Acrylic vs Gel nails, which one is better? This is a question that a lot of people ask when going for artificial nails.
Everyone who desires to have a perfect manicure has these two main choices that have existed for decades, and those are acrylic nails and gel nails.
They are both methods of improving the nail plates and creating various beautiful designs, but they deviate in some aspects such as application, longevity, and appearance.
In deciding which type of artificial nail to get, it is essential to know the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each to be able to come up with the right decision.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are a type of false nail, which has been used for quite a long time already. These come with a gel polisher and are made by applying a liquid monomer with a polymer powder that is turned into a hard nail.
Acrylic nails are extended and shed on the natural nail and can be filed and designed into any desired pattern. They are very durable, and an individual can use a single one for several weeks before requiring a fill or a replacement.
How to Get Acrylic Nails
Generally, acrylic nails are done in the following process. First, natural nails are subjected to the filing process to make their surface coarse to provide a better grip to acrylic nails.
Then the oil solid monomer and polymer are two droppings to the nail and it is set to dry.
Further layers may be laminated onto each other to achieve the necessary thickness and shape. Last of all, the nails are shaped by filing and then they are polished to give them a shiny look.
Pros of Acrylic Nails
The main benefit of acrylic nails is that they are long-lasting. They are quite strong materials and can easily be through a lot of stress without being damaged.
This makes them very suitable for those who have problems growing or maintaining their natural nails.
Unlike gel nails, acrylics can be styled in many ways starting from the traditional French manicure to the advanced nail art because they are applied on plastic tips. Besides, acrylic nails are relatively cheaper than gels.
Cons of Acrylic Nails
Although acrylic nails have their advantages, they also come with their disadvantages. They are less durable than other types of artificial nails and can be more damaging to the natural nail.
A major drawback of the application process is that the natural nail has to be filed to fit the enhancements, which can gradually make the nail brittle.
Another disadvantage of acrylic is that it looks more unnatural than gels and is also more susceptible to such problems as lifting or chipping if the proper care is not given to the nails.
What are Gel Nails?
Gel nails are a comparatively younger technology in the sphere of artificial nails. They are based on a particular gel that is polymerized by a UV/LED lamp, thus providing a hard and glossy surface.
Like acrylic nails, gel nails are also put similarly on the natural nails with the gel set and shaped on top of the nail plate.
How to Get Gel Nails
Getting gel nails is a somewhat longer procedure than applying acrylics, although it might take even less time depending on different factors.
For instance, the first process is to clean the natural nail and apply a special type of gel base color.
Next is the application of the coloured gel polish and then, it is dried under a UV or LED lamp. More layers of the gel can be applied on top depending on the exact thickness and shape the client wants.
Last but not least; the final coat is applied and allowed for curing to achieve and retain the final look.
Pros of Gel Nails
Gel nails are said to be the more natural versions of the ultra-popular acrylic nails. They are very shiny and smooth, which can sometimes give the surface a glass-like appearance that may be preferred over a satin or matte finish.
Gels are also presupposed to be less intrusive to the natural nail as compared to acrylics as the latter have to be filed and buffed much more.
Furthermore, gel nails do not chip and lift as easily as nail polish does, making gel nails a better and more lengthy service.
Cons of Gel Nails
The main drawback of gel nails is that they are cured by UV or LED lamps, which contributes to skin damage.
This could be troublesome to some people especially since there are still controversies regarding the proper light sources to use.
They can also take longer to apply than acrylics and can be more costly; removal is also relatively lengthy and somewhat destructive to the natural nail.
Which is Better?
All in all, acrylic and gel nails are very similar but they differ in some aspects, and in choosing between them, one must consider their preference and requirements.
Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the question of which is ‘better’ depends on individual preference, wallet, and condition of the natural nails.
Because acrylics are more lasting than gel nails, they might be a better option for people who want greater strength and less expensive nails.
However, for those who are interested in having a more natural-looking manicure and are ready and willing to spend slightly more on their nails, gels could be the best option.
But it is important to know that both acrylic and gel nails need touch-ups, usually in the form of fills or full sets, to maintain the nails’ shape and healthy appearance.
It is an important prerequisite to remove them correctly and care for the natural nails properly.
So, all in all, it is highly subjective whether to go for acrylic or gel nails, and the matter mostly depends on several useful and less useful facts and circumstances.