how much are nail extensions

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!

25 MEDIUM NAIL IDEAS FOR GIRLS WHO LOVE A NEAT LOOK

In recent years, extra-long manicures have taken center stage. With advancements in nail extensions, achieving a full-length manicure with intricate nail art has never been easier. However, while long nails are stunning, they’re not ideal for everyone. This is where medium nails come in—they offer the perfect balance between long and short manicures. With medium-length nails, the possibilities are endless. Below, we’ve gathered 25 unique medium nail ideas to inspire you for your next appointment.

FLORAL FRENCH

This rainbow French mani is a playful twist on the classic design. Paint each tip in a different color, and complete the look with white floral nail art to tie the entire manicure together.

GEODE NAILS

This stunning mani perfectly captures the look of a geode. With a blend of purples and pinks, a touch of silver and white, and a high-gloss finish, it creates a truly eye-catching nail design.

BALANCED BLUE AND BROWN

Blue and brown make for an unexpected yet striking color combination. Create a standout accent nail by incorporating these contrasting colors into a yin-yang design.

INTERLOCKING SQUARES

Remember those optical illusion paintings? This manicure brings that concept to life with a captivating red-and-blue design. While creating this look requires some patience, the result is a true work of art on your fingertips.

SUNSET AURA NAILS

This red and orange aura manicure captures the beauty of a summer sunset right on your fingertips. For this look, you’ll need Essie Nail Polish in “Outside the Lines” and “Send a Message.”

STITCH NAILS

Alicia Torello, the nail artist behind this medium-length manicure, considers it “one of her favorite looks of all time,” and it’s easy to see why. It combines simplicity with bold statement-making design, offering the perfect blend on all 10 fingers.

JADE AND GOLD

These evergreen nails are truly glamorous. The gold accents beneath the green French tips create a striking negative space effect.

CELESTIAL FADE

This frosty manicure is definitely worth trying. The smooth transition from the pink base to the shimmering silver tips is mesmerizing, and the gold star accent adds a dreamy finishing touch.

TIE-DYE

Crocodile print manicures are very much on-trend right now. The best part is that you can achieve this look with any polish you choose—this baby blue version is absolutely stunning.

SUNSHINE SPOTS

Another simple DIY option is a dotted manicure. Use a dotting tool to place vibrant yellow dots precisely where you want them. You can leave the dots as they are or follow this artist’s example and smudge them for a cow-print-inspired effect.

CLASSIC RED

A classic red manicure is always a great choice, and this vibrant nail look is a perfect example. You can recreate it at home with Cirque Colors’ Nail Polish in Pyro.

NEGATIVE-SPACE FRENCH

Get three trends in one manicure with this look—chrome, negative space, and French tips. Begin with a clear glaze base, then use a nail brush to draw two simple lines along your natural smile line.

A BIT OF BLUE

Electric blue polish looks stunning on medium-length almond-shaped nails. To achieve this exact look, use Essie Nail Polish in “Butler Please” and “Skinny Dip.”

DOUBLE-DIPPED TIPS

This is not your typical French mani. The wave-shaped tips and sparkling gold outline give a modern twist to the classic nail design.

MINIMALIST GRAPHIC

If “quiet luxury” were to be translated into a medium-length manicure, this would be it. The combination of nude polish with subtle graphic line art adds a touch of intrigue without being overly bold.

GLAZED HEARTS

Tip accents are perfect for creating the illusion of length, and these half-heart designs will enhance your medium manicure. Begin with a pearlescent pink polish as the base, then add heart-shaped accents using a slightly deeper, opaque pink polish.

SIMPLE STARS

For nail art that doesn’t require artistic skills, try this simple golden star manicure. Paint your nails with a single polish shade—bright white, such as Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in White Lightning, works perfectly. Then, apply star-shaped stickers, like those from Olive and June.

ABSTRACT LINES

This stunningly abstract manicure is surprisingly easy to DIY. Begin with a neutral base color, such as peach, then use a nail art brush to add fluid black-and-white strokes to each nail.

3D ACCENTS

You don’t need ultra-long nails to showcase impressive art. Medium-length nails offer a great canvas for 3D accents and provide ample space for experimenting with textures like foil and gemstones. This gold-and-pearl oyster mani takes a chrome-gray base to the next level.

TWISTED GLAZE

The “glazed donut” manicure had its time, but now nail artists are elevating the frosty look with subtle squiggles. You can keep your nail art simple with a complementary color, such as this purple-on-pink combo, or make a bold statement with two high-contrast polish shades.

NON-BORING BROWN

Chocolate brown is a versatile nail color for any season. This particular manicure uses Hermés Nail Polish in Brun Bistre, but Essie Nail Polish offers a great drugstore alternative.

BOLD GRADIENT

Can’t choose between two shades? Combine them for a bold, high-contrast fade. Deep purple and red make a striking pair for fall and winter, but this manicure is versatile enough to wear year-round.

COLORFUL FRENCH FADE

If you’re considering a French fade manicure, don’t stick to just neutrals. Using two complementary tones of the same vibrant shade—such as this peach and red combo—adds a fresh and fun twist.

DEEP FRENCH FADE

You can give a French manicure a modern twist with a brown ombré effect. Create an optical illusion by choosing an accent shade that matches your complexion. This nail look is a stylish way to embrace neutral, natural-looking polish.

EXTENDED FRENCH

Update the classic French manicure for medium-length nails by extending the lines all the way around. Nail artists love this trick because it creates the illusion of longer nails. “A deeper smile line—where the French tip curves—elongates the overall look,” says Kandelac.

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there’s a nail look out there for you. These 25 medium nail ideas offer a variety of styles to suit any taste. From classic French manicures to trendy chrome nails, there’s a design to complement your personality and style. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.