Nail art and care have become integral parts of personal grooming and fashion. Whether you prefer the simplicity of natural nails or the glamor of elaborate extensions, there are numerous options to choose from in the salon. Here are some salon nails and their pros and cons!
Acrylic nails are made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer, forming a hard protective layer over the natural nail or nail extension. The pros are that they are extremely durable and long-lasting, they are versatile in terms of shapes and lengths, they are suitable for those with weak or brittle nails, and they are easily repairable if damaged. Some cons are that it requires regular fills every 2-3 weeks, there is potential to damage natural nails if not applied or removed properly, there is a strong odor during application, and possible allergic reactions.
Gel nails are created using a gel-based formula cured under UV or LED light, offering a glossy and natural finish. These nails are natural looking with a shiny finish, flexible and less prone to chipping, have an odorless application, and have less damage to natural nails than acrylics. Some bad parts are that it needs UV or LED light for curing, requires regular fills, can be tricky to remove without causing damage, and are generally more expensive.
Dip powder nails involve layering a pigmented powder over a base coat and sealing it with a topcoat. These are usually really popular because they are long-lasting and sturdy, they have a quick and efficient application, and they often have less damage than acrylics and gels. Some things that people don’t like about these are that it requires a specific removal process, there are limited design options, and there is potential nail thinning if not applied correctly.
Shellac nails are a blend of gel and regular nail polish, cured under UV light. Many people favor these nails because they are long-lasting and chip-resistant, they have a shiny, glossy finish, and there is a quick application and removal. However many others do not like it because it requires UV light for curing, there is a limited color range compared to other types, and there is potential nail damage if removed improperly.
Polygel nails combine the best features of acrylics and gels, applied like gel and sculpted before curing. These are lightweight and flexible, strong and durable, have an odorless application, and are easy to apply and shape. But, they require UV/LED light for curing, they need specific products for application and removal, and they can be pricier.
Press-on nails are pre-designed artificial nails that are glued or pressed onto the natural nail. Although many people don’t really like these because they look fake, they are easy and quick to apply, there are a wide variety of designs and shapes that people can buy for less money, they are temporary and simple to remove, and they minimize damage to natural nails. However, other reasons many people might not like these are because they are less durable, they can fall off if not applied properly, and they have a short lifespan, typically about a week.
Natural Nails with Regular Polish. Applying standard nail polish directly onto natural nails remains a classic choice. These are most common at nail salons for manicures and pedicures, or with athletes. There are a wide range of colors and finishes, these nails are easy to change and remove, they have minimal damage to natural nails, and they are cost-effective. A lot of people prefer other nails because these are less durable, prone to chipping, require frequent touch-ups, and have limited enhancement for length or shape. People tend to lean more towards the fancier side for more color and because they look better.
Choosing the right type of salon nails depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and nail health. Whether you opt for the durability of acrylics, the natural look of gel, or the simplicity of press-ons, understanding what types there are can help you make an informed decision and keep your nails looking fabulous.
