What’s The Difference Between Acrylic, Gel, & Shellac Nails?
Knowing how they differ can help you make better choices at your next manicure session.
Simone de Vlaming is a beauty expert and founder of Beautymone.com. She specializes in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and nails. Simone decided to start a beauty blog during her graduation to find an outlet for her passion.
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Experience: 3 yearsEsha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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Experience: 5 yearsVaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.
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There is no denying the aesthetic and hygiene-related benefits of a manicure. But how often do you find yourself staring down the list of services at the nail salon, all confused about the difference between various nail enhancements like acrylic, gel, and shellac nails? True, we are spoilt for choice (and we aren’t even complaining!), but it helps to know the difference between various manicures to understand what we are getting ourselves into. Check out this article for all the information on different manicures, techniques, nail care tips, and benefits to make an informed and wise choice next time you visit the salon. Read on.
In This Article
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are done with a mix of liquid and powder monomeri A molecule that in conjunction with acrylic powder (polymer) forms a bond to fashion a solid structure that becomes the artificial nail. that’s rounded into a ball of dough, shaped onto your nails with a brush, and air-dried. When you’re getting acrylics, the nail technician usually fashions them into tips to achieve a more natural look. After this, each nail is shaped into your preferred nail shape (almond, round, ballerina, or stiletto are the most popular shapes) and painted with polish. The nail technician may use regular or gel polish. They often prefer gel polish as it goes well with acrylic nails and stays put for at least 4 weeks with ease. If you want more length or are looking to change the shape of your nails, acrylics are ideal for you.
Acrylic nails last about two to four weeks with proper care. However, it is recommended to get them refilled by a technician after 5-6 weeks. This will remove any air bubbles underneath the acrylic and helps prevent infections! You must understand the pros and cons of acrylic nails to keep your natural nails healthy and beautiful!
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile (you can decide the length, shape, and color)
- Uniformity in length and shape
- Long-lasting (they stay for 4 weeks)
Cons
- High maintenance
- Dealing with the chemical odor while getting them done
- Can damage your natural nails
- Expensive
TriviaPolymethyli Belonging to the engineering plastics group of materials, it is a solid polymer used in the making of acrylic nails. Methacrylate (PMMA), also called acrylic glass, is used to make acrylic nails.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic nails consist of liquid and powder monomers. They are great for changing the length and shape of your nails.
- Gel nails use a gel formula hardened and set by using UV rays or LED light.
- Shellac nails are a blend of gel and regular nail polish that offer a glossy finish.
- Acrylic nails are durable, while gel nails are less damaging. Shellac nails, however, give the most natural look.
What Are Gel Nails?
Gel manicures promise chip-free, ultra-glossy nails for up to two weeks. Whether you have natural nails (short or long) or would like to get tips glued on first, gel manicures are for everyone. The technician starts off by applying a base coat that primes your nails for the gel. Then the gel polish is cured under a UV light. After each coat is painted on, you have to place your hand under the UV lamp for 30 seconds. Finally, a glossy topcoat and one minute under the light wraps up the process.
Kiana, a YouTube vlogger, shared her experience as a beginner using gel nail extensions. Prepping is an important part of doing nail extensions, she says: “I’m just adding a dehydrator first and then a primer so that the gel extensions are gonna stick. I just added a thin coat all over my nails for both of these (i).” This protects your natural nails and helps cure the gel nails faster.
Pros
- Shiny and glossy finish
- No damage to the nail bed
- No chemical odor while getting them done
- Up to 2 weeks of wear time
- Quick drying time
- No chips and smudges
Cons
- Expensive
- Exposure to UV rays
The ultraviolet rays used to make nail paint long-lasting can make the nail brittle and prone to onycholysis (nail separation from nail bed). In addition to it, gel manicures can also lead to nail infections and green nail syndrome (a bacterial infection that makes nails appear greenish) (1).
But, the big question still remains…
TriviaSince gel nails are hard, acetone cannot always remove them. Instead, salons use buffing to get them off the nails.
But, the big question still remains…
What Is The Difference Between Acrylic And Gel Nails?
To put the acrylic vs. gel nails plainly, acrylic is a mixture of liquid and powder, while the gel is gel. Both these formulas can be made to match the shape of the nail or lengthen it. So, if you want longer or stronger nails, you can opt for either acrylic or gel extensions. But note that acrylic nails offer decent durability but last longer; about 2-3 weeks before a fill is needed. Whereas gel nails are more robust and offer a more natural finish. But they last for just around 2 weeks and also cost around 15-20% more than acrylics. So in summary, the difference between acrylic and gel nails is that the latter may be stronger but acrylic nails have their own advantages. They last longer, cost less, and are easier to lengthen, providing a cost-effective and durable option for nail care!
Now, you must be wondering where shellac polish fits into this picture. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Shellac Nail Polish?
