Nail Extensions: What's the Deal?

Acrylic .VS. Gel

The great debate is on! What is better for your nails acrylic or gel? What are you getting when you go to the spa and get your nails done? Here are the answers you are looking for. So many places will upsell their "gel" nails, but are you truly getting what you're paying for?

Here is the truth

When acrylics are being applied there is an acrylic powder and liquid, they are mixed to the appropriate consistency. Then they are apply to the nail plate after the prep was done to ensure that your enhancement doesn't come off. They do not need a light to become solid the enhancements will solidify all by themselves once mixed together.

When true gel nails are being applied the nail prep is done and a clear gel (similar in consistency to toothpaste) is applied to the nail. You place your hand under a UV or LED light to solidify the product. Once removed from the lamp you will find that they have a sticky film, your aesthetician will wipe this off for you and you're ready to go.

These are very different procedures as you can tell. 

Some salons may finish off your acrylics with a gel top coat, which is used to seal gel polish (or shellac as many people know it as). This makes your nails shine bright and stops it them from yellowing, which happens to acrylics over time. This helps clients who haven't been educated in the difference think that they have had gel nails applied when they truly have not.

Don't let yourselves be played the fool!

Some salons are even carrying DENTAL acrylic because it's cheaper to purchase than the regular acrylic used for nail enhancements!

A caring aesthetician will take into consideration what you are looking for with your nails. Are you looking to grow out your nails? or are you looking to have extra length and point you toward gel polish or gel. Most aestheticians won't deal in acrylic anymore for safety reason, both for you and themselves. Acrylic dust can be rather irritating to skin, eyes and lungs! Many types of acrylic can cause contact dermatitis, an unpleasant skin rash that can need medication to get rid of. Also with continued exposure to acrylic powder and liquid you can develop allergic reaction that can cause inflammation and infections.

But if you are aware of what's being done to your nails you'll never be ripped off or put at risk.

Live well and Feel Great

RENU U Aesthetics