Women have a lot of options when they hit the salon to get their nails done. If you're considering false nail application, you may be asked whether you want gel or acrylic nails applied. Before you make your decision, here's what you need to know.

About Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails have been a staple in the beauty industry for years, and this staying power has contributed to their ongoing popularity. Donne Geer, co-founder of Hey, Nice Nails! explains the application process this way, "Acrylics are applied using a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to create a hard protective layer over your natural nails. Acrylics only harden when exposed to air." When the acrylic hardens, it provides a perfect canvas for applying nail color.

Gel Nail Basics

Jamie White, beauty and product expert at Spaciety notes that "gel nail application provides the strength of acrylic nails with the appearance of natural nails." Unlike acrylic nails, gel nails only harden when exposed to UV light. Geer explains that "Gel polishes are similar to nail polish - you have a base coat, polish color and top coat. Each coat has to be cured in the UV light for two to three minutes." Both types of nails undergo chemical process to bond to the natural nail.