Regular Nail Polish vs. Gel Nail Polish – What’s the difference?

Regular Nail Polish vs. Gel Nail Polish – What’s the difference?

Beauty routines, like everything else in the world, are no longer simple: there are different colours and varieties of every product, and you must keep up to date to ensure you're obtaining something that complements your own style. In the recent decade, the nail industry has expanded dramatically. Acrylic nails, nail extensions, peel-off nail polish, conventional nail polish, and gel nail polish were all launched. You'd probably shake your head in disbelief and wonder, "How exactly is gel polish different from conventional nail polish?" Is it just another way to squander money on unnecessary beauty products?

Many individuals are unaware that there is a distinction between regular and gel nail polish. You might be shocked to learn that there is a significant difference between regular and gel nail polish. To further comprehend this, let's look at this article, as it will explain the distinction between the two and highlight some of the advantages of each.

REGULAR NAIL POLISH

We've all heard of regular nail polish, commonly known as normal nail polish or nail varnish. It was the most popular and widely available nail paint for doing nails at home until the market altered in 2010.

To put it simply, regular nail polish is a lacquer with substances that have been improved over time to keep nails from drying out and breaking. Nail polish has its origins in ancient China, when substances such as beeswax, gum Arabic, and vegetable colours were employed. People began to use nail paint made from natural resources including fruits, flowers, and colours. That has now evolved into the ordinary nail paint in tiny bottles that we use practically every day in a variety of colours. Regular nail polish is composed of polymers dissolved in solvents that evaporate upon application, leaving a colour film behind.

Regular nail polish is simple to apply: shape your nails, then apply the base coat, polish, and top coat before allowing it to dry naturally. A professional will now apply a base coat, three polish coats, and a top coat while doing a manicure using conventional air-dry polish. Regular nail paint barely lasts a week and chips pretty readily, and it takes a lot of effort to apply.

The Pros...

  • Because their consistency is not as thick as gel nail paint, these nail polishes dry in normal air and do not require UV light.
  • You'll need to apply one or two thin coats of regular polish and let it dry.
  • These nail polishes are simple to get, available in practically any pharmacy, and reasonably priced.
  • They are simple to use; even a novice with no prior experience may use them at home with no instruction.
  • Regular polish gives you greater flexibility. Changing colours and experimenting with different nail art styles is simple.
  • One of the most reasonably priced treatments is getting regular manicures.
  • Regular nail polish is simple to remove; simply wipe off the nail polish with a dab of acetone or nail paint remover on cotton.

 

GEL NAIL POLISH

Gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that is applied to your natural nails in the same way that regular nail polish is. A base and a top coat are frequently required. The UV/LED light, which is required to cure (aka dry) gel nail polish, is an important element in gel polish application. In comparison to regular nail paint, gel nail polish is applied in very thin layers. It generates a sticky residue when curing, which is removed with cleaner at the conclusion of the manicure. The curing time varies depending on the kind of gel polish used, but it is normally approximately 30 seconds in an LED lamp and 2 minutes under a UV light. Gel manicure became popular in the realm of nail polish later in the twentieth century. Many individuals began to prefer gel polish over traditional nail polish; nevertheless, while both are identical, there are significant distinctions that make gel nail paints a superior choice.

The Pros...

  • Healthy-looking nails: The base coat contains a liquid layer that is cured using UV lamps. Apply and reapply a different shade of gel until you achieve the desired effect.
  • Long-Lasting: The nicest thing about gel nail polish is that it can tolerate a lot more wear and tear. While normal nail paint is prone to peeling, gel polish may really last for 2 weeks or more with proper care. If you don't like having to touch up your nails all the time, gel polish is the way to go.
  • Nail designs: Experiment with various gel nails. You may make one-of-a-kind designs that are impossible to produce with regular nail polish.
  • Look fresh: Gel nails always look fresh on your fingernails, even after 4 weeks of wear.
  • No smudges: Aside from the short drying period, gel nails are smudge-free. The gel cannot be removed once the UV lamps have hardened the nail.
  • Gel polishes provide a smoother, more professional appearance.
  • Gels are no longer limited to the salon. You can now purchase them for use at home. Check out Ellement Co.'s fascinating collection of mini and regular size vegan gel polishes.

 Overall, we prefer gel polish! When comparing gel polish vs. regular nail polish, the ideal polish for you will rely on your preferences and what you want from a manicure.

Gel polish is ideal if you want the longest-lasting manicure with little to no chipping! However, if you prefer to change your nails every few days or don't want to make a little upfront expenditure for the necessary ingredients, you should stay with regular polish.

Back to blog