Love that shiny, sturdy end of a gel manicure, however hate the trouble? I hear ya. Each time I get a gel manicure, I’m like, wow, my nails look superb. However two weeks later, I’m over it. I begin to choose at my nails till the gel polish comes off, one piece at a time.
Thankfully, gel polish doesn’t have a lock on that clean, chip-resistant end. Under is a debrief on eight in style options to the gel manicure. Every overview consists of the professionals and cons, nail well being penalties, and upkeep and prices.
1. Acrylic nails
Acrylic manicures use an acrylic powder and a liquid monomer so as to add a sturdy layer excessive of your pure nail. The substance is thick and laborious sufficient so as to add size and form to your pure nail. Common polish then goes on easily for a gel-like end.
The acrylic course of is usually achieved by a nail technician. You might purchase the tools and try and do it at residence, however I don’t suggest it. Acrylic nails are very difficult to DIY. Plus, improper software can result in painful damaged nails.
From my perspective, acrylic nails work greatest for girls who need an ideal end, need longer nails, and have the money and time for normal nail upkeep. It’s additionally helpful in the event you don’t kind for a residing or play contact sports activities.
Professionals of acrylic nails
- Acrylic nails are robust.
- Polish goes on easily and dries to a pleasant shine.
- The acrylic course of can prolong your nails and reshape them.
Cons of acrylic nails
- Acrylic nails should be crammed each two weeks or so.
- As nails develop out, the acrylic extension is extra susceptible to breakage or separation out of your pure nail.
- Acrylic nails don’t look pure. They’re thick and the bottom of the acrylic overlay stands out extra as your pure nails develop.
- Acrylic nails aren’t sensible for lively existence, except you retain them very brief.
Nail well being
I’ve had acrylic manicures a number of instances in my life, so I can let you know: They’re tough in your pure nail. The difficulty is, you gained’t discover how dangerous your nails are till you cease getting acrylics. Your pure nails shall be weak and brittle for a while after you have got the acrylic eliminated.
One other subject I confronted with acrylics is the potential for an infection. As soon as I by chance snagged the tip of a nail on one thing, and it pulled my pure nail away from the nail mattress. That was tremendous painful. However then I needed to handle an an infection beneath my nail — which was gross.
Upkeep and value
Preliminary software of acrylic nails can price $50 to $100, relying on the place you reside. The method can take about two hours.
After the primary software, you’ll want “fills” or “infills” each two to a few weeks. You’ll spend $15-25 plus 45 minutes of your time on these. If any of your nails have come off, the fill course of will take longer and value extra.
2. Silk wrap nails
Silk wrap nails have been in style again within the ’80s, earlier than acrylic nails turned the usual. The silk wrap course of includes making use of a bit of silk or fiberglass to the nail with resin. The applying strengthens the nail and prevents breakage. Silk wrap therapies can prolong nails, too, however they’re not as thick or as robust as acrylics.
As with acrylic nails, you should buy the supplies to do your personal silk wrap manicure — however you’ll get higher outcomes from an skilled nail tech.
Silk wrap nails are a superb match for you in the event you desire a natural-looking manicure that helps stop breakage. Additionally they last more once they’re saved considerably brief.
Professionals of silk wrap nails
- Silk wrap nails look extra pure than acrylics.
- The silk wrap remedy strengthens your pure nail.
- You should utilize silk wraps to restore nail cracks. Think about them a extra concerned different to the tea bag nail repair.
- These are a superb different for girls with chemical allergic reactions who can not tolerate acrylics or gels.
Cons of silk wrap nails
- Silk wrap therapies aren’t a everlasting answer. Hold them on constantly they usually may harm your pure nail.
- This remedy may be tough to do your self.
- Silk wrap nails aren’t as laborious as acrylics or gel manicures.
- Silk wrap nails require fills each two weeks.
- Your silk wraps may come off, particularly in case your nails are uncovered to quite a lot of water.
Nail well being
Silk nail wrap therapies are much less damaging than different therapies. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to comply with correct procedures for removing — soak your nails reasonably than pulling them off, for instance. As properly, don’t hold your silk wraps on completely. Give your nails a break from therapies sometimes to allow them to breathe.
Upkeep and value
Silk wrap manicures are comparable in price to acrylics. You’ll possible pay $50 or $100 for the preliminary remedy. Fills shall be $25 to $50, relying on the place you reside and if the fill-in is with powder or overwrap.
3. Dip powder manicure
Dip powder manicures use a base coat, adopted by a coloured acrylic powder. An activator answer goes excessive to harden and seal the coloured powder. The dip manicure course of is comparatively fast and doesn’t require UV mild.
You may get a dip manicure at a salon or spend money on a DIY dip starter equipment for at-home use.
Dip powder nails are a superb choice if you’d like realistic-looking nails with a sturdy coloration coat. The polish can final three to 4 weeks.
Professionals of dip powder nails
- Dip manicures look extra pure than acrylic nails.
- Dip powder polish is long-lasting.
- You possibly can DIY your dip manicure.
- No UV lights are required.
Cons of dip powder nails
- Repeated dip manicures can weaken your pure nail.
- There are hygiene issues whenever you’re getting the manicure achieved on the salon. True story: My daughter bought nicked on her cuticle with a file and the technician dunked her bleeding finger into the bathtub of powder. Be aware that the bathtub is sort of a bottle of polish; it will get reused for everybody. So…yuck.
- The dips might embody irritating substances.
