Gel Nails: Can It Be Even Better Than Acrylics 2024?

They have also displaced acrylics within the last decade among many people as a desired emblem. However, are gel nails much less negative to the herbal nails than acrylic nails? So, let us discover the blessings and downsides of each alternative earlier than creating a very last decision.

What are gel nails?

Gel polish is a shape of nail polish that is cured below an LED or UV lamp, and is greater durable than fashionable nail polish. This technique of curing means that the shade remains on nails for about three weeks without the shade wearing off or fading.

Traditional gel manicures entailed the application of base shade coat, and the pinnacle coat, and every coat has to be sealed via ultraviolet lamp light. This is as it permits the gel polish to bond with the natural nail as closely as viable. Gel nails also can be carried out as pointers or as acrylics for the purpose of enhancing the color or shine of nails.

Gel nails vs Acrylic nails

Durability

However, gel nails and acrylic nails are a whole lot extra long-lasting than an insignificant nail polish. However gels are stated to close longer than acrylic nails. Gel manicures last for three-four weeks while acrylic manicures last for two-three weeks if applied in the appropriate manner.

Damage Risk

Perhaps the strongest selling point of gel nails is that they seem to be much less likely to harm the natural nail. The process of application does not involve filing of the nail surface in any way. 

However, when you remove gels, you can cause some harm to the nails, especially when you don’t use the acetone wrapping procedure. This is because application and removal of the acrylic necessitates filing and soaking which causes the nails to weaken with time.

Natural Look

This means that gel polish works by allowing the natural nail to be seen while only applying a layer of color on it. This is an added advantage that is very natural. This type extends the natural nail by tips and covers it entirely with an artificial nail giving virtually limitless styling possibilities but less natural look.

Cost

The cost of the initial application is also almost equal: gel manicures cost 35 dollars, while acrylic sets cost 30 dollars. Gels, on the other hand, are slightly cheaper in the long run. As for acrylic nails, the fill appointments are required in a 2-3 week period to address the new growth at the nail base. Gels do not need infills, one needs full immersion and its change every 3-4 weeks.

Thus, it is logical to ask ‘Are Gel Nails Bad For Your Nails?’

Concerns were earlier raised especially with the use of UV lamps that were used in the early gel manicure services as they may lead to skin cancer. However, most of the current gel polish curing employs the use of LED lamps which emit Very low UV radiation. However, as far as beauty salons are trustworthy, hanniker gel works are quite safe.

There are still a few things to consider when it comes to gel nails and nail health:

Continuous removal and use of the product may cause nails to become brittle over a long period of time. Don’t keep any overlays on your nails for more than a few months so as to give the natural nails a rest. Other gentle treatments such as applying jojoba oil on the nails can also assist strengthen them in between.  

Ensure that during the removal process one follows instructions to avoid damaging the layers of nail plate. Acetone wrapping is essential. Do not pull off gels at home.

What really matters is the right technique that is employed. Go to mature nail technicians; do not continue if the solution burns or stings, or if you experience discomfort during application or hardening.  

When performed correctly, gel manicures are relatively safe while offering a chance for the natural, brittle, or damaged nails to grow through the hard gel layer. Comparatively, gel nail polish is better for your nails than the acrylics in the long run if one has naturally brittle nails.

In this article, we will explore how long gel nails can last and if the duration is worth the effort and cost of getting the manicure. 

Ideally, gel manicure can easily last for 3 to 4 weeks without chipping or fading away on natural nails if done correctly and maintained at home. If gel is applied over acrylic or dip powder extensions the durability may not be as long as with other options. 

Factors impacting gel nail longevity:

Nail Prep – Removing oils and buffing for the ultimate in gel adhesion so that gel nail enhancements last for weeks without chipping off.

Formula Quality – When a salon uses high-quality gel brands such as Gelish, OPI, or CND, the gel has a higher endurance. Kits with lower amounts of polymers chip more quickly.

Skill Level – A professional nail technician achieves a perfect cure and proper layering for durability. 

Home Care – Do not select gels and wear gloves when washing things and doing gardening. An LED at home can help fill small gaps in between sessions.

Nail Structure – gels last slightly lesser on the oily structure of nail beds. As the nails grow out, they become even weaker and peel, which also increases the chances of lifting.  

Clients who often get gel polish can have their manicure last to a whole month before they need a refill. Compared to usual enamel or nail gel that is filled with acrylic, gels help to preserve nails in a better way if it will be applied and stripped off gently.

What kind of gel nails are there?

There are two main types of gel polish products used in manicures: Gel nail polish and gel nail builder are just some of the products that manufacturers can

Gel Polish

Gel polish is available in all stylish shades for manicures. Different gel brands are created for color deposition and nail designs Some gels are of a polish type with polymers that harden when exposed to LED or UV light. Some of the brands include Gelish, Sensational, CND Shellac and OPI Gel Color.

Gel Builders

Builder gels are filed or sculpted to the natural nails or tips and applied for the shaping of tips and overlays. It should be remembered that builders do not possess color; they are made for strength, bonding and structure. The two types are:

Under this category, there is: Hard Gels – Thick formulas that enable the creation of rigid extensions. These are employed for length, for strengthening bitten nails and for overlays. It is still necessary to use files/drills to shape after curing.

Soak-off Gels – An acrylic type of gel that is highly malleable and does not need carving. Overlays for natural nails and other designs can be created using this product. It is preferable to file the nail slightly before applying.

Most salons apply different gel nail products at the same time, for instance, the application of gel tips is done by applying builder gels and then gel polish. When used together correctly, they form a long-lasting coating that is protected and sealed for four weeks or more.

The Bottom Line

Of course, regular polish can always entail the least amount of commitment, but gel nails are a good midpoint between that and acrylics. The new generation gel polish offers a very natural appearance, and this is long-lasting if it is applied by an experienced nail technician.