Shellac is a patented nail product by the company CND (Creative Nail Design). It is basically a hybrid of gel and regular nail polish. As it is like polish, it can’t be used to extend your nails. However, it does a great job of adding strength and durability. Shellac also happens to be a lot less damaging to nails when compared to traditional gels or acrylics.
Pros
- Lasts for 14 days
- Mirror finish
- Long-staying
- No drying time
- Does not chip, peel, or fade
- Free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP
Cons
- UV exposure: In some cases, shellac nails may cause severe burning in the eyes,skin, and may increase the risk of developing skin cancer (2).
- Not meant for brittle or thin nails
Here’s how shellac nail polish differs from gel nail polish.
Shellac Nails Vs. Gel Nails – All You Need To Know
While the processes for getting both manicures are similar, there are two significant differences between the two. The first one has to do with the formula. Shellac is a type of permanent nail polish (half gel-half polish), while gel polish is basically a gel in the form of polish. The second big difference is in the removal time. Shellac is faster and easier to remove than gel nails.
How Do You Know Which Ones Are Right For You?
In the end, all these manicures are going to give you beautiful, smooth, and long-lasting results. But if you have to pick, you need to know what you’re trying to achieve. Here are some pointers to help you make a decision:
- If you want longer nails, acrylics are your best bet.
- If you want stronger nails and a long-lasting mani, gel or Shellac is the way to go as it will give you chip-free, durable nails.
- Shellac works best if you want the most natural finish.
When deciding on which nails to get, it is also important to understand each style’s maintenance and removal methods to assess which option suits your lifestyle. So scroll down to know more!
Maintenance And Removal
Let us check out the maintenance and removal techniques of each nail type in detail below.
Acrylic Nails
- Maintenance: Lasts for 2-3 weeks before it needs a fill.
- Removal: Soak in acetone remover for 20 to 30 minutes. Then gently scrape off. Avoid peeling to prevent damage.
Gel Nails
- Maintenance: Lasts around 2 weeks. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, and use cuticle oil to maintain shine.
- Removal: Buff, file, and soak in acetone or use gel-specific removers without damaging the nail plate (1). Avoid peeling or filing to protect the natural nail bed.
Shellac Nails
- Maintenance: Typically lasts up to 2 weeks. Apply cuticle oil daily to keep the nails hydrated.
- Removal: Soak or wrap in acetone. Then gently push off the shellac without scraping or forcing.
Infographic: Acrylic Vs. Gel Vs. Shellac Nails: Which One To Choose?
While the perfect manicure may appear simple, it is actually more difficult than you believe. How to achieve chip-free, long-lasting, ultra-shiny, and eye-catching fingertips? How can a nail enthusiast choose what to try with so many manicure possibilities? As each treatment has its benefits, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know about gel, shellac, and acrylic before booking your next manicure. Check out the following infographic to find out the perfect manicure best suited to you. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The state of your nails reflects your overall health. Taking care of them is as important as your skincare, haircare, dental care, or general health care routines. You can ensure your nails always look their best by learning how to do a manicure at home. When experimenting with your nails, you have a range of options to choose from, including nail art to nail extensions. To achieve the best results, it’s important to approach well-trained estheticians who can guide you through the process. We hope you find this article useful where we have detailed the differences between acrylic and gel nails and more. All these manicures have their unique charm and pros and cons. They all look great after the finishing touches. You just need to figure out your desired style, and the experts will work their magic for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gel or acrylic more expensive?
Gel nails are more expensive than acrylic nails. However, acrylic nails have a more natural finish than gel nails. Ensure that you understand the pros and cons of gel and acrylic nails before opting for one.
Which is easier to remove – acrylic or gel nails?
Gel nails are easier to remove because they are more flexible. However, incorrect gel or acrylic nail removal techniques may damage the nail bed. Exercise caution while removing gel or acrylic nails. It is essential to learn how to remove acrylic nails safely to prevent damage to your nails.
What lasts longer, gel or acrylic?
Acrylic nails last for 2-4 weeks whereas gel nails last for two weeks. You can choose either gel or acrylic nails based on your preference.
What are the aesthetic differences between acrylic and gel nails?
Acrylic nails have a thicker and tough look. Gel nails appear smoother and more natural with a glossy, lightweight finish. Further, acrylics offer a bold style, whereas gels feel more subtle and flexible.
Illustration: What&039s The Difference Between Acrylic, Gel, & Shellac Nails?
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Are you confused about which nail treatment is better—acrylic or gel? Then check out this informative video that shows which one would be a more suitable choice, and decide accordingly.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. I tried Gel X Nails for the first time as BEGINNER and I am NEVER going back to the salon!!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtoJ1bILPpM
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Complications of gel manicures
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354211566_Complications_of_gel_manicures - Patch tests should include chemicals used in false nail products say dermatologists
https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3481/rr
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