Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails (2024)

FAQs

Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails? ›

Gel nails are generally more durable because they're more flexible and less brittle than acrylics. This means they're less likely to chip or break. Gel nails are also more resistant to everyday wear and tear, like typing on a keyboard or opening cans.

Gel polish offers a high-shine finish and may be less damaging, but it can sometimes chip more easily than acrylics. Consider your lifestyle and nail goals to make the best pick. Ultimately, you can try them both.

Acrylic nails can last you around a week or so. Gel nails or gel extensions last for at least 14-15 days. Since acrylic nails last for a shorter duration of time, they are not durable. Gel nails are more durable than acrylic nails, making them suitable for daily chores or sporty activities.

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

Because gel extensions are more malleable and natural-looking, they often cost more to get applied than acrylics, according to New York City-based nail artist Shirley Cheng.

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.

Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend following these tips.

First, Gel Polish can start to lift or peel over time and removal is the only way to ensure that Gel Polish does not damage your nails. Additionally, Gel Polish can also start to wear down and will look less fresh after three weeks.

Can you get mold under acrylic nails? ›

Fungal nail infection. This can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails. It is more common with nails that are left on for 3 months or longer.

Dip powder nails are actually more durable than acrylic! That's incredible, we know; they last for 3 weeks or longer without chipping or peeling. You'll need fewer manicures each year, and that's great news – it's just another reason why dip powder is healthier than acrylics!

You should get acrylic nails 'filled' once every two weeks at the max. You shouldn't need to get a new full set unless you need to because you're nails are all lifting or you need/want colored tips put on, although you could easily have them fill just the tip with colored acrylic instead of getting a new full set.

Gel nails, while durable, aren't as strong as acrylic nails. They are more flexible than acrylic nails and less resistant to chipping or breaking. In general, acrylic nails are more durable than gel nails, but gel nails have a more natural look.

On the other hand, acrylic overlay is applied directly onto the natural nail plate, without the use of nail tips.

"Gel polish provides flexibility which may feel more natural and is great on healthy natural nails. Weak or damaged nails that need more strength may prefer the hardness of dip powder," says Di Lullo. So, if you're using your hands a lot, dip powder should be your go-to, as it's also more scratch-resistant than gel.

Gel nails, while durable, aren't as strong as acrylic nails. They are more flexible than acrylic nails and less resistant to chipping or breaking. In general, acrylic nails are more durable than gel nails, but gel nails have a more natural look.

Gel nail extensions are made of "a molecule called an oligomer that usually comes in a pot and is the consistency of honey," says celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec. "Gel extensions are created when the hard or semi-hard gel is sculpted, cured, and then shaped to add length and strength to the nail."

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.