Nowadays, there are plenty of options when you want a special manicure. Therefore, I know it might get confusing sometimes because you don’t really know which method is best for you. In today’s post, we will talk about gel nails vs. acrylic nails, especially about the difference between them. There are some things you should be aware of before choosing one or the other.
Gel Nails vs. Acrylic Nails – The Difference Between Them
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are a part of the beauty industry since many years ago. They offer strength to your natural nails. On the other hand, you can easily spot acrylic manicures because they don’t look very natural. The cosmetic specialist applies them using both a powder polymer and a liquid monomer. This combination will create a powerful protective layer on your nails. When exposed to air, the acrylic gets harder which makes your manicure become the perfect canvas for nail colors.
What Should You Know About Gel Nails?
Some state that gel nails have the same strengths as acrylic ones, only that they provide a more natural look. Acrylic nails harden when exposed to air, while gel nails become hard only in the UV light. However, there is one thing they have in common, besides strengthening your nails; they undergo a chemical process to stick to your natural nail.
Gel Nails vs. Acrylic Nails – Which One Should You Choose?
Both of them are fake nails and can create a good manicure if done correctly. Moreover, they are artificial nail enhancements. Below, we have come up with a list in which we compare these two manicures:
- Gel nails last for about 14 days while acrylic ones last longer.
- Acrylic nails are cheaper compared to gel nails. The second one cost between 25 and 60 dollars, depending on the salon.
- Gel nails look fresher and more natural than acrylic manicures.
- Acrylic nails are stronger, and the removal process is easier than that of the gel nails.
- Even though gel manicures cannot be fixed at home in case of breakage, acrylic ones might damage your nail bed which can lead to infections.
So, which one should you choose? You can choose either one, depending on your preferences. Both of them are good if applied properly. As you can see, the most important aspect is finding an experienced professional to make sure your manicure is done safely and correctly.
Putting It All Together
We have gathered a few aspects to make a gel nails vs. acrylic nails comparison. In the end, the choice is all yours! While acrylic is cheaper than gel, the second one is stronger and lasts longer. Moreover, they are easily fixed which is a great thing for busy women who don’t have the necessary time to repair their damaged nails. Just pick the right salon and make sure your money is well spent.
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