Gel vs Acrylic vs Nail Art: What Should You Choose?

You've decided you want beautiful nails — but then comes the confusing part. Gel polish? Gel extensions? Acrylic? Hard gel? Nail art overlay? Builder gel? The terminology alone is enough to make anyone's head spin. Here's a plain-English breakdown to help you walk into your nail appointment knowing exactly what you want.

The Three Main Categories

Gel Polish: Best for Natural Nail Lovers

If you want to keep your natural nails intact and just want a long-lasting, chip-resistant colour, gel polish is your best friend. It's applied in thin layers on your existing nail and cured under a lamp — no drilling, no extensions, no artificial feel.

The result lasts 2–3 weeks versus regular nail polish which chips within days. Removal requires soaking in acetone (done carefully at the salon to avoid damage to the natural nail) and should not be peeled or picked off at home.

Best for: Short to medium nails, low maintenance, first-timers, those who prefer a natural look.

Acrylic Extensions: Best for Length and Strength

If you want to add length to short nails, acrylic is the most durable option available. The product is sculpted directly onto the nail using a liquid+powder combination and dries hard in the air — no lamp needed. Acrylics can be shaped into any length or nail shape: almond, coffin, square, stiletto, squoval.

The trade-off: they require refills every 3–4 weeks as your natural nail grows out, and removal must be done by a professional using a drill and/or soak-off process. Picking them off is a guaranteed route to thin, damaged nails.

Best for: Anyone wanting significant length, bite-nail growers, long-wear durability, special events like weddings.

Soft Gel Extensions: The Middle Ground

Soft gel (or BIAB — Builder in a Bottle) extensions are growing in popularity as a gentler alternative to acrylics. They add some length and structure to the natural nail using a thicker gel product cured under a UV lamp. They're more flexible than acrylics and gentler on the nail plate during removal.

Best for: Those who want a little extra length without the rigidity of acrylics, people with weaker nails looking to strengthen them.

Nail Art: The Finishing Touch

Nail art isn't a separate nail service — it's a decorative layer applied on top of gel polish, gel extensions or acrylics. At Let's Flaunt, our nail artists offer:

• French tips (classic and coloured variants)
• Ombré / gradient effects
• Chrome powder and mirror effects
• Hand-painted florals and geometric designs
• 3D nail art with rhinestones and charms
• Foil and holographic effects

Nail art is priced per nail or per design element — let us know at booking so we can allocate the right amount of time for you.

Manicure vs Pedicure: What's the Difference?

A manicure covers your hands — cuticle care, nail shaping, buffing, hand scrub and polish or gel. A pedicure does the same for your feet, with an added focus on callus removal, a foot soak and heel treatment. Both can be done with regular polish or gel polish, and nail art can be added to either.

A basic manicure takes 30–45 minutes. A full spa pedicure takes 45–60 minutes. Book both in one visit for the full experience — we'll take care of both while you relax.

Quick Comparison at a Glance

Still unsure? Our nail team is happy to recommend based on your nail length, lifestyle and the look you have in mind. Just mention your preference when booking and we'll plan your appointment accordingly.