Gel or acrylic nails? Keys to decide
Wearing gel or acrylic nails is a way to show off perfect hands for longer, and that always makes a good impression, especially when we work in front of the public or if we simply pay a lot of attention to our image
. Many women start wearing them on a special occasion, like a wedding or a Christmas dinner. But before they have had to decide on a fundamental question: which of the two options to choose, gel or acrylic nails? Below we give you information to decide.
Acrylic Characteristics
It is often confused with porcelain, because the material and the method of application and drying are similar. However, porcelain is used less and less in manicures, since it is expensive and the fiberglass with which the nails are sculpted is more fragile than the polymer that is applied to acrylic nails.
To achieve this type of nails it is necessary to combine a special liquid with polymer powder (both plastic types), spread it over the nail bed and, if necessary, over the extension (also called 'tip'). This layer adheres to the nail like a natural nail layer, which air dries, and is then filed down to make it as thin and smooth as possible. Its popularity has been increasing in recent years due to its hardness and its increasingly similar appearance to the natural nail.
gel characteristics
Gel nails don't have the harshness of acrylic nails, but they do look more natural. This has made them popular, despite the fact that they have been slow to become widespread in beauty centers because the application system they require is quite expensive. Today this treatment is offered by most salons.
To sculpt gel nails, the natural nail is trimmed flush and a layer of resin is first applied or other fine material that serves as a base to apply the gel nail afterwards . The nails are exposed to ultraviolet light, which causes the resin to harden. Apart from the different type of drying, gel nails differ from acrylic ones because they do not require filing, since they are placed already finished with the final shape and color. In addition, the gel is odorless, while the liquid used to sculpt acrylic nails gives off vapors with a strong characteristic odor.
But what should I value to put on gel or acrylic nails?
The results between acrylic and gel are similar . Both lengthen short nails and harden them, as well as lengthen and taper the fingers. Both one and the other allow you to make nail designs with glitter placement, among others. On the other hand, both are difficult to apply at home, requiring expert knowledge and the right material from a professional.
On the one hand, applying acrylic implies the emission of strong-smelling vapors that can be especially annoying at home. On the other hand, sculpting gel nails requires ultraviolet light lamps that are not available to everyone. Both have pros and cons that can help you make a decision.
- They are very resistant , especially if applied by a professional. They last several weeks.
- Because of their hardness, they are suitable for bitten nails in cases where women want to get rid of that habit. They can be applied even on extremely short nails.
- In the event that a nail is broken, acrylic it is easy to file at home until you can go to your beautician again.
- Are easy to extract if done by a professional, soaking nails and then filing until all nail material is removed.
- If not cared for properly, they can damage the nails and that damage can be a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. Check with your beautician the care they require.
- They are less natural to look at than gel nails, especially if they are not applied by a professional who knows how to file them fine and give them the right shape.
- Their appearance is more natural than acrylic nails, with a shinier finish.
- The drying time is faster than in acrylic.
- The application of gel nails involves less fumes than acrylic nails, so it is considered a more ecological and safer option.
- They don't last as long as acrylic nails, even though they tend to cost more.
- If they break, the break is not usually clean, but they tend to break, so that you can rarely fix a broken nail at home: you will have to ask your beautician for an appointment as soon as possible.
- They are not suitable for very bitten nails, since they do not hold on a small base.
Tips for choosing between gel or acrylic nails
Rate your case. If you have bitten or very short nails, acrylic is a good solution, as it can be if you do a lot of manual work and need a very resistant manicure. If your nails are in good condition and you don't do activities that can break your nails easily and you're looking for a solution to keep your nails flawless and looking absolutely natural, gel is a good alternative. It is best to consult with a trusted beautician.
