The very first time I got a manicure, it was for a beauty pageant. I had only gotten fake nails because every other girl did, and I loved the outcome. Because of my acrylic “French Tip” nails, I suddenly felt classier and more elegant than ever before. The price was hefty to pay, around $60 a month, but it was completely worth it. When my friends started to get manicures, we would compare salons, nails, prices. I noticed many of my friends preferred to get gel nails instead of acrylic. I started to become curious. Which is better, gels or acrylics? What’s the difference, anyway?
The first step in knowing what is better is understanding what they are. Artificial nail enhancements (such as acrylic or gel nails) all fall in the acrylic family. Acrylic nails are applied with a powder and liquid mix called methacrylates. Other enhancements like wraps and gels are based on a different branch called cyanoacrylates.
Acrylic nails are always applied with a liquid monomer mixed with a polymer powder that must be a perfect mixture, not too goopy and wet but not too dry. After the mixture is applied, the nails can air dry and then be painted with regular nail polish. These classic nail enhancements have been popular since the 1970’s and are generally cheaper and last longer. On the other hand, nail salons that specialize in acrylic nails almost always reek of a strong (but harmless) chemical odor, even if the business is well ventilated. Also, many people agree that acrylic nails do not look as natural as other artificial nail enhancements.
Gel nails, an artificial nail enhancement that is just now making a statement in American salons, is applied with multiple thin coats of pre-mixed, nail polish-like gel polish. Gel nails are made with a more flexible, softer monomer than acrylics and therefore are more apt to bend, making them less sturdy than other types of artificial enhancements. Gel polish comes in many different colors and is packaged like regular nail polish. Unlike regular nail polish (and acrylics), gel nails must be cured under a UV-light unless they have a special gel activator. A gel manicure will stay completely glossy, gorgeous and non-yellowed for a promised 14 days but are almost always significantly more pricey than other nail enhancements, especially acrylics.
Next time you journey to your nail salon, what will you choose? Acrylic, gel, or none at all? When it all boils down, it is a personal choice. Whatever you decide, make sure to research your nail technician and the service you’re receiving. Don’t learn the hard way like I did.