A new type of artificial nail for those fashionistas who want beautiful finger tips is gel nails. They are similar to acrylic nails but have slightly different properties. Many salons now offer this option for those who want to try something different.
Gel nails look a lot like acrylic versions. They are attractive and can be polished just like acrylic options. However, they are actually more natural in appearance and are also more translucent. The tips go on like acrylic nails but require UV light treatment to cure. This makes them a little more difficult to apply yourself at home, although it is possible to acquire a UV light relatively cheaply so you can apply the gel nails yourself.
The types of polish available to color gel nails are also slightly different from acrylic polish. However, the application is just like other nail polishes. Polishes for gel nails usually come in base, color, and top coats just like other products. As the nails are more natural looking they also look beautiful without any color and a lot of woman opt for the natural look. For this reason, gel nails are becoming increasingly popular as a viable option, especially for those who want to avoid the problems sometimes associated with acrylic tips.
Advantages of Gel Nails
There are many advantages of using gel nails over other artificial nail products. The main reason is that they simply look more natural and glossy than acrylic nails for example. The shine makes them suitable to wear without polish or with designs on the tips. Although they need UV light, gel nails will cure and harden faster than acrylic. They still bond with the existing nail which may be important for those who are having their nails done for an important evening event or party, as they cure quickly under the UV light.
Gel nails are also less toxic than acrylic. There are no fumes to deal with like the toxic smelling fumes associated with applying acrylic tips. They are an eco-friendly option for those who are concerned about the environment.
In addition, from a health perspective, gel nails are less likely to cause fungal growth in the nail beds. Those who have experienced nail fungus in the past with artificial nails now have an option other than avoiding tips altogether.
Disadvantages of Gel Nails
Although there are many advantages associated with gel nails, there are some disadvantages you may wish to consider. Unfortunately they are not as durable as acrylic nails. Depending on the type of work you do, this may be a consideration. In addition, when they break they may not break cleanly, making nail repair at home a challenge. Many people who experience a break may need to have the repair done in a salon by a nail technician.
Gel nails may also be a little more challenging to apply at home, as they do need a UV light to cure. Special UV lights can be purchased and there are also gel nails starting kits available which include a UV light.
The majority of brands of gel tips usually will not soak off – they will need to be filed off before they can be reapplied. Finally, gel nails can cost more than acrylic versions. However, many women are willing to pay extra for more natural looking tips that they can actually wear without polish or with only decorative tips.
How do Gel Nails compare to Acrylic Nails?
Most women who have tried artificial nails at one stage or another, have usually had an acrylic nail product. For you girls out there that are considering trying gel nails for the first time, but you are a little unsure, it may help if you compare them to the qualities of acrylic nails. Below are the pros and cons of acrylic nails:
Advantages of acrylic nails
- Acrylic tips can be stronger and more durable than gel nails, and can be easier to repair at home.
- Acrylic nails cost less than gel nails.
- Acrylic nails do not need UV light to cure. They can be easily applied at home or in the salon.
- Acrylic tips can often be soaked off. They do not need to be filed down.
Disadvantages of acrylic nails
- They are less natural in appearance and must be polished to look real.
- Some women have problem with fungal infections in the nail beds after using acrylic tips.
- Acrylic nails take longer to cure which may be a problem for a woman who wants a last minute application before a special event.
Though gel nails do cost a little more, price should not be the only consideration. There are some definite advantages which outweigh the additional cost. Women who choose the gel option are usually very pleased with the natural look and sheen they offer. This is particularly the case for those who do not always like to wear nail polish.
For women who are concerned about nail health or who want to avoid fumes, gel nails are definitely the best option. Not only that, gel nails are more flexible and come in different textures compared to their acrylic counterparts. In addition, there are a few brands of gel nails on the market that will soak off but only certain Salons will carry such product options. If this is a necessity, it may be a good idea to call around various salons to see who stocks this particular type of gel nail product.
One final little tip in dealing with nail salons is to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable salon and that you are getting what you asked for. Use some caution and become familiar with the look of gel nails. There have been some reports of unscrupulous salons applying acrylic versions and using gel top coats to change the appearance of acrylic nails. If this is your first gel nails treatment, it’s best to visit a salon that has been recommended to you by a friend or work colleague. Feel free to have a discussion with the salon manager or a nail technician when you visit the salon – any reputable salon will be able to address any concerns that you may have.