Gel, acrylic, dip, builder gel, Gel-X, polygel or press-ons? Five taps give the type that fits how long you want it, your nails and where you get them done, in the salons’ and dermatologists’ own words. Or enter each nail’s width for your press-on sizes on four brand charts.
For weeks, my own length, normal nails, at a salon
Gel polishLasts: 2 to 4 weeks · sets with: UV or LED lamp · comes off: soaked in acetone. Also fits: Dip powder, Builder gel (BIAB).
Weeks on your own length: gel polish lasts two weeks or more and soaks off in acetone. ours
- “On average, you can expect gel-polish nails to remain chip-free for about two weeks, and often up to around three weeks with good care.” — Glamsquad
- “Gel polish is recommended to be removed by soaking in acetone.” — British Association of Dermatologists
Best fit: Gel polish
What it is
- “Gel polish, possibly becoming the most popular of the three options, is a premixed product and a hybrid of gel and nail varnish. It has a similar consistency to nail polish and is applied in a similar way.” — British Association of Dermatologists
How it sets
- “A gel manicure uses a special gel nail polish formula that is applied in layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp.” — Glamsquad
How long it lasts
How it comes off
- “Gel polish is recommended to be removed by soaking in acetone.” — British Association of Dermatologists
- “Don’t pick gel nail polish. When the color begins to come off, don’t pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed.” — American Academy of Dermatology
Who it suits
- “Gel manicures are typically more lightweight compared to dip and acrylic, which has a more natural feel that people prefer.” — CND educator Julie Kandalec (AOL)
What it costs
- “A set of gel nails, on the other hand, could cost anywhere from $25 to $100 for a single session.” — StyleSeat
Before you go
- “Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging.” — American Academy of Dermatology
Also fits: Dip powder
What it is
- “First, the nails get a liquid base coat, then are brushed with colored powder, then coated again with a protective clear polish.” — StyleSeat
How it sets
- “Unlike gel manicures, dip powder systems do not require any UV or LED light for curing, making them a popular choice for those concerned about UV exposure or who prefer a quicker setting time.” — Glamsquad
Length
- “You can get a longer look with dip powder manicures too, but only by using nail tips.” — StyleSeat
How long it lasts
- “Dip manicures usually last for at least three weeks, but can sometimes last up to four weeks.” — StyleSeat
- “A dip manicure can last anywhere from two to four weeks depending on the application, aftercare, and how fast your nails grow.” — CND educator Julie Kandalec (AOL)
How it comes off
- “Dip powder, being a bit thicker, may take a few minutes longer to soak in acetone and sometimes requires a bit more careful filing to fully remove.” — Glamsquad
Who it suits
- “A drawback, says Kandalec, is that this material is slightly harder and thicker, so it may feel less natural even though this does allow it to last longer. However, this is a perk for those with naturally thin or weak nails.” — CND educator Julie Kandalec (AOL)
Also fits: Builder gel (BIAB)
What it is
- “Builder gel is a thick, viscous UV-cured gel that’s applied to the natural nail or over a tip in multiple layers to add structure, strength, and sometimes length.” — Beyond Polish
- “BIAB, short for ‘Builder In A Bottle’, is the name given by The Gel Bottle to a type of builder gel that’s been doing the rounds in salons recently.” — Country & Town House
How it sets
- “‘The builder product will then be applied in layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp,’ adds Tinu.” — Country & Town House
How long it lasts
- “BIAB, or builder gel, can last anywhere from two to four weeks at a time – although this will depend on you and your lifestyle.” — Country & Town House
How it comes off
- “Gel-X and soft builder gel are the two gentlest options because both are soak-off systems — no mechanical filing of the natural nail at removal.” — Beyond Polish
Who it suits
- “They’re great for anyone with weak, brittle nails that always break, as the BIAB helps to harden the nails while they grow.” — Country & Town House
What the dermatologists say
The lamp
- “Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.” — American Academy of Dermatology
- “Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging.” — American Academy of Dermatology
At home
- “It is when the uncured products come into contact with any part of the skin that sensitisation to the chemicals can occur. This is very likely when people apply a product themselves, or if insufficient training has been given to the nail technician.” — British Association of Dermatologists
- “If you are using these products at home then make sure you read the instructions and always use the recommended UV lamp for curing. Do not use the same lamp with other polishes purchased separately.” — British Association of Dermatologists
Taking it off
- “Picking or peeling off gel polish is very damaging – it can take off layers of your natural nail and lead to thinning and brittleness.” — Glamsquad
- “The single biggest factor in nail health, regardless of system, is removal technique — never pry or pick at any of these systems.” — Beyond Polish
After a reaction
- “The BAD first issued a warning about these products in 2018, following reports of a steep rise in cases of allergic skin reactions linked to (meth)acrylate chemicals in these products.” — British Association of Dermatologists
- “The polymers themselves are typically quite safe, but traces of the reactive monomers could result in an adverse reaction, such as redness, swelling, and pain in the nail bed, among people who have become sensitive (allergic) to methacrylates.” — U.S. FDA
- “The same or very similar methacrylates are used in white dental fillings, enamel tooth coatings, orthopaedic bone cement, diabetic glucose sensors and insulin pumps. This can have serious consequences for future medical care.” — British Association of Dermatologists
- “There is evidence that some people may become allergic to TSFR.” — U.S. FDA
- “If you have a reaction to a nail product, please report it to FDA.” — U.S. FDA
- “Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only, and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have a persistent nail problem.” — American Academy of Dermatology
Where the salons disagree
Which lasts longer, gel or acrylic?
