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GEL NAILS VS DIPPED NAILS VS ACRYLIC

There are several types of nail extensions available, each offering its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re considering dip powder nails, gel nails, or acrylics, it’s important to know what to look for when deciding which option is best for you. Before diving into the details, let’s explore the pros and cons of dip nails, gel nails, and acrylics to help you make an informed choice.

WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?

Gel nails are created using a gel formula that is cured under UV or LED light. They’re much more flexible than traditional acrylics, making them less prone to breakage.

While applying gel nails can be a bit challenging due to the sticky residue left behind, which must be wiped off with alcohol, they are highly durable once set and typically last 2-3 weeks.

Unlike hard gel extensions, which are ideal for salon use, gel polish is easier to apply and suitable for both at-home and professional applications.

Disadvantages of Gel Nails

  • Time-consuming application: The process can take a while, as each nail needs to be shaped individually and cured under UV or LED light.
  • UV/LED light exposure: Some individuals may be sensitive to UV or LED light used during the curing process, which can cause skin irritation. To reduce this risk, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before exposure.
  • Harsh chemicals: Some gel brands may contain harsh chemicals like BHA, so it’s best to avoid those when possible.

WHAT ARE DIPPED NAILS?

Dip powder nails, or dipped nails, are made using finely milled acrylic powder and are bonded with a special adhesive called cyanoacrylate.

The powder is applied to the nail and sealed with a top coat. Dip powder nails are known for being both flexible and durable, making them longer-lasting than other types of artificial nails. When applied properly, they are also resistant to chipping and breaking.

The dipping method is particularly suited for home use. Unlike hard gels and acrylics, which require skill and experience to sculpt the nails, dip nails don’t involve sculpting, making them easier to apply.

In addition, dip powders are flexible, durable, odorless, non-toxic, and don’t require curing lights.

Disadvantages of Dip Nails

  • Hygiene concerns: While dip powders are great for home application, if you’re getting them done at a salon, ensure your fingers aren’t being dipped into shared powder pots, as this can lead to infections.
  • Messy application: The process of applying dip powder nails can get a bit messy.

WHAT ARE ACRYLIC NAILS?

Traditional acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer, typically applied with a brush and then shaped to the desired look.

Acrylic nails are the most popular type of artificial nails due to their durability, longevity, and relatively simple application process. However, if not applied correctly, they can cause significant damage to your natural nails.

Disadvantages of Acrylic Nails

  • Toxic smell: Liquid monomers often contain harsh chemicals like MMA, which can be harmful to your health, potentially causing allergies or asthma.
  • Harsh chemicals: Some types of acrylics contain dangerous substances such as formaldehyde and toluene. While it hasn’t been definitively proven, toluene has been linked to potential health issues.
  • Lack of flexibility: Unlike gel or dip powder nails, traditional acrylics are quite rigid. This means that if they hit something hard, they are more likely to break due to their stiffness.
  • Bacterial or fungal infections: Improper application or trauma to the nails can lead to gaps between the acrylic and the natural nail, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi.
  • Acrylic nail removal: Removing acrylic nails is a lengthy process, requiring soaking the nails in 100% acetone for 30-40 minutes. It’s recommended to have a professional handle the removal, as attempting it on your own can risk damaging your nails.

DIPPED NAILS VS GEL NAILS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

Dipped nails and gel nails are both popular options for fake nails, but how do they differ? Let’s break it down.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Both dip powder and gel nails are great for home use. However, applying hard gel (gel extensions) can be much trickier for a DIY project.

Gel nails usually take longer to apply than dip nails because gel polish or hard gel needs to be cured under an LED or UV light.

For a gel manicure, the process includes prepping the nails, applying a base coat, gel polish color, a top coat, and curing under a lamp.

A dip powder manicure involves prepping the nails, applying a base coat, dipping them in powder, adding a top coat, and using an activator.

Traditional acrylics include prepping the nail, applying acrylic powder and liquid with a brush, and finishing with nail polish and a top coat.

UV/LED LIGHT EXPOSURE

Dip powder nails don’t need UV or LED light to set, unlike gel nails, which require curing under these lights.

LASTING POWER

Gel polish: If done right, gel polish can last 2-3 weeks.

Hard gel extensions: They can last more than 3 weeks but usually need a fill-in after 3-4 weeks.

Dip powder nails: When applied properly, they can last over 3 weeks without chipping.

Acrylic nails: Acrylics are very strong and can also last over 3 weeks without cracking or chipping.

NAIL DAMAGE

If not applied or removed properly, all three types—gel, dip powder, and acrylics—can harm your natural nails. This can range from mild irritation to more serious issues like infections or allergies, depending on the person and the process used.

COST AND TIME

Gel polish: Costs $35-$50 and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. In the U.S., the average price is $40.

Hard gel extensions: Cost around $80 and take 1-1.5 hours. Prices may rise if you add decorations like rhinestones.

Dip nails: Typically cost $40-$50 and take about 45 minutes.

