Gel Nails Vs. Acrylic Nails: Which One You Should Get?

Are you worried about your nails? Are you confused about gel or acrylic nails? Both gel and acrylic nails are nail extensions but differ in look, materials, cost, application process, safety, and removal.

You can try both styles, but basic knowledge will help you choose the right one.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of these two nail types so you’ll better understand the differences between gel and acrylic nails.

Differences Between Gel Nails & Acrylic Nails

Gel and acrylic nails can give you the desired nail design, but finding a skilled nail technician is essential. The damage people experience from artificial nails usually comes from poor application techniques.

That’s why going to an educated, up-to-date nail technician is important. Once you’ve found a good nail tech, here’s what you can expect.

Acrylic or gel nails? The following differences will help you decide.

Gel Nails

Gel nails are jelly-like, sticky substances. After the gel is applied to the nails, they are cured under UV/LED light. Gel nails are made of polymer resins, which are complicated chemical compounds. If you want to have gel nails, you need to follow three simple steps.

First, a base coat is applied, then nail polish, and finally, the desired nail polish or design is applied on top. The challenging part of this process is using UV light, which is why these nails can be a bit expensive. However, the natural glossy look of these nails is worth the money.

Moreover, these nails are safer because the chemicals are not harmful to your health, although using UV light can be a concern. You should consider both the pros and cons before choosing gel nails.

Choose The Best One: Gel Vs Solar Nail

 

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are the most popular version of nail extensions. They are a blend of liquid monomer and powder polymer that produces a hard and strong coat on your natural nails. They are very similar to solar nails.

The application process involves some pre-processing. The powder and liquid are mixed and applied to the nail beds, creating a solid layer when exposed to air.

These nails dry at room temperature, with no need for extra heat. Once the acrylic hardens, you’ll have a perfect canvas for nail designs.

 

The Look: Gel Nails vs. Acrylic Nails

The look of these two nails is also different from each other. Have a look.

Gel Nails

Gel nails look natural and glossy. If you don’t want to feel a weight on your nails gel nails are for you.

These nails become so integrated with the natural nails that it’s hard to distinguish between them and the gel nail extensions.

Different Types of Gel Nail

 

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are mainly for shine lovers. But these nails take time to become habituated to natural nails.

You may feel uncomfortable carrying them for the first few days, but the variety of nail types and shine of acrylic nails are worth it.

Know About All Types of Acrylic Nails

 

Gel Nails vs. Acrylic Nails: Comparison Table

The attributes of both gel nails and acrylic nails have been kept together in this comparison table to give you a precise idea about them.

Gel  Nails	Acrylic Nails
The application process is simple: applying the base coat, top coat, polish, etc. You just have to add the curing part extra.	Acrylic nails can cost more or less 30$-60$ depending on the variation of the designs and products.
Gel nails are safe to have with respect to the products. But the curing process involves UV light which can be an issue for some people.	Acrylic nails are less safe than solar nails. The chemicals are not health-friendly. You may damage your nails if you use them for a long period of time.
A mixture of liquid and powder is applied to the surface of the nail. When it dries, you have to fill the gap between the cuticle and the nail. Wait until the whole nail is covered.	Acrylic nails last an average of two weeks. After this period, they should be refilled or removed.
Gel nails are not refillable. Once they are damaged, you have to renew them.	Acrylic nails are refillable.
Gel nails last longer than acrylics. They normally last two weeks, but with proper care, the time may be extended mostly to three weeks.	Gel nails last longer than acrylics. They normally last two weeks, but with proper care, the time may be extended mostly to three weeks.
You can use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to remove the acrylic. There is a better way of nail removal than using pure acetone.	You can use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to remove the acrylic. There is a better way of nail removal than using pure acetone.

 

 

Here is a video that’ll help you understand the differences easily:

 

Infographic On Acrylic vs. Gel Nails

We have prepared an infographic on the differences between gel and acrylic nails to make it easy to understand.

 

There is nothing in this world without any negative sides. No matter what sort of nails you prefer, you will face some problems. Considering the nail designs’ amazing outcome, you can ignore the possibility of minor harm.