Acrylic gel extensions. Gel or acrylic: pros and cons of coatings. Pros and cons of nail extensions

Extension is a popular procedure, since not every girl can boast of naturally long and strong nails. There are two main materials for this procedure - gel and acrylic, and two methods - molds and tips. In this material we will try to answer the question of whether it is better to extend nails - acrylic or gel.

Pros of acrylic

The first thing to mention is that acrylic is the least toxic material. Therefore, it is often recommended for pregnant women when doing nail extensions. However, it has a fairly strong and characteristic odor, which may be poorly tolerated by such a client, but if there is sufficient ventilation in the master’s workplace, this drawback is not significant. Thus, what to choose, acrylic or gel nail extensions, and what is best for her and for the child, the expectant mother must decide for herself. Acrylic poles include:

Another undoubted advantage of acrylic is that it began to be used for extensions much earlier than gel. Most masters can work with it more quickly and confidently, since they know all its features and the specifics of creating marigolds. When it comes to the question of whether it is better to have your nails extended by an inexperienced nail technician - acrylic or gel, you should definitely choose acrylic.

Pros of the gel

The extension gel contains an artificial protein, which actively interacts with the natural protein of the nail during extension. This ensures strong adhesion between its plate and the extended layer. It is believed that damage to your own nail is minimal. If you choose not only the material, but also what is better - tips or forms, remember that you can extend your nails with gel using both of these methods.

The gel began to be widely used relatively recently, but has already won a number of loyal fans. This is due to its following positive qualities:

The gel's adhesion to the natural nail is so strong that the nails can last up to four months. However, it is almost impossible to carry them for such a long period of time, since the border between the gel and the plate becomes very visible as your own nail grows. But for those whose nails grow slowly, gel is an excellent option, as it allows you to avoid corrections for up to one month.

Cons of acrylic

Like any material for manicure, acrylic also has its disadvantages. First of all, it is almost impossible to use this material for extensions under varnish. This is due to the fact that it fades after exposure to acetone-containing nail polish remover. There are also a few other minor drawbacks.

The unpleasant odor that accompanies the extension procedure may cause some discomfort for people with a sensitive sense of smell. However, with good air extraction or constant ventilation, this drawback can be eliminated. The smell from nails disappears a few hours after extensions.

When it comes to deciding which nails are best for people with allergies, acrylic or gel, you should definitely choose gel. People prone to contact dermatitis may experience a reaction to the material in places where it comes into contact with the skin. In any case, before applying acrylic extensions, it is recommended to test for an allergic reaction.

Cons of the gel

Gel is not the best option for winter. The clear answer to the question of which nail extension is better in the cold season - acrylic or gel - is definitely acrylic. The gel may not perform well during sudden temperature changes. First, it gives numerous microcracks and fades, and then becomes covered with quite noticeable and fairly large cracks. But there are a number of features that make wearing the gel difficult even in summer.

• The plates turn out to be quite thick and look unnatural. With subsequent corrections, the layer constantly increases and it has to be cut off with a cutter from the bottom of the nail;
• Once broken, they are practically irreparable. You have to remove the entire nail and build it up again. This affects not only the cost of the procedure, but also its duration;
• Compared to acrylic nails, such nails are more fragile;
• The gel is removed by filing. This makes the procedure long and unpleasant. In addition, there is a possibility of damage to your own nail plate.

When choosing acrylic or gel nail extensions, many are guided not only by which is better, but also by the financial component of the issue. Those who want to save money are recommended to extend their nails with acrylic. Most often, correction of gel extensions costs much more.

General rules for wearing extended nails

When asked which type of extension to choose - forms or tips, it is impossible to answer unequivocally which is better. Tips are suitable for very short natural nails. While nails with shapes look more natural and elegant, the extension process is much more complicated. Regardless of which method you choose, there are general rules for caring for artificial nails.

Before coming to the extension procedure, you need to prepare a little for it. Two or three days before it is recommended to strengthen the nails with the help of one or another nail treatment product. Masks are good. Also get a manicure, preferably trimmed, as the cuticle can make it difficult to build up.

Regardless of which is better, gel or acrylic nail extensions, you decide for yourself, after extensions you will in any case receive strong and hard plates. However, for the first three days after the procedure, it is recommended to reduce the amount of work at the computer, as this creates a colossal load on the free edge. Once you get used to your nails, you can return to your normal rhythm of life. At first it is better to behave very carefully.

