Sophia Delgado
Gel and acrylic manicures are two long-lasting manicure options that can help you achieve a strong, shiny, chip-free manicure. The three key differences between the two are the application, the materials used, and the cost. Acrylic nails typically take longer and cost more than a standard gel manicure. The application of acrylic nails involves filing down your natural nail to create a rough surface to place the glue on, while gel nails are painted on and then cured under a UV light. The removal process for both types of manicures is similar and involves an acetone soak, although improper removal can damage your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Acrylic nails are applied by filing down the natural nail to create a rough surface for the glue. Acrylic powder and liquid are then combined and moulded onto the nail. |
| Gel nails are painted on from a pot and then cured under a UV light. | |
| Acrylic nails cure when they come into contact with air. | |
| Removal | Acrylic nails are removed by clipping the ends, filing and buffing the tops, and then soaking in acetone for 20-30 minutes. |
| Gel nails are removed by breaking the seal with a drill, applying acetone-soaked cotton balls, wrapping in foil, and soaking for 15-20 minutes. | |
| Improper removal of both can damage nails. | |
| Cost | Acrylic nails typically cost more than gel manicures. |
| Acrylic nails can be filled to make them last longer, whereas gel nails need to be completely redone. | |
| Durability | Gel nails are harder and non-porous, so they are less likely to stain and more difficult to remove. |
| Acrylic nails are more porous, so they are more likely to stain and easier to remove. | |
| Maintenance | Clients with gel nails may need to return to the salon every two weeks, whereas those with acrylic nails can sometimes go three weeks before needing a fill. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails are painted on and cured under a UV light
Gel nails are painted on in a similar way to traditional nail polish, but the formula is different. Gel nail polish is a mixture of gel polish and regular nail polish, and it needs to be cured under a UV light or LED lamp to harden and dry. This is because gel nail polish contains photoinitiators that react to UV light, starting a chain reaction that causes the monomers in the polish to link together and form long polymer chains. This process is called cross-linking, and it results in the hardening of the gel polish, creating a strong, durable coating on your nails.
The process of curing gel nails under a UV light is called polymerization, and it's a chemical process that transforms the liquid gel polish into a solid, durable material. The UV light or LED lamp emits UV wavelengths that cure and dry the gel polish, and the level of UV radiation emitted by these lamps is relatively low, with exposure times normally being short—less than 5-10 minutes per service.
It's important to note that while gel nails can be cured under a UV light, there are also non-UV gel nail polishes available that can be air-dried or cured with a quick-drying nail polish spray. These alternatives may be preferable to some as UV nail lamps emit harmful UV rays that can damage the skin on your hands and fingers.
Overall, gel nails that are cured under a UV light offer a long-lasting, glossy finish that is more durable than traditional nail polish. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with UV exposure and take the necessary precautions, such as applying sunscreen to the hands and fingers before curing the gel nails under a UV light.
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Acrylic nails are a mixture of powder and liquid
Acrylic nails are a combination of powder and liquid, which are mixed together to create a mould that is glued onto the natural nail. The powder is known as a polymer, while the liquid is called a monomer. When mixed, they form an acrylic bead, which is then applied to the nail.
The application process begins with filing the natural nail to create a rough surface for the glue. The brush is then dipped into the liquid and pressed into the powder to create the bead. This is then applied to the nail, with a small space left between the cuticle and the product. The liquid creates a self-levelling effect, so the finger is angled downwards, allowing the product to move down the nail. A brush is used to guide it into place.
There are different types of powder and liquid available, with some setting faster than others. The speed of setting will determine how much time there is to touch up the enhancements. The liquids also vary in terms of their levelling properties, with some requiring more guidance from the technician than others.
Acrylic nails are often paired with gel nail polish to create an ultra-strong manicure. This is because gel polish is more durable than traditional nail polish and can last for around two weeks. It also dries immediately, so there is no risk of smudging. However, the UV lamps used to cure gel polish emit harmful UV rays, so it is important to apply SPF to the hands before a manicure.
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Acrylics are more likely to stain
Acrylic nails are artificial nail moulds created by combining acrylic powder and liquid. The resulting mixture, called methacrylates, is shaped and buffed to the desired length and shape.
Acrylic nails are prone to staining, and there are several factors that contribute to this. Firstly, acrylic nails are often worn for extended periods, and over time, they can attract more dirt, grime, and bacteria, which can lead to discolouration. Proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and cleaning under the nails, can help reduce the risk of staining and infections. However, it is important to note that even with proper care, acrylic nails may still come into contact with staining substances.
Acrylic nails are susceptible to staining by various substances, including hair dye, tobacco, dark polish, and even certain foods and drinks like wine. This is because the acrylic material can absorb pigments and dyes from these substances, leading to discolouration. While it is possible to remove some stains with home remedies, such as using hairspray or alcohol wipes, severe stains may require professional removal or replacement of the acrylic nails.
