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Is it better to build up: acrylic or gel?

Do you want to become the owner of fashionable long nails, but you can't grow them? Modern nail technology allows you to get any length and shape without much effort. The main task is to find a professional master and contact him for nail extension.

What is the best way to build nails? Experts use different means. Each has its own pros and cons. Let's try to figure out - the better to build nails - with acrylic or gel, what are the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, and what is better to choose to increase the length of the nails.


What's the difference between materials?

The main difference between these two materials is their application technology. How to extend nails with acrylic? In this case, it is important to know that the build-up mix contains 2 ingredients, which should be mixed immediately before application. For mixing, use a special powder and liquid. Such a mass freezes in 15 seconds, so the work should be done very quickly and accurately. It takes a lot of time to build up with acrylic, but it is it that allows you to achieve high quality results of working with nail plates. 

If the master does not have sufficient experience and skill in applying acrylic, it is worth choosing a single-phase gel extension. This material is much easier to work with, but it does have some drawbacks, such as a shorter lifespan and slow curing in the lamp. It will also take a lot of time to build up, but you can shape the nails without much difficulty.

The use of a three-phase system helps to obtain a more durable manicure. In this case, first theis applied to the nail base gel, then a layer of the gel constructor, then the top. This consumes more materials, but the result is worth it. 

What is the best way to extend nails for a master beginner? Choose a gel. It is easier to work with it, so the risk of getting a negative result is much lower than when using acrylic.

Acrylic build-up requires efficiency and attention from a specialist. Acrylic does not have a self-leveling function; the surface will have to be filed and leveled. Another disadvantage of acrylic is its unpleasant smell. It can cause allergies in clients, so you should only work with this material when the hood is on. Dry the acrylic outdoors. 

The gel is dried in an ultraviolet lamp, which increases the polymerization time. Using the gel, make sure that the layer is well dried. On thin and weak nails, gel build-up during the polymerization process can cause a burning sensation.  

Another important issue that should be considered when choosing a build-up material is coating removal. Sawing off the gel produces much more dust than removing acrylic. Be sure to use a range hood - this is the most effective method for getting rid of allergenic dust in the air. 

Extension of acrylic or gel: which of the materials looks better on the nails

In addition to the methods of application and nuances when drying and removing, the materials also have visual differences. To obtain a beautiful mirror-like surface of your nails, you should use a gel. It will help to get the smoothness and transparency of the nail, giving a spectacular shine. With the help of acrylic, a denser matte finish is obtained, which is an ideal canvas for nail art. 

The better to build up nails with gel or acrylic 

So, which is better to build up - acrylic or gel? Consider the benefits of both materials. By increasing the length of nails with gel you get:

  • no unpleasant pungent odor;

  • material resistance to chemical attack;

  • less time spent;

  • minimizing the risks of allergies;

  • beautiful shine, surface shine, aesthetics;

  • convenience of creating the shape of the nail plates;

  • ease of removal with a cutter or soaking;

  • self-leveling when applied.

Among the disadvantages of gel build-up, it is worth noting low maintainability (if the nail is damaged, it will have to be cut off), burning sensation during drying, and prolonged polymerization. Gel nails should be carefully looked after, not to be influenced by temperature changes. What is stronger than gel or acrylic? According to this parameter, the gel is significantly inferior to its opponent. Another important point is the requirement of the gel to the quality of the surface of the nail. In the presence of problems, defects, irregularities, high humidity of the nail, it will be difficult to apply the gel on it.

Acrylic has many advantages:

  • freezes without using a lamp;

  • does not cause burning and other unpleasant sensations;

  • simple and adaptable;

  • allows you to create voluminous nails that are as similar to natural as possible;

  • has a low weight - it is easier to get used to such a manicure;

  • has high strength;

  • removed by sawing or soaking;

  • suitable for nail art and decoration.

Acrylic extensions also have disadvantages. They can confidently include its susceptibility to chemical influences - it will only have to be cleaned with gloves. Acrylic requires high professionalism when applied, because it hardens very quickly. Acrylic build-up does not breathe and has an unpleasant odor. It takes a long time to apply acrylic. 

What is better to use - acrylic or gel for nail extension 

There is no single answer to this question. Think about whether you have an allergic reaction to odors? If so, then the choice should definitely be in favor of the gel. If you are not used to wearing gloves while cleaning, choose a gel, because hand protection is a must when wearing acrylic. The gel should also be chosen in cases where you are not ready to wait long for the end of the procedure. The master will cope with the task much faster.

When to choose acrylic? If you have weak nail plates, if you are allergic to dust (acrylic can be easily removed with a solvent), if you want to get the strongest and most durable nails.

In any case, it is worth deciding which nails are best for you - from gel or acrylic, together with the master after examining your nail plates and discussing your wishes. But in both cases, only high-quality materials should be chosen. You should not skip any stages of building, be prepared to spend a lot of time on the procedure. The result is sure to please - beautiful, durable, comfortable nails.