Nails made of any material react poorly to temperature changes. Therefore they should be avoided. You should paint new nails only after applying a special base, and wash the coating with a product without acetone.

Well-groomed hands with beautiful, smooth nails are a decoration for every woman. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have natural nails with the ideal structure and shape. Therefore, beauty salons offer an interesting procedure - nail extensions with acrylic or gel. Let's figure out what the pros and cons of these materials are.

Nail extension with acrylic and gel: difference in technology

Nail extension with gel or acrylic is a hygienic and cosmetic procedure that is offered by almost all beauty salons. Not many ladies can boast of beautiful and strong nails. Unfortunately, the crazy pace of life, multitasking, and the environment lead to depletion of the nail plate.

Extended nails are not only beautiful, but also practical, because the varnish on them lasts up to three weeks. With gel or acrylic nails, women do not have to worry about the aesthetic appearance of their hands.

However, not all ladies, ordering such a service, know which material - acrylic or gel - to give preference to. Let’s look at their differences and technology features in more detail.

First, let's figure out what these materials are:

• Acrylic is plexiglass, which has increased strength and does not wear out.
• Gel is a polymer that hardens when exposed to targeted UV rays.

Their use in manicure differs in some technological actions. So, how is acrylic extension performed and how does it differ from gel extension:

1. To carry out this procedure, it is not necessary to do a manicure first, because the first stage involves filing off the top layer of the nail. For this, craftsmen use a file with a large abrasive coating. It touches the cuticle, which becomes thinner. If you remove it first, the technician may touch and damage the hole.
2. The nail is degreased with a special composition - primer.
3. Tips are prepared - overhead plastic forms. This is a great option for lengthening your nails. Sometimes special forms made of foil or plastic with a window for the nail are used.
4. The master glues tips onto the nail plates and trims them using nail scissors. The boundaries between the nail and the plate are rubbed with a nail file.
5. An acrylic coating is applied to the nail. It hardens quickly, so the beauty of the nail depends on how precise the master is in his actions. With gel, this process is simpler: a layer of coating is applied and the fingers are placed under the rays of a UV lamp. The master applies several layers of gel.
6. The next stage is decorating and securing the design.

Acrylic nails, which have been worked on by an experienced nail technician, look very beautiful and last quite a long time. This manicure can be removed using a special acetone-based liquid.

But with gel extensions you will have to work hard. It needs to be filed off with a nail file, which leads to additional injury to the nail plate.

Nail extensions: advantages and disadvantages of materials

Nails extended with acrylic or gel look impressive and beautiful in appearance. But what are they like in use, how do they affect the health of the nail, which material causes less harm to women’s nails?

Let's take a closer look:

• Gel is a porous polymer that:

1. It allows air to pass through, so the nail plate “breathes” under this coating.
2. The nail continues to grow.
3. The use of UV radiation eliminates the possibility of infection with fungal diseases.
4. Self-leveling, making it easier to apply, it conforms to the natural shape of the nail plate.
5. Maintains nail elasticity and mobility.
6. Allows you to remove varnish with acetone.
7. Shines and does not turn yellow.
8. Used for aquarium manicure.

Cons of the gel:

• Due to the use of UV rays, the nail “bakes”, so when removing the gel you will have to remove the top layer. This is an additional injury to the nail plate;
• gel is a fragile material, so it can crack during use.

Acrylic coating has its own characteristics, namely:

1. It hardens quickly, so you need to work with it quickly and carefully. It will have to be leveled and filed.
2. The material is too dense and durable, so the nails practically do not bend.
3. Durable and difficult to damage.
4. Has a matte surface.
5. Wide range of colors, it is possible to combine colors.

Cons of acrylic:

• When cutting, acrylic dust harms the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, the master and client must wear protective masks during the correction procedure;
• acrylic may cause an allergic reaction;
• no air flows to the plate. Therefore, after such extensions, it is necessary to rest the nails for three weeks;
• Do not remove varnish with a liquid containing acetone;
• may turn yellow over time.

When choosing which material (gel or acrylic) to give preference to, take into account the advantages and disadvantages of extension products listed above. Please note that there is a technology that combines the use of gel and acrylic. Thanks to it, the nails gain strength and shine.

In any case, remember: extensions involve trauma to the nail plate to one degree or another. Therefore, after removing such a coating, it is necessary to carry out restoration procedures in order to maintain the natural density of the nail.

