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Nail Art Design Conshohocken vs. Regular Polishes : Which One is Right for You? A Guide from Malvern Nailsalon


One’s choice of nail art has now become a form of self-expression with numerous options to pick from. You could choose the type of polish based on the desired look to match with your style whether delicate accents or bright solid colors are preferred, or perhaps detailed designs. The advancement of gel nails and acrylics was very beneficial to manicures and within the past couple of decades as it allowed for longer and more resilient designs to nakedly painted nails which would remain the standard. However, how do these different styles of nail art compare? Gel nails and regular paint are two popular options. In this article, the focus will be on the distinguishing factors of both styles, how to transform your nail art ideas to suit both styles, and the longest lasting and most advanced options for nail art.


So, if you are located around Conshohocken and are looking for professionals that will take care of your nails, you can visit Malvern Nailsalon regardless of your choice of gel or normal polish nails. We strongly believe that once you’re educated about the differences between the two options, choosing the most suitable nail art for yourself will be easier.


Gel Nails vs. Hard Gloss Manicure : Key Differences


In knowing the main differences that exist between a gel nail and a standard one, it becomes incredibly easy to figure out the kind of nail polish that is most suited for your nail art. All of them have distinct characteristics, pros, and cons.


How Involved Is The Process in Conshohocken in a Nailsalon

Regular Nail Polish


If you want to go traditional with your manicure and nail art, using a regular nail polish is the go to. It is done using a brush that applies the nail polish to the surface of the nails and is left to dry in the air. In addition, it is quite practical because it does not necessitate the use of any tools, thus, it can be done at the salon or at home.

At times, the dry process can take longer than desired, and you have to be careful so that you do not end up smudging your nails. Depending on the formulation and brand of the polish, one or multiple coats might be needed for a perfect finish.


Gel Nails


While the curing of the polish can be done with a UV or LED light. The treatment of nails with gel polish takes rough the same steps however, before the next layer is applied, the nails have to be cured under the LED light which hardens the previous layer. This process ensures that there is a long lasting effect on the nails.


With gel nails there’s no air drying which means gel polish won’t smudge, unlike normal polish. Unfortunately, gel polish has to be removed professionally, or soaked off but you risk damaging your nail bed if you peel it off.


Longevity and Durability

Regular Nail Polish

In general nail polish would last at least a week while others would chip away within 3 days. A wide array of factors such as the polishing quality, how it was applied, and individual lifestyles interfere with the longevity of the polish.

For individuals who do not like long term or extensive designs on their nails, this may be a quick fix for them. If not, be ready to put it back on every now and then because it wouldn’t last you a long while.


Gel Nails


If done properly and cured, gel nails could last up to a month. This means gel nails once done would not chip or peel for weeks. This means someone looking to get some long-lasting and hassle-free at the same time gel nails are an amazing solution.

Due to their durability, gel nails have become a go-to option for people who work with their hands or do physical work as they are less prone to damage. Moreover, the tough gel-like coating of gel nails is effective in looking good relative to regular nail polish for a much longer period of time.


Removal Process


Regular Nail Polish Remover

It would be fair to say that removing regular nail polish is quite easy and straight forward. Simply soaking a cotton ball or applicator in acetone will dissolve the polish in a few swipes. All in all, you won’t be needing any sophisticated techniques or tools to remove the polish, therefore switching your style often won't be a hassle.


Gel Nails Removal


Removing gel nails takes a little more effort than the previous step. Gel nail polish does not come off as easily as ordinary nail polish, thus, either soaking your nail in acetone or even going to a professional can work. Moreover, peeling gel nails can be harmful for underlying nails, so, proper instructions should always be followed when dealing with them.


For rough or hard gel nails, the removal steps tend to take a bit longer so make sure to pay full attention to them as they are quite useful for anyone looking for something closer to long-lasting nail polish.


Modifying Nail Art Styles for Acrylics, Gel, and Regular Nail Polish Nail Designs


First of all, once you have settled for a particular form of nail enhancement, the next phase is modifying your nail art designs in accordance with nail enhancement types. Each polymer type – be it gel nails, acrylics, or painting with regular polish – has traits with some designs being more appropriate than others. There is more that goes into nail art, and here’s how the processes vary for every nail treatment type at Malvern Nailsalon.


Gel Nails: Exotic Patterns and Colors That Will Get Heads Turning


Because of their thick consistency, gel nails provide an artist with perfect material for creating stunning nail art which will stay intact for weeks. Hence intricate patterns can be created that can be embellished with multiple colors. Some forms of gel nail art that can be enhanced include:

  • Ombré Designs: An inverse effect that gel polish can only accomplish is a gradient or an ombré effect. The reason is the polish’s smooth and blendable quality, making the transition seem color consistent.
  • 3D Nail Art: As gel nails are relatively thick and hard, that makes featuring 3D nail art (gel flowers or protruding designs) possible. These textured designs will not be damaged even as gel polish gradually fades away.
  • Metallic and Shimmer Effects: Nail designs that are extreme high shine, holographic, or metallic designs can be accomplished using gel polishes, the light also emphasizes the gloss of the nail repressing any defects thus portraying a luxurious and glossy look towards the nails.
  • Minimalist Art: Gel nails are suitable for people looking for clean, minimalistic designs. This is due to the easier application of sharp lines, dots and simple patterns — all thanks to the smooth texture of gel polish that lasts weeks.


Acrylics: The Best for Strength and Volume Nail Art Designs


Being stronger, thicker than the natural nails, acrylic nails are probably the best canvas to create strong voluminous designs. With voluminous designs and a reinforced structure how about considering stronger designs like these:

  • Intricate Nail Art: The strength and durability of acrylic nails take nail art to an entirely new level that showcases well-detailed patterns or layered designs.
  • Nail Sculpting: Stiletto or coffin shapes can easily be sculpted from the acrylic structure giving room for more unique turns in nail art.
  • Longer Nails for Detailed Art: A favorite of many. Long nails that are a struggle to grow out can be replicated using acrylics, this includes various structures such as geometric designs, French tips or long abstract nails.


Regular Nail Polish: The Simplest Design Solution That Works


Regular nail polish is an inexpensive way to try your hand at various nail designs however it is true that regular polish on its own is not as effective as gel nails or acrylic nails however it does allow for a certain amount of trend experimentation through a more affordable medium. Some of the techniques that can be used with regular polish include:


  • Polka Dots and Stripes: This is a technique preferred by many as it is time saving and relatively simple, regular polish adheres temporarily so adding these tiny details on the nails is much easier when the polish dries up.
  • Gradient and Ombre Designs: This can be achieved with regular polish but sponge tips are beneficial when layering colors together, it may take slightly longer than using gel nails, however it is still manageable.
  • Stamping and Stencils: Intermediate designs that involve regular polish stamping and regular polish arte stencil designs can also be applied. In these techniques, we can develop complex designs in a much easier way without having to worry too much about individually painting them.


Conclusion


Making the Right Decision When Picking Nail Art at Malvern Nailsalon within Conshohocken


Whether you get a gel nails, acrylic nails or regular nails art is really a matter of one’s choice, how much one prefers the use of manicure, and how long one feels like the manicure should last. We provide custom nail art for all these options as we accomplish all three of them at our
Malvern Nailsalon in Conshohocken. If you are seeking the everlasting beauty of gel nails, the strength and volume of acrylic nails, or the versatility of regular polish, our professional nail technicians will help meet your nail designs needs.

A practical approach through the differences in the application, life and potential design which would rely on the type of nail treatment, will help one to know which of the treatments suits one better.