The Pros and Cons of Dip, Acrylic, and Gel Manicures

By Aly
In Nails
on

Choosing which manicure to ask for in a salon can be difficult. Knowing the pros and cons of dip, acrylic, and gel manicures will help you to decide which type of manicure will give you the desired results. Each manicure has a different application process, drying time, finished look, lifespan, and price point.

Dip Manicures

Dip manicures, also known as SNS nails, are a powder technique where the nail is brushed with an adhesive and then either dipped into a colored powder. Sometimes the powder is sprinkled onto the nail. A clear sealant is then applied to the top to create a smooth texture and glossy finish. Dip powder nails are the newest of the 3 manicure techniques. The fact that the color is in the fine grain powder produces the richest deepest color tones.  

Dip Manicure Process

  1. Nails are stripped of any dirt and oils and buffed, then cuticles are pushed back.
  2. A bonding agent is then applied that will adhere to the nail. 
  3. The base is applied that will stick to a layer of dip powder. Each finger may be dipped up to three times depending on desired opacity of color. 
  4. A sealant and topcoat is then applied.
  5. To remove, the nail should be fully soaked for 5-10 minutes to avoid any damage to the nail.

Pros

  • Dip manicures last for up to 3 weeks
  • Richest colors
  • Virtually no dry time
  • Creates a strong nail, limiting chipping and breakage
  • Does not require a UV light, limiting exposure to UV rays 

Cons

  • Removal process can be damaging to nails
  • Some salons have run into issues maintaining hygiene in between clients; ask for powder to be poured instead of dipped.
  • Can become too thick if excess powder is not tapped off before sealant is applied

Acrylic Manicures

Acrylic nails are a combination of liquid monomer and powder that is applied to a nail in a blob, then shaped with a small brush and dried. These nails are a fantastic solution to nail lovers who struggle to grow their nails long. Acrylic allows for manicurists to easily build out length and create any shape nail. 

Acrylic Manicure Process

  1. Nails are cleaned and cuticles are pushed back
  2. Nails are then trimmed and buffed
  3. A nail primer is then applied to the nail to strip any moisture or oils 
  4. Tips can now be sized, cut and glued to natural nail
  5. Acrylic liquid is poured into one container, and powder into another
  6. The brush will be dipped into liquid, brushing off any excess and then brushed into the powder to form a ball that is spread over the nail
  7. Acrylic nails take about 10 minutes to harden, and are then buffed and filed to create a smooth texture
  8. Your nails can now be painted with any nail polish, including gel.

Pros

  • Most do not require UV light
  • Requires less damage to the nail bed before application
  • If filled in, one set can last between 6 to 8 weeks
  • Add length to short nails

Cons

  • It can be difficult to continue to grow out your natural fingernail while weaning acrylic nails
  • Keeping a set of acrylic nails on too long can allow for bacteria and fungus to collect underneath

Gel Manicures

Love painting your nails but dread the inevitable chipping soon after your manicure? Gel manicure might be your solution. Gel polish is a colored gel that looks very similar to typical nail polish, but has different ingredients that allow it to cure under UV lighting. With the ability to cure almost immediately, there is no chance for smudging because there is no dry time. Gel manicures are known for looking near perfect weeks after your manicure appointment, but are labeled a “two week manicure” because your nail bed will grow out behind it. The polish itself will usually be perfectly intact within that time. 

New on the scene are gel polish brands that have healthy ingredients to nourish the nail bed, such as Healthy Gelstar.

Gel Manicure Process

  1. You nails will be buffed and shaped with a file, and your cuticle will be pushed back
  2. A base coat will then be applied
  3. Two coats of gel polish will be painted over the base coat
  4. Your nails will be placed underneath a UV light for about a minute with each coat to cure and fully harden
  5. To remove, your nails will be soaked in acetone 

Pros

  • Lasts for weeks before chipping
  • Very little damage to natural nails
  • One of the cheapest manicure options
  • No drying time, smudge proof

Cons

  • Easy removal process
  • Longest application time
  • UV exposure to hands
  • Can weaken your nails over time and cause brittle nails