Here is an article I did some years ago now for Salon+ magazine. I think it might be just what you are looking for. I'm quite amazed I found it actually!!
System Comparison for Salon+ - Gigi Rouse
When comparing artificial nail enhancement systems, it is important to remember that every nail system comes from the Acrylic Family. Whether it is a Liquid and Powder system, a premixed system (gels) or a Fabric/ Wrap system, all have their roots in the family of acrylic. So to say We use Acrylic in our salon, for instance although technically correct, does not identify to a client the service that is on offer. Acrylic therefore is a misnomer as all artificial nail structures are acrylic. One either uses a UV cured Gel, a Liquid and Powder or a Wrap system or a combination of one or more of these three.
It is also important to understand that ALL professional nail enhancement systems are perfectly safe to use and there is no system that is safer to use than another. ALL nail systems are organic. There is also no system that is thinner than another, as thick or thin nails are dependant on the skill of the technician who is applying them and every system can be thin, natural-looking and strong if the application is well balanced.
**Which ever nail system you use, it is important to remember that manufacturers all recommend that the technician work in a well ventilated area preferably with extraction ventilation at the source of application. Many of the problems associated with the performing of nail enhancement services (such as possible overexposure to odour, Activators and dust inhalation) would be avoided if technicians followed all of the manufacturers advice.
So what are the advantages of one system over another you may ask and is there one perfect system that will suit every client?
Please remember that there are High end and Low end products in each category and comparisons are based on generic product lines only.
Wrap System
L Longevity of Service over a one year period - Aging occurs more quickly than with other systems and new sets need to be applied 3-4 times per year
J Strength using a tip & overlay - Strong and flexible
J Strength as a natural nail overlay Strong and flexible
J Appearance Natural looking
L To correct misshaped nails - Corrective action on misshaped nails is difficult to achieve and time consuming
L Suitable Nail Types Non-nail biters regular shaped nail plates
J Natural Nail Repairs Wonderful, natural-looking, strong repairs on natural nails
L Ease of application Product needs to be applied in many thin layers
J Ease of removal Rapid 10-15 minute soak off
J Learning curve - simple method of application
L Odour yes
The Down Side L - For the technician
Overexposure to Spay Activator can cause respiratory problems for some and skin sensitivity and odour is also a consideration**
Cynoacrylate resin vapours may cause eye problems
Client choices become limited as nail enamel is a must as the product ages and discolours
Liquid and Powder System
J Longevity of Service over a one year period - Long-lasting 1-2 times per year
J Strength using a tip & overlay - Strong
J Strength as a natural nail overlay Strong
J Appearance Natural looking
J To correct misshaped nails - Corrective action on misshaped nails is easy to achieve
J Suitable Nail Types All nail types including severely bitten
J Natural Nail Repairs Wonderful, natural-looking, strong repairs on natural nails
J Ease of application Quick and easy using a tip or free form sculpted
J Ease of removal Rapid 15- 20 minute soak off
L Learning curve - techniques need much practice to produce a high level of skill
L Odour yes
The Down Side L - For the technician
There is an odour associated with most Liquid & Powder systems although odour can be minimised and there are low-odour products on the market if this is an issue.**
UV cured Gel System
J Longevity of Service over a one year period - Long-lasting 1-2 times per year
J Strength using a tip & overlay - Strong and flexible
L Strength as a natural nail overlay chipping of the product along the free edge is a common problem when used on this type of nail.
J Appearance Natural looking
J To correct misshaped nails - Corrective action on misshaped nails is easy to achieve
J Suitable Nail Types All nail types including severely bitten
L Natural Nail Repairs Not suitable for strong repairs on natural nails
L Ease of application Product needs to be applied in layers each layer cured for 2 minutes under a UV light. May be used over a tip or free form sculpted
L Ease of removal Gel nails can not be removed by soak off It is necessary to file the product away to completely remove. (some gels may be soked off but these gels are not strong)
L Learning curve - techniques need practice to produce a high level of skill
J Odour - No
The Down Side L - For the technician
Gel is sticky. Wear gloves or over exposure to gel can cause skin sensitivity and allergy**
The dust particulates from filing gel are the finest of any system**
