Nail art is more popular right now than it has ever been. One of the most fun things to do is go to the nail salon with friends and treat yourself to something cute, but the question is, what should you actually get? The three main types of nail polish are gel, acrylic, and dip, and for the money that professionals charge for their services, you want to make sure that you get the very best. Let’s examine some of the pros and cons of gel, acrylic, and dip nails to see which one might be best for you.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Acrylic
This is probably the commonly used style of nail polish, it gives great colours but can often come at a cost! They might look amazing, but the truth is that acrylics contain a substance that hardens the nail and damages the nail bed. Also, you might not have noticed, acrylic nails can also smell really bad and give a somewhat fake look overall.
Acrylics require a rigorous application process involving mixing a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to create the hardening substance. While they can last for weeks, frequent salon visits for fills and fixes might be necessary to maintain their appearance. Moreover, removing acrylics typically involves soaking your nails in acetone, which can be harsh on your skin and cuticles. This process can leave nails thin, brittle, and in need of some serious TLC. So, if you're someone who values nail health over longevity, you might want to consider other options.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/28/ji6n6ykkapmzzkyn7l91d_1080x1350.jpg)
Gel
Gel polish is something that is simply painted over your nail then put underneath a UV light to dry. It’s a great option for someone looking for a cheaper manicure, but the fact is that gel nails only last about two weeks, with the polish tending to disappear and faint really quickly. You might find that you end up taking it off sooner than that to avoid nails looking uneven.
However, the advantage of gel polish is its glossy finish which creates an elegant appearance. Applying a proper base and top coat can extend its lifespan, though regular maintenance is key. Moreover, gel polish offers a vast range of colors and can include intricate designs that cater to personal style. For those willing to invest time in proper removal, using a gentle soak-off solution helps prevent damage to the natural nail, making this a potentially safer option than more invasive nail procedures.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/78/2h88vh9snleuyjaym37znk_1080x1349.jpg)
Dip
Dip nail powder is fast becoming the best-regarded method for nail art. It involves applying a base coat and then dipping your fingers one by one into a container of the powder. After that, an activator coat is applied and hey presto! It is now seen as the best option because it takes mere minutes and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
