The biggest dilemma people who love coloring their nails have is whether to opt for gel nail polish or traditional nail polish. Both of them come with their own set of pros and cons, and knowing them can help you get a better understanding of which type of nail paint is right for you. Consider this blog as a guide, where we will discuss various pros and cons of both traditional nail paint and gel nail polish so that you can ultimately decide which one is the right fit for your nails.

Gel Nail Polish

Gel nail paints are renowned for their royal, glossy look and longevity. They are made using a unique formulation that hardens in the presence of a UV or LED lamp, which results in a durable and long-lasting manicure.

Application Method

Many steps are involved in applying gel nail polish:

1. The first step is to clean and shape the nails.
2. Follow it up by applying the first base layer.
3. Apply a thin layer of gel nail polish, like matte nail paint, and let it cure under UV or LED lamps. Continue the process until you get the desired result.
4. Finally, apply a top coat and cure it under a lamp to ensure a flawless finish.

Strength and Lifespan

The strength and longevity of gel nail paint are two of its biggest benefits. For individuals who would rather have a low-maintenance option, a gel manicure can last up to three weeks without chipping or peeling. Gel nail polish is also chip-free, which is perfect for women who spend their time in the kitchen or doing physical jobs that require excessive use of hands.

Removal Method

Removing gel nail polish, especially glitter nail paint, is a bit time-consuming in comparison to traditional nail paints. The most effective method includes soaking your nails in nail polish remover for around 15 minutes before gently wiping the paint off your nails. Improper removal can lead to nail damage.

Price

Gel nail paints can be more expensive up front, as can the required lighting (LED or UV). Salon applications may add some extra costs. If you prefer gel nail polishes, investing in at-home kits is a more affordable choice.

Traditional Nail Paints

Traditional nail paints have long been a mainstay in nail care. To generate a smooth, pigmented finish, they are made up of a mixture of solvents, resins, plasticizers, film-forming agents, and coloring agents. They also come in more than 100 different shades (skin-color nail polish is trending).

Application Procedure

Unlike gel nail polishes, the application of traditional nail paints is quite simple:

1. Start by cleaning and shaping your nails.
2. Put on a basic layer.
3. Put on one or more coats of polish as per your preference.
4. Add a top coat at the end to preserve and seal the color.

Strength and Lifespan

Conventional nail paints usually start to chip after five to seven days. They need touch-ups more frequently since they are more prone to wear and tear. Easy chipping is like a blessing in disguise because it allows you to wipe the paint off and experiment with new shades more frequently.

Removal Method

Conventional nail polish may be removed quickly and easily. To remove nail polish, use a non-acetone-based remover and cotton pads.

Price

Conventional nail polishes don't require specific equipment and are relatively more affordable. They are less expensive and provide a large selection of colors and finishes, so you can easily change up your appearance on a regular basis.

Direct Comparison

1. Pros and Cons

Gel Nail Polish

Pros:

1. Enduring and robust.
2. Glossy, salon-like finish.
3. Fast drying time using an LED or UV bulb.

Cons:

1. Needs specialized tools to apply and remove.
2. Improper removal techniques could lead to nail damage.
3. Expensive, particularly for salon services.

Traditional Nail Polishes

Pros:

1. Traditional, liquid-based nail polishes are simple to use and remove.
2. Large range of hues and textures. For example, Colorbar’s Luxe Nail Lacquer is available in 8 highly pigmented shades.
3. Traditional nail polishes are usually cost-effective.

Cons:

1. Shorter lifetime and more risk of chipping
2. Extended periods of drying
3. More frequent touch-ups are necessary.

2. Health Considerations

Gel Nail Polish

UV exposure when curing gel nail polish may concern your skin health. Improper removal can also cause weakening and damage to the nails. It's crucial to be mindful of the possibility of adverse responses to the substances found in gel polishes. Using sunscreen when curing under UV light can minimize or eliminate the negative effects.

Traditional Nail Polishes

Long-term exposure to certain traditional nail polish ingredients, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, can be hazardous. Selecting "3-free" or "5-free" recipes helps lessen these dangers. Your best bet is to use nail paints that are vegan and include mild chemicals.

To Wrap It Up…

Finding a true winner between gel nail polish and traditional nail polish is almost impossible. Both products share some pros and cons. The purpose of this blog is to educate you regarding both types of polishes so you can find the one that best suits your lifestyle. At Colorbar, they have a collection of nail paints with more than 100 matte, glossy, and metallic shades. Their Luxe Nail Lacquer has won a couple of Guinness Awards, the Ellie Award, and the Nykaa Beauty Award. They also have acetone-free nail polish removers, and they were the first to launch India’s first sponge-based dip nail enamel. Visit Colorbar to shop for your favorite nail color.