Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails in 2018
The Difference Between Gel and Acrylic nails
Last updated 1st of October 2018
So what is the difference between gel and acrylic nails? In this article we will go over the pros and cons of each artificial nail type in order to discover the true winner. Here is what you need to know in the debate of gel nails vs acrylic nails.
Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are the most popular of artificial nails and have held that place since the 1970’s. The general process of having acrylic nails done goes like this. An artificial nail is applied to your nail bed (usually sculpted beforehand to suit your nails) before being glued to it with liquid acrylic and powder. Usually it is glued to the tips of nails instead the whole nail bed. The result is a hard protective layer that can be used as a canvas if you wish to color your nails. They are pros and cons with this process as we will discover below as well as the difference between gel and acrylic nails.
Pros of Acrylic Nails:
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Acrylic Nails are very strong and long-lasting.
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They are easier to repair at home due to their strength where they crack rather than shatter. As always it is advised that you visit a professional nail technician for the nail related issues instead of tackling them by yourself.
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They are generally cheaper than gel nails which is important in these times.
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There is a higher availability of them in america, meaning you will find more nail salons offering acrylic nails. Gel nails are only starting to pick up in popularity in america. This is not the case in Europe.
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They have a matte finish to them, this is up to personal taste and preference
Cons of Acrylic Nails:
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If done poorly there is a high risk of damage towards the natural nail. This can lead to nasty things such as fungus and infection. This can be a problem if you wish to apply them by yourself at home If this ever happens immediately get in touch with your doctor. When it comes to nails it is no joking matter.
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A strong odor is emitted when applying the acrylic over the acrylic nail. The fumes can be potentially hazardous if you are not in a well-ventilated area.
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The acrylic is also toxic and is advised that pregnant women do not get acrylic nails during pregnancy.
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Their strength can be a drawback sometimes. They are more prone to damage since they are more inflexible.
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Don’t look as realistic as gel nails and can be bulky and clearly fake.
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Require more fillings than gel nails.
For More Information On Acrylic Nails Click Here!
Gel Nails
Gel nails are applied by having 2 – 3 coats of gel nail polish applied. Every layer must be cured with a UV gel nail dryer before applying the next layer. This process can be generally quicker than having acrylic nails applied. There is a reason why gel nails are serious competition for acrylic nails as we will discover below.
Pros of Gel Nails:
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When having gel nails applied the process is odorless unlike acrylic nails.
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They are non-toxic so that pregnant women are not sidelined and are able to enjoy them as well.
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They are more realistic and natural looking.
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Have a glossy finish to them, again this falls under personal taste and preference.
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They are more slender than acrylic nails which adds to the realism and natural look.
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Generally the process of applying gel nails can be easier and less hazardous. They dry quicker as well.
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Less filing and shaping is required during the process which I know can be a big plus for some people.
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They generally last longer than acrylic nails and require less fillings.
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Are more flexible which makes them less prone to damage.
Cons of Gel Nails:
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They are more expensive which can be big minus point in these economic times.
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Are less available in america. It is harder to find nail salons that offer them.
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The UV dryer can cause cancer. UV rays are damaging to the skin and are known to lead to cancer. There is protection available for this though. ROYAL NAILS ANTI UV GLOVES FOR UV LIGHT/LAMP NAIL DRYER ONLY NAIL EXPOSED
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They are less durable and weaker. This means they tend to shatter rather than crack. This can make repair extremely difficult or even impossible.
For More Information On Gel Nails Click Here!
Conclusion
There you have it, the difference between gel and acrylic nails. Armed with this information I hope you will have an easier time choosing the between the two as well as discerning between them in the debate of gel nails vs acrylic nails. I personally prefer gel nails but this can vary from time to time. Let us know in the comments section below which out of the two you prefer.
For more information on gel or acrylic nails click here.
I hope you found this article helpful. Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Don’t forget to share and like this page. Thank you!
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I have had acrylic, silk, and gel. Without a doubt, applied correctly, the gel coating is the very most superior. I have my nails done, and they last a month with absolutely nothing extra done to them. They are still being admired by people after a month. I do have wonderful woman doing them for me. Fast and perfect, so that is an important part of the answer.
I could not agree more Priscilla. Especially getting a good nail techie is so important. Have you heard of shellac nails though? It combines all the best features from gel and acrylic nails. Check out our guide on shellac nails here.
I agree!
Thank you AB :)
I was doing shellac for quite a few months and it ruined my nails. I went to a very high end spa in Houston and was told shellac was only for special occasions. Times when you needed your nails to look good for a week or two but no time to visit a salon.
I disagree. The facts on here are not even accurate. It’s clear you don’t know what you are talking about and I’m guessing you are a qualified gel nail tech if even qualified?
As a 20 year nail pro, developer of LacQit gel polish and former OPI educator I only have one question, how do you remove traditional gel nails?
