Gel Tips vs. Acrylics—Learn Which Is Best for You

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Nail experts have spoken.

Pia Velasco is a New York-based beauty reporter with over 10 years in the industry. She joined InStyle as Senior Beauty Editor in 2021.

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For those who aren't blessed with naturally long nails, there are so many different ways to fake it. From quick and temporary options like press-on nails to longer-lasting methods like gel tips or acrylics, long nails are attainable in many different ways. Gel tips and acrylics are two extremely popular salon services used to attain a longer nail shape. But how do they differ, exactly? And is one necessarily better than the other?

According to celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards, deciding between gel extensions and acrylics is largely up to the individual. To find out more about the difference between these two popular services, we tapped Edwards and nail expert Lia Smith to break down all the differences. Keep scrolling for our complete guide to gel mani tips vs. acrylics.

Contrary to popular belief, gel tips, also known as gel extensions, are made with plastic—not gel—and have pre-set shapes. "They are attached to the nail with a type of gel product that is cured in a UV light," says Smith. Furthermore, she explains that gel tips are usually clear, full-cover nails that come in a variety of sizes, lengths, shapes, and thicknesses. As such, they're quick to apply.

Smith adds that both gel manicure tips and acrylic nails are made of plastic. Where they're different, however, is how they dry and take their form. Since gel tips are already shaped and formed, the process is finished once the gel extension is applied to the nail. It's generally a quick and easy service.

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"Acrylics are made up of a poly powder and monomer liquid that form a matte jelly substance, which covers your natural nail to help protect and lengthen," explains Edwards. Smith furthers that acrylic can be overlaid to the existing nail, a plastic tip can be added for various lengths, and the nails can be sculpted into any length or shape.

Acrylic nails do not need UV lamps at any point in the process. Instead, your nail technician will mix a powdered polymer with a monomer liquid. This makes a putty-type of substance which then dries into the desired shape, says Smith.

Gel tips come in pre-set sizes and shapes, sort of like press-on nails. The extensions or tips are sized to your nail bed, then they are applied with a special type of gel and cured under a UV light. They can last anywhere from two weeks to a month.

At a salon, there are two popular techniques for applying acrylic nails. Either a plastic tip is glued onto your nail and filed down to look like a natural extension of your nail, or a form is used as a base to sculpt acrylic into tips before being removed.

Gel tips are designed to be removed and replaced. They are removed similarly to gel nail polish—top coat filed off, nails soaked in acetone, and scraped off. During this process, it is important to be gentle, without tugging on the gel extension. Ripping them off can severely damage your natural nails.

If you go to a nail salon, gel extensions may be removed with an e-file and then soaked in acetone to speed up the process.

Unlike gel tips, acrylics are not meant to be removed with every nail service. Instead, the client should make regular appointments to fill or rebalance the acrylic application. That said, it's always best to get the acrylics removed by a professional. When they are ready to be removed, the removal process is the same as that of gel tips.

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Technically, damage from both gel tips and acrylics is possible, especially if the removal isn't done correctly. Getting an inexperienced nail tech who doesn’t care about the dexterity of the nail can lead to infection if the nails are not filled in correctly, Edwards tells us. So make sure you see an experienced nail tech when you no longer want your faux nails, whether they're gel tips or acrylics.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, soak-off gel nails are the healthiest choice. While they can lead to brittle, peeling nails, gel extensions are more flexible than acrylics, so your nail is less likely to crack if they're manipulated.

Ultimately, it boils down to lifestyle and maintenance. "Full-cover [gel]tips are initially fairly quick to apply. You can change shape and length eat ach appointment, which requires some extra time for removal," begins Smith. "Acrylic does not involve removal at each appointment, does not require a UV light for application, [and provides the] freedom to wear extreme lengths with more support."

Gel tips or extensions and acrylics are two popular salon services used for extending or changing the shape of your nails. Gel tips tend to be a bit more nail-friendly, but acrylics are more durable. Ultimately, the two give a similar look, so the choice between the two is up to you. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to go to an experienced manicurist for application and removal.