing, washing dishes, or lifting weights). If your technician takes the time to smooth acrylic nails down to look more natural, they may also appear thick. Listening to your favorite podcast while you wait in the salon may be a good idea if you apply conventional nail paint over acrylic because drying can take some time.
You’ll need to renew your nails every few weeks to keep your acrylic set intact. And you frequently end up with long, weak nails after having acrylic nails removed. To restore your nails to form, you’ll need to wait for the damaged nails to develop fully.
Gel nails can be readily removed at home, whereas a nail technician in a salon often removes acrylic nails. Removing either could result in damaged and brittle claws without taking the necessary precautions. If you’re wondering which is worse for your nails—gel or acrylic—you should know that both can look gorgeous when done correctly and have the potential to harm your nails if worn consistently or removed incorrectly.
How much do gel nails vs acrylic nails cost?
Hard gel nails are typically more expensive than artificial nails, yet this is barely a distinguishing element between these two alluring options.
These are the distinctions between gel and acrylic nails, dispelling the myth and empowering you to choose the ideal manicure salon for you on your subsequent visit.
Please keep in mind that when choosing your nails, you should also take into account your lifestyle, profession, personal preferences, and budget. Whatever you decide, the greatest nail salon can give you the best manicure and ensure a perfect result.