Understanding The Top 5 Differences Between Gel And Acrylic Nails

If you love having beautifully manicured nails but can’t find the time for weekly salon visits, switching to gel or acrylic nails may be a better option. Both methods provide longer-lasting results than a traditional manicure. Deciding between gel polish or acrylic powder is mostly a matter of preference. Read up on the distinguishing features of each to determine which hits the “nail” on the head.

Cured by UV Light or Air

Get ready to enjoy some self-care because both gel and acrylic manicures are time-consuming. A standard soft manicure takes about 45 minutes while hard gels or acrylics can take up to two hours. Both manicures require thorough prepping, including polish removal, filing and buffing, and cuticle treatment. Filing is more intense with acrylics to allow the paste to bond with the nail.

Gel polish is applied using a base coat, polish and a top coat. Each layer cures under a UV light for one to two minutes. Once the last coat cures, you’re left with perfectly dry nails. No need to worry about smudging! By contrast, acrylic starts to harden from exposure to the air. You’ll need to wait 15-30 minutes for the last coat to dry.

Achieving Your Desired Look

Acrylics give you endless style possibilities. Technicians use an acrylic powder and liquid set to create a paste that can be molded into different lengths and shapes. This is especially helpful if your nails take time to grow.

Gel nails tend to look more natural than acrylic nails and offer a glossy, put-together look for any occasion. Both types of manicures need to be applied by a skilled technician for optimal results. 

How Long Your New Nails Should Last

The multilayer application process for gel and acrylic manicures allows you to enjoy chip-free nails for up to several weeks. You’ll start to notice nail growth before that so scheduling appointments every two to three weeks will help your nails maintain their fresh appearance. Extend the longevity even further by wearing gloves when doing chores and filing only when needed.

To Acetone or Not To Acetone

Proper removal is necessary to prevent damage to your nails. Using acetone is one of the most effective removal techniques. For acrylics, the manicurist soaks your nails in pure acetone for 20 to 30 minutes, then gently removes any remaining acrylic with a special tool.

Gel polish can also be removed with acetone. Typically a cotton ball soaked in acetone is placed on each nail and wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes. The rest can then be buffed off. If you’d rather not use acetone, you can simply grow out your nails. Clip them periodically until the polish is gone.

The Impact on Your Natural Nails

Persistent acrylic or hard gel use can weaken your natural nails. Soft gels are more flexible and therefore, less damaging.

UV drying lamps used for gel manicures emit UV rays. Apply sunscreen before your service to help protect your skin.Whether you like the boldness of an acrylic set or prefer the more natural look of a gel nail, make sure to choose a reputable salon for your manicure. A little research can help you find a location with well-trained technicians who use only the highest quality products. You and your nails deserve it!