Want to get your nails done? Check out the difference between gel vs regular nail polish to know what to get for your next manicure!
About to get your nails done, and don't know what to get?
From dip, to acrylics, gel, regular nail polish, and more, today there are countless techniques to getting your nails done.
While variety can be great, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of getting your nails done (or doing them yourself!).
So, whether you're going to get your nails done, or do your nails at home, it's important to understand the type of nail technique you want and why.
In this article, we'll cover two popular nail polish types: gel nail polish and regular nail polish. After reading this post, you'll know the differences between gel vs regular nail polish, and which is best for you!
Gel Vs. Regular Nail Polish: Which is Better?
Overall, gel and regular nail polish each have their advantages & disadvantages.
Arguably, gel nail polish is better due to how long the polish lasts without chipping.
However, gel nail polish is more difficult to apply and requires more equipment to do yourself--which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Meanwhile, regular nail polish, while it may only last you about a week, it requires one product and is the most affordable nail technique.
Therefore, depending on what you are specifically looking for in a manicure or pedicure will influence the type of nail polish that is right for you.
If you're looking for a long-lasting, "professionally done" look, consider going with gel nail polish.
If you're looking for a cheap manicure that is easy to do yourself and requires just one product to apply yourself, consider going with regular nail polish.
Best Gel Nail Polish Kit
If you opt to do your gel manicure at home, you'll need a series of products like the base coat, top coat, gel polish, UV light, and more.
Therefore, the easiest route for doing your gel nails at home is getting a gel nail polish kit.
The Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish Pro Kit has everything you need to do your gel manicure yourself. Plus, the kit comes with instructions of what product to use when which makes it super easy to do yourself!
Best Regular Nail Polish
If you're looking to paint your nails with regular nail polish, OPI and Essie are top nail polish brands.
Both provide long-lasting wear, look gorgeous, and have a range of colors.
What is Gel Nail Polish?
Gel nail polish is form of nail polish that is in between acrylics and traditional nail polish.
The primary ingredients are methacrylate compounds which don't dry naturally and require UV light to set the polish in place to dry.
The gel-like product is able to last a few weeks on the nails without chipping.
Gel polish also needs to be cured under a UV or LED light that helps the gel nail polish set and dry.
Therefore, one top key factor of gel nail polish is it's ability to stay on for weeks without chipping + the use of a UV light to cure your nails.
What is Regular Nail Polish?
Regular nail polish is obviously the most familiar form of nail polish that you know and love.
The primary ingredient in regular nail polish is nitrocellulose which ultimately firms the product onto the nails.
This form of nail polish just requires one product to do your nails yourself: the nail polish.
Therefore, regular nails don't require nearly as many products as gel nails.
And, unlike gel nails, regular nail polish naturally dries on its own after application.
Differences Between Gel Vs Regular Nail Polish
There are several differences between gel vs regular nail polish that could sway which polish you go for.
Equipment
If you're looking to do your nails at home, it's important to understand how many products you'll need.
For regular nail polish, you simply need just 1 product:: the nail polish.
However, with doing a gel manicure, you'll need at least a UV light, top coat, base coat, and the gel nail polish.
Application
Since gel nails require more products, this inevitably results in a longer, more complex application process.
With regular nail polish, all you need to do is apply 2-3 coats and you're good to go.
However, with gel nails it's a little more complicated.
Here are basic steps on how to apply gel nail polish:
1. Apply a base coat.
2. Apply gel polish.
3. Cure polish by placing nail in UV lamp.
4. Repeat Steps 2 & 3 until you achieve your desired look.
5. Apply top coat.
Drying Method & Time
Regular nail polish will naturally dry on its own in about 10 minutes. If you apply multiple coats, typically you only wait about 5 minutes in between layers.
Meanwhile, gel nails need to be cured under a UV lamp after each layer.
This process takes about 2 minutes per layer to dry.
Longevity
Gel nails last way longer than regular nail polish.
