Acrylic versus Gel – Which Manicure is Better?

In our Montreal salon, acrylics and gel manicures continue to be the two most popular ways for women to get their nails done. Both options can last for about two weeks and come in a variety of colors and styles. But which one is better? This blog will explore both sides of the debate so you can decide for yourself.

Gel nails are cured under UV lights.

Gel nails are cured under UV lights to harden the gel.

Acrylic nails require liquid and powder to create a hard surface.

Acrylic nails are made of liquid and powder. The liquid forms a hard surface, while the powder provides strength to the nails.

The process of applying acrylics starts by mixing both ingredients together in a bowl or cup. Then the mixture is applied to your natural nail using a brush or sponge, and cured under UV lights for 2 minutes (or as long as directed).

After curing, you remove any excess material that didn’t adhere to your nail with an acetone polish remover-soaked cotton ball before letting them dry completely so they can adhere properly when it comes time for removal later on!

You can file acrylic when they start to chip or split.

You can file them when they start to chip or split.

Acrylic nails are more durable than gel nails, but you can still file them if you want a more natural look. Gel nails require special tools and techniques for filing, but acrylics can be filed with regular emery boards or nail files.

To prevent chipping and splitting of your acrylics:

  • File in one direction only (upward) with gentle strokes until the surface feels smooth and even with no sharp edges left behind; then apply a top coat over the entire nail surface including any cuticle area where it meets skin.

Gel nails need to be removed by soaking in acetone polish remover.

Gel nails need to be removed by soaking in acetone polish remover. Acetone is used to remove the gel coating from your nails, which can then be buffed away with a buffer or scraper.

The process for removing gel nails varies depending on the brand you use and how long they’ve been on your fingers; however, it generally takes between 10-15 minutes per hand (and sometimes longer).

It’s important to note that this isn’t something you should do at home! If you’re unsure how long it will take or how much damage your natural nails will sustain during removal, visit our Montreal salon where we have professionals trained specifically in removing artificial enhancements from clients’ hands and feet safely and efficiently!

Acrylic nails are less flexible than gel nails.

Acrylic nails are more rigid than gel nails. Gel nails do not need to be filed, but they can be. Acrylics, on the other hand, must be filed regularly to keep them smooth and even-looking.

Unlike acrylics, which are applied to your natural nail bed by curing under a UV light for about two minutes (or until they harden), gels require no curing time at all–you simply apply them like any other polish and paint over them with a topcoat when dry.

Acrylic nails last about two weeks longer than gel manicures.

Acrylic nails are the thicker, more durable option of the two. They last about two weeks longer than gel manicures because they can withstand stronger forces and pressure, such as opening a bottle or carrying groceries.

Acrylic nails are also easier to remove because you can just soak them in acetone polish remover until they come off. Gel nails require more effort: you’ll need to soak them in acetone polish remover for about 15 minutes before filing away at them with an orange stick (a toothpick will work too). The process may take several days of soaking and filing before your natural nail grows back underneath!

Both types of manicures have pros and cons, but both are very popular among women of all ages and social groups

Both types of manicures have pros and cons, but both are very popular among women of all ages and social groups.

  • Acrylic nails are less flexible and are harder to remove.
  • Gel nails last longer, but can be more difficult to remove.

This one’s a nail-biter! Which one is best?

If you want a manicure that lasts longer than two weeks, gel nails are the way to go. They’re also great if you have sensitive skin or are worried about getting acrylics because they don’t use any harsh chemicals during the process.

On the other hand, acrylic nails are more flexible than gel manicures so they won’t break when you bend them too much (like when typing on a keyboard). This makes them ideal for people who use their hands more rigorously.

Stop by our salon and talk with one of our nail technicians to get advice!

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