Here are the differences between acrylic nails and gel nails.

Trying to decide if acrylic or gel nails are the better choice for your needs? Knowing the key differences between acrylic and gel nails can help you make this decision.

Acrylic and gel nails both create a great look, however, there are important factors to consider when deciding which is best for you.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your desired look! We will go through some important differences between getting your nails done with acrylic or gel polishes.

Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails: Must Know Differences

1. Composition Of Ingredients

Gel polish is a type of nail polish that contains gel-like ingredients, while acrylic nails are made of a liquid and powder mixture that hardens when it dries.

Acrylic nail powder and monomer are two of the key components used in the application of acrylic nails.

Acrylic nail powder, also known as polymer powder, is typically made from a polymer called Poly(methyl methacrylate) or PMMA, which is a type of acrylic polymer. The powder is usually a fine, odorless powder that is used to create a bond between the natural nail and the acrylic material.

Mia Secret Acrylic Powder On Amazon

Acrylic monomer, also known as liquid monomer, is a liquid that is used to mix with the acrylic powder to create a workable mixture. It is typically made from ethyl methacrylate (EMA).

MMA Free Monomer From YN On Amazon

MMA was commonly used in the past as a key ingredient in liquid monomer but is now considered unsafe due to its high levels of toxicity and potential for allergic reactions.

Many manufacturers have since switched to EMA, which is considered safer and less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

The monomer and acrylic powder mixture is applied to the natural nail or nail form and shaped into the desired length and shape before it hardens into a durable, artificial nail.

Gel nail polish is typically made from a combination of ingredients that can vary slightly among different brands and manufacturers. However, some of the most common ingredients found in gel nail polish include:

1. Acrylates copolymer: This ingredient is the primary component of gel nail polish and is responsible for its thick, viscous texture.

2. Photoinitiators: These are chemicals that help the gel polish cure or harden under a UV or LED lamp.

3. Pigments: These are added to give the gel polish its color.

4. Solvents: These are used to help dissolve the other ingredients and create a smooth, even consistency.

5. Additives: Various additives may be added to enhance the performance or aesthetic properties of the gel polish, such as glitter, shimmer, or matte finishes.

6. Plasticizers: These are added to increase the flexibility of the cured gel polish, which helps prevent cracking or chipping.

It's important to note that gel nail polish may also contain other ingredients or chemicals depending on the brand and formulation. Also note that gel polishes are not the same as shellac gel polish. We have a helpful article about what is shellac polish to learn more about the CND brand.

Gel Polish Sets By Beetles Gel

2. Application Process

Gel polish, no matter if it is gel that comes in a bottle or solid cream gel polish is applied like regular nail polish, while acrylic nails require a different application process. Here are the general steps for each:

Application Process for Acrylic Nails:

1. The natural nails are prepared by cleaning and buffing the surface.
2. An adhesive or primer is applied to the natural nails to help the acrylic adhere to the surface.
3. The nail technician then dips a brush into the liquid monomer and then into the acrylic powder to create a ball of acrylic.
4. The ball of acrylic is then placed onto the natural nail and spread out using the brush to create the desired shape and length.
5. The acrylic mixture hardens and dries on its own, without the need for a curing lamp.
6. The nails are then shaped and smoothed using a file and buffer, and then polished with a topcoat.

Here's a video on Mia Secret using their acrylic nail supplies

Application Process for Gel Nails:

1. The natural nails are prepared by cleaning and buffing the surface.
2. An adhesive or primer is applied to the natural nails to help the acrylic adhere to the surface.
3. A base coat of gel polish is applied to the natural nails.
4. The nails are then cured under a UV or LED lamp for a specified amount of time to harden and dry the gel polish.
5. Additional coats of gel polish can be applied and cured under the lamp in the same way.
6. The nails are then shaped and smoothed using a file and buffer, and then polished with a topcoat.

Overall, the application process for acrylic nails involves the use of liquid and powder that are applied to the natural nail, while the application process for gel nails involves the use of a gel polish that is cured under a UV or LED lamp.

3. Supplies And Tools

There are differences in the tools required for acrylic nail and gel polish nails. A proper brush is required for acrylics as this is the number one tool needed to shape the acrylic powder and monomer.

Both acrylic nails and gel nails require the same nail tools for prepping the nails and general nail art tools like a nail drill. Here are some of the different tools needed for each.

Tools Needed For Acrylic Manicures

Acrylic powder: This is the main component of the acrylic nails. It is mixed with liquid monomer to create a paste that can be molded onto the nails.

Liquid monomer: This is the liquid that is mixed with the acrylic powder to create a paste.

Nail forms: These are used to create the shape of the acrylic nails. They are placed under the natural nail and the acrylic mixture is applied over the top.

Acrylic Nail brush: A brush is needed to apply the acrylic mixture to the nails.

