Acrylic vs. Gel Nails: Pros, Cons & Types Explained

Question
i am thinking about getting my nails extended. i have already had acrylics done and thought they looked lovely. however a few people have told me gels are better, but more expensive. if you had to decide which would be best for the look aswell as damage to your nails. also in some of the price lists for salons, there are two sets of gels, powdered gel and uv gel, whats the difference. and whats better. thankyou very much please get back to me.

Answer
Dear Jade,

This page on my site will explain the primary differences between the different nail enhancement systems:
http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id16.html

In all honesty, both "Acrylic" and "UV Gel" are ACRYLIC.  Only created in different forms.  NEITHER will damage your nails.  It's bad technicians that damage natural nails.
Also, there should be absolutely no difference at all in cost.  The products are equal in cost, require the same ammount of time to apply.
HOWEVER a common scam of NSS and/or discount salons is that they wil A)claim that UV Gel is better   B)charge more for 'uv gel'   C)they will apply standard liquid and powder acrylic that is labelled uv gel, and apply a uv sealant (not the same as gel) over it to prevent their poor quality acrylic from yellowing.
Having said that, please refer to this page on my site for further information on choosing nail technicians, how to avoid toxic nails and how to avoid damage to your own nails.  http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html

As for there being 2 sets of gels.
One would be either LeChat brand that is known as an 'acrygel' combo.  They apply uv gel, sprinkle it with standard arcylic powder, more gel and then cure under a lamp.
Then there is regular uv gel that is simply a gel (much like hair gel) that is thick in viscosity, and that also is cured/hardened under a uv lamp.

Neither is better than the other ASSUMING that you're not being scammed by an NSS salon.

I do hope that this helps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
best regards
Victoria