DID YOU KNOW: There is a huge difference between Acrylic and
Gel nail enhancements?!
Acrylic nail enhancements are created by using a monomer
liquid and polymer powder system, the traditional liquid and powder system you
see when receiving a full set. So what’s the liquid and powder system used to
create gel nails called? Monomer liquid & polymer powder, acrylic. Wait,
what?! That’s right; you’ve been paying, on average, $10 more per full set or
backfill only for a simple top coat or gel polish! Well, at least here in the
state of Maryland.
REAL gel nail enhancements are exactly that! The product
used to create the nail enhancement is a gel that has to be scooped out of its
container by a short synthetic brush, applied directly over the natural nail
and tip, and set under a UV light to cure, simple as that. So what exactly have
you been paying for?
Let’s rewind and let me tell you a little bit more about me
and my experience. Most of my life I’d been a chronic nail biter! I would gnaw
on my nails any chance I got, especially if they were uneven, slightly broken,
or just too long. One day, about two and a half years ago, I was just chewing
on my fingers as usual when I felt the detached piece of nail in my mouth and
it made me CRINGE! It was in that moment that I decided that it was not only a
dirty habit but it was just completely disgusting! So to prevent myself from
biting, I kept nail polish on my nails so I wouldn’t want to ruin my mani by
biting them. Eventually my obsession with nail polish turned into my obsession
with nail art and here I am today!
What does that have to do with acrylic and gel nail
enhancements? Well, once my designs started getting more intricate I wanted to
keep them on longer but, my nails were always breaking. Wanting to avoid having
acrylic done because of the damage it’d done to my nails in the past I wanted
to try gel. My first “gel overlay” was actually done in South Carolina when I was
visiting for my cousins wedding! The nail tech broke out her powder and liquid
system, I thought it was weird but I didn’t think to question it. She was in a
rush because she squeezed me in before her scheduled appointment and my aunt
ensured me that she was the best! I wasn’t going to question it especially
since I wanted my nails done right and she took the time to do it. At the end
of the service she broke out a little container with a gooey substance inside,
applied it over my overlay, and set me under the UV light to cure. Of course
this was my first time so I thought it was right!
Over the next year and a half I continued getting my nails done, fills and fresh full sets when needed. I did start to notice that my nails were being damaged just like they were with acrylics. As frustration set in, I decided to quit getting fills, full sets, or overlays and just stick to a really good strengthening base coat before polishing my nails. Once I started school I really wrote off getting my nails done at any wonky, random, “shopping center/strip mall” salon. Not to mention over that last year and a half I’d yet to find a nail tech that I’d loved.
Why am I bringing this to your attention now? Recently, in
class, I learned that what I’d been paying for isn’t what I was getting. My usual
trip to the nail salon started the same way it always did, “pick a color, have
a seat,” followed of course by a heavily, acetone, saturated cotton ball to
remove my nail polish and some vigorous electric filing to even out my
enhancement and to prep my fingers for a fill.
By the way:
the electric nail file is only to be used on nail enhancements and the free
edge. Using the electric file on the natural nail is completely unnecessary and
pure laziness if you ask me. Plus, as many of you may know it completely
destroys your nail bed and creates the UGLIEST groves.
After being prepped for my fill my nail tech, as usual,
reaches into her drawer and pulls out her canister of powder and liquid to
complete my service. What I didn’t know was that my initial service and every
service after had been acrylic overlays and fills topped with a gel polish or
topcoat!
How to tell the difference:
While there isn’t much you can do now there are ways to tell
the difference between gel and acrylic nail enhancements.
Applying the nail tip and prepping for an overlay or
sculpture is done the same way in both services. The product used to harden,
strengthen, or lengthen the nails is what’s different.
As I’ve said before, gel nail enhancement product come in a small
canister and is a gooey like substance that requires a UV Lamp to cure. You can
YouTube various how to videos to get a better understanding of what it looks
like.
Acrylic is a liquid and powder system called polymer powder
and monomer liquid which dries and cures on its own.
How to ensure that you are receiving the right service:
- Pay someone you can understand! - Let’s be honest 9 times out of 10 we’re looking for the salon that will offer a better price but in reality we never understand what our nail tech is saying or asking due to a clear language barrier. Quit being cheap! While I agree there are some pretty pricy salons out there it isn’t very hard to find one that’s decently priced and has a nail tech best suited for you! Being able to ask questions is important especially when it’s your money that you are spending!
- Ask your nail tech questions! – After you’ve found that nail tech that you think you LOVE ask him or her questions! What brand do you prefer using and why? Would you recommend gel or acrylic enhancements? How long have you been doing nails? What should I do if I decide to remove my enhancements? Even ask her the difference between gel and acrylic nail enhancements! – Basically a good nail tech will answer all of your questions to the best of their ability and a great nail tech will give you their honest opinion. If they become frustrated, don’t understand the question, or don’t give you a direct answer chances are they haven’t been properly trained and shouldn’t be doing your nails.
- Educate yourself! – While it’s easier to look out for blogs like mine, warning others about these kinds of things, it is important that you research for yourself. Wiki has the basic breakdown of acrylic, gel, and fiberglass or silk wrap nail enhancements. The world wide web has lots of answers you just have to look for them.
Which is better?
It’s all based on preference. Both are designed to
strengthen and enhance the natural nail or nail tip. As I have only been studying
nails for a couple of months and haven’t taken my state board exam or received
my license I couldn’t really say which I recommend. Plus, it’s not like I’ve
had the pleasure of experiencing both to say (please note my sarcasm).
Gel nails are typically thinner and appear more natural in
comparison to acrylic nails. Gel nails are also more flexible again causing
them to appear more natural.
Which lasts longer?
Ahh, the question we all want to know the answer to! It all
depends on the wear and tear the enhancements go through every day! Wamp wamp,
what a generic answer, I know, but it’s very true! For someone who is
constantly using their hands in everyday tasks like cleaning using various
chemicals, yard work, lifting heavy items, or even typing all day can cause damage
to any enhancement. There are products out there that contain fiberglass and
are created to be sturdier than others. Again you just have to find that nail
tech with the right product! Gel enhancements typically have to be soaked off
and will stay on longer than acrylic nails that tend lift and separate from the
natural nail. Both will still chip and still need to be repaired or will require
maintenance after two weeks! So it’s all up to how much your pockets can afford
and which you like better.
FYI – The amount of growth doesn’t determine how good the enhancement
was! Either way, your nail enhancement should be serviced every two weeks to reinforce
its strength and to prevent it from breaking. Whether or not your nail grows a
lot or a little it is only a reflection of the amount of nourishment among
other things your body is receiving. Be sure to take care of yourself! A healthy
body is a happy body!
I hope you have found this blog to be helpful. Knowing what
you’re getting is extremely important especially when you are spending your
hard earned money! Feel free to ask questions and I’ll answer them to the best
of my ability!
Thanks for reading!
Forever and Always,
Anaia Papaya <3
