I’m sure if you’re a salon go-er, or even an aspiring nail artist, you’ve been asked this question at least once.
It’s natural to want to know which is best for you.
After all, we all want our chosen beauty product or procedure to be the best at what it does.
So, what is gel or dip better for your nails?
Let’s find out!
To answer the question it helps to first understand what is gel.
It is a high-quality, clear polish that is usually very thin, about a quarter of an inch thick.
Gel comes in a variety of finishes and thicknesses, depending on the manufacturer.
It is sometimes called “mini-polish” because it feels like a mini-polish when applied to your nails.
It can also be used as a fingernail wax, but don’t try that if you have nail allergies or breakouts.
The biggest difference between gel polish and regular polish is consistency
Regular polish dries, doesn’t run, and leaves a white residue on your nails.
Gel polish doesn’t have these problems!
It feels smooth and wetter, which gives it a more slippery quality than regular polish.
Another difference between gel and regular polish is application
With gel, you simply apply it to your nails, letting it dry and hardening before you use your hands to apply it to your nails.
You can’t do this with acrylics!
Acrylics must be mixed with hand-toweled water in a ratio of about two to one.
Other types of polishes simply soak up the acrylic into the water, making it impossible to just dip the tip of your fingers in and use it like a brush.
Gel polish also offers some unique aesthetic benefits
Because it is thinner than acrylics, it has a more opalescent appearance.
This makes it great for highlighting special patterns or designs on your nails.
And because it is opaque, you can use a top coat to protect and keep gel looking great for up to 8 weeks!
Gel polish and regular polish often came in sets, with one having a stronger fragrance than the other.
If you have sensitive skin, however, you may want to test both types on a small patch of skin before applying them to your full nails.
It isn’t always an easy choice between acrylics and gel
But, when deciding between the two, keep in mind that natural nails will grow and change over time, and you’ll want to be able to transition between the two easily.
When applying your new manicure, dip your fingers into the bottle of gel and press firmly, making sure that you don’t squeeze your natural nail.
Then, take your normal nail file your natural nail down to the chip level.
You should end up with about a half-inch gap at the bottom of your natural nail, which is fine!
Before you apply the polish, allow it to dry completely on a paper towel
After it’s completely dry, you can put your gloves on and apply the polish with a brush or polish sponge (I prefer to use a brush!
) Make sure to allow the polish to dry thoroughly between strokes, because the more you disturb the polish while drying it, the more it’ll spread.
Finally, buff your nails to make them look great!
As you probably know, acrylics are much easier to remove than natural nails.
That’s why some women choose to get their natural nails done then have acrylics done – they allow the woman to remove them whenever she wants!
However, some women prefer to stick with their natural nail color because it makes them feel more confident and beautiful.
So, how do you know if gel polish is right for you?
The easiest way I’ve found to answer this question is to go visit a salon where you can get nails done and see how others who have had gel polish done.
Watch how they handle the situation – is the salon professional and understanding and does the process go smoothly and quickly without any issues?
Also, ask the salon owner some questions – what type of polish they use, what kind of base they use, and how long it takes to dry.
If you find a salon that answers all of these questions positively, then I would consider gel polish for your nails!
If the salon doesn’t seem very understanding and the employees don’t treat you well, then I would definitely stay away from them!
One other thing you should look at is the cost
Gel polish can be a very expensive product, so if it’s going to be an ongoing treatment you may want to think about whether or not gel polish is worth the expense.
As always, consult with your doctor before starting any new beauty regimen.
Your nail tech should also be able to answer any questions you have concerning gel polish treatment.
What lasts longer, gel or dip?
Have you ever wished you could just make things last a little longer?
When a product is designed well, it should help you last longer.
But unfortunately, many products are poorly designed and consumers don’t last very long with them.
But what really makes a product last longer?
Well, that’s entirely up to you.
Here are some tips to help you decide.
The key to a lasting product is choosing the right one
Many people try many products and never find the product that works for them.
So, when deciding on a product to use, take the time to research it.
Ask friends, read reviews, and visit blogs that are devoted to the product.
You might also want to see how long other people have used the product and compare the results of their stories with your own.
Other people have tried products which contain ingredients which aren’t very effective.
Look for alternatives
In this case, you can’t always depend on others to tell you if a product is worth trying.
It helps to do your own research before purchasing a product so that you can find out what actually works.
Products which contain natural ingredients, like aloe vera and vitamin E, can make products last longer.
Natural ingredients work by rejuvenating the skin and adding moisture
These types of products may help you with dry, itchy, and flaky skin.
However, you will need to use these types of products frequently if you want to see lasting results.
You may want to choose products that offer a little bit of trial and error.
This way, you can find the right products that actually work.
Plus, you won’t spend a lot of money on trial and error when you find a product that actually last longer.
Prefer products made from natural ingredients
The most effective products are those that are made from natural ingredients and that are used consistently.
They are made in order to address specific needs.
If you are looking for products that help your skin stay firm and refreshed, you won’t necessarily find them at the local drugstore.
Instead, you will probably find them at a health and nutrition store, where they are sold by the bottle.
If you want to know what products last longer, you might want to consider the fact that there are certain products which work for some people and not for others.
Always consider the type of your skin
If you suffer from acne, for example, products that contain benzoyl peroxide may not be effective.
On the other hand, people who suffer from eczema won’t want to use products containing salicylic acid.
So it all depends on your skin type and your skin chemistry.
One thing that does stand out, however, is that products that don’t include alcohol or preservatives tend to last the longest.
Use an anti-aging cream
By using an anti-aging cream that contains nothing except pure, natural ingredients, you can dramatically increase your chances of staying young and healthy.
Not only will you see immediate results, but you will also protect your skin from future damage.
The best way to go is always with the products that have the proven record of lasting the longest.
If you have dry, flaky skin, products that contain antioxidants or natural moisturizers may be better for you than products that contain alcohol or preservatives.
It all depends on what your personal skin chemistry is and what works best for you
Again, your personal skin chemistry and your budget are going to play a role in how long a product will last.
So once you’ve answered the first two questions, try to figure out which products really stand out from the rest.
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more money, try to find products that have a proven record of lasting the longest.
However, if you are willing to forego a few dollars here and there, you can find products that will last you longer without costing an arm and a leg.
What should you avoid?
The thing to remember is that people react differently to different products.
Some people tend to see results from products faster while others have little to no success with them.
Therefore, if you have any doubts about a product, you may want to try it first to make sure you like the way it works for you.
