Acrylic or Gel Nails?
25
Sort By
Our customer service team in the US is ready to assist you.
1-877-992-5474 Available Now
Monday - Friday
7 AM – 4 PM PT
Saturday
7 AM – 4 PM PT
Please help us maintain positive conversations here by following our guidelines below.
We reserve the right to remove comments and topics that don't adhere to the following rules. We also may remove the profile of any repeat offender. Thanks for reading and contributing!
Beautylish is a diverse, positive, and respectful community. It’s okay to disagree with someone, but be constructive—not rude. We have a zero-tolerance policy for negativity and harassment.
Take the time to make posts easy to understand by using proper spelling, grammar, and capitalization. Post topics in the appropriate category and refrain from making duplicate posts. Know that we don't allow self-promotion, advertisements, spam, commercial messages, or links to other websites or blogs. And be careful that you don't post someone else's work and present or claim it as your own.
We reserve the right to remove duplicate, miscategorized, and difficult-to-understand posts, or those we deem as advertisements, spam, or plagiarism.
Use the flag button to report inappropriate or disrespectful behavior, or email us at help@beautylish.com.
Apr 20, 2012
Emily L.
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!
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 23, 2012
Emily B.
<- Bad techs ruin nails. Product does not ruin nails. Also all gel is made with acrylic, it is just a different application method.
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.
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
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 :(
Apr 17, 2012
Emily L.
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! :)
Apr 19, 2012
Cortney S.
Wait... what's the difference exactly?... Pink and whites are gel?? haha I feel so out of the loop.
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
Apr 24, 2012
Cortney S.
Thank you Emily!
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.