Polygel, acrylics or hard gel?

[nails96]

Hi everyone,
I am thinking about training in either Polygel, hard gel or acrylics as a type of extension - I just wondered what you are trained in and how you find it? Pros and cons of each, how much you charge/what the service includes and whether it is busy enough for you for me to consider training as it’s quite expensive!

I’m grateful for any information! Thanks x

 

[drapedindaisies]

Hey! I’ll keep an eye on this thread as I’m also looking into a suitable extension system after I complete my gel polish manicure / pedicure training.
I think I have my heart set on polygel, it looking incredible doesn’t it! I feel like I’d rather train in something fresh and exciting, acrylics are always there to do! ... are you new to nails too? What’re you swayed to most?
And can totally agree on the training costs, polygel training is pretty reasonable but I’d rather get the best training I can, to ensure I’m giving the best service!

Best of luck in making your decision, and hopefully you’ll get the best answer to help you make a perfect choice.

Victoria Blossom.

 

[ClaireEharris]

Just trained myself in PolyGel & absolutely loving it, can’t recommend strongly enough x

 

[aurorealis]

I can only speak from my very limited experience (training to be a beautician), I have worked with 4D system from Gel II and I love it. It's thick, doesn't run, doesn't really smell. Another advantage is that it's good for beginners, as you can mold and push it around as long as you like and it will only cure once it's in the light. It's also easier to move to working with acrylics and gels after practicing with polygels. They are also comfortable to wear. This is of course all based on the brand I mentioned above, as that's the only one I've worked with so far

 

[SuzanneW]

I’ve trained in all 3 and each is great in its own way. I trained with nail harmony UK.

1:- Acrylic
For me this has been a real skill to master. It took lots and lots of practice to get right. It’s well worth the effort. I find acrylic really hard wearing, it’s great for people who are tougher on their hands. You can encapsulate with acrylic too. You don’t get the flexibility of a gel nail, but you super strength. More clients have heard about acrylic. The downside is the smell for me.

2:- Hard gel. I found this easier to apply than acrylic in the beginning. It’s hard wearing & flexible. You can also encapsulate with clear which gives a gorgeous finish. I don’t use this system much. I’ve also used acrylic & hard gel on the same nail as the clear hard gel when encapsulating is really crystal clear.

3:- Polygel. This is a hybrid between acrylic & hard gel. Limited colours available at the moment, but I’m sure more will be on the way soon. It’s a great product that smells like watermelons to me. It goes on beautifully and is easy to apply. I have a few clients that regularly have polygel. Personally I don’t find it as strong as acrylic and I use acrylic far more than polygel. Another plus is the filing, there isn’t as much airborne dust as the polygel tends to fall downwards when filing. I haven’t seen a crystal clear polygel, so encapsulating isn’t possible at the moment. I’m sure they will bring out a crystal clear soon.

So on the whole it’s personal preference. I love acrylic as it’s a real skill, I love polygel too. I need both in my life.

Price wise, I’d advise you register on the nail harmony website, all prices for courses are there, plus you can contact your local educator.

I’m sure lots of you have different thoughts or views, this is just my personal experience & I hope it helps.

 

[Cindy2021]

I think you need to consider what your clients or potential clients want.
I’m trained in acrylic and specialise in it now. I have over 300 gel polishes but rarely use them.
My clients prefer coloured acrylic and nail art

 

[BobSweden]

Polygel seems to be used as a generic term for a type of material - like so many complains Shellac is! Polygel is a brand name. A better way to describe this type of material is AcrylGel or Acrylic-Gel, which some people were mixing themselves long before this type of product was available ready mixed.

Many companies now offer AcrylGel and as more gel/acrylic factories offer this, more brands will buy and private label. Expect prices to drop - but make sure you know if they are selling in 30gram or 60gram sizes! Some 30gram products cost as much as 60gram, depending on brand. Like gels or acrylic, some will be better that others - so you will need to test for yourself.

For newbies, I would probably recommend starting with AcrylGel. It is quicker to master than gels and you don't have the confusion of learning to mix polymer and monomer in the correct ratio with L&P. Plus being harder than gel it suits a wider range of customers - especially those who are hard on their nails.

Of course, it is good to be able to offer gels, acrylics, acrylgel or gel polish, and recommend the option that suits the clients lifestyle. But to begin you need to make money and reach a point quickly where you can make sellable nails that are reliable.

Some acrylgels are also soak-off, we have a new acrlygel coming May that is. Personally, I don't see the benefit of soaking off but many salon customers believe it is better (without having supporting evidence). A soak-off acrylgel allows you to meet their wishes, while you can file it off and save time for the others

 

[BobSweden]

You should not ignore gel polish of course! This is a big part of the market in the UK, not so much in some other countries who prefer hard colour gels.

 

[nails96]

Thank you all for your replies! I think I will start with nail harmony polygel as I am already trained in gel polish and use gelish and then go from there with acrylic. Eventually I’d like to be trained in both x