Nails - Acrylic or Gel??

[RGPargy]

Hi Ladies :o

I'm going away to Spain over the bank holiday weekend to see my mum and I'm getting my nails done before I go. I know that acrylics can be a bit naughty on your nails but i am wondering what gel nails are like and if they are as hard wearing?

I have heard that gel nails are thinner and i must admit i dont overly like the thickness of acrylics.

Are gels just as strong or are they slightly more fragile? Do they look as nice as acrylics etc?

Any advice would be great!

Thanx in advance! :o

[orangina]

I haven't had either of them done but I think acrylics look nasty. The gels look pretty good and hard wearing.

A by-standers opinion!

[geordieminx]

They both trash your nails. Sorry.

Although for a weekend it wouldnt be so bad.

[RGPargy]

Thanx orangina. I agree that some acrylics can look as false as they oldskool false nails of yesteryear that you had to apply yourself with nail glue and that would then end up hanging off your fingers and making you look like something out of Sean of the Dead (but in a 1980s way)..... if that makes sense..... but my friends have had theirs done and they dont actually look too bad. One has acrylics and one has gel. The acrylics are the french polish style and the gels are a block colour, so it is hard to see them in a bare state. They both look nice tho :)

[MrsMeow]

I've got gel nails on at the minute, with white tips so they look like a french manicure. I've had them on now for about 17 days and they're still going strong, I'm really pleased with them :)

You can see where my natural nails have just started to grow, but it's only noticable if you're looking for it iyswim? They definitely don't need to be back-filled just yet, so I'm hoping to get at the very least another week out of them. My nail lady told me just to paint some clear nail polish (acetone free) onto the base of the nail, near the cuticle. I did this last night and they look like new again today.

They're definitely strong as well - I stubbed my thumb when I was cleaning the day after I'd had them done, and it felt like I'd ripped my whole (natural) nail off!

FWIW I've had them done before years ago and was worried about ruining my natural nails, but they were fine when I had the gels removed. In fact, they seemed slightly stronger, and they're v weak & flaky usually.

[RGPargy]

Thank you, that's really helpful! :o

[GeekOfTheWeek]

I have had both many many times.

Gel is just not as durable imo although it looks pretty. The last time I had gel I lost 3 within a week.

Try clear/natural acrylics for a classier look than the pink/white.

Also ensure that it is an experienced qualified technician. I had really shit set a few months ago by a mobile woman.

[Bunbaker]

I'm with Geordieminx on this, they are really bad for your nails. I have never used either and don't want to. I look after my own (real) nails and it has paid dividends. I have friends who now can't go out without false nails because their own nails are so wrecked.