At the nail salon, the terms often get mixed up. Yet gel polish, gel and acrylic don't meet the same needs.
Gel polish
Applied on the natural nail and cured under a lamp, it lasts two to three weeks without chipping. It does not lengthen the nail.
Gel (UV gel or builder gel)
Gel strengthens the natural nail or lengthens it with a tip or form. The result is flexible and natural-looking.
Acrylic
A mix of powder and liquid, acrylic is very strong and allows any length and shape. It needs a fill every two to three weeks.
Price ranges
- Gel polish on natural nails: about $35 to $55
- Full gel set: about $55 to $90
- Full acrylic set: about $60 to $100
- Fill: about $40 to $65