When it comes to nails, gel vs. acrylic nails have always been neck on neck with each other. They both look good but everyone seems to have a different opinion on which is better. If you’re thinking of getting either of these nails, here’s a quick guide to simplify your decision.

Gel vs. Acrylic nails- The Pros and Cons

A good starting point is to differentiate the pros and cons of each of the styles. This will be a big contributing factor to the final decision.

Pros – Gel nails

Lasts longer than regular manicures- A huge pro is that gel nails are said to last a lot longer, which is great when looking at it in terms of longevity.

The nails do not chip easily- This is mainly because UV lights prevent the nails from breaking and chipping easily.

2 Minutes drying time- If you’re on the go and don’t have a lot of time, then gel nails could work for you. They dry super quickly which means that you won’t need to waste time at the salon. Again, this is because of the UV lights.

Smudge free nails- Something that just about every women can understand is the agony of having your nails smudged. Thankfully, gel nails do not smudge because of how quickly the dry. You won’t have to worry of fixing your nails ever again.

Great for nail bitters- Nail biting is a really bad habit to have not only because it is unhealthy but also because it ruins the nails completely. Studies have shown that women who get gel nails have healthier fingernails.

Pros- Acrylic nails

Affordability- Unlike gel nails, acrylic nails are a lot more affordable and don’t cost as much as gel nails. This is great because a wider variety of women can have this beauty service at a fraction of what gel nails cost.

Durability- Acrylic nails are durable and strong; which means they do not break easily if they are properly looked after.

Can be fixed at home- If you chip a nail you don’t have to worry of spending more money to fix it. All you need is a few tools at home and you can get the job done yourself.

Cons- Gel Nails

Price and affordability- Gel nails are quite expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Some salons charge a lot more than other (depending on where you go). For this reason, it’s a great idea to compare prices from different beauty salons.

Possible health risks- If you go to an unqualified nail technician there is a chance that you might develop an infection. With that being said, always ensure that you go to someone who knows what they’re doing.

UV Rays- This is a massive con because we all know that UV rays are really dangerous. The rays can activate cancer cells and can also cause the skin to look aged. Our advice would be to use sunscreen to protect the skin when under the UV lights.

Thinning nails after removal- The removal process is not something to look forward to. The nails are soaked in acetone and then filed down, which causes the nails to thin entirely.

Con- Acrylic nails

Only lasts 2 weeks- A massive downside to acrylic nails is that they last half of what gel nails last. You will have to keep on maintaining them in order for it to look good.

Weakened nails- In order to get acrylic nails placed on your natural nails the nail tech will have to file down your nails drastically. This might result in your nails being brittle and unhealthy.

Allergic reaction- You might not have known this but many women have had allergic reactions when getting acrylic nails. This is because there are strong fumes and substances present when getting this procedure done.

Conclusion

Gel vs. acrylic nails is definitely a tough decision. Each of these methods come with their fair share of pros and cons.

There is no harm in trying both of these nails out and making a choice based on your personal opinion. However, it’s always good to know what the advantages and disadvantages are so that you know what to expect.

It’s important to go to a nail salon that has experienced and qualified nail technicians so that your nails aren’t compromised. Find out what works best for you and stick with what you feel is best for you.