Nail Sets & Accessories (2024)

FAQs

Is polygel better than acrylic? ›

Polygel is friendlier for at-home use than acrylic because it allows room for error that acrylic doesn't. “Acrylic will dry on you as you're working, meaning you won't be able to manipulate it," Idehen says. “With polygel, you can pretty much work with it until you're happy and ready to cure."

An Acrylic full-set, also known as nail extensions, is the most popular and will usually be put on top of the tip extensions, adding length or using nail forms to achieve a more natural look. Each acrylic is then shaped as desired and painted with polish.

Gels (and acrylics), while safe for most people, contain ingredients that can sometimes cause allergic reactions. If you've experienced an adverse reaction to manicure products in the past, we recommend using an all-natural dip powder instead of gels, acrylics, or nail varnish.

The risky part of polygel manicures comes when it's time to remove them. It's not easy to soak off with acetone like a dip powder manicure. You'll need a nail drill, and if you don't know what you're doing, you could harm your natural nails. Most pros recommend having a polygel manicure removed at a salon.

If your Poly Nail Gels are too thin, breakage can occur.

Unlike hard gel, PolyGel does not level by itself but stays where you put it; Unlike acrylics, it does not harden unless treated with LED or UV light. The drying time is about 30 seconds in the LED light or two minutes in the UV lamp. PolyGel has no heat spikes during curing.

“Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi. She speaks to the versatility of jellies, adding that they can be bright, neutral, or pastel.

The list isn't as overwhelming as one might think. Celebrity nail artist Holly Falcone says the most common shapes include the classics: round, square, oval, and almond.

Jelly nails are the lip gloss of manicures. The look features nails coated with a sheer, ultra-glossy wash of color that leaves them looking like, you guessed it, jelly.

What is a Russian manicure? ›

The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.

Here is a breakdown of the cost of popular nail services:

Acrylics (full set): $25-$120. Acrylics (fills): $15-$20. Dip powder: $35-$50. French: +$5-$15.

For longer-lasting long nails, head to the salon for gel extensions or acrylics. Both run between $90 and $120 and can be used with regular, gel or dip-powder polish.

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.

Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration. Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age.