The nail care industry has revolutionized. The manicure techniques have become diverse with the availability of a wide range of options.
Acrylic Nails vs Polygel
The difference between acrylic nails and polygel is that acrylic nails are nail extensions while polygel is like nail polish. Acrylic nails require adhesive to be pasted over the natural nail while polygel requires UV light to be cured.
The paste is made by mixing liquid monomer and powder monomer. The paste is then applied over the nails and can be sculpted into a desired customizable shape and size.
On the other hand, polygel is available in gel form. The gel is made by mixing acrylic powder. After application of the paste, it is cured under UV light.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Acrylic Nails | Polygel |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Nail extensions in a paste form of powder monomer and liquid monomer applied over natural nails and given desired shape | A gel product which is a mixture of acrylic powder and is applied as a base layer, followed by a polish and a top layer |
| Time of origin | It is a traditional technique | It is a new modern technique |
| Variants | They can be done in any print, design, or color | They are available only in six colors – soft pink, cover pink, dark pink, natural clear, and bright white |
| Advantages | Long-lasting, resistant to damage, and can be customized to different shapes, sizes, and designs | Strong and flexible, negligible amount of fragrance, looks natural, lightweight on the nails, harmless, and easy to remove |
| Disadvantages | Can damage the coating of the natural nail, strong fragrance, do not look natural, and have to be soaked in acetone for removal which can be harmful | Expensive than most of the other manicure treatments, and can cause heat spikes if it is not appropriately applied |
What is Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are the nail extensions placed over natural fingernails. They simulate the appearance of real nails. Acrylic nails are made using acrylic glass.
The process of manufacture of acrylic nails is by mixing a liquid monomer with some inhibitor, typically ethyl methacrylate is used. The mixing process forms a bead that is malleable.
The color of acrylic nails is brought by using dip powder. Acrylic nails are easy to maintain and can be filed easily into numerous shapes and sizes.
The major drawback of acrylic nails is that they can damage natural nails in the long run. The removal process of acrylic nails is quite time-consuming. The nails have to be soaked in acetone for easy removal.
What is Polygel?
Polygels are a new fashion in the manicure industry. It is a hybrid combination between acrylic nails and gel. It looks like normal nail polish or paint but is cured under UV light.
Polygels feel lightweight on the nails. It feels like any other nail paint and is loved by customers who prefer minimalism. It does not have any strong fragrance and is great for people who are allergic or cannot withstand a strong smell.
It is free from monomers and does not collect any airborne dust during the process of application. Polygel was developed by a manicure product specialist Gelish.
Polygels can be cured in two ways, through an LED lamp for thirty seconds or through a UV lamp for two minutes. Before the application of a polygel,
the nails should be prepped properly so that the gel does not get lifted and the longevity is improved.
Main Differences Between Acrylic Nails and Polygel
- Acrylic nails have to be soaked in acetone for removal while polygel can be just buffed off.
- Acrylic nails are a cost-effective nail care treatment while polygel is an expensive treatment.
References
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=lang_en&id=BHjEDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA81&dq=acrylic+nails+and+polygel&ots=2n0kPnPBBE&sig=XheQhMQOXCxSMuEbgeG_d-1sSzo
- http://www.mpausa.org/storage/pdfs/Methacrylates%20Use%20in%20Nail%20Enhancements%206-3-20.pdf
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