Comments on: Gel Nails or Acrylic? Which is Better?

By: Ana

Ana — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 00:12:15 +0000

In reply to Libby. Hi Libby, thank you for writing. Yes you can use gel to strengthen your nail plate. It is a product that is similar in chemical structure to acrylic, but it's more flexible. If the nail breaks, you can use a fiber glass wrap to repair it, and then apply more gel. I have instructions for the repair here

By: Libby

Libby — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 16:52:40 +0000

Hi, Ive been doing my own acrylic nails for the past 23 years… but have now decided to remove acrylic but not sure how I will like the natural result. Can I use a gel manicure as a substitute of the aycrilic or is it a totally different product.
What if a nail breaks how do i repair it?

By: Adrienne

Adrienne — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 18:18:41 +0000

In reply to Lupita.

Hello! Gel is more flexible than acrylic. This would be a great question to discuss with your Nail Professional.

Thank you!
Adrienne
Assistant to Ana

By: Adrienne

Adrienne — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:34:59 +0000

In reply to vicki.

Have you considered not using gel / fiberglass at all? I have had great luck with Ana’s Fab Five Polish Wrap.
https://www.nailcarehq.com/products/pure-nail-oil/fab-5-polish-wrap-polish-chipping/

Or, if you want to use gel / fiberglass, make sure you find a really good nail professional. Ask around. If you see someone’s nails that you like, ask who they go to.

Interview the nail tech—how many years have they been working? Ask to sit in and watch their process with another client.

If you choose to do your own gel nails, do your research to find the best line that you want to purchase.

Your nails are a very important part of your body. And today’s enhancement materials are safe when used correctly. Think carefully and choose wisely.

Adrienne
Assistant to Ana

By: Lupita

Lupita — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 01:33:57 +0000

Hello….I am wondering if gel is more comftrable because I have not got gel nails before and I wanted to know if which one is better

By: Ana

Ana — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 20:56:30 +0000

In reply to Sugarey. Sugarey, primer is required for acrylic and gel enhancements. Base coat nail polish will not work at all. It's very important to follow manufacturer instructions with products, and it's also important to be brand loyal when doing enhancements. They are formulated to work together. You don't want to mix and match different brands. ~Ana

By: Sugarey

Sugarey — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:27:23 +0000

Hi… Is primer a must when doing Acrylic on your own natural nails? Can base coat nail polish be substituted?

By: vicki

vicki — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 14:29:36 +0000

I always used fiberglass, the nail tech would always soak and take off the layers about every 6 months and start fresh. With gel is it the same? I worry that they can’t see if there is a problem with the nail bed. I’m thinking about doing them myself so I have quality control and know the nails are not having trouble.

By: Ana

Ana — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:55:26 +0000

In reply to Gabrielle.

Gabrielle, nail techs should be gentle, and it is perfectly ok to leave in the middle of a session if they are not, even if you have to pay the fee. It takes your nails 4 to 6 months to replace themselves. It’s not worth them thinning your nail plate.

Please do not ever let them touch your cuticles (which is actually live skin called the proximal fold of the eponychium). They can gently push that skin back with an orange wood stick, and they can remove the dead skin on your nail plate (the actual cuticle), but don’t let them come near your live skin with any nippers. The only time that would be appropriate is if you have a hangnail that needs to be trimmed….it should not be nipping skin all around the curve of the base of your nail plate.

A better option is for you to gently release the proximal fold from the cuticle with your fingernail before you go in. And never let them nip. If they insist, leave. You are in charge of the health of your body. ~Ana

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:49:40 +0000

Thank you for sharing this with us, this helped me feel a whole lot better about my decision to go with gel nails. I’ve gotten acrylic nails before and I didn’t want it down ever again because of the awkward thickness. And recently–unfortunately–I have been coming across some harsh nail techs. I’m going to get my nails done soon, and I want to get them done, but I’m a little paranoid now by the back-to-back malfunctions that occur when I sit in the nail shop.
My question is a bit off-topic (and mainly coming from curiosity): most of the mishaps would be with my cuticles being pulled out…is it okay for me to tell them not to pull them out or do I just sit there and tough it out?