Gels Versus Acrylics
Women have a lot of options when they hit the salon to get their nails done. If you’re considering false nail application, you may be asked whether you want gel or acrylic nails applied. Although at Spa in the City we stand behind our Gel nails, and no longer do acrylics. Before you make your decision, here’s what you need to know.
Sculpted Gel Nails
Pros of Acrylic Nails
- If you break an acrylic nail you can almost always fix it yourself at home.
- The removal process is simple and straightforward when performed by a professional. The nails can be soaked rather than filed off.
- Acrylics are very strong. When done correctly and with proper nail care, they can last a long time and are very robust.
- Acrylic nail application tends to cost less than gel nail application.
Cons of Acrylic Nails
- They can damage your nail bed, this damage can create a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.
- Acrylics may look less natural than gel nails, especially if applied incorrectly.
- Easily turn yellow.
- The application process involves strong toxic chemicals and fumes – pregnant women are advised not to use acrylic nails during pregnancy.
Pros of Gel Nails
- Gel nails may look more natural and glossy than other types of cosmetic nails.
- The curing time is faster than acrylics. None yellowing, non toxic, no drills.
- Gel nail mixtures lack the fumes associated with acrylic nails – they’re considered a safer, more eco-friendly option.
Cons of Gel Nails
- Most gel nails require a UV light for curing, so they’re harder to do at home.
- If a gel nail breaks, it can sometimes be more of a shatter effect than a clean break, so self-fixing a break is not usually an option. You’ll need to make an appointment with your manicurist.
- Gel nails often need to be filed off, although there are some soak-off versions.
As far as finishing touches, you can paint, you can do French tips, or create other designs on either type of nail. Some people think that airbrushing looks better on gel nails because they have a more glossy finish.
Making the Choice
Donne Geer says that hands-down “Gels are the way to go. There’s no damage to the nail and it doesn’t require any drilling.” That said, there are many variables to consider when it comes to choosing artificial nails, so you may want to confer with a nail technician to discuss options.
See Spa in the City Prices and Nail Services
What is an Overlay?Sculptured Gel Overlays are applied onto your own nail. They do not make your nails any longer, but can help to protect your own nails and encourage them to grow. The finished appearance is just as if you have had polish applied, only better!
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What is the difference between sculpted and tips?
Sculptured Gel Extensions are created using a nail form to naturally extend your nail to the desired length. The nail is lengthened using gel and so it does not cause damage like sticking on a plastic tip. The overall appearance is a lot more natural also. After extending the length, a Gel Overlay is then applied over the extended nail in French or a color of your choice. (Picture above is a full set of Sculpted French gel extensions to create length to client’s own nails). Another thing to keep in mind is that when tips are applied they are less stable making the chance of breakage MUCH greater. For this reason the Spa in the City nail team does not use tips. All of our gel sets are sculpted by hand. Most nail salons use tips because it is much faster and cheaper for the salon, but it is not necessarily better for the customer.
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Does it help nails to grow? Can they be applied to bitten nails?
Sculptured Gels can be made to any length you require. They can be applied over your own nails as a Gel Overlay (this does not extend the length), or you can have Sculptured Gel Extensions to suit your needs.
En Vogue Sculptured Gel is fantastic at encouraging growth! If you find it difficult to grow your nails, this may well be the answer for you!
Nail biters- you too can have beautiful nails!! It does take time, and you must be determined that you want to stop biting your nails. You can have short extensions, or just have gel applied to your natural nail, which will encourage them to grow.
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Will Gel Nails damage your own nails?
No! There are many Powder Gel and Acrylic systems available which completely ruin your own nail. It then takes weeks, months or sometimes years for your nails to recover. En Vogue Gel does NOT damage your nails when filed off correctly. The only damage that may be caused is by picking off your nails, which leaves the nail bed in a traumatized state! Book in to have them removed, or you could risk damaging your own nails.
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