Dappen dish: This is a small glass or plastic dish that is used to hold the liquid monomer during the application process.

See our acrylic nail supply list for beginners for the complete list of acrylic tools required to make acrylic manicures.

Tools Needed For Gel Manicures

Gel polish: This is the main component of the gel manicure. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

UV or LED lamp: Gel polish requires a curing lamp to dry and harden the polish. LED lamps cure the polish faster than UV lamps.

Base coat & Top Coats: This is applied to the nails before the gel polish to create a smooth surface and help the polish adhere better to the nails. The top coat is applied after the gel polish to protect the nails and add shine or a matte finish.

Alcohol or gel cleanser: This is used to remove any oil or residue from the nails before the gel polish application. Also used to remove the sticky layer (inhibition layer) of gel when not using a no wipe top coat.

Lint-free wipes: These are used to remove any residue or tacky layer.

Gel Polish Removal Kits: Used to soak off the gel polish.

Gel Brush Cleaner: Used to remove the gel polish from nail art brushes.

4. Curing Process

When it comes to curing, gel polish and acrylic nails have different mechanisms for hardening and drying.

Acrylic nails harden through a chemical reaction between the liquid monomer and powder polymer. When the liquid monomer and powder polymer are mixed together, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs.

During polymerization, the liquid and powder mixture starts to solidify and harden into a durable, artificial nail.

This chemical reaction is not affected by light and does not require a curing lamp. However, it is important to note that the chemical reaction for acrylic nails can take several minutes to fully harden and dry. This is why nail technicians typically work on one nail at a time during the application process

Gel polish is a type of nail polish that contains photoinitiators, which are chemicals that react to UV or LED light. When a layer of gel polish is applied to the nail, the photoinitiators in the polish are activated by exposure to the light from a UV or LED lamp.

This triggers a chemical reaction that causes the polish to harden and dry, forming a durable, glossy coating on the nail.

The curing process typically takes between 30 seconds to 2 minutes under a UV or LED lamp, depending on the brand and formulation of the gel polish.

5. Drying Time

It's important to note that the drying time for both gel polish and acrylic nails can vary depending on factors such as the brand and formulation of the product, the thickness of the application, and the type of curing lamp used.

Additionally, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing and drying times to ensure that the product is fully hardened and dry before touching or manipulating the nails.

6. Thickness Of The Nail

When it comes to thickness, acrylic nails tend to be thicker than gel polish. This is because acrylic nails are created by mixing a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to form a paste. Then, that is applied to the natural nail and then sculpted and shaped to create the desired length and thickness.

The thickness of acrylic nails can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, a thicker nail can be more durable and less prone to breaking or cracking.

This can be especially beneficial for people who work with their hands or have weak, brittle nails. On the other hand, a thick nail can feel heavy or uncomfortable, and may not look as natural as a thinner nail.

The resulting acrylic nail can be quite thick, depending on how much of the liquid and powder mixture is used and how it is applied.

With both applications of acrylic and gel polishes, the bulk of the nail can be filed down with a nail file or electric edrill for nails for those who are experience with using them but gel polish does not normally require any filing unless it's a builder gel.

7. Durability Of The Materials

While gel polish does tend to last longer than regular nail polish, it may not be as durable as acrylic nails.

Here's the difference in durability of gel polish and acrylics.

Acrylic Nails Durability

Acrylic nails can last for several weeks to a month or more, depending on factors such as how well they are cared for, the thickness of the application, and the rate of natural nail growth.

Acrylic nails can be more durable than gel polish, and may be less prone to chipping or peeling. However, acrylic nails may require more frequent maintenance and refills to maintain their shape and thickness.

It's important to note that the durability of both gel polish and acrylic nails can vary depending on factors such as how well the nails are cared for, the quality of the products used, and the individual's natural nail health.

It's also important to work with a trained and experienced nail technician to ensure that your nails are applied and maintained properly, and to address any concerns about durability or other aspects of the nail application. 

Gel Polish Durability

In contrast, gel polish is a thin, flexible layer of polish that is applied to the nail and cured. This process creates a durable, glossy coating. While multiple coats of gel polish can be applied to create a thicker layer, the overall thickness of gel polish is much thinner than that of acrylic nails.

Gel polish generally lasts longer than regular nail polish but not as long as acrylic nails. Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing between gel polish and acrylic nails.

Generally, gel polish can last up to three weeks or more, depending on factors such as the brand and formulation of the polish, the thickness of the application, and how well the nails are cared for.

Gel polish can be prone to chipping or peeling, especially if the nails are exposed to harsh chemicals or frequent hand washing. However, with proper care and maintenance, gel polish can provide a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.

Builder gel can last up to 4 weeks or more. But when compared to acrylic nails the acrylic will give you a harder and longer lasting nail.