What is the difference between acrylic and gel artificial nails?
The difference between acrylic and gel artificial nails is not clear for many people, as also they do not know which option would be the better for them. This is why I present in this post the differences, advantages and disadvantages and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
What will this post be about?
What is the difference between acrylic and gel artificial nails?
The advantages of acrylic artificial nails
The disadvantages of acrylic artificial nails
The advantages of gel artificial nails
The disadvantages of gel artificial nails
How do I know if acrylic or gel artificial nail is the better option for me?
Is acrylic or gel artificial nails more durable?
What is the difference between acrylic and gel artificial nails?
Acrylic is one of the oldest materials used to build artificial nails, however, since the appearance of gel polish many people prefer the latter more. The fundamental difference between the two types is that while the construction of an acrylic artificial nail requires two different components that are mixed during construction, the gel is an easy-to-handle, pre-blended material.Another difference is that the gel binds under UV light and acrylic solidifies to air without a lamp.
This is why the experience of the artificial nail technician is essential in the case of acrylic nails, for the proper mixing of the two components.
In both cases, the proper application of the materials is very important, because it determines how workable and fileable the nail will be. Incorrect application makes it difficult to remove, and it can cause bubbles under the layers.
The advantages of acrylic artificial nails
Acrylic artificial nails have many advantages, which are good to know at the moment of choosing.
01
Solvable
Acrylic is solvable, so it does not need to be filed when removing, which spares thinner nails and makes the time of the removal less than in the case of a gel artificial nail.
02
It binds to air
Acrylic solidifies to air, which allows to avoid the use of the UV lamp, hereby the time of the preparation is shortened. There is also acrylic which binds under UV light, although it’s not really common.
03
Can be polished
Gel may turn yellow, but due to polishing, acrylic cannot.
04
Durable
Many people prefer acrylic nails for their durability and because they are harder than gel nails.
The disadvantages of acrylic artificial nails
01
Strong smell
During the preparation one of the components can have an unpleasant smell. This is why many guests do not like it, although there are now several types of odorless base liquids.
02
Fragile
I mentioned its hardness and durability as its advantages, but if you hit your nails harder, they can break off more easily due to their hardness, as well as damage your own natural nails in this case.
03
Less workable then gel
Acrylic is not that flexible as gel, although it can be filled.
For who and when is acrylic artificial nails recommended?
It is recommended for those who have thinner nails and would avoid filing
Who are allergic to the components of gel
Who wants harder, but thinner nails
Who would avoid burning the gel with the UV lamp
Who had have problems with gel artificial nails before
The advantages of gel artificial nails
Many women like gel artificial nails, since it is very similar to gel polish, so its preparation requires less time than the preparation of acrylic nails. There are two methods used for gel artificial nails: tipping and the construction of the artificial nails.
Tipping – caution
It is recommended only for those who have very short or very weak nails and cannot be built on. In this case, on the other hand, you have to be careful, because if the glue is released, the tips can fall down. And if the tip nail is damaged, the whole nail can break off along with the natural nail.
This is why I do not recommend this solution at all.
Built up – refillable
If your nails are strong enough, it is better to choose this version, because a properly built up gel artificial nail is long-lasting and you only have to have it refilled the next time.
Flexible
Gel artificial nails are more flexible than acrylic nails, which is why it does not break if it’s damaged.
Circumstantial removal
The big disadvantage of the gel is that it’s unsolvable, so it can only be filed. If the filing is not carried out in a professional way, the surface of the nail can damage during the filing, and because of this the nails can become thinner or they can shatter.
If you want high quality acrylic or gel artificial nails, book an appointment to my salon in as long as 1 minute!
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if acrylic or gel artificial nail is the better option for me?
The simplest way to find out which options works better for you is through experience. For those, who had their gel artificial nails peel, acrylic nails are the recommended solution. However, many people do not like the hardness of the acrylic and for them the gel is a more natural feeling.
Is acrylic or gel artificial nails more durable?
In most of the cases, durability depends on the preparation technique not on the material.
