Learn the difference between gel vs acrylic nails so you pick the right manicure for you!
Gel nails and acrylic nails are 2 of the most popular nail types. Both nail types are highly durable compared to regular nail polish.
However, there are key differences between gel nails vs acrylic nails that are worth considering.
Unlike acrylic nails which use a liquid and powder paste that is applied to your nails, gel nails use UV light to cure the gel polish onto your nails.
Application is just one example of the many differences between gel vs acrylic nails.
Keep reading to learn which nail type lasts longer, which nail type is less damaging to your nails, and so much more!
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Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into the nitty gritty of gel and acrylic nails, let’s quickly discuss the main differences between the two nail types.
First, the overall tools used during the application process differs between gel vs acrylic nails.
Gel nails use a gel polish (that is packaged similarly to that of regular polish) that is then cured under a UV lamp. This gives the nails a glossy finish and helps the polish last longer from chipping compared to regular polish.
Meanwhile, acrylic nails use a liquid and powder paste that is then added and shaped to your natural nails. Therefore, there is no UV lamp required!
The acrylic paste then hardens with time and gives you a super durable manicure.
Besides application, the overall appearance of each nail differs. Gel nails are more natural-looking and give a shiny appearance compared to acrylic nails which tend to look more fake.
What are Gel Nails?
Gel nails use a gel-based nail polish that is applied to your natural nails and then cured with a UV lamp.
As discussed, gel nail polish is packaged very similarly to regular nail polish; however, the only difference is that gel-based polish requires UV light to complete the nail look.
Gel nails are a great step up from regular nail polish because they still give you a natural-looking appearance while helping your manicure last longer compared to regular polish.
Likewise, with so many gorgeous colors to choose from + the gel nail polish’s shiny finish, gel nails are gorgeous!
Plus, applying gel nail polish yourself is fairly easy, given you have all the necessary materials to successfully do a gel nail manicure (ie. a UV lamp to cure your nails!).
You can buy a gel nail kit off Amazon for under $100 and do your own gel nails at home!
Application
Whether you are getting your gel nails done at a nail salon, or doing your gel nails at home, the application is relatively straightforward.
The gel nail polish is applied onto your natural nails. Then, you’ll place your nails under a UV light for about 1 minute. The UV light will help cure the gel nails so, in other words, your gel polish will harden.
You’ll then repeat the process of applying a coat of the gel polish followed by curing your nails under a UV lamp.
Therefore, the application process of gel nails is very similar to regular nail polish, just with the addition of a UV lamp to cure your nails in between each coat of gel nail polish.
Appearance
Gel nails have a gorgeous shiny, glossy finish. Gel nails are also very natural-looking. Therefore, if you are looking to elevate from your typical regular nail polish look, gel nails may be a great place to start. They look quite similar to regular polish, just with a bit of extra uumpth with a glossy finish.
Durability
Although gel nails are more durable than regular nail polish from chipping, gel nails aren’t necessarily the strongest nail type out there. Typically gel nails can last about a few weeks before needing to get them redone.
Also, gel nails are typically NOT as durable as acrylic nails.
Removal Process
The removal process is very straightforward. There is gel nail polish remover you can buy that makes the gel nail removal process super easy. Like regular nail polish remover, apply the gel nail polish remover onto a cotton round and gently rub the polish off of your nails.
It’s important you use gel-specific nail polish remover NOT regular nail polish remover as regular polish remover will NOT work as easily as removing the polish from your nails.
Cost
Gel nail prices can range anywhere from $30-$60. Prices may vary based on location as well as if you decide to go with a certain design or style vs a one-color design.
While gel nail prices and acrylic nail prices are quite similar, gel nails tend to be more expensive. This is because gel nails typically don’t last as long as an acrylic manicure.
Pros and Cons of Gel Nails
Pros
- Natural-looking appearance
- Easy application and removal
- Long-wearing polish
- Stunning shiny finish
- Little to no damage to your natural nails
Cons
- More expensive than acrylic nails
- Not as strong/ durable as acrylic nails
- UV lamp required to cure gel nails
- More high maintenance than acrylic nails
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails use a mixture of both polymer (powder) and monomer (liquid) to create a paste that is then applied and shaped onto your nails. Once the acrylic paste has been created and has been shaped to your desired form, nail polish is then applied over top to give your nails some color + a design if you want.
Therefore, acrylic nails do NOT use a UV lamp to cure the polish. Rather acrylic nails use a paste that creates the shape of the nails. And, when this paste hardens onto the nails, it creates a highly strong + durable manicure.
Because acrylic nails are a very different process than gel nails, they are typically more difficult to apply yourself at home. That being said, if you get your acrylic nails done professionally, you can expect them to be slightly more affordable than gel nails + last a couple of weeks longer too!
Application
First, the acrylic paste mixture is created by combining a monomer (liquid) and a polymer (powder) in a bowl. Once the paste is created, it is then applied onto your natural nails and shaped to your desired nail shape. After the paste has been applied, sculpted, + hardened, then color is applied to your acrylic nails. This can be gel nail polish, regular polish, etc.
