Gels Vs Acrylics-Which is Best?

Gel and acrylic nails: the most popular manicures

For clients bored with standard manicures, gel polish and acrylics are the most popular alternatives. They look great, they’re durable, and they last. But which is the best choice? Here’s what you need to know before you decide.

What are gel nails?

There are two types of gel manicure that nail devotees love. Gel polish that’s cured under a UV or LED lamp and gel extensions which are created using a thick gel to build out the nails. With gel extensions, you can opt for hard gels or soft gels.

Hard gels, or builder gels, are great for those who want to strengthen and lengthen their natural nails. With hard gels, you’ll get a glossy finish that lasts. To apply builder gels, apply a bonder and a base coat before creating the nail with the gel. A top coat seals the manicure before it’s cured under a UV lamp. Removal involves filing off the gel.

Soft gels like Shellac have a liquid consistency and you apply them in the same way as standard nail polish. To apply soft gels, apply a base coat, the gel colour, then the top coat. Cure each layer of polish. Curing hardens the polish to give you a chip-free manicure that lasts at least two weeks.

Removal involves wrapping the nails in acetone-soaked cotton wool and foil which dissolves the gel polish.

What are acrylic nails?

This is usually the manicure of choice for those who want much longer nails. The natural nail is filed to create a rough surface for the adhesive. Then acrylic powder and a liquid monomer are mixed to create a ‘mould’ that’s applied to the nails.

The mould is then filed into the desired length and shape. Acrylics don’t need to be cured and are removed by soaking in acetone.

One of the biggest benefits of acrylics is that they can last for up to 8 weeks. Though as your nails grow, you’ll have to book an in-fill appointment every two to three weeks to keep the acrylics looking great.

Gels Vs acrylics: What are the main differences?

• You need to cure gels under a UV lamp whereas acrylics air dry.
• You can apply gel polishes directly to the nail’s surface whereas with acrylics, the nail’s surface has to be filed down before applying an adhesive.

Gels or acrylics: Which suits my lifestyle?

Both gel nails and acrylics will transform your nails, whether for a special event or for every day wear. But which suits your lifestyle or your client’s lifestyle best? Here’s what you need to know.

Hard (builder) gels

Strong and flexible, hard gels are great for the everyday. They are practical, but their glossy finish means you won’t need to compromise on appearance.

For new nail techs, application is super easy. There’s no need to mix monomers and polymers and they have a defined curing time.

Hard gel manicures last 3-4 weeks and are stain-resistant.

One downside is they can be tough to remove. They can’t be soaked off, you have to file them off.

Gel polish

Gel polish is easy to apply, simple to maintain, and causes very little damage to natural nails.

The polish can be applied directly to the natural nail.

Gel polish lasts for up to three weeks and is easy to soak off.

Going on holiday or have a special occasion coming up? Gel polish manicures are a more durable alternative to standard nail polish.

Although we think it’s great, one downside of gel polish is that it can lift and peel more easily than other types of manicure.

Acrylic nails

If you want a manicure that lasts and that won’t chip or peel, acrylics are a great choice.

While they are strong, they aren’t so flexible, so if you tend to do a lot with your hands, they might not be the best option for you.

Application isn’t the easiest for new nail techs.

The downside is the requirement that the natural nail surface is filed down. However, they can be soaked off with acetone, minimising damage to the nail.

Gels vs acrylics: which is better?

The short answer is that each of these mani choices has its pros and cons.

Gels are:

• Great if you love changing your nails often but you don’t really care about having nail extensions.
• Perfect for holidays and special occasions because they last for up to three weeks.
• Simple to soak off and cause hardly any damage to the natural nails.
• A great choice for people who need to use their hands a lot.

Hard gel nails are:

• Perfect if you want longer and stronger nails.
• Great if you want that glossy finish.
• More durable than gel polish and more flexible than acrylics.
• Great for people who don’t have time to visit a salon super regularly because they last longer than gel polishes.

Acrylics are:

• Long-lasting and strong. They last for up to 8 weeks.
• Not as flexible as gels.
• Still a commitment. You’ll have to visit your nail tech every 2-3 weeks for in-fills and maintenance.

Whichever manicure you decide to try out on yourself or your clients, we’ve got everything you need at Nicely Polished. From acrylic starter kits to the best gel polishes on the market, you’ll find all the essentials to help you create those Insta-worthy nail looks.