Difference Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails

Women always want to look good and with this in mind, businessmen and manufacturers have developed many products to cater to women’s needs.  Fashion accessories like bags, shoes, jewelry and even nail enhancements are available in most boutiques and stores anywhere in the world.

Nail extensions, artificial nails, fake nails or whatever you might want to call these accessories are fast becoming a trend.  They are coverings for the nails and some are made to look exactly like normal nails with designs. There are many materials that can be made into artificial nails; two of the most widely used artificial nails are gel nails and acrylic nails.

Gel Nails

Gel nails and acrylic nails are made from the same materials, monomer liquid and polymer powder.  The difference is that gel nails contain oligomers, which are short chain monomers that make the artificial nails more flexible.

You can have gel nails wherein the fingers are placed under an Ultraviolet Light for two minutes to harden; this is called light cured gel nails. No light gel nails are also available and made by applying or spraying the nails with a special gel activator or by dipping the nails in water.

Gel nails look very much the same as natural nails. They are thin and are glossy and odorless. Because of its thinness, the nails tend to break easily though and they do not hold polish well. Aside from this, they are more expensive than other artificial nails and when they break and you have to have them fixed, you will need expert assistance.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are the most commonly used artificial nails. They are more affordable and you can put them on yourself. All you need is a special glue designed to apply the nails. Putting designs on acrylic nails is easy too; all you need is a little artistic touch.

Acrylic nails are usually worn to help hide broken, damaged or bad nails. It also protects the nails from further breakage and splits.  The durability of acrylic nails make them perfect for this purpose.

Aside from being functional, acrylic nails can also enhance the appearance of your nails. You can put polish and designs on them to make them look appealing. You can file them into round, square or pearl shapes and you can wear them either long or short with French tips.

Summary:

1. Although both types of artificial nails are made from the same materials, monomer liquid and polymer powder, gel nails have an additional ingredient, oligomer, which is also some kind of monomer.
2. Gel nails are more flexible than acrylic nails.
3. Gel nails are thinner than acrylic nails.
4. Gel nails are more expensive than acrylic nails.
5. Gel nails are less durable than acrylic nails.
6. Acrylic nails are easier to apply than gel nails.
7. Gel nails are harder to fix and replace than acrylic nails.
8. Acrylic nails can be applied at home while gel nails must be applied by a nail expert at a salon.