Gel, by StyleSeat
- “Gel nails will typically last three to four weeks, while acrylic nails will last about two weeks.” — StyleSeat
Acrylic, by Refinery29 and Glamsquad
- “This is similar to acrylic nails, which often require infills after three weeks and replacement after around six to eight weeks, while gel nails typically last for two weeks.” — Refinery29
- “Acrylics are well-known for their durability – an acrylic set can technically last 6 to 8 weeks or more with regular fills, though you’ll need to visit the salon every 2–3 weeks to fill in growth at the cuticle.” — Glamsquad
Weak nails: acrylic or builder gel?
Acrylic, by StyleSeat and CND’s educator
- “For example, those with soft nails may want to opt for acrylics since they’re more sturdy than gel.” — StyleSeat
- “Kandalec says that this is also a great option for those who have thin, weak, flat, or ‘ski-jump’ nails—and it can also help curb nail biting.” — CND educator Julie Kandalec (AOL)
Builder gel, by Country & Town House’s nail technicians
- “When put to the test against acrylics, our experts are also in agreement that BIAB tends to be the better option.” — Country & Town House
- “‘The risk of damage to your natural nail is far lower with BIAB,’ adds Karen. ‘It’s more flexible, whereas if an acrylic gets caught it could snap and take the natural nail with it.’” — Country & Town House
Do gel nails and polygel soak off?
No: filed or buffed off
- “The gel needs to be ‘cured’ or hardened under a UV (ultraviolet) lamp. It cannot be removed by soaking and must be buffed off from the nail.” — British Association of Dermatologists
- “’Polygel nails would have to be filed off. Because of this, there is a certain amount of commitment required.’” — Refinery29
Soft gels yes, hard gels no
- “Hard gels and acrylic-style poly gels have to be filed off, which over time can thin the natural nail.” — Beyond Polish
- “Builder gels can also be easily soaked off without causing damage to the natural nail, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to switch up their nail look regularly.” — Country & Town House
- “To remove them, your nail tech will file the Polygel from your nails to remove the bulk of it. Any remaining formula and product will then be soaked off with acetone, leaving your nails ready for your next manicure.” — L’Oréal Paris
Every line is quoted from its page: 3 dermatology and health pages (the British Association of Dermatologists, the American Academy of Dermatology and the U.S. FDA), 11 salon and beauty guides and 9 nail brands’ own pages, each type on at least two. Checked 2026-10-16. Ours: which type your five answers point to, rounding a width to the nearest 0.5 mm, and the spread across the brand charts. A size to start from, never a promised fit, and never a diagnosis.
Quick answer: for weeks on your own nails, gel polish (two weeks or more, soaked off in acetone); if your nails break, builder gel (BIAB). For length, soft-gel tips (Gel-X) or acrylic, the sturdier one for soft nails. For a few days or at home, press-ons: tabs for days, glue for up to two weeks. Had a reaction before? See a dermatologist first.
How to use it
Answer five questions: how long it should last (weeks, or a few days for an occasion), your own length or longer, whether your nails are weak or break, a salon or home, and whether a manicure ever left your skin itchy, red or swollen. The tool names the type that fits and one or two that also fit, each with what it is, how it sets, how long it lasts and how it comes off, quoted from the salons’, brands’ and dermatologists’ own pages. Which type your answers point to is our rule, and the tool says so.
For press-ons, switch to My press-on sizes and type each nail’s width in millimetres. The tool reads it on four brand charts and gives the spread, because a size 3 is not the same width at every brand. No ruler? Stick the marked tape on the ruler drawn on your screen, after checking its scale with a quarter.
Manicure types compared
| Type | Adds length | Sets with | Lasts | Comes off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular polish | No | No lamp or kit | 4 days to a week | Polish remover, at home |
| Gel polish | No | UV or LED lamp | 2 to 4 weeks | Soaked in acetone |
| Builder gel (BIAB) | A little | UV or LED lamp | 2 to 4 weeks | Soaked off (hard gels are filed) |
| Soft-gel tips (Gel-X) | Yes, a full tip | UV or LED lamp | 3 to 4 weeks | Soaked in acetone |
| Polygel | Yes | UV or LED lamp | About 3 weeks, up to 4 | Filed, then soaked |
| Acrylic | Yes | Air (no lamp) | 2 to 4 weeks, then a fill | Soaked in acetone |
| Dip powder | Only with tips | Activator (no lamp) | 2 to 4 weeks | Soaked in acetone |
| Press-on nails | Yes | Glue or sticky tabs | Tabs a few days; glue 1 to 2 weeks | Warm soapy water (tabs pop off) |
Each cell is our short version of the pages quoted in the tool, listed at the end; how long a set lasts also depends on your hands. Glamsquad: “Most people will need a fill approximately every 2–3 weeks to keep acrylic nails looking seamless and secure.”
Gel vs acrylic nails
Gel polish is painted on like polish and hardened under a lamp; acrylic is a liquid and powder mixed into a paste that hardens in the air and can be shaped into length. The British Association of Dermatologists: “Acrylic nails are mixed in the salon; the paste is applied over a natural nail or used to create length by adding tips. It is then left to harden with exposure to air.” Both soak off in acetone. Choose gel for your own length and a lighter feel, acrylic for length on soft nails. StyleSeat: “For example, those with soft nails may want to opt for acrylics since they’re more sturdy than gel.”
Which lasts longer depends on whom you read (below). Prices vary by salon, and StyleSeat puts both in the same range: “A set of acrylic nails costs an estimated $25 to $120, depending on the color you choose and whether or not you opt for a design.”
Builder gel, Gel-X and polygel
All three are gels cured under a lamp. Builder gel (BIAB is The Gel Bottle’s name for one) is a thick gel that strengthens your own nails; Country & Town House’s technician: “They’re great for anyone with weak, brittle nails that always break, as the BIAB helps to harden the nails while they grow.” Soft-gel tips, called Gel-X after Aprés’s system, are ready-shaped full tips glued on with gel; Aprés says “When applied correctly, our Gel-X® Tips boast a longevity of 3-4 weeks.” Polygel is a putty shaped with a slip solution and cured, and it is filed rather than simply soaked off.
Dip powder
Dip is coloured acrylic powder over a liquid base, set with an activator instead of a lamp. Glamsquad: “Unlike gel manicures, dip powder systems do not require any UV or LED light for curing, making them a popular choice for those concerned about UV exposure or who prefer a quicker setting time.” It is thicker than gel, which CND’s educator counts as a plus for thin nails, and it lasts two to four weeks before it comes off in acetone.
Press-on nail size chart
Press-on sizes are numbered from 0, the widest (a thumb), to 9 or 11, the narrowest (a pinky), and each number is a width in millimetres. The brands do not agree on the widths, so here are four charts side by side. The first is printed by nailhow, Made by Ahyoka and Nails by Canishiea.
| Size | The common chart (mm) | SHANGMENG (mm) | SHOPQAQ (mm) | BTArtbox (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 18 | 17–18 | 16–18 | 20.1–22 |
| 1 | 16 | 15–16 | 14–16 | 18.6–20 |
| 2 | 15 | 14–15 | 14–16 | 17.1–18.5 |
| 3 | 14 | 13–14 | 12–14 | 15.6–17 |
| 4 | 13 | 12–13 | 12–14 | 14.1–15.5 |
| 5 | 12 | 11–12 | 11–13 | 12.6–14 |
| 6 | 11 | 10–11 | 11–13 | 11.1–12.5 |
| 7 | 10 | 9–10 | 9–11 | 9.6–11 |
| 8 | 9 | 8–9 | 9–11 | 8.1–9.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 7–8 | 7–9 | up to 8 |
| 10 | 6–7 | 7–9 | ||
| 11 | 5–6 | 7–9 |
SHOPQAQ prints its sizes in pairs (1–2, 3–4 and so on), so both numbers of a pair share one width. BTArtbox runs wider at the same number: its size 0 starts at 20.1 mm, where the other three charts stop at 18 mm. SHANGMENG: “A Size 3 from one brand may be 13.5mm while another brand’s Size 3 is 14mm. Always use the sizing guide or sticker strip included with each specific brand’s kit.”
How to measure your nails for press-ons
- Start with bare nails. BTArtbox: “Do not measure over existing nail polish, gel, or acrylic — the added thickness will inflate your width by 0.5–1.0 mm and throw off the result.”
- Press a strip of clear tape across the nail, tucked into the sides, and mark both sidewalls at the widest part.
- Peel it off and measure between the marks with a millimetre ruler, or stick it on the ruler in the tool.
- Measure all ten: your two hands often differ by a size on one finger or two.
Between two sizes, the brands split. SHANGMENG and BTArtbox say go smaller; SHOPQAQ, nailhow and Made by Ahyoka say go larger and file the sides. The tool shows both sizes and both sides.
What the dermatologists say
The British Association of Dermatologists warns about allergies to the chemicals in artificial nails: “It is when the uncured products come into contact with any part of the skin that sensitisation to the chemicals can occur.” Such an allergy can matter far from the salon: “The same or very similar methacrylates are used in white dental fillings, enamel tooth coatings, orthopaedic bone cement, diabetic glucose sensors and insulin pumps.” At home, it says to use the kit’s own lamp, and only that one.
The American Academy of Dermatology on gel: “Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.” It advises sunscreen on your hands before the lamp, never picking the gel off, and gel for special occasions only. If a manicure ever left your skin itchy, red or swollen, the tool sends you to a dermatologist first; only a doctor can say what caused it.
Where the salons disagree
- Gel or acrylic, which lasts longer? StyleSeat: “Gel nails will typically last three to four weeks, while acrylic nails will last about two weeks.” Refinery29 says the opposite: acrylics “often require infills after three weeks and replacement after around six to eight weeks, while gel nails typically last for two weeks.”
- Weak nails: acrylic or builder gel? StyleSeat and CND’s educator name acrylic; Country & Town House’s technicians name builder gel: “When put to the test against acrylics, our experts are also in agreement that BIAB tends to be the better option.”
- Does gel soak off? Gel polish and soft gels do. Hard gel does not; the British Association of Dermatologists: “It cannot be removed by soaking and must be buffed off from the nail.”
Nail ideas
Once you know the type, pick the look: see Needle Style’s press-on nails nobody can tell are press-ons, short gel nail designs, spring dip powder nails and unique acrylic nail designs. Then find the nail shape for your hands, count the weeks to your next fill with the nail growth calculator, work out the tip with the salon tip calculator, and when the set is grown out, take it off at home with the nail removal guide and soak timer.
The pages we read
Health: the British Association of Dermatologists’ artificial nails warning, the American Academy of Dermatology on gel manicures and the U.S. FDA on nail care products.
Salons and guides: StyleSeat on gel vs acrylic and dip vs acrylic, Glamsquad on how often to get a manicure and gel vs dip, CND educator Julie Kandalec on how long each manicure lasts, Beyond Polish on Gel-X, builder gel and poly gel and applying press-ons, Country & Town House on BIAB, and on polygel Refinery29, L’Oréal Paris and AOL.
Brands: Aprés Nail, Holy Grail Nail, Mitty, and the size charts of nailhow, Made by Ahyoka, Nails by Canishiea, SHANGMENG, SHOPQAQ and BTArtbox. All read on 2026-10-16.
FAQ
Which is better, gel or acrylic nails?
Gel for your own length and a lighter, more natural feel; acrylic for length, and for soft or weak nails that need a sturdier extension. Both are hardened on the nail (gel under a lamp, acrylic in the air) and both soak off in acetone.
Which type of manicure lasts the longest?
Soft-gel tips, dip powder and polygel all last about three to four weeks. Acrylic lasts longest with a fill every two to three weeks, gel polish two weeks or more, regular polish up to a week, and press-ons on glue up to about two weeks.
What is the best manicure for weak nails?
Builder gel (BIAB) on your own length, which salons use to strengthen nails as they grow; dip powder is another option for thin nails. For length on soft nails, StyleSeat and CND’s educator name acrylic. Gentle removal matters more than the type: never pick or peel any of them off.
Do gel nails soak off?
Gel polish, soft builder gel and soft-gel tips soak off in acetone. Hard gel does not: it is buffed or filed off, and polygel is filed before what is left is soaked.
What size press-on nails am I?
Measure each nail across its widest part in millimetres and match it to the brand’s chart: on the common chart 14 mm is a size 3 and 12 mm a size 5, but some brands run wider at the same number. Enter your widths in the tool to see your sizes on four charts.
How do you measure your nails for press-ons?
On a bare nail, press a strip of clear tape across it, mark both sides at the widest point, peel it off and measure between the marks with a millimetre ruler. Do every finger on both hands.
How long do press-on nails last?
With sticky tabs, from a day or two up to about five days; with nail glue, from about ten days to two weeks. Tabs let you take a set off and wear it again.
Can you be allergic to gel or acrylic nails?
Yes. The British Association of Dermatologists links allergic skin reactions to the (meth)acrylate chemicals in these products, most often when the uncured product touches the skin. If a manicure has left your skin itchy, red or swollen, see a dermatologist before your next set.