Arylic or Gel?

[BingoBrebner]

Ok, here goes!

I am new to working with Acrylics and I often get asked what is the difference between Gel & Acrylic and which one is the best. Whenever I try and explain that they are from the same family and are as strong as one another dependant on lifestyle, being a bit heavier handed etc I always get myself into a knot and it ends up being a bit like this, boring and long winded!!!

How can I sum up in a nutshell without putting people to sleep the benefits of each?

What do you guys say when your clients/friends ask you?

Thanks

Linda

 

[classytouch]

Acrylic is stronger in my opinon, however, more damaging to the natural nail than some gels. I use Bio sculpture gel as it is not damaging, but always explain they are not as strong, but won't damage, where as acrylic is stronger. leave the choice up to them. Its not just the product used though, its the way it is applied and filed and removed that can add to the damage.

 

[Katykitten]

Acrylic is stronger in my opinon, however, more damaging to the natural nail than some gels.

Acrylic/ L&P will not damage the natural nail. If any damage is caused it, will be due to the technician or the client not following the correct after care advice, e.g picking at them

 

[sian1979]

i cant comment on whether liquid and powder is stronger than gel as i dont do gel as yet so do not know the chemistry behind it...but i do know that the 2 brands that i do use are not damaging to the natural nail at all.
Am i right in thinking that gel can be quicker to apply...i am not sure? I think gel is softer...i like the idea of buff of gels and think that i will use one of these when i decide to do a course.

 

[Purelynailz]

Acrylic is stronger in my opinon, however, more damaging to the natural nail than some gels. I use Bio sculpture gel as it is not damaging, but always explain they are not as strong, but won't damage, where as acrylic is stronger. leave the choice up to them. Its not just the product used though, its the way it is applied and filed and removed that can add to the damage.

Can i ask you, why is it that you think L&p (acrylic) is more damaging to the natural nail than gel ??
As others have said it really depends on many factors as to why the natural nail "could" get damaged due to wearing any form of enhancement, ie picking/pulling them off, a nail tech using the wrong grit file for prep etc.
If applied and looked after properly L&p is NOT damaging to the natural nail, the same as gel & fibreglass.
I use a buff off gel and when applied properly it is just as strong as L&P....


As for the original post, as you have said ,each system has its own benefits,
There is a system comparision written for salon+ magazine by Gigi Rouse in the Articles section on here,which bullet points the pros and cons of each system,hope this helps you when expalining the differences to your clients/friends.( sorry ! i dont know how to do a link ! :lol
hths

 

[Envy]

Have a read of this article:

System Comparrison - Click here

 

[fifitrix]

Lol, I normally have my wee acrylic family speech at the ready, I normally explain that each system has their own benefit, what suits one client may not suit another, you have to take their lifestyle and needs into consideration and make a professional judgment and advise on that.

 

[Bagpuss]

Acrylic is stronger in my opinon, however, more damaging to the natural nail than some gels. I use Bio sculpture gel as it is not damaging, but always explain they are not as strong, but won't damage, where as acrylic is stronger. leave the choice up to them. Its not just the product used though, its the way it is applied and filed and removed that can add to the damage.

I wont harp on about this statement as others have already correctly replied ... but any product/brand just sitting there on the nail causes NO damage at all to the natural nail....its all in the way the products are put on, removed and looked after.

 

[classytouch]

Have a read of this article:

System Comparrison - Click here

Thanks - that was very helpful. I thought as my own nails are soooooo weak from having acrylic on mine for several years that it was more damaging. I have tried different salons too over the years, so surely it can't be every tech I've tried that has damaged them. Most people's nails in my experience when soaked off are like thin paper after wearing acrylic, but must be the over filing on the natural nail before applying that has caused this.

I did state though (I quote) Its not just the product used though, its the way it is applied and filed and removed that can add to the damage.
but some of you missed that point.