Are you a nail enthusiast like us? Do you also love experimenting with different types of nail extensions? Are you also a fan of professional-quality salon manicures and have tried all the different nail shapes and structures that your manicurist provides?
Even if your answer to all the above questions is a yes, there are still high chances you aren’t aware of the intricate differences between various nail extensions and manicures. No, seriously, many nail lovers don’t have a clear idea of how various manicures are different from each other.
Structured Gel Manicures v/s Acrylic Nails
There are also certain scenarios where you may have a favorite type of manicure or one that you dislike. But you won’t be able to point out a specific reason why you like or dislike a particular manicure. And we are here to help you with that today.
The most common of the salon manicures are acrylic extensions and structured gel manicures. Let’s look at how are structured gel manicures different from acrylic nails.
How Are Structured Gel Manicures Different From Acrylic Nails?
For those wanting long-lasting, salon-finish nails, gel, and acrylic manicures are your best bets. Both provide stunningly strong and shiny nails that are chip-free and long-lasting. So which one to choose?
As an amateur, some of you might think they are all the same. But then why different names?
One key difference is the materials used to cast these nails – structured manicures are done using builder gels while acrylics are done using powdered polymers and liquid monomers. But is that the only reason why structured gel manicures are different from acrylic nails?
To answer your questions, let’s take a deep dive into the detailed guide about the differences between the two types of manicures and which one is best suited for whom.
What are Structured Gel Manicures?
Structured gel manicures use a builder gel to either add strength and durability to your natural nails or to create nail extensions using fake nail tips to add length. This kind of manicure uses either a soft gel or a hard gel depending on the purpose. The soft gel often comes in BIAB packaging for adding strength and apex to the natural nail without working on the length. Contrarily, the hard gel is used for layering on top of the natural nail and the false nail extension tips to create longer nails artificially.
Structured gel manicures are also often called gel-X manicures where fake nails can be sculpted using a nail form without adding an acrylic nail tip. Since several layers of builder gel are applied in structured manicures to sculpt the nail, it offers a durable, glossy, and chip-free finish that lasts for weeks. Also, if you don’t want to add to the length but strengthen weak and brittle nails, you can choose this dust-free, odorless, and no-glue manicure to cause the least damage to your natural nails.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Those who have been to nail salons and love getting fake nails know what acrylic nails are. Well, these are fake nail tips curated using a combination of powdered polymers and liquid monomers. The two chemicals are mixed to form a dough-like substance to bond to the natural nails for sculpting the hard nail tips when air-dried. False acrylic nails can also be sculpted using either glue-on nail tips or nail forms.
Acrylics are the strongest and hardest of the lot when it comes to fake nail extensions. No matter the wear and tear, you don’t have to worry about chipping and breaking when you choose acrylic nails even if you have an active lifestyle or weak nails underneath. Even when acrylics can withstand a lot, they are known for causing damage to the natural nails if not applied or removed properly.
What are the Differences Between Structured Gel Manicures and Acrylic Nails?
There are several points of similarities and differences when it comes to comparing structured manicures with acrylics. While the application time, the lasting time, the appearance, and the cost are pretty similar for both, the materials used, the application procedure, the level of damage, and a few other things differ in a lot of ways.
Acrylics tend to be harder than gels considering the denser chemicals used in the formulation. Hence, acrylics are more rigid and sturdy offering lesser flexibility and difficulty in removing. On the other hand, builder gels used in structured manicures tend to be softer and aren’t as damaging as acrylics. They offer more flexibility and are more natural-looking than acrylic nails.
When we talk about the material difference, the acrylic formula is mixed manually during the application process whereas the gels are premixed formulas to be cured under UV or LED light during application.
Let’s discuss in detail how structured gel manicures are different from acrylic nails.
Application
The application time for both gel and acrylic manicures is pretty similar and it takes somewhere between 1-3 hours to do a set depending on the length and the design. The initial processes are also quite identical and both manicures require thorough nail prepping before going ahead with product application.
Now when it comes to the actual product application process, this is where the difference comes into the picture. When you opt for a structured gel manicure, a fake nail tip is attached to the free edge for added length. After cutting and filing the tip, a layer of base coat is applied to prepare the nail surface for gel placement. The builder gel is then applied directly on top. After sculpting the nail and the apex with the gel, the product is cured under UV or LED light till it becomes hard. Note that you cannot harden the gel without a curing lamp.
On the contrary, for sculpting a nail with acrylics, you need to form a paste-like structure combining a powdered chemical and a liquid one. A powdered polymer is mixed with a liquid monomer to form a ‘bead’. This bead is then placed directly on top of the preshaped acrylic fake tip. You have to sculpt the nail and apex before the product dries out. Remember, acrylics are air-dry and do not require any curing.
Removal
Just like application, the removal process of both manicures is also similar at some stages and different at some. While both make use of similar tools and chemicals like acetone, the process differs slightly. To begin, both manicures require you to file off the top coat to remove the shine and weaken the product.
To remove a structured gel manicure, you need to wrap your nails in a cotton ball soaked in 100% pure acetone and cover them up in an aluminum file. Once you let this sit for at least 15-20 minutes, you need to remove the wrap and start scraping off the lifted gel gently with an orangewood stick. If there is still some product left, repeat the entire process till your nails are gel-free.
