Acrylic vs Dip vs Hard Gel

Here are my thoughts

Disclaimer: I am not a nail tech, just a habitual mani girl

Acrylic:

I have only gotten acrylic from nail salons in my town that are a little sketch and smell of illegal monomer. In the past I have had lot of damage to my natural nail with acrylics due to breakage and tearing. These can be cost effective when you get them filled since you don’t have to pay full price each time, however getting too many folks can be bad for your natural nail underneath.

Overall these can be cost effective and pretty but potentially very damaging.

Dip:

These were an interesting experience to get. I had mine done at a salon like the ones I got acrylics at. I thought the methods to be a little unsanitary perhaps since you are dipping your nail into the same powder thy everyone else uses/using the same powder from other clients. These are not as cost effective because you can not get them filled. You have to get them soaked off and redone each time.

Overall these are interesting but can easily be unsaitary and expensive

Structure gel:

Overall I have had a better experience with this type since I am a short to medium length nail kinda girly. With these they are a bit softer than acrylic or powder so they can not be extended by much, however there ar erin opportunities for 3D art and more. I get these done by a licensed nail tech in my area who focuses on nail health and cuticle prep unlike the salons. The hard gel still needs to cure under a UV lamp like the other two options and can burn a bit.

Overall I have had good experiences with hard gel but the process can sometimes burn with the ammount of UV needed.