Beauti Nails and Spa | Nail Salon in Lakewood CO 80228

How to Choose Between Gel, Acrylic, or Dip Powder Nails

Long, gorgeous nails, perfectly shaped with perfect color that lasts – we all want them, but what’s the best way to get the look we want: gel, acrylic, or dip powder? All three nail techniques can get you beautiful nails. Today, we’ll talk about the difference to help you make your decision.

Gel nails are made using – you guessed it – gel, which is applied to your nail bed, then hardened using a UV light. Gel nails are enhancements used to make nails stronger or longer. Gel nails are tough, but just flexible enough to take an accidental bump against your desk without breaking the nail. The finish is glossier than regular nail polish, so it shimmers and shines at work or as you dance the night away! Your gel manicure is dry right away, so it’s less likely to get messed up after you leave the salon. Finally, gel manicures can be the perfect nail enhancement option if you’re allergic to acrylic.

If you’re new to gel nails, know that gel nails and gel polish are different things – gel nails are an enhancement to strengthen or lengthen your nails, while gel polish is a type of colored polish that lasts longer than standard nail polish and must be cured under UV light.



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You’ve probably heard of dip powder nails because they’re trending this year on social media. Dip powder nails are an amazing breakthrough in nail technology that gives you beautiful nails that last – as long as a month! Rather than polished on, your color comes from a powder “dip” applied by your nail technician between base and sealant coats, giving you gorgeous color that lasts. Dipped nails are durable like acrylics, but they’re also flexible like gel nails. The solutions used are odorless, and they dry in just a couple of minutes without UV light.

Acrylic nails are tough as – dare we say it, nails – made from a mix of liquids and powders that extend your nails and leave you with dramatic results. Because they’re so tough, acrylics are known to be stiffer and less flexible than some of the other options, but you get long-lasting nails that are less prone to breakage. Acrylic nails can be done as an extension or over the entire nail, depending on the look you want, so design options are flexible. Acrylic nails look very natural and can protect the nail underneath from damage.

All the options leave you with long-lasting beautiful nails, so the best way to decide is to talk to your nail technician about what you want. Whichever option you decide, never try to do your own nails at home – only experienced technicians can do the process correctly. This also applies to removing acrylic, gel, or dip powder nails if you change your mind or want to try something different. Always let a professional handle it for best results and for the health of your nails!

If you’d like to try one of these nail enhancement options for a pedicure, ask your nail technician to recommend the best option for you. Nail enhancements can be used to strengthen toenails, and the color lasts longer than standard nail polish.

What is better for your nails gel or dip?

Dip powders generally need to be redone in two to three weeks, while the standard for gel is three to four weeks. Resins in a dip powder may be susceptible to water and household cleaners, while gel is solvent resistant. If your client uses or washes their hands regularly, a gel service might be better for them.

What Is The Difference Between Gel And Acrylic Nails?

Although gel and acrylic nails can provide similar results, there are key differences with each nail style. As we mentioned above, gel nails typically consist of brushing coats of polish on your natural nails and are cured with a UV lamp. Once complete, gel nails will usually last for around 14 days without chipping.

Toward the end of this period, gel nails may start to peel or lift at the corners. When you’re ready to remove gel nails, all you need to do is soak them off, and you’re good to go. Typically, a cotton ball soaked in acetone is placed over the nail, then each nail is wrapped in aluminum foil. After around 10 minutes, the gel polish is easily able to be removed. While gel nails can be prone to peeling, they are known to be more flexible than acrylic nails and won’t damage your natural nails.



On the flip side, acrylic nails provide a hard, protective layer due to the powder and liquid hybrid mixture they're created with. Since acrylic nails are so durable, you don’t have to worry about your nails cracking, breaking, or lifting while you have the acrylics. However, acrylic nails tend to look less natural than gel nails. These nails are also challenging to remove without damaging your nail bed. To keep your acrylic set intact, you’ll have to refill your nails every few weeks. And once you remove acrylic nails, you’ll have to wait for the damaged nails to grow out to get your nails back in shape. Typically, acrylic nails are removed in salon by a nail technician, whereas gel nails can be removed more easily at home.

Beauti Nails and Spa | Nail salon 80228
Address: 12087 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-989-4131
Email: beautinails12087@gmail.com