To Gel or Not to Gel?
A Gel vs. Acrylic Primer
By: Amber Edwards
As a nail tech and educator for the past 20 years, I can safely say I have seen it all. One of the most disturbing trends I’ve seen recently in my industry is that customers are being misled into believing they are getting gel nails when, in actuality, they are getting acrylic nails applied. As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
For decades, acrylic nails were the hottest nail trend. Acrylic consists of two components: monomer and polymer. Monomer is the liquid that gets mixed with polymer powder, which is then applied to your nails to transform them into the beautiful nails you know and love. Some salons apply a sealer that gives the acrylic a high gloss shine; this has a similar look to gel. Hence, this is where the confusion comes in for the client!
When a nail technician tells you they are applying gel, you have no choice but to believe them…they’re the professional, right? Wrong! Here are some things you should know going in:
Acrylic and Gel both have their advantages. Both can be used to sculpt or apply to a tip. Both need maintenance and can be filed with a drill. Both can also have a permanent French manicure look.
Between Gel and Acrylic, the differences tend to outweigh the similarities. One of the main differences between the two is the consistency.
Gel is in one jar and has a gel consistency when applied. It almost looks like rubber cement but without the odor until it is cured under the UV lamp. When getting Gel nails, you would have to cure every layer which means going under the UV lamp at least 3-4 times during a full set or fill, and maybe more, depending on the Gel system being used.
Gels are easy to file and have a heavy dust that tends to rest on your hands during the process. Most will not get any allergic reaction because the product is much gentler, with little to no odor. Gels don’t yellow and show no lines of demarcation if done properly. Gel nails use an acid-free primer with no odor and no burn.
A trademark of Acrylic is its distinctive odor. Acrylic nails will yellow and show lines of demarcation after time, or after a few fills. Acrylic nails need a high acid primer, which has a strong, bitter smell and can burn if applied too liberally.
Low-cost salons have been giving the experienced techs a bad rap. Low cost salons run clients through as if in a mill, normally don’t spend the extra money on carrying a gel product, and have no incentive to invest in the expense or time of training. URGENT FOREWARNING: Some of these salons are still using the FDA-banned product MMA. How can you tell? If the salon has an odor that you can hardly stomach, or if they nail technicians are wearing masks, they are likely using MMA.
Why is MMA outlawed? The FDA outlawed MMA for its danger when applied to natural nails. It has been proven to cause:
Blood poisoning
Liver damage
A link to miscarriages
Acrylic or Gel…it’s your choice, but you are entitled to know what you are getting. And remember:
Go to a reputable clean salon. You’ll get what you pay for!
If you do not feel uncomfortable in a salon LEAVE!! You are paying them! You’re the boss and this is your body and your safety. Be an advocate for your own safety.
Stay informed on new products and procedures.
And remember Powder and liquid is not gel in any way shape or form. Gel is, as the word implies Gel!
A true gel has this look.
A Gel vs. Acrylic Primer
By: Amber Edwards
As a nail tech and educator for the past 20 years, I can safely say I have seen it all. One of the most disturbing trends I’ve seen recently in my industry is that customers are being misled into believing they are getting gel nails when, in actuality, they are getting acrylic nails applied. As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
For decades, acrylic nails were the hottest nail trend. Acrylic consists of two components: monomer and polymer. Monomer is the liquid that gets mixed with polymer powder, which is then applied to your nails to transform them into the beautiful nails you know and love. Some salons apply a sealer that gives the acrylic a high gloss shine; this has a similar look to gel. Hence, this is where the confusion comes in for the client!
When a nail technician tells you they are applying gel, you have no choice but to believe them…they’re the professional, right? Wrong! Here are some things you should know going in:
Acrylic and Gel both have their advantages. Both can be used to sculpt or apply to a tip. Both need maintenance and can be filed with a drill. Both can also have a permanent French manicure look.
Between Gel and Acrylic, the differences tend to outweigh the similarities. One of the main differences between the two is the consistency.
Gel is in one jar and has a gel consistency when applied. It almost looks like rubber cement but without the odor until it is cured under the UV lamp. When getting Gel nails, you would have to cure every layer which means going under the UV lamp at least 3-4 times during a full set or fill, and maybe more, depending on the Gel system being used.
Gels are easy to file and have a heavy dust that tends to rest on your hands during the process. Most will not get any allergic reaction because the product is much gentler, with little to no odor. Gels don’t yellow and show no lines of demarcation if done properly. Gel nails use an acid-free primer with no odor and no burn.
A trademark of Acrylic is its distinctive odor. Acrylic nails will yellow and show lines of demarcation after time, or after a few fills. Acrylic nails need a high acid primer, which has a strong, bitter smell and can burn if applied too liberally.
Low-cost salons have been giving the experienced techs a bad rap. Low cost salons run clients through as if in a mill, normally don’t spend the extra money on carrying a gel product, and have no incentive to invest in the expense or time of training. URGENT FOREWARNING: Some of these salons are still using the FDA-banned product MMA. How can you tell? If the salon has an odor that you can hardly stomach, or if they nail technicians are wearing masks, they are likely using MMA.
Why is MMA outlawed? The FDA outlawed MMA for its danger when applied to natural nails. It has been proven to cause:
Blood poisoning
Liver damage
A link to miscarriages
Acrylic or Gel…it’s your choice, but you are entitled to know what you are getting. And remember:
Go to a reputable clean salon. You’ll get what you pay for!
If you do not feel uncomfortable in a salon LEAVE!! You are paying them! You’re the boss and this is your body and your safety. Be an advocate for your own safety.
Stay informed on new products and procedures.
And remember Powder and liquid is not gel in any way shape or form. Gel is, as the word implies Gel!
A true gel has this look.
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