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Choosing the right nail care solution can be confusing. At Upscale Nails & Spa, we want you to make informed decisions. Here is what to know...

In addition to standard polish options, the "big three" solutions fall into three categories of durable options that each fit a different need profile - Acrylic, Gel and Dip. The costs of these options vary somewhat, but more importantly (for your nail health) their benefits vary significantly as well. The most important considerations include the length of your natural nails relative to the length you desire, the health of your nail (brittleness, thinness/thickness, etc.) and the longevity you seek. Below is a summary of the most important considerations to support your nail care decisions, but please feel free to ask your licensed and professional nail tech for advice. In order of cost (High to Low):

Acrylic*

By far the strongest and most durable nail option, Acrylic is a time-tested solution and the preference of many. 

• Longevity - Can often last from 6-8 weeks with proper care, including a "fill-in", as needed.
• Hardness - This is a very hard nail option that can be very durable but can occasionally be less than ideal for thin and brittle nails due to their rigidity.
• Summary - Desire a long nail length? Want a creative or unique nail shape? Prefer creative nail designs? Acrylic can be a great go to! Acrylic may be a great option for a special occasion or may be a trusted, year-round solution. It all depends on your needs!

Dip Powder

Often considered a hybrid between Acrylic and Gel, Dip nails offer endless color choices and excellent durability, with great chip and scratch resistance.

• Longevity - Can often last up to 4 weeks with proper care.
• Hardness - More flexible than acrylics, dip powders reduce the risk of natural breakage and provide a solid layer of protection to keep your nails healthy and growing!
• Summary - Want to protect and preserve your healthy nails? Dip powders are generally considered among the gentlest options. Need to protect and preserve your thin or brittle nails? Gel nails are likely a good option for you. BUT consider that dip may appear thicker than your natural nails. Dip can provide  a gentle go-to solution that keeps your nails healthy and stylish day in and day out!

Gel

Typically thinner and shinier than Dipped nails, Gel nails tend to look more natural and are an excellent solution to strengthen damaged nails and help them grow.

• Longevity - Generally last between 2-3 weeks with proper care.
• Hardness - Most flexible of these options, which helps to prevent nail breakage and encourages natural nails to strengthen with the support of the gel coating to protect them.
• Summary - Need to give your natural nails a moment to breathe but still want to achieve a show-stopping look? Gel nails offer endless color options and provide a great canvas for nail designs while still providing a healthier (and even organic!) solution to protect and nurture your nails to health.

*Consider Builder Gel as an alternative to Acrylic nails that can help you achieve the long and creative nail look without the hardness that may be less than ideal for your particular nails.