There is no way except harmful filing on the nail plate. Acrylic nails are fully removable by soaking in moisturizing acetone solution, just like the gel polish everyone is wearing now. An experienced nail tech will be able to put a gorgeous thin set of acrylics on that will last longer than gels, be much more natural looking ,less bulky and with the tricks of the trade make them even shinier than gels. I’m not knocking either but am a very avid Acylic user on my clients with no fixed or problems in their 4 week or more fills. Thus comes with a passion for the industry although and learning how to do things to perfection!
Very helpful, thank you!
well…. next year will be 30 years of doing acrylics… i hate gels.. cuz they look like sheeney plastic glue ons.. and the u v lites could be very very dangerous… and even if you wear these uv gloves … you can still get cancer under your fingernail…. hmmmmmm guess they missed that one…. yes i tried gels hated them… and after losing a sibling to cancer .. even though there are diff cancers.. i wouldnt chance putting any customer under those lites ever!!!! those lites give off an invisible gas that goes into the skin….and over a period of time… who knows what can happen to your hand or fingernails… i have an exhaust system for the smell of the monomer.. so no probs there…acrylic reigns as far as nail enhancements… i use the uv for sterilizing my drillbits…hey its your call….. maybe all of us should use common sense… and not risk uv lites…. thanks..
I have weak nails as a result of medication and would like to know which you would recommend I use to stop my nails from continuously breaking or splitting.
I really don’t know what I would get yet
sorry but ive been doing acrylics going on 30 years! … i hate shellac and gel.. not only because they look plastic and way way tooooo shiny to look natural.. but those uv lites give off an invisible gas which over time and i mean over time.. could possible give yu skin cancer!! or photo aging…its already been recordedin the archives of dermatology.. i lost my bro to cancer and would i remotely do gels or shellac UH NOPE!! i have an exhaust system that takes away any harsh order… and also built into my table i have a vacuum that catches the small dust of acrylic…. it works great for me… and yes it does last up to a month… it looks way more natural but thats because ive had practice on making them look that way for almost 30 years!!! so…. its up to the individual…. acrylic or gel…. ACRYLICS FOR THIS GIRL!!!!
I’ve worn acrylic nails for 20+ years. The importance of getting the right technician cannot be stressed enough. But my nails last 3-4, and even sometimes 5 weeks with compliments. I’ve even had a woman argue with me if they were real/acrylic/gel. And now the acrylic comes colored. No wearing because it is solid.
stupid question, but does gel nails give length to your nail like acrylics can? or do they just stay the same length?
I personally think gel nails with tips are dangerous, I banged one of my nails and it tore off the whole real nail underneath,now its going to take months to grow back ,I’ve lost confidence in gels ,acrylic I found just snapped at the end.
I am concerned about the take off process with gel nails. It leaves piles of powder all over everything. I have mostly had red colored gel nails done and was concerned about the phthalates in them. When these are removed using a Dremel type tool, the powder can be inhaled.
They Technician who had been doing my nails was pregnant and had her baby two months early. The baby had to have heart surgery before it was even two months old! She has not come back to work as the baby just isn’t doing well.
I had told her about the danger of phthalates and pregnant women before she got pregnant. You don’t address that in this article. Could you?
I am having gel nails done. After the gel is applied, my nails are dipped into vials of powder which create a sparkly color. More gel is then applied. These nails last up to 6 weeks before they start lifting off in 1 piece.
I have very brittle nails, breaking, splitting,.snagging my clothes and etc. A friend did the gel for me, was very successful, so I bought the uv light but I do no know where to get the gel. I would like to have top coat and under coat, I just want the clear for the strengthening and shine. I would appreciate any help you can share with me, or where to order the gels. thank you Lona
I personally prefer acrylic nails over Gel.. I have a wonderful nail tech that leaves them looking amazing. Where I work i need strong nails therefore gel isnt an option as they shatter easily. With acrylic i only have to get a filling every 3 weeks which isn’t bad.
Thank you for your helping hand.
I have very thin splitting nails but love the look of well manicured polished nails. Which product would you recommend, acrylic or gel? Did I say my nails never grow?
I have been using GEL since on my natural nails, I have realised that every time it comes out with a think layer on my natural nail, and there after my nails will crack…do you recommend Acrylic for natural nails?
Please, I have nails that curve with an upward direction due to years of nail biting. My fingers have become domed under the nail bed where the attachment no longer exist. My nail bed is attached only about 2/3s out then lifts causing the upward growth.
If I have acrylic nails done cutting my nails as short as possible will this make my nails look more natural? Will it cause any problem with the fills or acrylics lifting due to growth pattern?
I have had both acrylic and gel nails – the acrylic for 15 years – and after I developed a horrible yeast infection, my dermatologist told me to NEVER allow anyone to ruin my natural nails again. So — I didn’t have anything done for several years – but have a dear friend who became artistic in gel – and I was – and still am awed at the difference! Gel nails are natural (gel polish applied over natural nails). I will never look back.
Gell nails all the way for me!
Call me old school, been getting my acrylics done for 30+ yrs. Decided to try gel to see what they were like. I hated them, so back to my acrylics I went and will wear them forever!