Fast-forward to the 2020s and acrylic and gel manicures have filtered into mainstream fashion and blossomed into a beautiful art form. But under the surface, tensions have been brewing… Hardy acrylics or glossy gel nails?
Let’s start with the aesthetics. Creativity-wise, more artistic designs are definitely associated with a gel manicure. Since acrylic is the cheaper product, it also usually creates simpler designs. That’s not to say that you can’t create beautiful art on an acrylic base, just that independent nail artists tend to go for the healthier, more flexible gel base. Its glossier finish also lends itself to highlighting intricately painted designs!
Next up, durability. Again, gel manicures sweep this category for me. Whilst acrylics are generally championed as the stronger base, I find that my acrylics are much easier to rip off with my teeth in a fix (anything to avoid that £15 removal fee). However, whilst gel manicures are harder to get off your nails, their flexibility means that they are liable to chip.
...in my experience, your nails are ruined after both! If healthy nails are what you’re looking for, honestly, don’t get a manicure.
In terms of nail health, most people argue that gel is softer on your hands. However, in my experience, your nails are ruined after both! If healthy nails are what you’re looking for, honestly, don’t get a manicure. It’s like socially smoking, accept that you love aesthetics over your health and keep it kicking.
Finally, price. Acrylics take a well-deserved win in this category. Being able to get a full set for £20 at your local cash-in-hand salon is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whilst an expensive gel manicure is a lovely one-off, we cannot afford that 2-3 week infill.
People that champion gel just for its reputation need to reevaluate exactly why that is, and make sure that glossy designs are the only whitewashing they’re taking part in.
Before we announce our winner, it seems impossible to ignore inherent classism in the acrylic versus gel debate. Gels are associated with wealth, delicate designs and, in my opinion, whiteness. The manicure divide seems like another way to steal a part of non-white cultures and debase the other half for its working-class, POC culture. Being the cheaper material, the majority of people working with acrylic are artists of colour due to the barriers to wealth faced by BAME beauty workers — and they create some of the most artistic, impressive sets with it to barely any recognition. People that champion gel just for its reputation need to reevaluate exactly why that is, and make sure that glossy designs are the only whitewashing they’re taking part in.
On the surface, this seems like a clear win for team gel. But despite all of the negatives, I almost prefer the tried-and-true acrylic. I’m listening to Dance Monkey on repeat in the nail salon and zoning out trying to beckon the shop cat over with my eyes. It’s cheap, cheerful, and nostalgic. I can get a plain design without feeling like I’m wasting an artist’s time.
At the end of the day, this debate is almost entirely moot. Mix and match! Different bases suit different designs - no need for a catfight!