Acrylic Nails vs Hard Gel Nails

What's the difference and which is better for you?

Clear acrylic nail powder from Young Nails, and clear hard gel from Akzentz.

Acrylic nails and hard gel nails are a form of plastic. They are the two most popular types of artificial nail enhancements in the beauty industry. Other types include press on nails, poly gel, and silk nail wraps.

So what's the difference between acrylic nails and hard gel nails? Acrylic nails require a liquid to powder ratio (monomer and polymer) in order to create its plastic form. It does not require an LED/UV light to cure and it is a soak off product. Meaning, you can use pure acetone to remove it. Acrylic nails are not very flexible once it cures. And it has an strong odor when working with it. Hard gels come in a ready-to-use form (resin). It requires an LED/UV light to cure, and cannot be soaked off using pure acetone. The molecules are more compact and pure acetone cannot break through the product. Therefore, it has to be filed off. Hard gels are more flexible and can bend with your natural nail. Most hard gels are also odor-less.

Now which product is better than the other? It comes down to what your preference is! Your lifestyle will also help determine which product is best for you. Do you mind a strong smell every time you get your nails done? Do you have time for the maintenance and upkeep of your nails? Are you hard on your own nails? I hope this simple breakdown helps you to better understand acrylics and hard gels, and help you decide which product you would prefer ❤