Do you know the difference between gel and acrylic nails? If not, we've found out so you don't have to.
With so many different types of nail treatments out there it's hard to keep up with them all.
I mean as long as they look good, it doesn't really matter but of course, it's still nice to know what exactly your nail technician is doing.
Gel Nails
Gel nails are painted on using pots of gel, what a shock. They are then set or cured under a UV light.
Alisha Rimando, executive vice president and creative director of Artistic Nail Design, told Vox that "Gels have a harder, non-porous surface, so they’re less likely to stain".
The disadvantage is that unlike acrylic nails, gels can't be soaked off, they can only be filed off.
So if you're considering a gel manicure then make sure you're willing to invest the time and money to keep up with it.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are made with a liquid and powder mix which is usually combined in front of you into a little ball of dough.
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This is then shaped onto your nail using a brush and air-dried.
Acrylics are easier to remove and are typical soaked off with nail polish remover.
They're easier to remove as liquid is able to get in between the molecules of the plastic. Of course, this also means they are easily stained.
It's important to note that neither type of nail treatment is better or safer than the other.
Both gel and acrylic manicures have equal advantages and disadvantages.
If you work a lot with your hands then I'd recommend getting a gel manicure.
They are more durable and you won't have to worry about them getting stained.
For those that don't get their nails done regularly, acrylics are a good option.
You can easily remove them at home if needed by following a simple YouTube tutorial and they are typically cheaper.
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Which do you prefer, gels or acrylics?