Nail well being
The largest threat to your nail well being with a dip manicure is the repeated submitting and lack of air provide to your pure nail. With repeated therapies, your nail can change into weak and brittle.
Upkeep and prices
Dip manicures are similar to gel manicures with respect to price and upkeep. Every remedy will in all probability price you $50 to $75. Alternatively, you should buy a DIY starter equipment for $15 to $35.
To take away dip powder polish, you need to soak your nails in polish remover and gently scrub away the colour.
4. Builder gel nails
Builder gels are light-weight, brush-on merchandise that mimic the look of gel manicures and dip nails, however are much less damaging. You would possibly see them known as BIAB, which stands for builder in a bottle. These merchandise typically require a base coat first and curing with a UV mild. You should utilize builder gels to increase and reshape nails, which is a bonus over commonplace gel manicures.
It’s also possible to purchase BIAB nail kits to make use of at residence. Be aware that lengthening your personal nails with a builder gel will possible be difficult. It’s far simpler to make use of builder gel to strengthen your pure nails with out including size.
Professionals of builder gels
- Builder gel manicures, utilized correctly, are extra sturdy than gel manicures. Your nails may go the three-week mark with out chipping.
- Builder gels can prolong or reshape your pure nail.
- Builder gel nails are stronger and lighter vs. gel manicures.
Cons of builder gels
- The gel might be an irritant to ladies with allergic reactions.
- A UV mild is required for curing.
- Improper software or removing of the builder gel can harm your nails.
Nail well being
The gel substance itself usually isn’t caustic to your pure nail. However like different manicure varieties, there’s threat of injury within the software and removing processes. To take away builder gel, you need to reduce off any prolonged size and file down the thickness earlier than soaking your nails in an acetone nail polish remover.
Upkeep and prices
Builder gel manicures price $50 to $100, with fills carrying a lower cost tag. It’s also possible to purchase starter kits with UV lamps for about $20 to $30 on Amazon.
5. Press-on nails
Press-on nails are pre-polished, synthetic nails that connect over your pure nail with an adhesive. They’re available at Walmart and wonder provide shops. Press-on nails are available kits with a wide range of sizes to suit all 10 of your fingers. It’s also possible to purchase press-on toenails.
I like press-on nails as a result of they’re cheap and low-commitment. I discover they’re susceptible to popping off in the event you use your arms rather a lot, although. However in the event you want a fast nail overhaul for an evening out or for a calming seaside weekend, these match the invoice for a low price ticket.
Professionals
- Press-on nails can be found in lots of shapes and nail artwork designs.
- You possibly can file press-on nails to customise the look.
- Press-on nails are straightforward to use.
Cons
- Press-on nails aren’t as sturdy as different choices. They’ll snag on issues and pull proper off your nail.
- Press-on nails might look much less practical than different forms of manicures.
- If a press-on nail is free, it might encourage you to select at it till it comes off. That may trigger harm to your nail beneath.
Nail well being
Press-on nails gained’t destroy the well being of your nails on their very own. You do threat nail harm in the event you choose at leftover adhesive or yank the nails off with out soaking them first.
Upkeep and prices
Press-on nails are upkeep free. When you’re achieved with them, soak them in polish remover, take them off, and throw them away. If you wish to hold your fairly nails, merely purchase one other equipment for $10 or much less.
6. Common manicure
Common nail polish utilized at residence with a sturdy high coat and base coat is a cost-effective different to a gel manicure. The draw back is that common polish tends to chip quicker than gel polish.
I’ve discovered an inexpensive center floor with the DIY gel-like polishes that don’t require UV curing. I’ve had good luck with Revlon Colorstay. For greatest outcomes, use the road’s base coat and high coat and apply a number of coloration coats.
Professionals
- Common nail polish is cheap and available.
- Your choices embody mainstream manufacturers plus indie manufacturers that always use vegan substances and fewer chemical compounds.
- Eradicating common nail polish is straightforward.
- Most common nail polishes, used correctly, doesn’t trigger harm to the pure nail.
Cons
- Cheaper polishes can chip simply.
- Most traditional polishes have little strengthening energy.
Nail well being
A conventional manicure involving a cuticle remedy can enhance the well being of your nails. As with different manicures, choosing at your nails or polish might be damaging to your nails. For extra data, see my put up: What manicure is greatest on your nail well being.
Upkeep and prices
You may get a fundamental salon manicure for $20 to $40. It’s also possible to spend that a lot on high-quality polish, base coat, and high coat — plus a superb bottle of nail polish remover.
Upkeep is minimal. Swipe away your coloration coat when it begins to look haggard. And, hold your nails filed to an inexpensive size to reduce breakage.
Branded gel nail merchandise
There are additionally a number of branded merchandise that place themselves as gel manicure options. These embody:
- Polygel is a model of builder gel made by Gelish.
- Shellac is a branded gel system made by Artistic Nail Design (CND). Shellac doesn’t require you to buff away your pure nail earlier than software, which is a plus.
- Plexigel is a gel-based product made by OPI
- IBX is a nail remedy that strengthens nails. It’s usually used beneath a gel manicure.
- Bio Sculpture is a branded conventional gel system that guarantees higher nail well being.
Your greatest manicure
One of the best gel different for you is determined by what you need. When you prioritize a end that lasts with out chipping, attempt a dip manicure. Or, in the event you desire to not decide to a sure form or coloration, press-on nails are the reply. No matter nail technique you’re taking, comply with the product’s directions for software, care, and removing in order that your pure nails stay as wholesome as doable.
