Gel Polish, Builder Gels, Acrygel & Acrylics: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right nail treatment can feel confusing when everything sounds so similar. Here's a simple explanation of the three systems I use most often; Gel Polish, Builder Gel and Acrygel and how I decide which one is best for your nails and lifestyle.

Gel Polish

The classic option for a smooth, glossy colour.

• It adds a tiny bit of strength and surface protection to your nails but, simply put, it's just nail colour that lasts, doesn't chip and stays glossy for weeks.

• It’s light, flexible and ideal if your natural nails are already in good condition and you prefer a thin, natural feel.

• Your gel colour will grow out as your natural nails grow and are completely removed and reapplied.

• Applied to natural nails or enhancements

• Your gel polish will grow out as your natural nails grow and is completely removed and reapplied each appointment. Most people start to see a visible growth gap around 2–3 weeks, but you can book at whatever point you feel comfortable with the look.

Builder Gel

A thicker, stronger product that gives your nails more structure. It comes in two forms:

• Hard Gel  needs to be filed off, ideal for longer nails

• Soft Gel / Builder In A Bottle (BIAB) soak-off option, perfect for short to medium lengths

• Builder gels are ideal for bendy, splitting or weaker natural nails that need a little help maintaining length & strength.

  
  

Don’t worry about choosing: I’ll assess your nail health, lifestyle and goals, and decide whether Hard Gel or Soft Gel/BIAB is the right fit.

Acrygel/Polygel

Acrygel (sometimes called polygel) is what you’d get if gel and acrylic had a baby, a blend of strength and flexibility while still feeling lightweight.

It’s perfect for:

• nails that need extra strength and/or length

• clients who are harder on their hands

• anyone who wants a very durable but flexible finish

• perfect for anything from very short nails to extreme lengths

It’s also my personal favourite.

All Nail Enhancements Require Maintenance

Nail enhancements add artificial strength and structure to your nails. As they grow out, the stress point naturally moves forward, which changes how the nail handles pressure.

Because of this shift, enhancements need regular infills and rebalancing to stay safe and comfortable. Unbalanced nails are more prone to:

• breaks

• cracks

• lifting

• sidewall stress

• and painful snaps

Both builder gel and acrygel grow out with your natural nails, and are ideally infilled every 2–3 weeks. I don’t recommend going longer than 4 weeks, but some clients do, and I’m always happy to help when you’re ready.

Why I Don’t Offer Acrylics

I'm over acrylics and no longer offer them on my treatment menu.

• They’re heavier to wear

• They’re quite a bit thicker than gels and can become brittle if applied thin

• They have no flexibility, which means breaks can be harsher and more frequent

• They fight with temperature; too hot or too cold makes them a nightmare to work with

• And the monomer smell is intense

• I simply feel that Acrygel is better, it has all the strength of acrylics without the downsides

I prefer no-odour systems that keep the room comfortable and still give strong results without compromising the natural nail.

Builder Gel and Acrygel let me tailor the strength to each client while keeping everything lighter, cleaner and more comfortable and odour free.

Which Nail System Is “Safer”?

A lot of people ask which system is the safest; gel, builder, acrylic or acrygel and the truth is: none of them are ‘safer’ by default.

What really matters is:

• correct prep

• controlled application

• choosing the right product for your nails

• and removing them properly

Nail damage usually comes from:

• over-filing

• picking or peeling

• pulling nails off

• wearing nails too long, too thin, or the wrong shape for your lifestyle

When applied with care and removed professionally all nail systems can be worn safely and comfortably. It’s much more about the nail tech’s technique and the client’s aftercare than the product itself.

How I Choose the Right System for You

When you come in, I look at your natural nails, your lifestyle and how you use your hands day to day. I’ll ask what shape and length you want, and what look you're aiming for.

My job is to choose the system that gives you the result you want with the best balance of strength, comfort and long-term wear, not just whatever is trending online.

It’s about what your nails need to stay healthy and look their best for weeks.

Got Questions?

If you’re ever unsure which treatment is best for you, you’re always welcome to ask. My job is to keep your nails healthy, strong and comfortable and help you choose the option that suits your natural nails and lifestyle the most.