Gel and acrylic nails have similar results. They can lengthen short nails, strengthen nails, and make your fingers look longer and more slender. There are some various pros and cons that might help you decide which the right choice is for you. If gel nails, acrylic nails, and other choices are overwhelming you, then one thing you can always do is speak with a nail technician (manicurist) who can help you make a wise decision that will fit your needs.
As far as finishing touches, you can paint, do French tips, or create other designs on either type of nail. Some people think that airbrushing looks much better on gel nails because they have a more glossy finish, but that is a personal preference. You can look at photos of different types of nails at Next Nail which gives you an idea of the appearance of different types of artificial nails.
If you’re looking for safety information about monomers, polymers, and other manicure agents then visit the Food & Drug Administration’s page on nail product regulations.
Pros of Acrylic Nails:
- if you break an acrylic nail you can almost always fix it temporarily, and rather easily, yourself.
- The removal process is simple and straightforward if done by a professional. The nails can be soaked rather than filed off.
- Acrylics are very strong. When done correctly and with proper nail care, they can last a long time. They’re robust!
Pros of Gel Nails:
- Gel nails often look more natural and glossy than other types of cosmetic nails.
- The curing time is faster than acrylics, sometimes clocking in at just two minutes when light-curing is done.
- Gel nail mixtures are odorless.
- There is less filing involved during the application process.
Cons of Acrylic Nails:
- They can damage your real nails in a harsher manner than gel nails can.
- Acrylics can look less natural than gel nails, especially if done incorrectly.
- It can be hard to grow out acrylic nails.
Cons of Gel Nails :
- They don’t last as long and are less durable than acrylic, even though they tend to cost more.
- Gel nails are harder to do yourself if you like to do home manicures.
- Nail polish may not stick to the gel finish as well as it does to an acrylic finish.
- If a gel nail breaks, you may be in for some trouble. It can sometimes be more of a shatter effect than a clean break, so self-fixing a break is not usually an option. You’ll need to make an appointment right away with your manicurist. Sometimes they do break cleanly; basic nail glue could be used in that case.
- Gel nails almost always need to be filed off. You can’t just soak them away.
There are so many variables when it comes to gel nails, acrylic nails, natural nails and everything in between that your best bet is always to go to a trusted tail technician. Ask your friends who they use or call the Better Business Bureau before going to a shop. Sometimes the only difference between gel and acrylic is how they’ve been applied, so you want to hire a professional you can trust.
GEL NAILS are an extremely natural-looking enhancement: thin, clear, flexible, non-yellowing, nonporous, resist lifting. Gel nails can be used for natural nail overlays (actually one of the most difficult techniques–but it looks the easiest), tip overlays, and sculpted onto forms for short extensions, and to help encapsulate a damaged free-edge as it grows out. (For definitions of unfamiliar terms, check the “Glossary of Nail Tech Terminology” page.) Silk or fiberglass can be added to gels when needed for repairs or extra strength (don’t get ahead of me, I’ ll cover when, why and how later in these pages 
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Gel Nails are the future of the nail industry! Europe is already 90% GELS, the USA will be too within 10 years! Gels are and will be the “hot” service that clients demand. No other service can give clients both a natural nails look and feel combined with the convenience and durability of acrylic nails. Many clients have tired of acrylic nails in this past decade because of the disadvantages that can be associated with them (such as the odors and lifting and nail damage, etc) . These same clients now flock to salons in record numbers for “natural nail” manicures with many spa type add-ons to increase the ticket price. BUT…. Many of these clients have already grown weary of the weekly appointments and rigorous home maintenance requirements of “natural” nails. They want another alternative; they want natural beauty combined with strength and durability. Now you can give clients what they want…… Gel nails ARE the best of both worlds!
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