Do you like fake nails but you don’t know which technique to use? Have you heard so many urban legends about them that you don’t know what to say about them? Don’t worry, today we will try to clear up all the doubts about the two constructions par excellence.
What is the main difference?
The materials that compose these products are of acrylic nature in both cases, what differentiates both systems is the polymerization of the same one.
– In the case of acrylic nails, polymerization is done when a monomer (liquid) and polymer (powder) come into contact, thus building the nail.
– In the case of the gel, both compounds (polymer and monomer) are mixed in the same product, so polymerization only takes place under UV light.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Hardness
The acrylic construction is usually harder than the gel construction and in a case of breakage (by a strong blow) the damage is more likely to reach the natural nail with the acrylic construction than with the gel. This is precisely due to the hardness and strength of the acrylic construction. - Naturalness
Until relatively recently, gel was more natural than acrylic. Today this market has evolved to such an extent that whether a nail looks more or less natural depends more on the experience and precision of the nail technique of the material used. It should also be taken into account that gel has more shine and acrylic has a more matte finish.. - Porosity
Both the gel and the acrylic completely seal the natural nail. The difference is that acrylic is more porous than gel, so removal is easier. - Construction
Both gel and acrylic manicures can be built on mold or on tip, depending on the shape, length and needs of the nail.
The gel is easier to build. Both constructions require further maintenance, as the natural nail grows and it is necessary to fill the gap it leaves. - Decoration
The acrylic manicure is the chosen one par excellence for the decoration: encapsulated, 3D, spearhead, etc; although nowadays there are denser gels that allow to create in 3D, it is only necessary to know how to work it. - Price
Usually the gel manicure is more affordable than the acrylic manicure. - Retrieved
Acrylic nails have an easier removal than gel nails. Acrylic nails are dissolved with a special liquid and gel nails must be filed, in both cases it is advisable not to remove the product completely: a thin layer must be left to protect the natural nail.
If after reading this post you still have doubts, the best thing is to contact your beauty center and they will advise you on the option that suits you best.