In the case of acrylics, wrapping doesn’t work. You need to directly soak your nails in a bowl of acetone after filing off the top coat. Dip your fingers in a bowl of pure acetone for at least 20-30 minutes and then start removing the lifted product as you would do in gels. Repeat the soaking if some of the product doesn’t come off with gentle pushing.
Cost
You can either get nail extensions or just add strength and structure to your nails with both manicures depending on your requirements. However, the cost differs between the two, and other external factors like salon location, manicurist’s expertise, and the design complexity also add to the final cost.
If you are opting for a structured gel manicure on your natural nails, it may start from around $35-40 for a basic mani and will go further ahead depending on the nail art that you choose. For gel extensions, you can expect about $100 for a full set. Contrarily, an acrylic manicure can be expected to cost approximately $65-70 excluding nail art and accessories.
Appearance
You can choose your manicure depending on the final look that you’re aiming for if you are aware of the differences between the appearance of both.
If you want to get natural-looking nails, then a structured gel manicure can be your choice. If you are planning to go with the natural length and structure of your nails and grow them out, this manicure will add strength and durability and will help you maintain your nail health with minimum damage. Besides, if you want natural-looking extensions that last long and cause less damage, again gel manicures can come to your rescue. They add a flushed look to the edges of your nails with a structured apex in the middle making them appear more natural and elegant.
On the other hand, acrylic nails give a typical salon manicure look. If you want to sport long-ass Kardashian or Jenner-style nails, you can trust acrylic manicures with that. Acrylics are more bulky-looking with thicker edges and a blunt tip. Also, if the product is not brushed evenly, the apex may look lumpy and the overall nail structure appears heavy. The several layers of product on the nail surface make them look bulkier and unnatural but this look has been in trend for decades now with celebrities loving it.
Lasting
How long your manicure will last depends entirely on your natural nail growth and the wear and tear. However, to answer the question we can say that acrylic manicures last longer than gels. While a structured gel mani may last for up to 3-4 weeks, acrylics would last for 5-6 weeks or even more depending on how you look after them.
Acrylics last longer because they have a stronger formula and chemicals. However, though long-lasting, they are more vulnerable to breakages as well. Conversely, gel manicures offer more flexibility.
Depending on your lifestyle, your natural nail strength, and other requirements, you need to make an appropriate choice between the two. However, it has to be noted that despite being stronger, acrylics cause more damage to your natural nails. And while gels are safer and more natural-looking, they might not last as long.
Maintenance
To maintain your manicures and the health of your natural nails, you need to either get regular removals and reapplications or opt for refills, again depending on your choice. This is because your natural nails grow out and the manicure may become heavy at the free edge, especially in the case of acrylic nails.
If you want to camouflage your natural nail regrowth without removing the product entirely, you can opt for refills once you see your fake nails growing out. The usual refill time for gel manicures is observed to be after 2-3 weeks of application while that for acrylics is around 3 weeks or more. It again depends on the speed at which your nails grow.
Safety
It cannot be put into one word whether acrylic or gel manicures are safe for your nails because any of these treatments cause your nails to go through a lot of physical and mechanical wear and tear which results in damaging your natural nail surface. Though nails grow out from the root and replace the free edge every few weeks, treating them roughly now and then will surely cause them to weaken.
Yes, it is said that gel manicures are safer than acrylics considering the the products and procedures. But improper application and removal and using low-quality products are sureshot formulas to causing risk to your natural nails and even the skin around them. From damaged and brittle nails to fungal nail infections, there are multiple safety concerns pertaining to manicure wrongdoings.
Comparison Chart
To sum it up, let’s look at this chart to compare acrylic and gel manicures.
| Structured Gel Manicure | Acrylic Manicure | |
| Appearance | Natural-looking, glossy | Thicker and bulkier-looking |
| Flexibility | More flexible than fake nails but less than natural nails | Robust and sturdy, but not as flexible as gel nails |
| Durability | Lasting up to 3-4 weeks or more | Longer-lasting up to 5-6 weeks or more |
| Curing Techniques | Faster curing using UV or LED lamp | Slower curing using air-dry products |
| Cost | Around $35-40 or more depending on design | Around $65-70 depending on length and design |
| After Effect | ● Improper application or removal may damage the natural nail surface
● Overuse without regular breaks may leave an impression on the nails causing deeper damage to the nail bed ● Prolonged exposure to water and lack of hygiene may cause fungal and bacterial infections |
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Wrapping Up
Ultimately, understanding the difference between structured gel manicures and acrylic nails is crucial for making an informed choice about your manicure routine. While both offer durability and aesthetic appeal, they differ significantly in application, removal, and long-term effects on your natural nails. Gel manicures, with their flexible and lightweight nature, provide a comfortable and long-lasting alternative to traditional acrylic nails. On the other hand, acrylic nails, though durable, can be harsh on natural nails during application and removal.
When deciding between the two, consider your lifestyle, nail health, and maintenance preferences. If you prioritize a natural look and flexibility, structured gel manicures may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more durable option and are willing to invest in regular upkeep, acrylic nails might be the better choice. Eventually, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference. Whichever option you choose, remember to prioritize nail health, proper application, and regular maintenance for beautiful and healthy nails.