Appearance
Unlike the glossy finish found with gel nails, acrylic nails don’t necessarily have that glossy finish. Unless, of course, you use a gel nail polish to paint over your acrylic nails.
Typically, acrylic nails tend to be less natural and more fake-looking than gel nails thanks to being slightly more bulkier because of the acrylic paste on the nails.
However, acrylic nails are highly versatile in the length, shape, and color/ design you give your nails, making them a great option especially if you’re looking to go with a bold, out-of-the-box nail design.
Durability
Acrylic nails are known for being highly durable making them a great long-lasting nail choice. Acrylic nails can typically last a month or longer, making them a relatively low-maintenance nail option until you need to fill your acrylic set.
When it comes to gel vs acrylic nails for durability, acrylic nails are far more durable because they have the hardened acrylic paste layer on your natural nails.
Therefore, while gel nails typically last a few weeks, acrylic nails can typically last a month or longer before requiring another trip to the nail salon.
Removal Process
The acrylic nail removal process is a tad more complex and damaging than the gel nail polish removal process.
The removal process requires soaking your acrylic nails in acetone for about 15 minutes as the acetone breaks down the hardened acrylic paste on your nails.
It’s important to keep in mind that acrylic nails can be quite damaging to your natural nails, especially if you don’t remove your acrylic nails the right way.
That’s why it’s best to consider having your acrylics removed professionally at a nail salon, rather than trying to do so yourself at home.
Cost
The cost of acrylic nails is anywhere from about $30-$50 depending on where you get your nails done, and whether you want a certain design on your nails.
To get your acrylics filled, you can expect to pay around $25, which helps your acrylic set last longer before needing to remove them
Therefore, because acrylic nails tend to last longer than gel nails before needing to get redone, acrylic nails are the more affordable nail option.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails
Pros
- Highly durable and strong
- More affordable than gel nails
- Typically lasts longer than gel nails
- Relatively low maintenance
- Fully customizable for shape, color, and nail design
Cons
- Appears more fake-looking than gel nails
- More difficult to remove on your own at home
- More difficult to apply on your own at home
- Can be quite damaging to your natural nails
Are Gel or Acrylic Nails More Damaging to Your Nails?
Acrylic nails are more damaging to your natural nails than gel nails. This is because unlike gel nails which just apply a gel nail polish to your natural nails, acrylic nails apply a paste that is shaped and hardened onto your natural nails.
This acrylic paste mixture is more damaging to your overall natural nails. Not to mention, the removal process of acrylic nails can be far more damaging relative to the gel nail removal process.
Is Gel or Acrylic Better for Weak Nails?
Because gel nails are less damaging to your natural nails than acrylics, gel nails are the better choice for weak nails. This is because again acrylic nails can be quite damaging to your natural nails because the acrylic nail paste not only hardens to your nails, but the removal process for acrylics can be quite difficult and damaging to your nails.
Do Gel or Acrylic Nails Last Longer?
Acrylic nails typically last longer than gel nails. Because acrylic nails use a paste that hardens onto your natural nails, this makes your acrylic nails highly durable + strong. In other words, more resistant to chipping and breakage from daily wear and tear.
You can expect your acrylic nails to typically last at least a month whereas gel nails only last around 2-3 weeks.
How Can You Make Your Gel Or Acrylic Manicure Last Longer?
The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned $$$ on a gel or acrylic manicure, just for your nails to chip or break within the first week or two. Below are some super simple hacks to help make your gel or acrylic manicure last longer!
- Wear Gloves When Cleaning
Washing dishes and using various harsh cleaning supplies in general can be very bad on your manicure, and increase your risk of chipping/ breakage.
One easy solution to protect your nails while doing dishes + cleaning is wearing rubber gloves!
You can find a super affordable pair of rubber gloves on Amazon that will help make your manicure last a lot longer.
- Apply Cuticle Oil
Another easy way to extend the life of your gel or acrylic manicure is by applying cuticle oil to your nails twice a day. Cuticle oil does wonders to keep the skin around your nails hydrated + healthy and reduces your risk of biting or picking at your nails which can ruin your manicure.
Are Gel or Acrylic Nails Easier to Remove?
Gel nails are hands-down easier to remove than acrylic nails. This is because if you buy a gel-specific nail polish remover, you can simply use that to remove your gel polish at home with little to no damage at all to your natural nails.
Meanwhile, acrylic nails are more difficult to remove and typically require a trip to the nail salon to remove your acrylics as safely as possible. Plus, the acrylic removal process can be quite damaging to your nails, as you are essentially removing an entire acrylic paste on your natural nails– not just nail polish!
Bottom Line: Gel vs Acrylic Nails: Which One Is Right For You?
Gel and acrylic nails are 2 popular nail types that each have their unique pros and cons. While acrylic nails tend to be more affordable, durable, and last longer than gel nails, gel nails are more natural-looking and less damaging to your nails.
Therefore, when deciding between gel vs acrylic nails, it comes down to what you are specifically looking for in a manicure.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance manicure that is highly durable, go with acrylic nails.
However, if you are looking for more of a glossy nail that is natural-looking and easy to remove at home yourself, consider going with gel nails for your next manicure!
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