Gel Nails Compared to Acryllic Nails

Jan 29, 2022

Acrylic and Gel Nails at Home

Artificial nails exist in several options. These have all been popular for years. They proved so much more impressive than simply applying nail polish to nails that were grown naturally. For one thing, they are instant - it takes months to grow long nails. For another, we know what we are getting when we apply any type of artificial nail.

Older Gel Nails

Gel nails have been around for several years. They were made with a three-layer process, consisting of a base coat, nail polish, and a top coat over the natural nails. Ultraviolet light (UV) was used to harden each layer as it was applied, taking about 1 minute for each layer. The result is a glossy, freshly manicured look. Gel nails can be used on just the natural nail, or on an extended nail.

Acrylic Nails.

These are made of a combination of Liquid and powder that are set hard on the nail surface. The hardened nail is then filed to shape, and given colour with nail polish and a top coat. Gel nails can be applied in less time, and look quite natural. At one point they could only be done in a salon, but take-home kits changed this. Gel nails will last about two weeks, and can be removed by soaking in acetone.

Stick on Acrylic Nails

Adhesive nails are artificial, but not at all permanent. They are a pre-coloured acrylic nails with a peel and stick adhesive back. We apply them to the nails, the process only takes a minute, and remove them at the end of the week. Because of the short-term life, we can change these nails to suit our mood.

New Semi-Cured Gel Nails at Home

These are also adhesive nails, but they are gel-based not acrylic. They still require a UV lamp to harden to a shiny finish, but they come 60% pre-hardened, so the UV light is mild and the process takes less than a minute. These nails are super hard, so they resist most damage, and they have the same shiny appeal as gel nails from a salon.

Semi-Cured Gel Nails at Home

Adhesive nails get great results with minimal effort. We can change them on a whim. Semi-cured gel nails are the latest version.