Acrylic extensions: Cost between $75-$100 and take 1-1.5 hours in a salon.

REMOVAL PROCESS

For gel nails and dip powder nails, the removal process is similar: first, file off the top coat, then soak the nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes. For acrylic nails, removal takes longer. You need to soak them in acetone for 30-40 minutes and then file them off.

CONCLUSION

So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to your preferences. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to do at home, both a gel polish manicure and a dip powder manicure are great options. If you prefer to visit the salon for a full set of extensions, then gel or acrylic nail extensions might be more your style.

Acrylic allergy: If you’re allergic to acrylics, none of these options will work for you since they all contain acrylic. In that case, you could try a regular polish manicure or a shellac manicure. While these won’t last as long, they are gentler on your nails in the long run. Whatever you decide, remember to care for your nails and give them a break every now and then!

HOW TO REMOVE SHELLAC NAIL POLISH AT HOME

Shellac nail polish, known for its high durability and glossy finish, can pose a challenge when you want to change shellac nails with designs or take care of your nails. Fret not, in this article, we will guide you on how to remove the polish correctly and effectively to protect the health of your nails and the surrounding skin. If you’re unsure about the process, let’s explore simple yet effective steps to remove Shellac nail polish, ranging from natural methods to using professional nail care products. Read on!

WHAT ARE SHELLAC NAILS?

Shellac represents a line of nail products that combines features of both traditional nail polish and gel nails. Unlike regular polish, Shellac is applied directly to the nails and then cured under UV light, similar to gel nails. Removing Shellac typically involves using an acetone-based nail polish remover, but the drying effect of acetone on cuticles and skin can be a concern. Alternatively, you may opt for soaking your nails in a non-acetone nail polish remover to mitigate potential dryness and irritation.

TOOL KIT

  • Aluminum foil (cut into 10 pieces, each measuring 2 inches)
  • Paper towel (cut into 10 pieces, each measuring 1 inch)
  • 100% acetone (or nail polish remover with acetone)
  • Stainless steel cuticle pusher (or a wooden cuticle stick)
  • Nail file
  • Nail buffer
  • Nail strengthening polish
  • Cuticle oil (or coconut oil)

HOW TO REMOVE SHELLAC YOURSELF

STEP 1: PREPPING YOUR NAILS AND WORKSPACE

Cover your workstation, to protect it from nail polish remover

To prevent potential damage to surfaces, it’s advisable to use protective measures when working with even non-acetone nail polish remover. Lay down newspaper, towels, a trash bag, or any other suitable protective layer in your work area. In the event of a spill that permeates the covering, pause your work, promptly clean up the spill, and then replace the protective layer with fresh newspaper once the area is dry. Alternatively, glossy pages torn from a magazine can serve as an effective option for safeguarding your table or countertop. Choose a comfortable workspace, such as your desk or in front of the TV, as this process typically takes approximately 30 minutes.

Scuff the surface of your nails lightly with a coarse nail file

If you notice your natural nail becoming visible beneath the polish, it indicates that you’re filing too aggressively. Instead, lightly run the file across the nail surface a few times to remove the glossy finish. Although not mandatory, this step increases the surface area on your nails, facilitating better coverage by the polish remover and enhancing its dissolving effectiveness. Given that you’re using a less potent nail polish remover, incorporating this step can contribute to achieving more satisfactory results.

Coat the skin around your nails in cuticle oil

Even in the absence of acetone, nail polish removers have the potential to dehydrate your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. To mitigate this, apply cuticle oil using a cotton swab, massaging it onto the skin around your nails and the base where your cuticles grow. If cuticle oil isn’t available, opt for nourishing natural oils such as olive, almond, coconut, or jojoba oil. Alternatively, create a protective barrier on the skin around your nails by using petroleum jelly. This helps maintain moisture and safeguards your skin during the nail polish removal process.

Cut or tear 10 strips of aluminum foil to wrap around your fingers

Ensure the foil strips are sufficiently large to completely wrap around both your finger and the cotton ball, requiring one strip for each finger. Aluminum foil is easily tearable, allowing you to do this by hand, or if preferred, you can use scissors for a precise cut. Keep in mind that it’s advisable to make the strips a bit larger than initially estimated. You can always trim them down if they turn out to be too big, but you won’t be able to add more if they happen to be insufficient. Ideally, the strips should measure at least 2–3 square inches (13–19 cm²).

STEP 2: WRAPPING YOUR NAILS

Soak a cotton ball in acetone-free nail polish remover

Ensure the cotton ball is completely saturated with nail polish remover. If desired, you can tear or cut the cotton ball for a better fit on your nail, but ensure it remains large enough to cover the entire surface of the gel polish. Prepare one piece of cotton for each nail. There are two options for application: either directly apply the nail polish remover to the cotton ball from the bottle, or pour it into a small bowl and dip the cotton ball into the liquid. Additionally, you can choose to use acetone-free nail polish remover pads. If opting for pads, fold them in half or cut them to size to minimize contact between the remover and your skin. For optimal efficiency and to minimize exposure, it’s advisable to focus on one nail at a time, soaking only one cotton ball at a time.