What is acrylic gel (Acryl Gel) and its advantages over classic gels and acrylics

All this became possible thanks to such textural and component features of acryl gels as:

• Sawdust density. During the filing process of this material, the resulting dust is 30% heavier than dust from classic gels and acrylic. It immediately settles on the table and skin and does not scatter in the air. This, of course, does not eliminate the need for masters to use such protective equipment as, n, and, but it significantly reduces the risk of developing occupational diseases (respiratory and contact allergies). In addition, the dense sawdust and the absence of harmful fumes during the polymerization of the drug do not harm the health of clients, including those suffering from asthma and allergy sufferers.
• Reduces the risk of accidental contact of material with skin. Since combigels do not spread, do not self-level, and do not stain the cuticle and side ridges during the process of molding and distributing them over the nail, even masters who are just beginning to fill their hands will be able to work at a pace that is convenient for them and without rushing. You just have to carefully choose which ones you need to wet the brush with when stretching the gel acrylic over the nail. Preference should be given to liquids from professional brands that have proven themselves to be safe for clients with sensitivity to ingredients and those suffering from allergies.
• Comfort of working with the drug. Thanks to the new product, the artist will be able to devote all his attention and energy directly to modeling and creating the image, without being distracted by measuring the time during drying or carefully combining the proportions of powder and (as when working with acrylic). There is no need to worry about accidental polymerization of the material if the rays of the sun fall on an open jar or tube. Acryl Gel hardens only in a lamp, does not dry in air or under the sun. The only thing that the master should remember when drying the material is the need to dry the white shades of acrylic gels (polygels) longer and more thoroughly.

• The most lightweight application technique. When working with gel acrylic, you don’t have to worry about excessive consumption of materials and auxiliary liquids. The process of preliminary preparation of the nail, extension itself, correction and design is identical to the technology of working with gels and gel polishes. Once you have experience working with these products, you will quickly become familiar with the use of polygels!
• Comfort for the client. A new type of preparation for modeling and design, even when creating dense and very long nails, does not cause a strong burning sensation when polymerized in a lamp. Acrygel materials are dried without the formation of a dispersion, or with a very slight sticky layer. This minimizes the risk of contact allergies to the sticky layer, and creating the image itself takes a little less time and is not as expensive (since the artist does not use and).
• Comfortable material to wear. Thanks to its unique formula, acrylic is stronger and lighter than acrylic, and also more elastic than hard gels of all professional brands. The design with them is pleasant and comfortable to wear, since gel acrylic does not weigh down the manicure and is practically not felt on the nail plate, despite the thickness and density of the material. This feature allows you to perform polygel extensions even on thin and brittle nails, with increased sensitivity to weight in the stress zone of the nail. Polygels relieve pressure on the natural nail to an optimal level while maintaining the necessary plasticity and strength.

Of no small importance for both the master and the client are such pleasant little details and features of acrylic gels, such as:

• Almost complete absence of material detachments- thanks to excellent adhesion with and, as well as a colored decorative coating applied on top (or for nails);
• Naturalness of the final result. Both the extension and strengthening, as well as the design with polygels, looks very natural and elegant. The master will not need additional preparations to visually eliminate aesthetic defects of the nails, as well as decorative elements to make the manicure more expressive. French laid-out, colored and equally gentle and stylish will look, being made only with shades of acrylic from one palette of a particular brand. Nail art using gel acrylics turns out beautiful and effective, like a salon manicure of the highest level;
• Removing restrictions on the use of material for nail modeling. Due to the fact that acrylic does not have a strong odor, the manicurist (if he works in a salon) no longer needs a separate office to comply with sanitary and hygienic standards. Which will undoubtedly affect the final cost of the work;
• Savings and more savings. The material does not require the purchase of a separate one; you can use the same tools that you purchased for working on gel or acrylic. Acrygels are not picky about the bristles of brushes: those made entirely from artificial bristles or those made from a combination of natural bristles and synthetics are suitable. Polygel is a “single-layer” preparation; it gives a uniform and dense color with high-quality elongation with minimal material consumption. To give the shape the master needs, you can use any convenient accessories (both regular and “liquid” tips), or even apply the material directly to the nail, without “safety net” (with the proper level of skill).

