When it comes to manicures, two services own the scheduling books at most salons: Acrylic nails and gel nails. If you find yourself debating between acrylic nails vs gel nails, this guide will help you figure out which one will suit you best. We’ll cover the pros and cons and compare each manicure by style, process, price, maintenance, and more, so you can quickly determine which will work better with your aesthetic and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Understanding Acrylic Nails: What Are They?
Acrylic nails are extensions made of acrylic polymers that cover the entirety of the nail. While they can come in any length and have any kind of design, they’re associated with longer styles and often feature unique and creative nail art. They cover the nails completely and are especially popular who want longer nails but cannot achieve them naturally.
The acrylic nails are made of a mix of acrylic polymer powder and a liquid monomer that, once combined, hardens into a nail-like extension.
Pros of Acrylic Nails
- Length
- Artistry
- Longevity
- Durability
Cons of Acrylic Nails
- Expensive
- Can make using hands awkward
- May damage the nails
Delving into Gel Nails: What Are They?
Gel nails, sometimes also referred to as Shellac nails or UV-cured nails, are like a thicker, more durable version of nail polish. The gel applied to the nails is made of a mixture of acrylic monomers and oligomers that harden under UV light.
Pros of Gel Nails
- Durable
- Long-wearing
- More affordable than acrylics
- Can be artistic
Cons of Gel Nails
- No nail extension
- Removal can cause some nail damage
- UV exposure, while very minor, may pose a danger to the skin
Comparing Acrylic and Gel Nails
When deciding between acrylic and gel nails, it’s helpful to understand how they compare across several categories. Each option has its own strengths and limitations depending on your preferences and needs.
Appearance and Finish
With acrylic nails, the sky's the limit as far as shape, color, design, and finish. While we tend to think of long and elaborate acrylic nails covered in creative nail art, the truth is that acrylic nails can also be designed to look short and subtle, with anything in between.
Gel nails are less versatile. Because the gel is applied in thin coats, the length and shape are dependent on your natural nail. That said, there is a lot of room for creativity with nail art when it comes to gel nails. While they classically have a very shiny, reflective finish, glitter or matte-finish gel polishes exist for those who prefer a different look.
Durability and Longevity
Acrylic and gel nails have similar longevity. Both usually last for 2-3 weeks before the nails grow out at the base. With acrylic nails, it’s possible to just get an in-fill, where more acrylic is added at the base. With gel nail polish, however, the gel has to be completely removed and reapplied.
Application Process and Time
A full set of acrylic nails normally takes an hour and a half to two hours to apply, while a gel manicure can be as quick as thirty to 45 minutes. This is because the process of creating acrylic nails is a lot more similar to sculpture, while creating gel nails is more similar to painting. With both, more elaborate nail art or other add-ons may prolong the process.
During an acrylic manicure, aside from all the prep, the manicurist must also mix the acrylic liquid and powder, and carefully smooth it over the nail to build out the extension. Once the structure is built, the manicurist will use a nail buffer or e-file to refine the shape. Finally, nail polish (including gel polish) can be applied.
Gel nails require prep similar to that of acrylic nails. Once prepped, the manicurist applies a gel base coat, two layers of gel polish, and a gel top coat. Each layer has to be cured under a UV-light machine for about 10 seconds.
Cost Comparison
Because of the added complexity, acrylic nails are costlier than gel nails, but neither option is necessarily budget-friendly. Getting acrylic nails for the first time will cost you between $50 to $80 for a more basic set, although elaborate nail art can increase the price. Refills usually cost between $30 and $50.
By comparison, gel nails are usually cheaper. On average, a gel manicure usually costs between $20 and $65, depending on the area where the salon is located and the amount of nail art. Since refills aren’t usually possible with gel nails, you can expect to pay the same every time you go in for a manicure.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintenance includes keeping both acrylic and gel nails dry and clean. Wear gloves during activities that include harsh chemicals or detergents, and avoid using your nails as tools, as that may lead to acrylic nails popping off or gel polish peeling. Use moisturizers or cuticle oil to preserve the health of your cuticles.
With proper care, both types of manicures will stay put for weeks. With acrylic nails, in-fill sessions are all it takes to cover up any grow-out. Gel manicures, which are often just a once-in-a-while treat, have to be completely removed and reapplied once the nails have grown out.
Health and Safety Considerations
With their greater heft, acrylic nails can be a little harsher on the natural nail. Many people find that their nails are more brittle when they finally remove their acrylics. That said, the risk of damage also depends on the skill of the manicurist and the gentleness of the removal process.
Gel nails, as a thinner extension that causes less pressure, are generally less damaging to the nails. That said, improper removal, such as peeling off the gel polish, can lead to some damage.
With acrylic nails, there’s a greater risk of allergic reactions during the application. Later on, if water gets trapped under the extension, acrylic nails can lead to green nail syndrome.
With gel nails, there are concerns that exposure to UV could increase the risk of skin cancer. Consider wearing a hand cream with SPF when getting gel nails for UV protection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Acrylic and Gel Nails
Choosing between acrylic and gel nails depends on several personal factors. Here’s what to think about before making your decision.
Lifestyle and Daily Activities
If you’re someone who uses their hands a lot, especially submerging them in water, a gel manicure might be the easier choice. Acrylic nails can come off, which can be painful, and there can be a learning curve to using your hands with the new extension.
Gel polish doesn’t change the length of your nails at all, and it’s also much less likely to get pulled off or impacted by daily activities, which makes it an easier choice for those who don’t want to compromise their lifestyle.
Budget Constraints
If you’re looking for a 24/7 nail enhancement, neither option is very budget-friendly. Acrylic nails will likely be costlier to maintain, especially if they’re more elaborate or artistic. That said, with gel nails, there is usually no cheaper “in-fill” option, so you’ll have to pay full price for your manicure every time.
Nail Health and Sensitivities
If maintaining the health of your natural nails is a priority, gel nails will take less of a toll on your natural nails. That said, if your nails are very brittle, you may appreciate the thick, protective layer of acrylics — just keep in mind it may leave your natural nails more brittle once you’re ready to stop with acrylics.
Desired Nail Aesthetics
Looking for length and drama, with a lot of real estate for unique nail art? If that’s the case, acrylic nails are the clear choice (unless your nails grow very long naturally).
Are you looking for a long-lasting manicure, and you’re perfectly happy with the length of your nails as they are now? If so, gel nails will probably be an excellent choice for you!
Press-On Nails: A Convenient Alternative to Acrylic and Gel Nails
Would you like to avoid the cost of salon manicures while still enjoying flawless, artistic nails? Today, press-ons easily rival acrylic and gel nails with their style, versatility, and budget-friendly price points. Lilac St press-on nails are a fantastic alternative, with shorter styles easily emulating gel nails and longer styles passing for professional acrylics.
They only take ten minutes to apply, but with the right application technique, they can stay put for up to 10 days. They cost about half the price of a professional gel nail manicure and as much as a third of the price of acrylic nails, but they’re reusable, which means you can enjoy them again and again.
Making the Right Choice for Your Nails
Ultimately, deciding between acrylic vs gel nails usually comes down to personal style. Both are long-lasting nail enhancement options that require regular spending and salon visits to maintain. The big difference is that acrylics add significant bulk and length to your nails, while gel nails are a lot more like nail polish.
If you find yourself bulking at the idea of regular salon visits and the associated costs… You can forego both and opt for the stylish, simple DIY alternative: Press-on nails.
