Acrylic or Gel

[lumpy76]

I would like to have my nails done. I'm nearly 44 and have never had them done (except for a basic manicure for my wedding nearly 20yrs ago). What would people recommend - acrylic or gel? I've attached a pic of my hand if it helps!

Personally I prefer acrylic but I guess it depends on different factors such as how long you want to wear them for.

This is my latest set all done with acrylic, much more hard wearing x

Gel. Acrylics tend to look fake and tacky.

I have both, acrylics with gel colour on top. Nice and strong last 3-4 weeks before infills.

Thanks! So the general view is that acrylics are stronger?

Definitely gel. I personally can’t stand the look of acrylics.

If go for gel first see what you think you can also go for acrylics next time see how you get on with blocks of colour at the end of your hands! I’m a similar age and didn’t like painted nails until I tried gel then I fell in love with them.

I would say gel, they are much kinder on your natural nails. I used to get acrylics years ago and my natural nails ended up so thin and weak when I took them off. I have gels now and my nails are in much better condition. You should get a good 2 weeks from gels until your natural nails get longer and they need infilled/redone

Do you mean acrylics or a gel polish?
Or have I misunderstood?
I have a gel polish every couple of weeks because I like my nails shorter they grow well under the polish and as long as I have the polish taken off properly not damaged.

Here's mine.

Gel.
I had acrylics for about a year, and loved them. Used a very reputable salon, excellent manicure each time. However, last January I had them took off as I couldn’t afford them with a view to get new ones when I could. My nails were like paper. It was awful. Really bendy and snapping quickly. I’d not have them again.
When I get gels taken off my nails are just normal not weakened.

So gel would be the place to start? I just want them to look smart really! My youngest child is now 3 - it's time to look a bit better ....

@troppibambini yours are perfect for what I'm wanting right now!

Gel is definitely better to start with . They are less harsh on your nails and honestly, a lot of acrylics DO look tacky.

Acrylics are much more of a statement. I’d go for gels to start.

Your nails are an ok length for gel.

Or you could get really short acrylics if your not used to length.

I find it weakens the nails though when you have then removed.

Thank you, if you want them like mine I just get them all shaped and chopped to the same length (which maybe quite short at first) and then they will grow with the gel.
The colour I have is called Malaga wine but I'm not sure of the brand.

Definitely gels, acrylics look really cheap and tacky.

Gel for me

Thanks everyone! Getting that appointment booked!

I have mine silk wrapped

Gels, and I only ever get OPI. Lasts way longer than other brands and doesn't chip, it just grows out

I'd try gel (or powder dip) first. They look nicer and aren't quite as much of a statement as acrylics.

Short acrylic with shellac and glitter

Gel polish. Acrylics are much harsher on your own nails. Plus you need to think about your lifestyle with acrylics on as it can make it harder to do certain things. For example, if you drop your debit card on the floor, it's really difficult to pick it up as the acrylic will make your nails much thicker than you are used to. They're not the best for typing etc.