Before you start changing up your routine, know that if you are getting your nails done by an expert, they will be beautiful and healthy regardless of which nail option you choose as both elevate your style. That being said, there are pros and cons to both gel extensions and acrylic tips. According to nail artist and gel extension specialist Brittney Boyce, acrylic tips are harder and less flexible than gel extensions, via Allure. Gel extensions also better accentuate a natural look, while acrylic tips are often noticeably fake to anyone who understands nails. “Acrylics tend to be harder than gel. It’s typically done by mixing a powder (polymer) and a liquid (monomer) to create that dough-like consistency that can then be filed and molded into shapes,” Boyce told Allure.
Both options, though, can be great for someone who may have brittle nails, issues with nails breaking, or damaged nails in any form and wants to be able to change that. Manicurist Naomi Gonzalez-Longstaff tells Allure that the best way to choose between the two options is to consult your manicurist so they can look at your nails and provide a professional opinion. The exact condition of your nails does make a difference, she added. For example, if your nails are soft to the touch, acrylics may be best to make them stronger, while those with harder, more brittle nails will benefit more from the adaptability of gel extensions as they don’t require a thick application. “That’s the fun with gel and acrylics — both create masterpieces on ten little palettes,” Gonzalez Longstaff said.
