By Lylyan Yenson, Staff Writer
Acrylics and gel nails are both longer-lasting nail polishes that help people look stylish and fashionable. Many are often at a loss when choosing between the two. Although acrylics and gel nails look similar, here are a few key differences that will help you decide which to get.
Acrylic nails are artificial nails that are usually glued to the tips of the nails with liquid acrylic and powder rather than the whole nail bed. After applying the artificial nail, stylists are able to shape and decorate the acrylic set any way the customer wants. Some popular acrylic styles are matte coffin nails or sparkly stiletto nails.
While acrylics are strong and can last between six to eight weeks after application, they are high maintenance because they are inflexible and glued to the nail. When your acrylics crack or you need to fill in your set because your nails have grown out, don’t fret! Acrylics are the most popular type of artificial nail, so it’ll be easy to find a nail salon that offers acrylics and does repair.
It’s also important to visit nail salons that use high-quality products to get acrylic sets or repairs. They don’t have to be professional salons, but they should have a good reputation and high ratings. When acrylic nails aren’t applied properly, there is a high risk of damage to the natural nail. The fumes from the products used to apply acrylics can also be hazardous in areas that aren’t well ventilated.
Acrylic nails tend to have a less natural look, but allow for people to have any length they want for their nails. People tend to get acrylics for special events or parties, but they can be part of an everyday look.
The process of getting gel nails is similar to painting your nails at home with nail polish, however, each layer of nail paint must be cured with an ultraviolet (UV) gel nail dryer before applying the next layer. Painting your nails with gel is usually quicker than having acrylic nails applied.
Gel nails last longer than acrylic nails since they are flexible and are stronger than natural nails, but aren’t as rigid as acrylics. On the other hand, gel nails are typically more expensive and difficult to find in the United States. The UV dryer can also increase your risk of getting skin cancer because UV rays are damaging to the skin.
Many also prefer gel nails because they have a more slender and natural look than acrylics. Gel nails don’t need to be removed and can grow along with the natural nail. They are very light, making it feel as if it’s your real nails, so they are more common for everyday use.
