Acrylic Nails or Gel Nails - What To Choose?

Acrylic nails or gel nails? Is one method better or safer? We debunk myths about popular nail extension methods and prove that both methods are effective, but they serve slightly different purposes.

From this article you will learn:

• Acrylic nails - what are they?    
• How to do acrylic nails step by step?    
• Acrylic nail care    
• Acrylic nails advantages and disadvantages    
• Does acrylic damage nails?    
• How to remove acrylic nails?    
• Gel nails - what are they?    
• How to do  gel nails step by step?    
• How to remove gel nails?    
• Gel nails advantages and disadvantages     
• Acrylic nails vs.  gel nails     
• How to avoid unevenness on extended acrylic or gel nails?     
• Acrylic or gel nails - what to choose?    

Acrylic nails - what are they?

Acrylic is a powder that, combined with acrylic fluid, is applied to prepared nails. It hardens automatically through oxidation (exposure to air) within minutes. However, full hardening occurs after two days, after which the final shape and shine can be achieved. Acrylic is exceptionally hard and resistant to mechanical damage, adhering strongly to the nail plate.

Who are acrylic nails a good choice for?

Who are acrylic nails best for? For those whose nails are particularly susceptible to damage, cracks, and other types of mechanical damage. For those with short, even bitten, nails. Acrylic perfectly conceals these types of imperfections, which is impossible with a clear gel manicure. Acrylic can have a milky or pinkish tint.

How to do acrylic nails step by step?

To make acrylic nails, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Disinfect your hands.

Step 2. Prepare your nails for Duo Acrygel application. Trim your nails to the fingertip and use a fine-grained nail file to smooth out the surface. Push back cuticles with wooden sticks. Degrease your nails with a nail degreaser.

Step 3. Apply Hard Base to the natural nail plate and cure in an LED lamp. 

Step 4. Place the form under the free edge of the natural nail. Using a Duo Acrylgel brush soaked in Cleaner , apply the acrylic to ⅓ of the nail surface, spreading it across the nail plate to achieve the desired length. Cure in a 48W LED lamp for 60 seconds.

Step 5. Remove the form and reapply Duo Acrylgel to one-third of the nail surface and spread it across the nail plate again. Cure in a 48W LED lamp for 60 seconds.

Step 6. Shape your nails using a 180-grit file.

Step 7. Apply a coat of Hard Top polish for shine and cure in an LED lamp. Finally, clean the design with Cleaner.

Acrylic nail care

Acrylic nails require care to last as long as possible. To extend the life of acrylic nails, you should:

• rub acrylic nails with oil, which will make them more flexible, resistant to crumbling and will not absorb air.

• if air bubbles appear, fill them with conditioner or clear varnish to prevent the acrylic from peeling off.

• Do not use acetone - it dissolves acrylic and causes it to soften. To remove the acrylic varnish layer, use an acetone-free remover.

• use a base coat when applying dark colours to acrylic - dark colours may cause discolouration of the acrylic.

• use protective gloves when doing housework, this will protect acrylic nails from contact with chemicals that may affect their hardness.

• Avoid mechanical damage, especially biting or putting in your mouth. Remember not to open cans with your fingernails :)

• dry your hands and nails thoroughly after contact with water - it causes acrylic nails to separate from the nail plate.

Acrylic nails advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of acrylic nails:

• nails are strong and resistant to mechanical damage.

• the effect lasts for a very long time.

• offers a lot of styling possibilities thanks to the ease of forming shapes.

Disadvantages of acrylic nails:

• acrylic has an intense smell.

• dries quickly, which may make styling difficult for inexperienced people.

• they do not let air through.

Does acrylic damage nails?

Acrylic doesn't damage nails. On the contrary, it positively impacts their condition. Acrylic is very hard and protects the nail plate from damage, preventing splitting and allowing it to grow undamaged. When removing acrylic, be careful not to expose the nails to acetone for too long, as this can weaken the nail plate.

How to remove acrylic nails?

Removing acrylic nails is easier than you think. You can do it in two ways:

Method #1 for removing acrylic nails

For this you will need: cuticle rubber, acetone, wooden sticks:

1. First, cut your acrylic nails and file down the top layer of acrylic so that the acetone can work better.

2. Secure your cuticles with a cuticle eraser so that the acrylic stays clean. 

3. Pour acetone into a bowl and soak your nails for about 30 minutes until the acrylic dissolves and comes off your nails.

4. Pry up the acrylic with a wooden stick, but don't peel it off; wait for it to come off on its own. Remove the acrylic from your nails.

5. Wash your hands after removing your acrylic nails.

Method #2 for removing acrylic nails

You can also easily remove acrylic nails at home using Foil Nail Wraps . These are foils with a cotton pad attached to them. The difference is that instead of soaking your nails in a bowl of acetone, you soak the cotton pad on the foil with acetone and hold it on your nails for about 30 minutes. Afterward, check to see if the acrylic is loosening and remove it from your nails. 

Gel nails - what are they?

Gel nails are a popular way to extend nails, ideal for short and brittle nails. They're created using gel applied directly to the nail plate and then cured using an LED lamp. They require nail extension forms placed under the nails to create the desired length and shape. Well-executed gel nails can last for several weeks. 

