pkmhofficial
- Mar 8, 2022
- 6 min read

Acrylic Vs Gel Nails

PKMH Nails 101

You've probably come across the gel nails vs. acrylic nails debate if you've ever wanted a manicure that lasts longer than conventional nail polish. While both these alternatives are excellent for trying out different nail trends, finding the appropriate style and method for you is more difficult. With the dangers of chipped nail paint, damaged nails, and more, finding the appropriate choice is critical to ensure your nails last. The differences between gel and acrylic nails are explained below, so you'll know what to ask for at your next salon appointment.

Difference Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails

Although gel and acrylic nails can provide similar effects, each nail type has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Gel nails, as previously stated, are created by applying multiple layers of lacquer to your natural nails and curing them with a UV lamp. It's a lot faster than applying acrylic, and the results are often more natural-looking. Nowadays, you can purchase online kits that allow you to apply gel nails at home. Gel nails normally last for around 14 days without chipping once they are applied. They may begin to peel or lift at the corners at the conclusion of this period.

When you're ready to get rid of your gel nails, all you have to do is soak them off. A cotton ball soaked with acetone is usually placed over the nail, followed by aluminum foil wrapping. The gel polish can be readily removed after around 10 minutes. While gel nails are more flexible than acrylic nails, they are more prone to peeling. However, both kinds run the danger of harming your natural nails if worn for long periods of time.

Acrylic nails, on the other hand, are formed with a powder and liquid hybrid mixture that provides a hard, protective covering. You won't have to worry about your nails cracking, breaking, or lifting when wearing acrylic nails because they are quite resilient (you may even notice that your natural nails grow longer and faster with acrylics). They are not, however, infallible, and if you do a lot of work with your hands (typing, washing dishes, lifting weights, etc.) they may break. If your technician doesn't take the effort to smooth down acrylic nails to make them look more natural, they can look thick. It's also difficult to get rid of these nails without hurting your nail bed. You'll need to replenish your nails every few weeks to keep your acrylic set intact. When artificial nails are removed, you're generally left with long, brittle nails. To restore your nails back in form, you'll have to wait for the damaged nails to grow out. Acrylic nails are typically removed by a nail technician in a salon, although gel nails can be removed more readily at home.

Procedure to Apply Acrylic Nails

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1. Preparation

It is the first step in the basic acrylic application process.

Remember, you want to make sure you prep your nails correctly because if you don't, your nails may lift and you'll have problems.

When it comes to preparation, the first step is to sanitise and clean your hands.

Then you'll use a Cuticle Pusher to push your cuticles back.

Next, you'll want to go ahead and remove the gloss from the nail, which you may accomplish using a low-speed sanding block.

You want to lightly tap the nail so that you're not exerting any pressure on it or pressing into it. You only want to get rid of the gleam.

So you'll want to do the same thing with the remainder of your nails after that.

2. Choose your tips

You'll get started with tip application in the next phase.

If you try to glue your tips down and they are too big, they will pop up. Similarly, if your tips extend past the nail on the sidewalls, it will irritate your skin and look bad.

Essentially, if your tips lift, they will not look as good. So, while choosing your tips, make sure you purchase the right size; you want them to fit snugly on your nail.

3. Tip Application

Remember not to apply too much pressure while placing your tip on each nail because this will result in a tip that is facing down and curving excessively. Instead, you should delicately place it on the surface.

Now you'll go ahead and do the same thing with the remaining of your nails.

4. Shape the tips

You should start by filing in the sides and then move on to the rest of the nails. So, once you've finished shaping the nail to your liking, you may use a sanding band to smooth it out.

This will assist you in lightly removing the ledge from the tip and smoothing it down. The reason for this is that you want a smooth foundation to work with while applying the acrylic. It also aids in the prevention of breakage and lifting. You'll need to buff the tip and make it a little rougher with the same sanding band.

5. Use a PH Bond (Dehydrator)

After that, you'll apply a pH Bond, commonly known as a dehydrator, to the nail plate.

This dehydrates the nail while also removing any extra oils. This is because the acrylic treatment requires a completely dry nail plate to avoid lifting.

6. Apply a primer

You're going to use Primer now. Primer is necessary for acrylic application because it creates a flawless foundation for the acrylic to attach to your nail and prevents lifting.

Your nails will simply pop off if you don't use Primer.

7. Filing and Shaping

Then you'll go in and file and shape it. If you file your natural nail into a slope, it will help to keep the acrylic in place and will result in less lifting, if not none at all.

8. Design

After you've finished applying your acrylics, you can either: Topcoat to lock in your manicure and enhance its appearance and feel. This also extends the life of the item.

Alternatively, you can begin working with your polishes and art right away.

Topcoat is the ideal foundation for your nails, whether you want to go all out or just keep them simple.

Procedure to Apply Gel Nails

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1. Begin by cleaning and drying your nails. Apply a Gel Nail Polish Base Coat in a thin layer. To prevent moisture from getting under the completed polish, use the Base Coat to protect the edge of each nail.

2. Apply a thin layer of Gel Nail Polish Color on your nails. To prevent moisture from getting beneath the finished product, seal the edges of each nail with the Color. Less is more, yet again. Before applying color to your nails, swish extra polish from the brush into the bottle. With the cuticle stick or nail art brush, remove any excess polish from the cuticle or skin. This procedure is critical in preventing moisture from entering beneath the finished product. Cure for 30 seconds in front of an LED light.

3. Apply a small layer of Gel Nail Polish Top Coat on your nails. To prevent moisture from getting beneath the finished product, use the Top Coat to seal the edges of your nails. It's critical to use Top Coat all the way around the nail. Less is more, yet again. Using a cuticle stick or a nail art brush, remove any excess polish from the cuticle or skin. Cure for 30 seconds in front of an LED light.

4. After the final cure under the LED lamp, remember to clean your nails with at least 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Clean the surface of each nail with alcohol, the Cleanse product, or a lint-free wipe. This will get rid of the tacky residue from the top coat and leave you with a gleaming, hard, diamond-like shine!

Pros And Cons of Acrylic Nails

Pros – Acrylic nails are more resilient than gel nails and often last longer due to their chemical structure. Acrylic nails can even provide a firm and durable coating of protection for the natural fingernails underneath if done correctly. Because of their widespread availability, they are generally less expensive.

Cons – Acrylic nails are man-made nails, and they certainly live up to their name. Acrylic nails may not be a viable choice if the client wants a more natural look. Acrylics take a long time to cure and set once they've been applied. There is only one texture to pick from, and these are rigid and will not flex even slightly.

Pros And Cons of Gel Nails

Pros - Gel nails have a more natural appearance and feel than acrylic nails. They also tend to set faster and don't always require the use of a primer to connect the nail and the gel, reducing the risk of damage to the nail bed. Gel nails do not leave an impact on the fingernails when applied correctly and skillfully.

Cons - Gel nails are more expensive than acrylic nails and often do not last as long, necessitating more frequent replacement. Because light-cured gel nails must also be set with UV radiation, there is considerable concern about long-term repercussions.

This is everything you need to know before getting your acrylic or gel nails. We have compiled everything from the difference between the two to the steps and the pros and cons of each. We hope this makes it easy for you to understand and get your pretty nails done asap!

- PKMH

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