What is the difference between acrlylic and gel for your nails?

Acrylic nails are made from a combination of liquid (monomer), and powder (polymers). The technician will first dip their brush into the liquid, then in the powder, and the small bead which is formed from this is applied to your nail. It takes normally 3 or 4 beads of product to form a complete nail. These beads contain the acrylic, which 'hardens on your nails within a few minutes though for it to completely 'cure,' it takes between 24-48 hours.


Gel nails are made from, um, gel! It has the look and consistency of a hair styling gel, and is available in many colors. Gel nails made with top quality products are more natural looking than acrylic nails. Gel is also non-toxic, non-yellowing, and has no odors associated with its application as acrylic does from the liquid.


One note: Gel nails are made from gel, and nothing else. It is applied usually in several layers. Each layer must be individually cured under a special ultraviolet lamp for about 2 minutes. Gel nails NEVER contain any liquid and powder, so if the tech uses any, then you are getting acrylic nails, and not gel. This happens often in the low price 'discount' salons. You will ask for gel nails, they will give you acrylic nails, and maybe put a UV gel topcoat on them and tell you they are gel nails - and charge you a higher price for those so-called 'gel' nails. Sorry, they are NOT gel nails, those are acrylic nails. Beware of this scam because gel nails cost more than acrylic nails simply because the gels used in the application process cost more than acrylics. To see what gel looks like, follow the link below:


http://www.cnd.com/Home/homelink-consume鈥?/a>


This particular gel line is made by one of the best gel nail companies in the world. But, that is what gel looks like. Remember, it is never a powder, ever. Don't let the tech tell you, ';It powder gel'; because that does not exist.


A couple of other things: Acrylic nails tend to hold polish better than gels. Also, acrylic nails are porous, and that means they can absorb colors from polish easily. Always use a basecoat to help prevent this. If you want to have them removed, always make sure that the tech does not rip them off , or tear them off your nails. They are to be soaked in acetone.


Gel nails are non-porous, and therefore cannot be soaked off in acetone. They must be filed off by a very skilled technician, or your nails will get ruined from over-use of the file on your nails - or worse, a drill that was used by an unskilled tech will ruin your nails too.


Gel nails do not hold polish as well as acrylic nails do. Always use a good quality basecoat to give the polish something to adhere to.


Remember: It is not the use of acrylics, or gels which ruin your nails (unless the acrylics contain MMA, that WILL ruin your nails). It is an unskilled technician who will ruin your nails, most often by the use of a Dremel on your natural nails. This tool is not meant to be used on nails - it is made for woodworking, and other hobbies, NOT nails. But the discount aslons use them anyway. Do not let anyone use a drill on your nails. All that is needed is a gentle hand filing to remove the natural shine, and nothing more. Don't let any tech tell you otherwise. And seriously, stay out of the discount salons. You get what you pay for, and if you are paying only $25 for full set, then don't expect much except for ruined nails! And the language barrier is horrible in those places too. avoid them, really.


I hope this helped out a bit!What is the difference between acrlylic and gel for your nails?
acrylic tends to be more ';stiff'; meaning when it grows out you need to get a refill after 2 weeks otherwise they will lift and look crappy.. And they tend to RUIN your nails


Gel on the other hand is more soft for your nail and look more natural.. And needs a refill 2-3 weeks..


I honestly prefer gell because it looks more natural but they break a lot easier... =)What is the difference between acrlylic and gel for your nails?
gel are better for your nails. They also have less harsh chemicals so your nail lady doesn't need to wear a little mask. In my opinion Gel are way better. They are newer and better!
acrlyic is made out of powder gel is made of gel
I totally asked my manicurist that same question once. She said that acrylic is laid down on top of the nail but remains a seperate layer of your nail. So, say you slam a hammer on your hand, you will crack the acrylic but not the nail. But, she said gel infuses with your nail bed. Meaning, if you hit your hand with a hammer, you would crack the gel AND your nail. OUCH!





Hope that helps!