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

Worried about your nails? Confused between gel nails or acrylic? Gel nails and acrylic nails both are a variety of nail extensions. But they differ from each other with respect to the look, materials, cost, application process, safety, and the removal of the nails.

You can have both nails to design your nails but before that, primary knowledge would help you choose the right nail extension for you.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of these two nail types below. You will have a clear concept of the differences between gel nails and acrylic nails.

 

Differences Between Gel Nails & Acrylic Nails

Gel nails and acrylic nails both can give you a long-desired nail design but you must find a phenomenal nail technician. All the damages the patron faces from applying artificial nails occur due to the wrong technique of the beautician.

That’s why going to an educated and up-to-date nail tech is very important. Now suppose the nail tech is good, what will you get?

Acrylic nails or gel nails: hope the following differences between gel nails and acrylic nails 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 is a complicated chemical compound.  If you want to have gel nails you have to follow three simple steps.

Firstly a base coat then a nail polish and after that, the desired nail polish or design is applied on top of the nails. The difficult part of having these nails is the use of UV light. That is why having these nails are a bit expensive. But, the natural glossy look of these nails is worth the money.

Moreover, these nails are safer to have as the chemicals are not harmful to the health. Though the use of UV light can be a concerning issue for your health. You have to go for these nails keeping both the pros and cons in mind.

Choose The Best One: Gel Vs Solar Nail

 

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are the most popular version of nail extensions. Acrylic nails are a blend of liquid monomer and a powder polymer to produce a hard and strong coat on your natural nails. They are almost the same as solar nails.

The application process consists of some pre-processing. The powder and liquid components are mixed and applied to the nail beds and create a solid layer on the nails when exposed to natural air.

These nails get dry at room temperature, no need to use any extra heat. You will have a perfect canvas to paint your nails once the acrylic gets hard.

 

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 get attached to the natural nails so integrated that it’s hard to distinguish between the natural nails and the gel nails extension.

Different Types of Gel Nail

 

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are mainly for shine lovers. But, these nails take time to be habituated with natural nails.

You may feel uncomfortable carrying them for the first few days. But the variety of nail types and shine of acrylic nails is worth having.

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
These nails are costly compared to other nails. The range starts at 35$ and ends at 100$ if you want an exclusive and long-lasting design.	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.
The application process is simple; applying the base coat, top coat, polish etc. You just have to add the curing part extra.	The mixture of liquid and powder is applied to the surface of the nail. When it dries up you have to fill the gap between the cuticle and the nail. Wait until the whole nails are covered.
Gel nails are not refillable. Once they are damaged, you have to renew them.	Acrylic nails are refillable.
Gel nails last longer than acrylics. Gel nails normally last for two weeks. With proper care, the time may be extended mostly to three weeks.	Acrylic nails last for two weeks on average. After this period of time, they should be refilled or removed.
Gel nails are often hard to be removed. Either filing off your nails or soaking them in acetone is the best way of removing gel nails.	You can use a cotton ball soaked in acetone while removing the acrylic. There is a better way of nail removal other 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 Gel vs. Acrylic nails differences 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 amazing outcome of the designs you can ignore the possibility of minor harm.