Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails - Choosing The Right One For You

This article is about the differences between the two types of nails, Gel and Acrylic. The article aids in guiding you to choose the right one for you.

By AmyTheOracle
Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails - Choosing The Right One For You

Time To Get Your Nails Done?

Hello Ladies! So every lady can relate to me when I write that there comes a time when you come across a pressing question... "Is it time to get my nails done?" Whether you're a beginner, a regular, or just curious, that's a question that comes across all our minds. We see on all social media platforms about all these cool designs and art for nails that intrigues us into considering getting our nails done. In my opinion, it's definitely a treat for women to get their nails done because it's a nice gesture to make yourself feel more confident and beautiful. Getting your nails done is definitely a good way to pamper yourself every once in a while. So if you're feeling like it's time to finally get your nails done again because it's been a minute or you're finally deciding to try it out for the first time, don't be nervous. I promise you'll look fabulous. You just need to figure out whether you want gel nails or acrylic nails, your cost range for getting your nails done and of course your favorite nail polish color- possibly a new nail polish color you'd like to try this time!

Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails

Another popular question us ladies ask ourselves is... "Gel nails or Acrylic nails?" For those who don't know the difference between gel nails and acrylic nails, well you're in luck because this article is about to break down the pros and cons of each. It's entirely up to you to decide which you prefer. For those who aren't newbies to this whole "getting your nails done" thing and know what gel nails and acrylic nails are, what the cost is, etc. then you might learn a few things you didn't know about your favorite nails. Or it could be a good refresher for your gel and acrylic nail knowledge. You might even learn a thing or two about nail health, nail polish, and nail art as well!

Gel Nails

Gel nails are extremely popular. For most women these are their favorite type of nails.To some, the cost for this type of nails may seem too pricey. Here are a few pros and cons for Gel nails: Pros: -Have a more glossy, natural look -easier removal and doesn't damage the nail bed -cures better than acrylic nails due to being cured under UV lights -gel nails are more flexible than acrylic nails so that means they won't break so easily -no odor when getting gel nails done, before and after the session -special gel nail polishes -is not affected by constant contact with water Cons: -cost is pretty expensive ranging between $25 and $60 per application -concerns regarding the exposure to UV lights during the curing stage can increase skin cancers -prone to peeling

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are also a very popular choice for nails to get when you are choosing to get your nails done. Lots of salons offer services for acrylic nails and for some ladies it is their favorite type of nail. Acrylic nails have some great pros as well as some interesting cons. Here are a few to keep in mind: Pros: -very affordable. About $35 for a full set of acrylic nails and $15 for refills -the majority of nail technicians are experienced with these type of nails, so finding a nail technician isn't very hard -very durable and strong -less cracks and breaks Cons: -if applied incorrectly it can look very unnatural -difficult to remove without hurting or damaging the nail bed -pay for costly refills every week or suffer the growing out period -acrylic nails aren't allowed at certain workplaces due to possible hygiene hazards -gives off strong odor during application process due the overlay of chemicals involved -exposure to too much water can create a nail fungus

Choosing The Right One For You

Choosing the right nail type can be very difficult. Luckily you were given a few pros and cons for both gel nails and acrylic nails. Now choosing should be a lot easier for you! A good tip I try to follow and take into consideration when it comes to choosing gel nails or acrylic nails is the type of lifestyle you live. Are you a more hands-on type of person or do you not rely on your hands too much? If you do use your hands for your career or hobbies you should maybe consider trying acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are considered to be more durable and less prone to cracking or breaking. If you aren't and you need a little more flexibility and balance maybe gel nails would be more of a proper fit. Another good tip to consider is the type of nail polish you buy or plan on using. Some nail polishes won't be as bright and vivid and won't last as long because of the type of nail you have. For example gel nails look the best when a gel nail polish is applied because it is specifically made for gel nails. Another thing to consider is how long you are willing to keep these gel or acrylic nails for. If you're the type to change nail polish or interests in nail art then maybe gel nails would be a better choice due to the fact that gel nails are easier to take off. If you don't mind the growing out period and letting your nails fall off naturally maybe the acrylic nails would be ideal due to acrylic nails being harder to take off plus causing more damage to the nail bed meaning that it takes longer to change or fix your acrylic nails.

DIY Nails

DIY! I'm sure lots of you have heard this acronym before. It stands for "do it yourself". There are lots of things people can do themselves if they really practiced and tried and it truly helps save them money, time, resources, etc. So when you are trying to consider where to get your nails done or what type of nails you want, a good option to always consider is DIY. Do it yourself. There are plenty of easy simple kits that guide you in doing your own nails. They have all sorts of kits. Kits for beginners and kits for intermediate technicians. They have different products and tools that overlay the nail making for a much easier application. Some kits cost half the price or even less compared to how much you would spend at a salon. Therefore, when choosing the type of nails you want maybe try considering DIY before you spend a good amount of money at a salon or towards a person who specializes in nail art. That way you can tell if you even like that type of product on your nails or if your lifestyle even accepts the excess amount of nails and sensitivity.

Aftercare For Gel And Acrylic Nails

Aftercare for gel and acrylic nails is quite simple but both differ in a way. Obviously, when you get your nails done you want to keep in mind the type you chose. Gel nails are flexible but can break. As for acrylic nails, they are known to be stronger, though that doesn't mean you can't break an acrylic nail. You definitely can. Plus you might damage your nail bed more if abrupt force were to overlay your nail. So be gentle and mindful of your nails. You can act natural when it comes to using your hands, but be mindful of the nails. If you are trying to remove your nails there is a specific way to remove them. For acrylic nails, you want to make sure to use some sort of soaking method so they can come off cleanly. You want to make sure the overlay of nail product and polish coatings all come off without a hassle. As for gel nails, when you want to remove them they are filed off. Sometimes there are certain soaking methods to remove gel nails.

Nail Tech Professionals Unite!

Calling all nail tech professionals! Good nail tech professionals are preferred when you want to get your nails done. They are very knowledgeable and honest about the processes of gel nails and acrylic nails. They explain step by step and will help guide you in choosing the right type of nails for you. So when looking for a good nail technician try going to a salon or person who has a good reputation and good ratings. Ask questions when you are at your appointment and make it clear to the technician that this is your first time or explain that you've done this before so that way you can each save time that would otherwise be spent trying to figure out where each other are standing. The technician will have no problem in helping you choose gel nails or acrylic nails.

Girl, Your Nails Look Flawless!

Hey girlies! See, I told you there was nothing to worry about! Now that you understand and know a good amount of information about gel and acrylic nails, I bet that you can now comfortably walk into a salon and ask for exactly what you're looking for. You probably already did and I bet you're thanking yourself for finally getting the courage to get your nails done for the first time or done for the first time in a while. Either way, I bet your nails look flawless or will look flawless! Nail art comes in all different types, styles and forms so never feel limited when it comes to getting your nails done. Think outside the box and get outside your comfort zone. Choose a vibrant color you've always eyed but never chose because you were just too shy. Maybe go for a pattern or design you saw on Instagram from a nail inspo page you follow. Whatever it is that your heart desires- go for it! Getting your nails done has gone from plain old basic colors to outstanding art. So feel free to use your nails as another way to express yourself and your womanhood! Continue looking flawless ladies!