Nowadays, you have a variety of options when it comes to your nails. If you plan to add fake nails, you can choose classic acrylic nails or gel nails. Each of them offers its own disadvantages and advantages, and knowing certain information about each can help you make the decision that best suits you. Here are some things to consider when it comes to choosing between acrylic nails and gel nails.

Gel Nails vs. Acrylic Nails

The main difference between acrylics and gels lies in the make-up product: acrylic nails made by dipping a brush into a liquid (called monomer) and then placing the wet brush in a powder (called the polymer), creating a ball of product that is then placed on the nail bed and networked on the spot. The product can be cured for a few minutes before the presentation, but the curing process will continue for the next 48 hours. The gel products are premixed and come in a true form of “gel.” A brush is used to pick up some of the gel and place it on the base of the nail, then brush and squeeze it in place. Then, the finger is placed in low voltage ultraviolet light to harden the gel. Once it is removed from the light, it is completely healed.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails have been around for a long time and are very popular. Most nail salons offer them, and many nails have a lot of experience with this type of artificial nail. In other words, they can also be somewhat abnormal when used improperly or in a hurry, and sometimes they are difficult to remove without damaging the fingernail. There is also a strong odor associated with some of the chemicals involved in the process, which can make the application unpleasant.

Pros and Cons of Gel Nails

Although gel nails, especially in Europe, have lasted almost as long as acrylic nails, they have become common in recent years. This means that there are not many places offering this technique, so finding nail technicians who have experience with gel nails can be a little more difficult. Nevertheless, gel nails have some advantages over acrylic. First, gel nails do not require the same type of highly odorous chemicals that need to be applied or removed. Gel nails are also thinner and more flexible than their acrylic counterparts and may be a better choice for women with thin, soft nails.

Lucky for you, we have some amazing nail techs at Avenue 42 that are currently accepting clients!