How to Choose Between Gel and Acrylic Nails
By Gemma O’Leary

Women have a lot to choose from when they come to the beauty salon in order to get a manicure. However more often than not you will get asked whether you would like gel or acrylic nails applied. Here are a few things to know about both types of fake nails before you make a final decision.

How are acrylic nails applied?

They have been a staple in the beauty industry for years and their popularity is ever increasing because of their longevity.

They are applied using a type of liquid monomer and a powder polymer in order to create a hard protective layer around your natural nails. Once the acrylic has hardened, it then becomes the perfect canvas to apply colour on.

How are gel nails applied?

Gel nails are becoming popular because they have the same strength as acrylic nails but the looks of natural nails. They are applied by using a base coat, polish colour and top coat under a UV light because gel nails only harden when they are exposed to UV light.

Which type of nail is better?

Both acrylic nails and gel nails will strengthen nail and will make your fingers look more slender. However, both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of acrylic nails:

If they happen to break off, it is usually relatively easy to fix it at home.

Their removal is rather simple when done by a professional, the nails are soaked rather than filled off.

When cared for properly and when fitted correctly, acrylic nails can last a very long time.

They are a lot cheaper than gel nails.

Disadvantages of acrylic nails:

They can damage the nail bed which can then become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.

If applied incorrectly, acrylic nails can look a lot less natural than gel nails.

They cannot be applied during pregnancy due to the strong chemicals and fumes which are involved during their application.

Advantages of gel nails

They look more natural and are also glossier than many other types of false nails.

They have a very fast curing time and will therefore provide great results in no time at all.

They are consider a more eco-friendly option because the chemicals used to apply them lack fumes.

Disadvantages of gel nails

They are less durable and their application costs more than acrylic nails.

They are harder to apply at home as their application requires the use of a UV lamp.

They are harder to fix if they break as they tend to shatter.

Gel nails are removed by being filled off and more often than not cannot be soaked off as is the case with acrylic nails.

Even though both types of false nails can be applied at home, it is often best to get a professional to do it. Especially as the fumes emanating from the chemicals used for the application of acrylic nails may overwhelm you at home and without a UV lamp it will be very difficult to get your gel nails to harden.

Which nails to choose?

While both types can be styled the way you want, so the choice is yours. It is often best to ask your friends which nails they have applied or to confer with a manicurist as there are many variables to choose from.

Gemma O’Leary is an expert in beauty products and currently writes for online nail shop Effect Beauty.

Article Source:  How to Choose Between Gel and Acrylic Nails