Place the soaked cotton ball on one of your fingernails

Completely cover your nail with the cotton ball, applying a slight downward pressure to ensure it is firmly pressed against your nail. While you can start with any nail, it’s recommended to begin with the nails on your dominant hand. This approach facilitates the process, as once a nail is wrapped, you’ll need to switch hands. For example, if you are right-handed, it’s advisable to wrap your right hand first, allowing you to use your foil-tipped right hand to cover the nails on your left hand more conveniently.

Wrap the aluminum foil around the cotton ball and your fingertip

Position the flat side of the foil against the cotton ball, then wrap the aluminum foil around the sides of your finger and over the top. Press and pinch the aluminum foil together to create a sealed enclosure. Ensure a snug fit, as the foil must securely hold the cotton ball in place.

Repeat this process for each nail

As you proceed with wrapping your nails, the process may become a bit more intricate, requiring caution not to disrupt the foil already in place. Take your time, pay attention to each step, and don’t stress about achieving absolute perfection with the foil wrapping. Continue the process until you’ve successfully wrapped all ten of your fingernails with the cotton balls and aluminum foil.

Leave the foil in place for about 10 or 15 minutes

Allow the acetone-free nail polish remover sufficient time to soak into the nail. Once the designated time has elapsed, carefully remove the foil from the first wrapped nail and inspect the shellac. When it’s ready, you should observe the polish pulling away from the nail, and it might appear softened or gummy. If the polish isn’t detaching from the nail, rewrap your fingers and wait an additional 5 minutes before checking again.

STEP 3: SCRAPING AWAY THE POLISH

Remove the foil from the first finger when the polish is ready

Once the nail polish begins to peel up at the edges, you can proceed to remove the foil. It’s advisable to work on one nail at a time, eliminating the need to remove all the foil simultaneously. In case the nail polish remover starts causing discomfort to your skin, consider removing the foil from your nails. However, be aware that the shellac may become gummy or tacky as it dries, making it more challenging to remove. If this occurs, you may need to soak your nails again. Retain the foil, as you might have to re-wrap your nails if some of the polish remains stubbornly intact.

Use the cotton ball to wipe away as much of the polish as you can

Apply firm pressure on the cotton ball, wiping from the base of your nail up to the tip. If necessary, flip the cotton ball over and repeat the motion. Don’t be concerned if not all of the polish comes off; 1-2 swipes should be sufficient.

Scrape the remaining polish away with a wooden orange stick

An orange stick, also recognized as a cuticle pusher, is a petite wooden tool featuring an angled tip. Traditionally employed for pushing back the skin around your nails, it can also serve as an effective tool for shellac removal. Utilize the pointed tip of the stick to work under the polish, then gently lift the stick to peel the polish away from the nail. Given that wooden beauty tools can harbor bacteria, it’s recommended to use disposable orange sticks. Purchase them in packs and discard after each use to maintain hygiene. Never share orange sticks, as doing so increases the risk of infection. These tools are readily available at beauty or nail supply stores.

Re-soak your nail if there’s any polish that seems too hard

Avoid excessive scraping if the polish doesn’t come off easily, as it could potentially damage your nail bed. Instead, consider replacing the cotton ball on your nail, using a new one if needed, rewrapping your nail in foil, and waiting for an additional 5 minutes or so. It’s important to note that acetone-free nail polish remover is not as potent as its acetone-based counterpart, so in cases of particularly stubborn polish, be prepared to soak your nails for a longer duration to achieve effective removal.

Repeat the same process for each of your nails

After successfully removing the polish from one nail, you’ll gain a better understanding of the process. Unwrap the foil from each nail individually, then use a cotton ball to wipe away the polish and an orange stick to scrape away any residue. Progress to the next nail in this manner until you’ve completed the removal process for all of your nails.

Apply moisturizer to your nails when you’re finished

Non-acetone nail polish remover can potentially dry out your skin, and the scraping process may leave your nails feeling rough. Apply a thin coat of moisturizer, such as cuticle oil or hand cream, to the surface of your nails. If desired, you can also moisturize the skin around your nails.

CONCLUSION

Here is an enjoyable experience for you that can make the process of removing shellac nail polish easy at home. You can start with the basic steps outlined in the article. Hopefully, after reading our guide, you will have learned the necessary steps to easily change and remove nail polish at home without the need to spend time at a salon. 

FAQS

  1. What nail polish remover works on shellac?

Nail polish remover that contains acetone is typically effective for removing shellac. 

  1. Does removing shellac damage nails?

Yes, excessive or improper removal of shellac can potentially damage nails by causing dryness or thinning.

  1. Can baking soda remove shellac?

No,baking soda is not typically effective for removing shellac nail polish. Acetone-based removers are more commonly used for this purpose.