Acrylic v. Gel Nails

Most women, at one time or another, have gotten their nails done. Good and bad experiences alike. It's important to know what options are out there for artificial nail enhancements, if that is what you choose to do. The following are the different types of nail enhancements, and the pros and cons of them. Always get all of the information about something before you make the final decision. 

Acrylic Nails - This type of artificial nail enhancement has been popular for a very long time. Women have been receiving this treatment for decades. This type of enhancement includes an acrylic hardener, as well as whatever polish you decide on at the nail salon.

• PROS
• Acrylic nails are very hard and sturdy, which prevents them from being broken or damaged easily.
• If done properly, they can make your fingers look longer, and your nails look more beautiful. 
• At most salons, you'll discover that acrylic nails cost significantly less than other nail enhancements.
• More often than not, you can fix a broken acrylic nail at home if you know what you're doing.
• If done by a professional, the removal process is simple and painless
• CONS
• Acrylics, because of the products used, create an intense chemical smell. This can often be overwhelming, and is not necessarily safe to inhale. 
• If not done properly, the removal of acrylics can leave an imprint on your fingernail that increases your changes of a fungal infection. 
• Depending on the nail technician, your acrylic nails may not look as natural as your real nails, or another nail enhancement. 

Gel Nails - This has only become popular in recent years, but has become a very common choice. Unlike the product used with acrylics, gel nails are painted on like nail polish, and require UV light to seal them onto your nail. With this specific type of nail enhancement, there are specific types of nail polishes that you should use, and they are available at the nail salon if they provide the treatment.

• PROS
• Gel nails typically look more like your real nails, which makes them feel and seem more natural.
• Once applied, it only takes a couple of minutes - under a UV light - to make the nails harden. This is pretty fast compared to other treatments. 
• This type of nail enhancement is often considered the eco-friendly option, because it doesn't contain any of the fumes or chemicals that traditional enhancements do.
• They remain glossy, and are more flexible and thinner than typical acrylics.
• CONS
• They only last about 14 days, so you'll have to get them done more often.
• The cost considerably more than other nail enhancements at nail salons.
• If they break, it's more of a shatter effect and less of a chipping effect. This means that you can't exactly fix it at home, and you'll have to have a professional do it.
• Unlike acrylics, they often need to be filed off instead of being soaked off.