The question we are most asked is "What is the difference between L&P and Gel?"...
Firstly, we should say that ALL nail systems are acrylic based, whether they are Gel, “Acrylic” or Fibre.
“Acrylic”, or Liquid & Powder (L&P) if we are to be more accurate, is tougher and slightly more hardwearing than gel. It holds its strength in its toughness rather than its flexibility. Gel is more flexible so instead of snapping, nails tend to bend, or absorb impact to avoid breakages, or under enough strain will normally just pop off without breaking your own nail, so it can be less painful and damaging to your natural nails.
It is often said that acrylic ruins your nails and whilst this is not strictly true (it is normally a bad nail technician who “ruins your nails”) some people can be prone to thinning and drying of the nail when exposed to long term usage due to the chemicals used with liquid & powder application. Also, constantly wearing your nails long can put a lot of pressure on them and can cause damage over time. That is why it is important to follow your technicians advice and recommendations!
Perhaps the biggest benefit of Gel over L&P is that there is less dust and odour with Gel.
Bio Sculpture Gel feels almost like wearing a rubber coating on your nails. If you knock L&P, which is more rigid, the product can work against the natural nail like a see saw effect, and the end result is either lifting at the cuticle end or part/all of your nail extension will come away, sometimes taking the free edge with it. The regular use of nail oil will help prevent this problem, as it helps to keep your enhancements flexible.
Gel is ideal if you have found that L&P has lifted on your nails and is recommended for people who require just that bit more than a polish, but don’t need the strength of L&P. It is ideal for swimmers, hairdressers and anyone who has their hands in water a lot. It is also a perfect product to use for natural nail overlays.
Other than that, the difference in the two systems is purely the look. With Gel nails, you get a “softer” look, and the clarity is better than with L&P. There are over 100 colours available with Bio Sculpture Gel and it can be used on toes. If you are more adventurous with your nails and like to have something totally unique there are hundreds of glitter acrylic powders available at Perfect Ten!
With both systems, your nails will be thin, natural and light and your own nails will grow and flourish underneath the protective acrylic coatings you have on them.
