Gel vs Acrylic: Which manicure is better?

When it comes to getting your nails done, there are now more choices than ever before. However, how do you know which type of nail treatment is best for you?

Here, Lucy Goodwin, Director at Beauty Temple, takes a look at the difference between gel nails and acrylic nails to help you decide which type of manicure you are better suited to.

What are gel nails?

Gel nails have soared in popularity in recent years, generally because it is believed that they are kinder to the nails, however, this is actually a bit of a myth. Gel is applied to your nail, usually with the help of a primer or base and is then quickly cured in a UV or LED lamp. Generally, the gel nails are odour free, and so the application process is a comfortable one. Gel nails are well loved because they have a gorgeous glossy finish and can often look very natural. They come in a wide range of colours and last between two to three weeks.

Traditional gel nails can be infilled, although gel polish will need to be removed at each appointment and a fresh set of nails applied. Gel nails are very flexible, so they can bend with the nail, but as they are thinner, they can be more vulnerable to breakages.

What are acrylic nails?

Acrylic nails are applied using a much stronger substance which then has the acrylic added to it. This is often made up of a polymer powder and a monomer liquid which are mixed into a bead and spread across the nail. The curing process will begin before they go anywhere near a lamp and so they need to be produced quickly. A UV lamp will then complete the curing process, but be aware, that acrylic nail products can have a very strong smell.

Whilst acrylic nails are not guaranteed to last any longer than gel ones, they are seen as being stronger and more resilient. Acrylic nails can be infilled and will only need to be removed after a few infill treatments. To do this, the nail needs to be soaked in acetone before being buffed away.

Which set is right for me?

Before deciding on whether to have gel or acrylic nails, you need to look at your lifestyle and how you use your hands. If you are quite heavy handed or find that you have your nails in water a lot, then you might decide that the more durable acrylic nail is for you. However, if your nails need flexibility and a more gently process, then you might be better suited to gels.

Acrylic nails allow nail polish to be applied which you can take off and change at home, whilst gel nails are applied in one particular colour and they will have to stay that way until your next appointment, so if you are the fickle type, you might prefer the changeability of acrylic nails.

If you have broken a nail, both can have tips applied to add to the length of your nail. Each one has its own techniques to build up the nail and extend it, and this will be down to the preference of your nail technician.

Both types of manicure allow you to have some terrific designs added to your nails. They are both suitable for nail art, glitters, foils, stamping and diamantes, so you are only limited by your imagination.

If you are still not sure which manicure is best for you, then speak to your nail technician, who will be able to give you expert and personalised advice so that you can soon be enjoying professional, beautiful nails.