Acrylic or Gel Nails?

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Apr 14, 2012

Krystal L.

Hey girls so my graduation is May 17 and I need to get my nails done! Whats better quality and lasts longer: Acrylic or Gel Nails? Advice? :)
-Krystal xoxo thankss -3

Apr 15, 2012

Gretchen P.

Gel is probably a better opinion. Less damaging to your real nails too. 

Apr 15, 2012

Shelley W.

Gel nails is your best bet. Will cost a little more than acrylic but much healthier for your nails. Congrats on graduating. :)

Apr 15, 2012

Alexa D.

gel

Apr 15, 2012

Rachel R.

I just got Gel Nails, and I absolutely adore them. They look a lot more natural; although they aren't as strong as acrylic, I haven't found that to be a problem, and I work freight shifts in my job. 

Apr 16, 2012

Emily V.

gel nails!

Apr 16, 2012

Cassie J.

gel nails, they are so much better for your nail.s

Apr 16, 2012

Rebecca T.

Gel! i recently got a gel pedicure with shellac and i love it, lasts long too!

Apr 16, 2012

Pamela L.

I live by my acrylic,if I don't I will bit my nails to death.

Apr 16, 2012

Faye F.

gel nails looks so naturals, shiny and gorgeous plus your not picking everything up with a crab haha.. also acrylics damage your own nails most people bite them off when they start to fall off they look awful. gel all the way hunnie

Tara B.

Apr 16, 2012

Tara B.

I would love to try gel, in fact I have in Cosmetology school, BUT I swear by acrylic and stay true to them. I tear my nails up just by biting them :( 

Gel nails! or Gelish!

Apr 18, 2012

Pamela L.

If you want fancy designs ..you have to get acrylic..then take them off n do gel.

Apr 19, 2012

Felica C.

You can get fancy designs with gel nails.. its a more vibrant design as well! and another pro of gel nails is you get outta the salon faster lol!

Apr 19, 2012

Chrisi P.

Gels! :)

Wait... what's the difference exactly?... Pink and whites are gel?? haha I feel so out of the loop.

Hey Cortney! Acrylics and gels are basically different materials. Acrylics are very hard and are highly controllable exp. when creating 3D nail art or forming odd nail shapes like stiletto nails. Gels are softer and are not as controllable because of the material they are made of. Both can create french nails except why go through all the hassle of working with acrylics on a simple look?

Acrylics = longer time to create, stronger, more creative, smells terrible.
Gels = faster to create, pretty hard, not as easy to create nail art.

Hope this helps!

Apr 22, 2012

jazzica Q.

some people are saying shellac in their comments...but that's different than a "gel nail", correct?

Apr 23, 2012

Rina N.

I prefer Gel nails. You don't have to wait for them to dry after they finish. Don't worry about chipping. It has a glossy finish. You dont have to worry about breaking a fake nail and have your finger bleeding (happened to me.) When I tried gel I loved it, i'm not someone who usually gets them done. I probably get my nails done like 1-3 times a year. But the experience with gel was very nice. But, I do hate having my fingers in acetone to take them off.

Apr 23, 2012

Fancie B.

Gel! They're healthier, last longer, and don't snap as easily as acrylic. If you don't plan on keeping the set long I'd suggest you go with acrylic but if you're looking to start getting your nails done more often I'd definitely suggest gel. It's more expensive but definitely worth the investment! Plus, when you're in between fill ins your nails will more than likely still look fresh! I love gel nails! They're perfect for overlays!

Apr 23, 2012

Brooke B.

gel

Thank you Emily!

May 12, 2012

Emily B.

A lot of people are saying that acrylic nails are bad for your natural nails. I was taught that this is not true, rather any system can be damaging if done wrong. Usually the major things that damage nails are: You pull them off or your tech over files. Both can damage your natural nail plate. Make sure you choose a reputable tech and if you have peeling call them right away and do not pick at the nails. This way either acrylic or gel should be lovely and non-damaging. All that said I prefer gel both the look and to work wth. Another thing to watch out for some places will say they are giving you gel nails but really just do a gel top coat over acrylic! Shocking huh? Some people. They do this because acrylic product is cheaper. If you ask for gel everything the tech puts on your nails should look like a gel. If you see a powder this is acrylic and don't let them tell you otherwise. Gel polish (Shellac, Gelish) is lovely but it is a soak of polish, not the same as gel overlays or extensions. They are also a nice option if you don't require lengthening (or for over top a lengthening system). Hope that helps. :)

May 21, 2012

Emily B.

<- That said methylmethacrylates (mmas) which are banned in North America but still used by some unqualified "techs" can be damaging to your nails. Always make sure your tech is lisenced and using quality product. 

May 23, 2012

Samantha L.

acrylic nails