By Gabby Martinez, Nail Technician at Nailbox Miami.
Clients ask me all the time whether Gel-X or acrylic is better.
There really isn’t one answer. I work with both, and I recommend different things for different clients.
I had one client who came in wanting acrylics. After looking at her nails, I suggested that we do Après Gel-X instead. She went with my recommendation and later wrote in a Google review that after switching to Gel-X, her natural nails were “the healthiest and longest they’ve ever been.”
I remember that because it’s a good example of how I approach this. I don’t just look at the picture someone brings in. I look at their natural nails, what they’ve been wearing, the length and shape they want and what will work for them.
So if you’re trying to decide between Gel-X and acrylic, here’s how I think about it.
What I Like About Gel-X
Gel-X – we use the Après system at Nailbox – is a full-cover soft gel extension. Instead of building the extension with acrylic, the gel tip covers the natural nail.
One of the things I like about Gel-X is that it can feel very lightweight. You can still get beautiful length and shape, but the finished nail can have a very natural feel.
There are also lots of shapes and lengths to choose from. Some clients want short, simple nails that don’t really look like extensions. Others come in with a picture of long almond or coffin nails. We can do very different looks with Gel-X.
Preparation matters a lot. I spend time preparing the natural nail and cleaning the cuticle area before the extensions go on. A beautiful set starts with what happens before you ever see the color.
Learn more about Gel-X nails at Nailbox Miami.
And Why I Still Recommend Acrylic
I wouldn’t tell someone that Gel-X is simply better than acrylic. It isn’t that simple.
Acrylic is strong, very customizable and gives me a lot of control over the length and shape. It’s also a good option for clients who like maintaining their nails with fills instead of removing and replacing the extensions.
And some clients just do really well with acrylic. If you’ve been wearing acrylic, you love your nails and it works for your lifestyle, I’m not going to tell you to switch just because Gel-X is another option.
Learn more about acrylic nails at Nailbox Miami.
So What’s the Difference?
The easiest way I can explain it is this:
Gel-X
- Full-cover soft gel extension
- Usually feels lighter
- Available in many shapes and lengths
- Usually removed and replaced
- Soak-off system
Acrylic
- Enhancement created with acrylic
- Usually feels more substantial
- Shape and length can be highly customized
- Can be maintained with fills
- Requires professional removal
That tells you what the two systems are. It doesn’t necessarily tell you which one you should get.
What I Want to See Is Your Nails
If you’re not sure what to book, don’t worry too much about figuring it out from TikTok or Google first. Show me your nails.
Tell me what you’ve had before. Did you love it? Did you hate how it felt? Did your nails lift? Do you type all day? Are you rough on your hands? Do you want very long nails or something you barely notice is there?
And definitely bring the inspiration picture. That tells me a lot about what you’re trying to achieve.
Sometimes I’ll agree with exactly what you came in asking for. Sometimes I may suggest doing it differently.
That’s what happened with the client who wanted acrylic and ended up trying Après. She trusted my recommendation, and Gel-X turned out to be a great choice for her.
Gel-X or Acrylic? Come Show Me What You Want
If you already know which one you love, great. We offer both.
And if you don’t know, that’s fine too. You don’t have to become an expert on nail systems before making a nail appointment.
Come in with your ideas and let us look at your nails. We’ll figure out the rest together.
Nailbox Miami
533 SW 12th Ave
Miami, FL 33130
Ready for your next manicure? Book your appointment at Nailbox Miami.