Acrylic or Gel Nails?

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It all depends on if you're trying to allow your natural nails to grow out or not. There is nothing wrong with either option and both if not done properly can be very harmful to your nail plate but neither is more harmful than the next. Either way make sure you go to a tech that is very professional, and that you have been given rave reviews about them. Also if you do decide to get the gel nails please make sure to put on sunscreen to prevent any harm done through the UV lamp. 

May 26, 2012

Katie B.

When i got gel nails for prom last year they peeled off 2 days later. I would suggest either acrylics or the stick on nails from a drug store

May 26, 2012

Kayla B.

Its a good thing we have options!

May 25, 2012

Haley R.

Gel. It is less damaging and look more natural. Acrylic nails seem tacky to me.

May 25, 2012

Kayla B.

I always do my nails in acrylic, my cousin gets her nails done in gel, and they are always cracking.

May 24, 2012

Gabbie M.

gel nails are a little bit more expensive but better for your natural nails :). 

I prefer gel :) Rachel ur nails look nice

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.

GELGELGELGELGEL! Acrylic RUINS your natural nail!!!

May 23, 2012

Samantha L.

acrylic nails

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 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. :)

Thank you Emily!

Apr 23, 2012

Brooke B.

gel

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

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 22, 2012

jazzica Q.

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

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!

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

Apr 19, 2012

Chrisi P.

Gels! :)

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 18, 2012

Pamela L.

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

Gel nails! or Gelish!

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 :( 

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