Artificial nails

The difference between acrylic and gel is mainly in the product used on your own nail or on a tip. The tip is made of plastic in a distinct shape or style (square, oval, squoval, coffin, stiletto or almond) and is glued to the natural nail. Both grow out and can be filled at the back or soaked off and redone from scratch.

Acrylic is a polymer (plain or coloured) powder mixed with monomer liquid on top of the tip, to create the sculpted nail. Acrylic nails are more durable than gel and lasts several weeks but require longer acetone soaks and filing to remove.

Gel is made from a liquid resin that is painted on the nail and cured under UV or LED light. Gel polish is more flexible and looks more natural than acrylic and typically lasts 2-3 weeks on hands and 4 weeks on toenails.