Choosing Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails

Women have a lot of options when they hit the salon to get their nails done. If you're considering false nail application, you may be asked whether you want gel or acrylic nails applied. Before you make your decision, here's what you need to know.
About Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails have been a staple in the beauty industry for years, and this staying power has contributed to their ongoing popularity. Donne Geer, co-founder of Hey, Nice Nails! explains the application process this way, "Acrylics are applied using a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to create a hard protective layer over your natural nails. Acrylics only harden when exposed to air." When the acrylic hardens, it provides a perfect canvas for applying nail color.

Gel Nail Basics
Jamie White, beauty and product expert at Spaciety notes that "gel nail application provides the strength of acrylic nails with the appearance of natural nails." Unlike acrylic nails, gel nails only harden when exposed to UV light. Geer explains that "Gel polishes are similar to nail polish - you have a base coat, color polish, and top coat. Each coat has to be cured in the UV light for two to three minutes." Both types of nails undergo chemical process to bond to the natural nail, however, there are some differences between the two.

Gel Nails or Acrylic Nails…Which is Better?
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 pros and cons that might help you decide which nail application to choose.
While both types of nails can be applied at home, application might be best left to a professional. Acrylic nail fumes may overwhelm you at your house, and without a UV light, you won't be able to get gel nails to harden.

As far as finishing touches, you can paint, you can do French tips, or create other designs on either type of nail. Some people think that airbrushing looks better on gel nails because they have a more glossy finish.
Factors to Consider
While durability and cost are high ranking factors in your decision, you should also keep a few other things in mind. Acrylics are better for some women while gel nails are better for others due to their activity level and job.
Lifestyle
If you have a job where your hands are in water many times during the day, you may find that gel nails are a better option for you. Gel adheres like a polish and water will not affect it like it will acrylic. If you have your hands in water more than just washing your hands every day, the water can cause the acrylic to lift away from your nail leaving you prone to a nail fungus.
The same applies if you are athletic. Sweat will not affect gel nails like it will acrylic. Sweat and body oil will cause the acrylic to lift away from the nail bed.
Budget, Time, and Maintenance
Your monetary budget plays a major role in making your choice, as does your budget for time spent per visit. While the cost seems to be the same for acrylic and gel nails, there is actually a big difference.

- Acrylics: With acrylics, you pay for a full set of nails the first time you get them. This visit will be about an hour. Some salons suggest replacing the nails completely every four months, but that is not necessary. A full set will range between $30 - $60 at a reputable salon. That would be month one. Fill-ins are just that, filling in the new growth of the nail with acrylic and making any repairs. A visit for fill-ins will take about thirty minutes. This will cost $15 - $30 for the following months, once a month. In a year, the average cost would be between about $195 - $390 for acrylic nails.
- Gel Nails: Gel nails are more costly money-wise. Gels only last between 10 - 14 days, though there are rare women who can get by with once a month. Gel nails are the same price regardless of whether it a new application or a return visit because it is essentially an upgrade to a regular manicure. The average cost of a gel application is between $25 - $60 at a reputable salon every time it is done. The average time spent in the salon is about thirty minutes per visit. If you become a regular gel client that cost could be between about $50 - $120 per month or $300 - $720 a year.
Making the Choice
Donne Geer says that hands-down "Soak off gels are the way to go. There's no damage to the nail and it doesn't require any filing." That said, there are many variables to consider when it comes to choosing artificial nails, so you may want to confer with a nail technician in your area to discuss options. Ask your friends who they use or call the Better Business Bureau before going to a shop.