What's The Difference Between Gel Nails And Acrylic Nails

Gel nails are different to acrylic nails as they are not an extension of your natural nails instead they are a polish that can last for up to 2 weeks.

What's the difference between gel nails and acrylic nails. Acrylic nails can cost more or less 30-60 depending on the variation of the designs and products. As nail artist and gel-extension specialist Brittney Boyce tells Allure its important to understand that the difference between gel extensions and acrylic nails comes down to the polymerization. While acrylic nails although you can choose the length you want will weaken your natural nails.

The range starts at 35 and ends at 100 if you want an exclusive and long-lasting design. Gel nails tend to provide a thin clear and shiny layer over the real nails which are very light compared to the additional acrylic nail that is fixed over the real nail. If on the other hand you are looking for nails that last much longer acrylic nails are the right ones.

Gel nails will allow your natural nails to harden much faster and grow stronger. As we mentioned above gel nails typically consist of brushing coats of polish on your natural nails and are cured with a UV lamp. The main difference between gel and acrylic nails is the application process acrylics are made from liquid and powder while gel is simply made from gel.

The difference between soft and hard gels usually referred to as gel extensions is their chemical composition. Gel nails on the other hand require few minutes to be cured under the UV light. Gel nails dont have a chemical odor.

Of course no manicure lasts forever but your nails can be worn for a certain amount of time before they start to crack or lift. However the curing process can be hastened by placing the nails under a fan. Acrylic nails cure when coming into contact with air which is why they have to be applied quickly as gel nails are cured under a UV light.

But basically all three are made from acrylic-type plastics. Boyce points out that the major difference between the chemical content of gel nails and the acrylic is that gel is already mixed and requires only curing with a UV light while for the acrylic the mixing is done right there in the salon. Gel nails last between two or three months although you have to fill them every so often.