For the sake of objectivity, let us also mention possible disadvantages of an innovative product. These include the following points:

• Gel acrylic is not inherently a soak-off material, and not every type of it can be removed by soaking. To safely remove a design, you will need either a high-quality device or a kit;
• In order for the acrylic gel to harden efficiently, firmly and quickly, you will need a reliable lamp ( or ) both at the drying stage and , used respectively before and after laying out the material, and when baking the layers of the polygel itself;
• Depending on the manufacturer and the essence of the preparation, the master may require a special liquid in which it is necessary to periodically wet the brush for a smooth, even and uniform distribution of the acrylic gel over the surface of the nail.

Possibilities of polygels in manicure and nail design

Since the new type of materials has become a unity among varnish and acrylic polymers, as well as oligomers of hard gels, it has significantly expanded the range of services provided by nail artists. By purchasing a full line of all tones and shades of acrygel, you can use it not only to lengthen and strengthen the nail plate, but also to correct chips at any speed that is familiar and comfortable for the craftswoman. The viscosity, density and pliability of the material suggest its use in classic extensions on tips and modeling on forms. In this case, the specialist will be able to create nails with a shape and architecture close to ideal, as well as model absolutely flat nails and nails with a “dome”.

What else can he do? Polygel? He will become an indispensable assistant, If:

the client has problematic and weak nails, or nails that are naturally prone to a trapezoidal shape, but wants to get an even, thin, ultra-strong and moisture-resistant base for a gel polish manicure;

the craftswoman is often contacted to repair cracks and chips of artificial or natural nails;

it is necessary to secure the free edge and length of the nail;

create a reliable shield from aggressive and negative external influences (constant contact with household chemicals, water, professional detergents and other chemicals, etc.);

the master is especially good at laying out a French jacket, but he doesn’t want to waste time, effort and materials on cutting out a smile;

Often you have to create designs in the style of colored or multi-colored French with gels, but there are no necessary shades of pigments or dyes. The solution is simple: you can mix the polygel with any shade of gel polish from the artist’s palette and bring to life any whim of the client;

Gel acrylic is no less pleasant when correcting nails modeled with it. The technique is completely identical to working with gels and acrylics and will not require additional expenses from the master either for liquids or for tools and equipment.

Which brands of polygel creators should you get to know first? We have prepared for you a selection of three “state budget” ones that may be most interesting for novice masters.

TOP 3 brands - manufacturers of acrylic gels (combigels). Blitz introduction to materials, photo and video master classes

Using a silicone brush or spatula, take the required amount of gel from the jar and place it on the nail plate, forming a ball;

Pour the Fluid preparation into a small container (for example, into);

Moisten the brush in the liquid and lay out the material according to the principle of working with acrylic;

During the molding process, wet the brush in liquid if the material begins to stick to the brush;

When applying polygel, do not press the brush too hard, but stretch it smoothly and gently for uniform distribution;

Having laid out the desired model, polymerize the nails in an LED lamp for 30 or 60 seconds (depending on the power of the device), in a UV lamp for 2 minutes;

Remove the sticky layer and file the nails with an artificial nail file in the usual way;

Apply top coat.

Acrylic, or as the brand called it, is no less interesting for craftswomen.

This version of gel acrylic has optimal viscosity, suitable for both brand gel polishes and products of other brands. Pudding will delight nail artists with its advantages:

Minimal and dense sawdust;

No unpleasant aroma;

A larger number of shades of the “natural nail” range;

The ability to remove the design either by soaking it in liquid to soften the acrylic or by filing it off;

The complete absence of a sticky layer, which means a reduction in the cost of special medications and minimizing the risk of an allergic reaction;

Polymerization in a UV/LED lamp for 1-2 minutes.

Of the possible cons:

Lack of detailed color gradation of camouflage shades;

Release form in a tube (it is not very convenient to control the consumption of material).

The method of using Pudding Gel is illustrated in detail in our training video:

And the top three is completed by a star product from , which has caused a real stir since its appearance in the nail community.

The undoubted advantages of this material are:

The widest range of shades, allowing you to take into account all the nuances of the natural pigmentation of natural nails;

Very convenient and easy-to-work consistency;

Fast and high-quality polymerization even with dense material laying out.

To possible cons we would attribute residual stickiness, as well as the fact that the manufacturer is not always ready to cope with the rush demand for its best seller. Therefore, Acryl gel from TNL becomes a kind of object of nail hunting, including on our website :)

The method of laying out acrygel is demonstrated in detail in the training video below:

Among the entire range of polygels currently existing on the market, the master will be able to choose the form of release and with those nuances of application that are most in demand in his current practice. There is no doubt that this direction of development of nail materials is currently the most promising and in demand. This means that you will definitely see in our assortment the results of the creativity of technologists from all the most famous brands.