How to do gel nails step by step?

To make gel nails, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Disinfect your hands.

Step 2. Prepare your nails for gel application – trim your nails and gently buff the nail plate with a nail file. Push back your cuticles with a wooden stick. Degrease the nail plate with a nail degreaser. 

Step 3. Apply primer to the natural nail plate, it will increase the adhesion of the gel to the plate. 

Step 4. Place the form under the nail and use a brush to apply the first thin layer of gel – there will be three layers. Be careful not to let the gel touch the cuticles. Use the first layer of gel to shape and length the nail. Cure in an LED lamp and wipe with Cleaner. Curing times vary depending on the gel type. Use the  hybrid gel curing time table to select the curing time for your product.

Step 5. Apply a second layer of gel and build a C-cure. Cure in an LED lamp. File to finalize. Clean with Cleaner.

Step 6. Apply a third layer of gel. Cure in an LED lamp and wash with Cleaner.

Step 7. Finally, apply olive oil to the cuticles around your nails.

Also see our tutorial on YouTube: Extensions with Revital Base Fiber.

Still not sure which nail extension product to choose? Read our article: Which Nail Extension Product to Choose?

How to remove gel nails?

Removing gel nails at home isn't difficult. There are two methods. For each, you'll need: 

• coarse file.

• acetone.

• aluminum foil and cotton pads (see our Foil Nail Wraps - foils for removing hybrid nail polish, which have a cotton pad attached to them to be soaked in acetone, which makes the work much easier and faster).

• wooden sticks.

• nail polisher. 

Note: Remember not to force your gel nails off. This will damage the nail plate.

Method #1 for removing gel nails

File the gel with a coarse file. When the gel layer is thin, soak a cotton pad in acetone and place it on the nail. Wrap it in aluminum foil and leave for about 10 minutes. Use a wooden stick to check if the gel comes off easily. If so, remove the foil and remove the gel from the nails. Finally, buff the nails with a nail buffer.

Method No. 2 for removing gel nails

Soak your nails in acetone for about 15 minutes. Use a wooden stick to check if the gel comes off easily. If the gel comes off easily, remove your nails from the acetone and remove the gel. Buff your nails. 

Both methods of removing gel nails are very similar. The difference lies in the use of acetone, which, if used excessively, can damage nails and irritate the skin. The longer acetone is in contact with the nail, the more it weakens it.

Gel nails advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of gel nails:

• natural look.

• long-lasting effect lasting for several weeks.

• with its help we can repair broken nails without having to cut them.

• wide range of nail styling possibilities.

Disadvantages of gel nails:

• their removal requires filing down the entire gel layer using a file or  nail drill.

• its implementation is time-consuming.

• is more expensive than a hybrid manicure.

How to avoid unevenness on extended acrylic or gel nails?

The main cause of unevenness on acrylic and gel nails is improper product application. You can read more about this in the article:  How to avoid unevenness on extended nails?

If you're just starting out with nail extensions, don't be discouraged by uneven or wavy nails – everyone has had their share of unsuccessful projects. You need to be patient and practice until you achieve satisfactory results. You need to find your own way to apply gel or acrylic. 

We recommend applying the product to the center of the nail plate, spreading it outward in circular motions, and then moving it horizontally to the form, where you determine the length and shape of the nails. Be careful to carefully apply the gel/acrylic to the sides of the nail – the area where the product meets the nail plate. This is where mistakes are most likely to occur. 

What else could cause unevenness on extended nails? Dirty or worn-out nail tools. Nail brushes should be cleaned regularly, as dried product on the bristles can ruin the effect. 

How long do extended nails last?

Depending on the individual nail characteristics, its condition, and growth rate, they last from two weeks to a month and a half. If they are in poor condition, they require more care. Nails need to be filled in periodically. Acrylic nails can be gently filed after the nail has grown out a few millimeters, reducing the gap and creating a smooth transition from the acrylic to the natural nail.

Can you apply nail extensions yourself at home? Of course, you can. However, you must strictly adhere to the basic rules that professionals follow. That is, follow the instructions and don't modify the application or removal methods. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful nails, done in the comfort of your own home, that look like they came from the best beauty salons. Of course, the rule that practice makes perfect applies to everyone. Even the most talented ;).

Acrylic nails vs. gel nails - comparison

The main difference between acrylic and gel nails is the curing method – gel is cured in an LED lamp, while acrylic sets on its own after a few minutes. Gel nails look more natural than acrylic nails. Acrylic is harder than gel, making acrylic nails more resistant to mechanical damage.  

Acrylic or gel nails - what to choose?

Both acrylic and gel are safe and proven nail extension methods that can be performed at home. Both methods provide long and beautiful nails for several weeks. Acrylic nails are harder and more resistant to mechanical damage. Gel nails are also durable but have a more natural appearance. When choosing a method, consider the current condition of your nails. Acrylic nails perform better on dry nails; wet nails can impede the curing process and reduce their durability. Some products used for acrylic nails have a strong odor that can cause allergic reactions. Gel, on the other hand, can cause a burning sensation in the lamp – this is a result of the product's polymerization. 

Gel and acrylic comparison table 

 

The choice of nail extension method is up to you. We hope our tips will help you decide :)