As a type of acrylic nail, solar nails use a chemical called Poly Ethyl Methacrylate. As the chemicals used in solar nails and gel nails are different, the process of their application, cost, and maintenance are also different from each other.
Key Takeaways
- Solar nails are made of a powder and liquid acrylic system cured under UV light.
- On the other hand, gel nails are made of a gel substance that is cured under UV or LED light.
- While both types of nails offer a long-lasting and durable finish, gel nails are often more flexible and natural-looking.
Solar Nails vs Gel Nails
The difference between solar nails and gel nails is in terms of the chemicals used in each as well as the process of application. While gel nails use a gel formula, solar nails use a combination of powder and liquid.
Gel nails, are produced by the addition of a chemical known as Polymer Raisins that gives them the coveted glossy finish.
Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Solar Nails | Gel Nails |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Poly Ethyl Methacrylate is used as a chemical component in the manufacture of solar nails. | Polymer Raisins are used as a chemical component in the production of gel nails. |
| Durability | Long-lasting durability. | Poor durability, they usually last for a maximum period of 2-3 weeks. |
| Cost | Less costly. Costs vary from $25-$35. | More costly. Costs vary from $35-$100. |
| Finish | Less shiny and glossy than gel nails. | More shiny and glossy than solar nails. |
| Hardening Process | Harden upon exposure to air. | Harden under UV light exposure. |
| Removal Process | These nails can be easily removed with an acetone solution. | These nails usually require professional help to be filed out and removed. |
What are Solar Nails?
Solar nails are a subtype of the acrylic nails available in the market. These were popularized as an easy method of mastering the pink and white French manicure technique by the company CND (Creative Nail Design).
Solar nails are made of part liquid and part powder components that contain Poly Ethyl Methacrylate. When mixed together they form the perfect solar nail outer coat.
These artificial nail variants are durable, user-friendly, and cost-effective. These factors make them a favored choice among women.
In the event of a break in these nails, they can be easily repaired at home, saving you a trip to the salon.
However, there are certain drawbacks as well. The possibility of developing fungal infections with these nails is quite high.
Moreover, their application process is not very environment friendly as the fumes emitted during this process are quite toxic.
What are Gel Nails?
Gel nails are another variety of artificial nails that are extremely popular among beauty enthusiasts. Known and loved for their glossy topcoat, these nails are made with Polymer Raisins that need to be dried under UV lights post-application.
Unlike solar nails, gel nails require the application of three separate coats to achieve the coveted glossy look. These nails are preferred for their distinctive finish as well as their toxicity-free application process.
However, gel nails tend to be more expensive than solar nails and offer poor durability. They usually last for 2-3 weeks, and unlike solar nails cannot be refilled.
This acts as a deterrent for people when making a selection between the two artificial nail choices.
Main Differences Between Solar Nails and Gel Nails
- The main difference between solar and gel nails is in terms of the chemical composition of each artificial nail variety. While solar nails use a chemical called Poly Ethyl Methacrylate, gel nails use a chemical called Polymer Raisins. These chemicals provide each variety with their distinctive look and appeal.
- The second seminal difference that is a direct consequence of their chemical composition is that both these artificial varieties of nails have different processes of application and hardening. While solar nails harden automatically by exposure to air, gel nails require exposure to UV lights to set and harden.
- The look and finish of each type of artificial nail are also different. Solar nails are less glossy than gel nails. This is due to their chemical compositions- the gel-based formula of the latter variety offers an extra sheen to the nails when hardened.
- Another seminal difference between the two can be noted in terms of the cost of opting for solar nails as opposed to gel nails. Gel nails are relatively costlier than solar nails.
- Their costs usually range from $35-$100. The costs of solar nails range from $25-$35. Moreover, solar nails can be maintained at home in case of a break. However, gel nails need professional maintenance in case of a break that cannot be provided at home. This further adds to the cost of gel nails.
- The method of removal of each artificial nail variant is also different. While solar nails can be removed with an acetone solution, gel nails have to be soaked or filed off.
- Solar and gel nails are also different in terms of the relative lasting period after application. Solar nails tend to last longer than gel nails.
- The durability of solar nails is more than gel nails because the latter last for a maximum period of 2-3 weeks and cannot be refilled.
- http://search.proquest.com/openview/4bdd38e86762a887723265ebade49a87/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=226486
- https://search.informit.com.au/fullText;dn=344751364634947;res=IELHEA
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/15569527.2011.579928
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
