Manicures vs Gel Nails

1. Introduction

If you have visited professional nail salons in the past few years, you may have noticed that there are many more options than there used to be. In Japan, "gel nail" is the most popular service. Here are the questions: What’s the difference between "manicures" and "gel nail"?

2. Nail polish (Manicures)

"Manicure" means a treatment for the care of the hands and fingernails. It includes both coloring and caring. Since we focus on designs and colors on the nail, let use the word "polish" for the opposite of "gel nail".

What is GOOD / BAD?

(GOOD: Easy) Polish is the kind you can give yourself at home. You can find polishes of various colors at the stores. You don’t need a specific machines not only for giving it but also removing it. It is the most simple way to make up your nails.

(GOOD: Cheap) Whether you do your own nail or get manicures service at salons, it is cheaper than gel nail.

(BAD: Chips easily) It usually lasts only a few days. Your favorite beautiful nail design will be ruined unfortunately.

(BAD: Takes time to dry) Polish has to be air dried for about 1 hour. If you touch your nail before it’s completely dry, the polish will be messed. You need to keep a careful eye on your nail while drying. 

3. Gel nails

One of the best features about gel nail is drying process. Gel nail is dried and fixed under UV lamps. Using gel nail, you can try more sophisticated design, for example, crystal clear color, gloss color, and even complicated patterns.

The nail is first lightly filed (for the gel to adhere better to the nail plate). Then a gel base coat is applied, this will then be cured/ baked under a UV lamp. Another coat of gel is applied now in the colour you have chosen and cured again. Finally, a top coat is applied and cured once more. The nail is then wiped down to remove stickiness and the nails are done; instantly dry!

What is GOOD / BAD?

(GOOD: Quick to dry) Gel nails dry instantly. Unlike usual polish, gel nail is dried under UV lamps, so you don’t have to be so careful not clacking your nail design while drying.

(GOOD: Durable) Gel nail lasts about 2-3 times longer than polish (regular manicures) - up to 4 weeks!

(BAD: Expensive) Gel nail service at salons cost a lot. At the lowest price, 3,000 yen ($26~30) for one color design. If you want to have complicated design, for example with stones, it can cost around 10,000 yen. The price differs depending shops.

(BAD: Requires special removing) Gel nails need to be removed properly at a salon. In the process of removing, your nails are also filed, so your natural nails might get thinner after gel nails. Those who like gel nails regularly visit salons where they get old designs off and new designs on so that they can keep nails beautiful and strong.

Why don’t you try gel nail in Japan?? You have a variety of designs from simple ones to gorgeous ones! You may also order your favorite motif to put on your nail!