Gel and acrylic are the two systems for extending the nail or making it stronger. Gel cures under a lamp, stays more flexible and has a more natural finish; acrylic sets in the air, is harder and takes knocks better. Both last three or four weeks between infills and both are removed at the salon without damaging the nail. The choice depends on your nail, your daily life and the length you want.
What gel nails are
Gel nails are built with a builder gel shaped over the natural nail, with or without a form to extend it, and hardened under an LED lamp. The result is a light, flexible nail with a natural shine, worn with colour or clear.
At nails and the city the first appointment for gel or acrylic with extension takes 120 min, because each nail is built by hand to suit you, and costs €75.90.
What acrylic nails are
Acrylic nails are built with a polymer powder and a liquid monomer mixed with the brush that set in the air within minutes. They give a harder, slightly thicker nail that takes knocks better and allows greater lengths. They have a characteristic smell during application, which goes once finished.
Gel or acrylic: the differences
The table sums up what changes between the two systems. In lifespan, infills and price they are the same; where they differ is feel, hardness and look.
| What you compare | Gel | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| How it hardens | Under an LED lamp | In the air, within minutes |
| Feel on the nail | Light and flexible | Hard and slightly thicker |
| Look | Natural shine, very thin | Matte until finished, allows more thickness |
| Resistance to knocks | Good; it bends before it breaks | Very high; supports extreme lengths |
| Smell during application | Almost none | Characteristic, gone once finished |
| Time between infills | 3 to 4 weeks | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Infill | €46.90 | €46.90 |
| Removal | Filed down with an e-file | E-file or acetone |
| Who it suits | Thin natural nails, anyone after a natural look | Anyone who wants long nails or knocks them a lot |
Which to choose for your case
- If your natural nail is thin or brittle, gel: it reinforces without adding much thickness and bends before breaking.
- If you work with your hands or knock your nails often, acrylic: it holds up better.
- If you want a discreet length and a natural look, gel.
- If you want long nails or shapes like stiletto or coffin, acrylic, which copes better with leverage.
- If smells bother you, gel.
- If you are not sure, start with gel: it is easier to remove if you decide not to continue.
How long they last and how often they need infills
Both last three or four weeks between infills. The infill fills the gap left by growth next to the cuticle, rebalances the nail and renews the colour: it takes 90 min and costs €46.90. With timely infills, a set can be kept for months without starting from scratch.
How they are removed without damaging the nail
They are removed at the salon by filing the product down with an e-file, little by little, until a thin layer is left protecting the natural nail, followed by a manicure. Our gel or acrylic removal with express manicure takes 60 min and costs €36.90. What damages the nail is ripping or prising them off at home; here is how to remove gel polish, and the same principles apply to gel.
Home care
- Cuticle oil every night, on artificial nails too: it keeps the join with the natural nail flexible.
- Gloves for cleaning; chemicals lift the product.
- If a nail breaks, do not pull: book a repair, which costs €5.00, and carry on with your set.
- Do not use your nails as tools, least of all with long lengths.
You can book your appointment through Treatwell or write to us and we will advise you between gel and acrylic for your nail.
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer, gel or acrylic?
The same: three or four weeks between infills. Acrylic takes knocks better and gel bends before it breaks, but the time between appointments does not change.
Do gel or acrylic nails damage the natural nail?
Applied and removed properly, no. What damages it is over-filing the natural nail before application or ripping the product off at home. At the salon it is filed down with an e-file, little by little, and finished with a manicure.
How much do gel or acrylic nails cost?
The first appointment with extension, €75.90 in 120 min. Infills every three or four weeks, €46.90. Removal with an express manicure, €36.90.
Can I have gel polish on top?
Yes. Both gel and acrylic are finished with the colour you like, gel or regular polish, and nail art can be added. The colour is renewed at each infill.
Why does the first appointment take two hours?
Because each nail is built by hand: preparing the natural nail, placing the form, sculpting, filing the shape and applying colour. Infills are shorter because only the regrowth is worked.