Expect your gel nails (as long as they don't peel off!) to last a good 2-3 weeks.
Meanwhile, expect your regular nail polish to maybe last 4-7 days before showing signs of wear and tear.
Durability
Gel nails are by far more durable than regular nail polish.
Unlike regular nail polish, gel nails won't chip or crack and thus wear a lot better compared to regular nail polish over time.
Removal Process
Because gel nails last longer than regular nail polish, it comes as no surprise that they are more difficult to remove than regular nail polish.
With regular nail polish, you can simply use your typical nail polish remover.
Meanwhile, with gel nails, there are a couple routes you can go for removal.
You can either get a gel nail polish remover OR try soaking your nails in pure acetone.
Later, in this post we'll walk you through how to remove your gel & regular nail polish!
Safety
While both gel and regular nail polish are relatively safe, there is debate on how bad the UV lamp during the gel nail polish process is for your skin.
Extensive exposure of UV light can increase your risk of developing various skin concerns, even skin cancer.
However, these cases require prolonged and frequent use of the UV light.
Therefore, gel nails are safe in moderation.
Consider wearing gel nail gloves to protect your skin from the UV light exposure when curing your nails.
Cost
Gel nails are more expensive than regular nail polish--no matter if you go to get your nails done or do you nails yourself.
This is because gel nails require more products and a bit more technique, making them more expensive than regular nail polish.
Is Regular Nail Polish Bad For Your Nails?
It depends. Wearing quality regular nail polish in moderation (i.e. taking breaks in between polishes) won't really ruin your nails.
However, if you are constantly wearing regular nail polish then removing with a harsh nail polish remover, etc. Inevitably, your nails will start to become more brittle and weak.
Is Gel Polish Bad For Your Nails?
Again it depends. If you invest in a quality gel nail polish, you shouldn't experience any damage to your nails.
In fact, you may even experience nail strengthening effects.
However, if you use a bad gel nail polish and/or don't take occasional breaks in between, this could be damaging/ unhealthy for your natural nails.
Gel Polish Vs. Regular Polish On Toes: Which Is Better?
Gel polish vs regular polish on toes is ultimately up to your personal preference.
If you don't want to spend more money and go out and buy a gel nail kit to do your toes, than regular nail polish may be a better option.
That being said, gel nails do tend to wear better and longer, so if you don't mind the price, you should consider getting gel nails for your pedicure.
How to Remove Gel Nail Polish?
Gel nail polish is a bit tricky to remove. However, there are a couple ways to safely and effectively remove your gel nails.
First, you can buy nail polish remover that is specially designed to remove gel nail polish, like this gel nail polish remover by Cutex.
Or, another common way to remove gel nails is by soaking your nails in pure acetone.
All you'll need is pure acetone (like the Pronto Acetone Nail Polish Remover), cotton balls, and aluminum foil.
You can do this by soaking cotton balls with acetone, placing them on your nails, then wrapping your nails with aluminum foil for 10 minutes.
How to Remove Regular Nail Polish?
Unlike gel nail polish, removing regular nail polish is fairly straightforward.
To remove regular nail polish, simply use nail polish remover.
That being said, certain nail polish removers can be rather harsh and drying on the nails.
Therefore, try to get a nail polish remover that is gentle.
The Nourishing Nail Polish Remover by Cutex truly does wonders at removing your nail polish without being irritating and harsh on your nails.
Does Gel Nail Polish Make Nails Stronger?
Yes, some gel nail polishes help both protect and strengthen your natural nails.
So, if you are looking to help make your nails grow longer & stronger, invest in a quality gel nail polish.
Final Thoughts: Gel Vs Regular Nail Polish
When deciding between gel vs regular nail polish, it all comes down to preference and what you're looking for.
If you are looking for a long-lasting polish that looks great for weeks, consider getting gel nails.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable, quick and easy application process that requires just one product, consider just sticking with regular nail polish.