Acrylic nails

Today, the most common materials for nail extensions are acrylic and gel. The extension composition is made from a mixture of liquid with. This mixture is toxic and has an unpleasant, pungent odor. Chemicals can irritate the skin and make natural nails brittle and weak. You will have to refuse acrylic extensions in the following cases: if you are undergoing a course or taking antibiotics (in this case, the body begins to produce acetone, which rejects the material); suffer from diabetes, herpes or intestinal diseases; there are hormonal disorders. The chemical components that make up the acrylic mass can cause an allergic reaction, fainting and even suffocation.

Among the advantages are the following:

Acrylic is a fairly durable material. Such nails will be worn for a long time, reliably;
- if you accidentally break an acrylic nail, you can even repair it yourself;
- a fairly simple process for removing such nails; there are special solvents that will help remove acrylic nails in a matter of minutes.

Disadvantages of acrylic extensions:

Your natural nails with acrylic extensions are subject to negative effects. Acrylic penetrates deeply into the nail plate, which creates difficulties during correction and filing;
- acrylic nails look more rough and artificial, even if done by an experienced nail technician (which cannot be said about gel nails);
- after wearing acrylic nails for a long time, the natural plate begins to deplete, so special care is required after removing artificial nails.

Gel nails

Pros of gel nails:

Gel nails look more glossy and natural than acrylic nails;
- the polymerization process occurs faster than that of acrylic, sometimes two minutes is enough;
- the components included in the gel do not emit toxic substances and do not smell;
- little filing is required during the extension process.

The main component for gel nail extensions is the resin of coniferous trees, as well as other semi-synthetic and natural components. This composition is considered less harmful, it does not have a strong odor and is non-toxic.

Cons of gel nails:

They are not as reliable and strong as acrylic ones, although they cost a little more;
- gel nails are very difficult to do on your own;
- it is impossible to repair damaged gel nails on your own;
- gel nails cannot be removed with special means (as is the case with acrylic); in this case, there is only one way out - filing.

So what should you choose?

Both acrylic and gel have similar results: they strengthen nails and make them long, making hands feminine and sexy. But you should still pay attention to the characteristics described above and make your choice. An experienced nail technician will also help you decide on the structure of your natural nails based on your wishes and requirements. By the way, the polish looks much better on gel nails.

Beautiful and well-groomed nails are a source of pride for women, but what to do if natural nails look weakened, thin and lifeless? The answer is to increase it.

The most common materials for nail extensions today are gel and acrylic. What is their fundamental difference and is acrylic as harmful and gel as beneficial as they say?

Which is better, gel or acrylic?

Acrylic is often accused of being “harmful” due to the pungent chemical smell that accompanies the extension process, while the gel is absolutely neutral. In fact, the chemical composition of gel and acrylic is practically the same.

• Smell. The strong odor from acrylic appears due to the evaporation of the polymerizing liquid. Because the acrylic – self-curing material, it hardens in air while gel – light-curing, and it can only be dried under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
• Chemistry. The chemical effect of both gel and acrylic on the nail is equally neutral. If the manicurist correctly prepares the nails for applying the polymerizing material, there will be no harm from any of them.
• Durability. Acrylic and gel are equally good to wear. Peeling of material from the cuticle or on the sides of the nail is 100% the fault of the master who did not carefully treat the nails before applying acrylic or gel. Proper preparation of a nail for extensions includes filing off the top layer of the nail with an abrasive, polishing, removing the cuticle, applying a primer and, directly, extensions.

In 10% of 100% cases, rejection of extension materials is not the fault of the master, but of the client’s body. Acrylic often does not hold up during periods of hormonal imbalances, and the gel can peel off due to an allergy to any component or due to biological incompatibility.

• Master's choice. If over time (a year after the first visit) the master was unable to choose the right material for nail extensions (or did not even try to do this), it is better to look for another person. Sometimes it can take a lot of time to select the right brand of base coat, primer and top coat, but if the technician’s work suits you and he keeps trying, wait a little longer, he’s honestly trying to help you.

Result: a clear answer to the question “which is better: acrylic or gel?” No. Both materials are very resistant to external damage, they last equally long on nails and have a similar chemical composition. You can choose gel if you have allergies or hormonal diseases; you can choose acrylic if you have active physical work.