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To choose between Acrylic Nails and Gel Nails, rate them on the comparison parameters by entering scores (+ve or -ve) in the comparison tool. The total points are automatically shown in the top row. This should help you decide.
Acrylic Nails
Gel Nails

Rating: 2.8/5 (13 votes)

Rating: 3.5/5 (20 votes)

The range available:
There is not much variety that you can go with the acrylic nails as far as the material texture is concerned.
There are many textures that are available in the gel nails, those that look natural to the ones that look hard and glossy.
Cost:
Cheap
High
About:
Artificial Nail enhancements
Artificial Nail enhancements
Corrosive effect:
Acrylic nails have corrosive effect on the natural nail due to the use of primers.
Gel nails are smoother as no primers or glues are applied.
The flexibility factor:
Acrylic nails are hard.
Most of them are more flexible than the acrylic nails.
After effects:
Acrylic nails leave an impression on the nails, so even after removal the nails may show off their usage.
Gel nails leave no hard impressions.

Acrylic and Gel Nails are artificial nail enhancements done in place of natural nails. They differ in their method of application, texture and cost.


Contents

[edit] Application

Acrylic nails are attached to the nails and their manicure technique involves the application of primer or glue like substance initially on the nails. Then an artificial acrylic nail is put on top of the existing nail.
Gel nails are more like the gels we use in our day to day life. Gel nails do not require any special primers; they are stiffened under the UV lamp, offering a clean finish and polished look.

[edit] Costs

Acrylic Nails are cheaper than gel nails and that is why are used widely.

[edit] Ease

Most people do not like acrylic nails because of the uneasiness that follows to the cuticle. Gel nails, on the other hand are just like a gel and take their shape themselves and hence are very easy on the hands.


[edit] Flexibility

Acrylic Nails are hard and also look thicker than Gel nails. Any stress applied to acrylic nails can hurt the original nail. Gel nails are flexible and not hard on the touch.

[edit] Corrosive Effect

Since acrylic nails are applied by glue or primer to the original nails so may have corrosive effect. Gel nails do not have any corrosive effect and are soft as no primers are used.

[edit] Fashion

Both are popular because of high demand for artificial nails as part of the changing fashion. Most nail technician’s use Acrylic nails because of cheaper costs and Gel nails are used only on demand.

[edit] After Effect

Acrylic nails may leave an impression on the cuticle or the nail while gel nails leave no such marks.



[edit] References





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Comments: Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails  [Add Comments]
Comments on Acrylic Nails vs. Gel Nails
I don't know who wrote this article, but the facts are incorrect. May I suggest purchasing a copy of Nail Structure and Product Chemistry Second Edition by Douglas Schoon? It debunks all of the misinformation written here - based on scientific fact. Its misinformation like this that scares the public out of using quality products. Acrylics and primers will not damage the nail plate if used correctly by a properly trained professional - same goes for gels. They are both made from the acrylic family and are both quality products when used properly.
- by 142.166.18.29 on 2009-05-21 14:05:00