Additionally, acrylic nails are also susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause yellow or brown discolouration. To prevent and treat fungal infections, it is important to maintain proper nail hygiene and regularly clean under the nails. If an infection occurs, it is recommended to remove the acrylic nail, clean the nail bed, and apply antifungal treatments such as tea tree oil or OTC fungal cream.
While gel nails are also prone to staining, they have different properties and curing methods that may affect the likelihood of staining. Gel nails harden immediately upon curing and are less porous than acrylic nails, making them more resistant to certain types of stains. However, it is important to note that gel nails are not stain-proof, and proper care should be taken to avoid staining agents and maintain the longevity of the manicure.
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Gels are harder to remove
Gel nails are harder to remove than acrylic nails. The removal process for gel nails can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. The longest part of the process is the acetone soak, which can take 10 to 25 minutes. It is important to note that hard gel cannot be soaked off and must be filed off with an electric file. Soft gel, on the other hand, can be removed by simply soaking it in acetone.
To remove gel nails, you will need a few key tools and a bit of patience. The first step is to trim and file the nails. If you have long extensions, trimming them before removal will help speed up the process. It is important to look under the nail to ensure that you are only trimming the extension and not your natural nail. Once the extensions have been trimmed, the surface should be buffed with a coarse file or an electric file. Disrupting the top layer of gel polish will help speed up the removal process.
The next step is to soak the nails in acetone. Pure acetone will yield the best and quickest results. You can fill a small glass bowl with enough acetone to cover your nails and soak them for 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use foil, cotton, and acetone to remove the gel extensions. Soak a cotton ball in acetone, place it on the nail, and cover both with a piece of foil. This method creates a tighter seal and prevents dripping.
It is important to protect your skin during the removal process, as acetone can irritate and damage the skin. One way to do this is to apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the cuticles and surrounding skin before starting the removal process. This will help to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone. Additionally, you can protect your work area by lining it with plastic wrap and placing a thick towel on top, as acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture.
While it may be tempting to peel or pick off the gel polish, this can damage your nails. Improper gel nail polish removal can lead to damaged nail beds, lifted and jagged edges, and brittle nails. Therefore, it is important to follow the proper removal process to ensure the health and strength of your natural nails.
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Acrylics can be filled, gels need redoing
Acrylic nails are formed by combining a powder and a liquid to create a mixture that forms a mould that is glued onto the natural nail. The artificial nail mould is then shaped and buffed to the desired length and shape. Acrylics can be filled in to make them last longer, with each fill costing $20 to $40.
The application process for gel nails is much simpler and more similar to applying traditional nail polish. The gel polish is applied directly to the natural nail and cured under a UV light. Unlike acrylic nails, gels need to be completely redone every few weeks to maintain their appearance. This is because the natural nail grows out from the cuticle, creating a noticeable gap between the cuticle and the start of the gel polish.
While gel nails can be more convenient and cost-effective in the short term, acrylic nails can be more cost-efficient in the long run. This is because, with gel nails, you have to start from scratch every few weeks, whereas acrylics can be maintained with less expensive fill-ins.
It is important to note that improper removal of both gel and acrylic nails can damage your natural nails. The best way to remove either type of nail is with an acetone soak. However, this process can be time-consuming and may require multiple applications to fully remove the product.
Ultimately, the choice between acrylics and gels depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and nail goals. If you want durability and dramatic length, acrylics are a good choice. But if you prefer a more natural look and prioritise nail health, gel nails might be better suited to your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic nails are typically used to enhance the length of the nail and are made from liquid monomers and powder polymers. Gel nails, on the other hand, are painted on and cured under a UV light. They can be applied to natural nails, acrylics, and nail extensions.
Both gel and acrylic nails are long-lasting manicure options, usually lasting 2-3 weeks.
Acrylic nails typically cost more than gel nails, ranging from $30 to $70, with the addition of gel nail polish increasing the cost to $50-$100. Gel nails average $30-$70. Acrylic nails can be filled to last longer, costing $20-$40, while gel nails need to be redone every few weeks.
Gel nails are considered more natural-looking and flexible, making them a better option for those prioritizing nail health. Acrylic nails are less flexible and more prone to damage. However, the highest potential for nail damage usually occurs during the removal process, which is similar for both types of nails.
To remove gel or acrylic nails, you need to break the seal on the nails, removing any shine and bulk. Then, a cotton ball saturated with acetone is placed on each nail and wrapped in aluminium foil for 15-20 minutes. For gel nails, each nail is wrapped individually, while acrylic nails are soaked in a bowl of acetone.
