CONTINUE TO CHOOSE: GEL NAILS OR ACRYLIC NAILS
Acrylic or gel nail extension which is better
INNA CODRU , FEBRUARY 9, 2018
When you come to a nail salon, there are quite a few options for which nails to choose. If you are considering nail extensions, you may be asked if you want acrylic nails or if you prefer gel nails. Before making a decision, here's what you need to know.
Acrylic nails extension technology
Acrylic nails have been a staple in the beauty industry for years and are strong and durable, which has contributed to their high popularity. Donn Gere, co-founder of Hey Nice Nails!, explains the acrylic application process this way: “Acrylics are applied using a liquid monomer and a polymer powder to create a hard protective layer over your natural nails. When acrylic hardens, it provides the perfect canvas for color or pattern to be applied.
Gel nail extension
Jamie White, beauty and product expert at Spaciety, notes that "gel nails are as durable as acrylic nails, but look more natural." Unlike acrylic nails, gel nails undergo a curing process only when exposed to UV light. Donn Geer explains that “Working with a gel coat is like working with nail polish—you have a base coat, a coat of color, and a top coat. Each layer should be cured in UV light for two to three minutes." Both types of nails undergo a chemical bonding process with the natural nail, however there are some differences between them.
GEL EXTENSION OR ACRYLIC ... WHICH IS BETTER?
In many ways they are similar. They can lengthen short nails, strengthen them, and make your fingers look longer and leaner. However, each coverage has some pros and cons that can help you decide which one is right for you. So let's take a look at a few popular questions women ask and compare each coverage:
- What do they look like and how do they feel?
Acrylic nails . Acrylics can look less natural than gel nails, especially if they're not completely wrong. Also, some women, due to the use of acrylic, can get sore and crooked nail beds.
Gel nails . They can look more natural and glossier than other types of cosmetic nails. The gel, in comparison with the varnish, looks thicker. This thickness provides the strength of such a nail, but still such a nail does not look bulky.
- How much do they cost?
Acrylic nails . Acrylic nail extensions cost less than gel nail extensions. Most salons range in price from about $30 to $60 for a complete set of new acrylic nails. The monthly adjustment is typically half the cost of a new set, and the price will be between $15 and $30.
Gel nails . The cost of such a coating is usually slightly cheaper than acrylic building. A set of gel nails or gel nails will range from $25 to $60. While the price is almost the same as acrylic nails, keep in mind that you will pay that amount each time you visit the salon, a gel nail repair is a total replacement. .
- Is your own nail damaged?
Acrylic nails . They can damage your nail, and according to White, this can create a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria later on. If you remove them incorrectly, they can remove almost all layers of your natural nail.
Gel nails . When removing the gel, the nails may become excessively dry due to the acetone used in the removal. It is necessary to regularly use oils to moisturize nails during the period when they are not varnished. With gel not properly peeled off, the damage can be the same as removing acrylic, you can lose layers of the natural nail.
- How flexible are they?
Acrylic nails . Acrylics are very hard and strong, but not at all flexible.
Gel nails . They have some flexibility. They are much stronger than natural nails, but not as hard as acrylics.
- How long do they last?
Acrylic nails . When done right and with good nail care, they can last a long time. Acrylic adjustments should be done at least once a month.
Gel nails . They do not last as long and are less durable than acrylic, so they cost a little more. On average, such nails, before correction, are worn from 10 to 14 days, at the same time, some women can go with them for a month. But correction will be needed in the future.
- Do they emit an unpleasant smell?
Acrylic nails . During the extension procedure itself, a rather unpleasant chemical odor is released. Due to such chemical fumes, this procedure is highly discouraged for pregnant women.
Gel nails . Gel mixes for nails do not emit chemical fumes, compared to acrylic extensions - gel is considered a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
- Are they repairable?
Acrylic nails . If you break an acrylic nail, you can almost always fix it at home with glue. And you, without any problems, will be able to wear it until the next visit to the salon.
Gel nails . If the gel nail breaks, you may be in trouble. Sometimes a slight injury can have a greater negative effect than a broken piece. Therefore, self-fixing damage is not an option here. You need to make an appointment with your nail specialist as soon as possible.
- How are they removed?
Acrylic nails . The removal process is simple and simple, it is performed by a professional. They are removed both with a special liquid and with ordinary sawing.
Gel nails . The gel is most often simply cut off, although now there are some removal technologies using special solvent liquids.
- How do they freeze?
Acrylic nails . Acrylic hardens from simple contact with air. Most grades of acrylic take 24 hours to fully cure before being varnished.
Gel nails . Most gel nail polishes require UV light to dry, which makes them harder to do on your own. The total drying time (each layer in turn) is no more than 5-6 minutes.
While both types of nails can be done at home, it's best to leave it to a professional. After all, acrylic fumes can greatly spoil the atmosphere in your home. And without UV light, you won't be able to set the gel coat.
Finally, you can paint, french manicure or any other design on ANY type of nails. Although some people note that airbrushing looks better on gel nails because they have a more glossy surface. But the gel can also be applied over acrylic)).
Factors to consider
If the durability and cost of extensions are important factors in your decision, you should also consider a few other things. So, acrylics are better for some women, while gels are better for others. It all depends on your level of activity and the nature of the work.
Life style
If you have a job where your hands are in a humid environment very often during the day, you may find that gel coating is the best option for you. The gel, in its properties, is very similar to ordinary varnish, and water does not have the same effect on it as it does on acrylic nails. If your hands are in water more than just for daily hand washing, the water can cause the acrylic to peel off the nail. And this puts your nail at risk of infection with a fungus.
The same applies to athletes. Sweat will not affect gel nails in the same way as acrylic. Sweat and your body's sebaceous glands will cause the acrylic to peel off the nail bed.
Budget, time and service
Does your money budget play an important role in choosing your extension method? As well as the time spent visiting the salon? Well, then it is important to know that although the cost of the procedure is almost the same for both acrylic and gel nails, there are actually a few big differences:
- Acrylics: with acrylics, you pay for a full set of nails the first time you get them done. This visit will last about an hour.
Some salons suggest replacing your nails completely after four months, but this is not necessary. A full set of services will vary from 30 to 60 dollars in a prestigious salon. It will be for a month. Correction is exactly when a new, regrown nail is filled with acrylic and any repairs are made, if necessary. A visit to the correction will take about thirty minutes. It will cost between $15 and $30 over the next months, once a month. A year later, the average cost is from 195 to 390 dollars, this is for acrylic nails. - Gel: gel extensions will cost more. The gel is usually worn for about 10 and 14 days, although there are rare women who can go with them for a month. The cost of gel nails, whether it is a first extension or a remedial visit, will be the same. All because it is, in fact, a complete update. The average cost of a gel application is between $25 and $60 at a prestigious salon each time you do it. The average time spent in the salon is about 30 minutes per visit. If you count for the year, then the cost of such nails can be from 50 to 120 US dollars per month, or from 300 to 720 dollars per year.
The choice is yours
There are many factors to consider when choosing artificial nails, so you may want to check with a nail technician in your area or city to discuss the various methods. Ask your girlfriends, find out what options they use, what they like and what they don't. Accurately answer the question: “Which nails should I choose?” - impossible, it's a matter of your personal preferences, your taste, your image.