Acrylic vs gel nails: differences and which suits you

The most common question at the salon

Acrylic nails or gel nails: it's the doubt our clients repeat most before booking their first extension appointment. Both options give long, strong nails with stunning finishes, but they differ significantly in composition, process and maintenance. Here we explain it without jargon.

What are acrylic nails?

Acrylic nails are built by mixing an acrylic powder with a liquid monomer which, when combined, form a mouldable paste that hardens on contact with air. The technician sculpts it directly onto the natural nail or onto a form, giving the desired length and shape. It doesn't need a lamp to cure.

Result: a very hard nail, as long as you like, with great resistance to knocks. It's the favourite for those who want XXL lengths or very elaborate nail art on a solid base.

What are gel nails?

Gel nails use a UV or LED gel applied in layers over the natural nail or prefabricated tips. Each layer is cured under a lamp, hardening progressively. The result is more flexible than acrylic and has a naturally glossy finish.

They are especially popular with those who want nails longer than their natural ones but with a lighter, more translucent look.

Main differences

Feature	Acrylic	Gel
Hardness	Very high	Medium-high (more flexible)
Appearance	Opaque, accepts any finish	Glossy and natural
Curing	In the air (no lamp)	With UV/LED lamp
Maximum length	Very long (XXL)	Medium-long
Removal	Filing + acetone	Acetone or gentle filing
Infill	Every 3–4 weeks	Every 3–4 weeks

When to choose acrylic?

• If you want extra-long or very XXL length.
• If your natural nails are very weak or heavily damaged and you need a very rigid base.
• If you do a lot of nail art with relief, inlays or 3D, as acrylic is easier to sculpt.
• If your job or activity involves a lot of knocking or manual effort and you need maximum strength.

When to choose gel?

• If you want a more natural, translucent result with its own shine.
• If you want a moderate (not extreme) length over your natural nails.
• If you tend to break nails and need reinforcement without the rigidity of acrylic.
• If you prefer an easier removal that is less aggressive on the natural nail.

And softgel? A third option

There is a third, increasingly popular alternative: softgel, also called soft gel or Russian gel. Unlike hard gel, softgel is more flexible and translucent, with a result very similar to the natural nail. It's ideal for those who want reinforcement without extension, or a very short, natural extension. At Prettify we also offer softgel as a new-set option.

What happens if I don't get the infill on time?

With both acrylic and gel, the nail grows and the cuticle area is exposed (the "root"). If you don't get the infill every 3–4 weeks, the product can lift or break, and the natural nail is exposed to more damage. We recommend not going beyond 4–5 weeks between appointments.

Do they damage the natural nail?

Neither acrylic nor gel damages the natural nail if application and removal are done correctly. Damage happens when they are removed by peeling (instead of with acetone) or when the file is used aggressively on the natural surface. At Prettify we always do removal with a soaking technique, respecting the natural nail.