Acrylic VS Gel Nails: Which Is Better For You? (2024)

The application method for gel nails vs acrylic nails is very different. By observing your technician at the nail salon, you can easily tell what kind of artificial nail you are getting.

First off, acrylic nails are made by mixing a powder (polymer) and liquid (monomer) using an acrylic brush. This forms a bead of acrylic which the nail tech will apply to the natural nail, and pat it into shape with their brush. The acrylic mixture will begin to harden as it's exposed to the air.

Save

• Using a colored or glitter acrylic powder. Nowadays, it's quite common for nail artists to use a gel top coat to seal in the color and/or design at the very end.
• Using a clear or neutral colored acrylic powder to build the fake nail first, and finishing off with gel polish on top.
• Using regular nail polish. This method isn't commonly used anymore since colored acrylic powder and gel polishes last much longer than regular nail polish.

TIP: Don't be fooled into thinking you are getting gel nails if your nail technician starts off with an acrylic application and ends with curing your nails in a gel lamp. The reason why she is doing this is because she used a gel nail polish or gel top coat over your acrylic nails. Another reason an UV or LED lamp is used is because the heat that it emits helps the acrylic nails to harden faster.

All acrylic products can be removed by soaking in 100% pure acetone.

Save

• Traditional Gel or Hard Gel - These gels are mainly used for creating nail extensions, and adding strength to natural nails. For removal, hard gel nails need to be filed off carefully by hand or with an electric nail fill (e-file).
• Soak-Off or Soft Gel - These gels are mainly used for overlays (applying directly onto the natural nail). They are not strong enough to build gel extensions. Some soft gels make the nails stronger by using the structured gel manicure technique. While gel polishes are much thinner and are mainly used for adding color and design. As its name implies, all soak-off/soft gels can be removed by soaking in acetone.

• Save

It may be hard to tell as a client, but gel nails are generally easier to file and shape because it is slightly softer. It also creates a much finer dust that lingers in the air.

Acrylic nails tend to be more difficult to file, and the dust particles are larger and heavier.

When done properly, both acrylic and gel products can create very durable nail enhancements, so it really comes down to your natural nail type, daily work and activities, and how well you take care of your nails.

For example, acrylic nails can last longer than gel nails and hold their shape better for someone who uses their hands a lot (bangs their nails against hard surfaces).

On the other hand, gel nails are less likely to crack and break because they are more flexible than acrylic nails. This would be a good option for someone with weak or brittle nails.

Save

All types of artificial nails can potentially cause allergic reactions and irritations. Allergies can appear on any part of the body, and tend to get worse over time. Whereas irritations are often more localized to where the nail treatment had been applied and is from overexposure.

Non-traditional or low to no odor acrylic systems do exist, but they aren't as popular because they take longer to harden.

Most gel products are low to no odor.

• Low to no odor products.
• Has flexibility.

• Uses UV/LED nail lamps which may be a concern for people with UV sensitivities or reactions to flashing lights.
• Gels can create an uncomfortable heat spike when clients are curing their nails under the nail lamp.

• Can withstand daily wear and tear (holds the shape of the nail).
• Can be used to create long extensions.

• The strong odor of traditional acrylics can be irritating to some people.
• The rigidness (low flexibility) of acrylic nails cause traumatic breaks.

Are Gel Or Acrylic Nails Better?

Choosing between gel and acrylic nails really comes down to the health of your nails, your lifestyle, and what you’d like to achieve (length and shape). Both types of nail enhancements have their equal share of pros and cons. If you’re still uncertain which nail service to go with, a professional nail tech will be able to do a detailed consultation and offer you an option that’s the most suitable for you.