Gel vs. Powder Nails
Getting a manicure that doesn’t chip in a day or two is beauty at its finest. However, it’s time to learn what goes into this seemingly simple process.
We love nail care as much as anyone, and when it comes to nails, it’s nice to be a little boujee. It makes total sense to have nails that won’t chip for at least two weeks. So, naturally, we drummed up a little research so you can fully understand the process of powder and gel polish application.
What’s the difference?
From first glance it’s honestly hard to tell a significant difference between the two. So what do we need to know about gel and powder nails?
Shockingly enough, powder nails use...powder. Each finger gets dipped into the acrylic pigmented powder once or twice and then sealed with a simple top coat.
Gel nails use a totally different technique. The gel has a particular composition of chemicals so it will harden into place under a few minutes of UV light.
So, which one is “healthier?”
There is constant debate about the dreaded UV light that goes into receiving a classic gel manicure. But is the UV exposure enough to cause serious damage?
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that gel manicures require a UVA light, which is different from the typical UVB lights that are used for tanning purposes. UVA lights don’t necessarily burn your skin, but they still have potential for long-term, harmful effects such as early signs of aging skin or a higher risk of skin cancer. But don’t worry! Although it sounds silly, applying a little sunscreen prior to your manicure can help protect you from any harmful UVA light effects.
So does this mean powder nails are the answer? Not quite...powder nails have drawbacks as well. For weaker fingernails, powder might be a little too harsh. This stuff is thick. It sinks into the top layer of your nails, causing them to become slightly dehydrated. Since the material is considerably heavier, you definitely do not want to try to remove this stuff yourself. You could potentially ruin your nails!
Even though it’s spooky season, we don’t want to scare you! This information may come as a shock, but as long as you know the potential drawbacks there are always ways to stay protected. Wear moisturiser with SPF or give your nails a little break every now and then by using regular polish to ensure that you are keeping your body in tip-top shape!
Places to go around elon
There is no shortage of nail salons around Elon! Check out some of our favorites below: