Sit down at any nail salon and you’ll hear the same question: “What are we doing today?” If your honest answer is “something that lasts, but I’m not sure which one,” you’re in good company. Gel-X, acrylic, dip powder and builder gel can all give you a polished set. The difference is in how each one feels on your hand, how it handles your daily routine and what it takes to maintain.
Here’s a plain-English guide to help you choose before your next visit.
The quick comparison
| Service | Best for | Feel | Starting at P&T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Length, durability and bold shapes | Strong and firm | $45 full set |
| Gel-X | A natural look with instant length | Light and flexible | $55 full set |
| Builder Gel | Strengthening natural nails with a slim look | Light with some flex | $55 full set |
| Dip Powder | A sturdy overlay with lots of color options | Firm but thin | $45 natural, $50 with tips |
Final pricing can vary with length, shape and design. You’ll find every option on our full service menu.
Acrylic: the durable classic
Acrylic is made by combining a liquid and a powder, which your technician sculpts over your nail or a tip. It hardens into a strong layer that holds up well to long lengths and dramatic shapes like coffin or stiletto.
Choose acrylic if you want serious length, you’re hard on your hands or you love designs such as ombre and pink-and-white. Plan on regular fills as your nails grow, and always have acrylic soaked off properly instead of lifting it yourself.
Gel-X: length without the bulk
Gel-X is a soft gel extension system. Pre-shaped tips made of soft gel are applied over your natural nail and cured, which gives you full-coverage length in one step. Sets tend to feel thin and comfortable, which is why they’re popular with people trying enhancements for the first time.
Choose Gel-X if you want length that feels light and looks natural. Because it’s flexible, it may be a little less forgiving than acrylic if you often use your nails as tools, so keep a little care in mind with cans, keys and car doors.
Builder gel: support for your natural nails
Builder gel is a thicker gel that’s brushed on and shaped to add strength and structure. Many guests choose it to grow out their natural nails, because the overlay helps protect them from everyday bending and breaking.
Choose builder gel if you have some natural length you’d like to keep, or you want a clean, understated look. It’s a lovely fit for short to medium nails and pairs well with soft, natural colors.
Dip powder: sturdy and straightforward
With dip powder, colored powder is built up in thin layers with a bonding product, then sealed with a top coat. No UV curing is needed for the powder layers. The finish is firm and holds its color well.
Choose dip if you want more strength than regular gel polish without the length of a full extension. We offer dip on natural nails, with tips for added length and in hand-blended ombre.
Four questions to ask yourself
- What do my hands do all day? Typing, gardening, cleaning and working with your hands all affect which product will hold up best.
- How much length do I really want? If you want dramatic length, acrylic or Gel-X is the natural starting point. For a short, tidy set, look at builder gel or dip.
- How often can I come in? Most enhancements need attention every few weeks as your nails grow. Pick a routine you’ll be happy to keep.
- What condition are my nails in? If your nails are thin or recovering from a previous set, ask your technician what they’d suggest before you commit.
Still undecided?
You don’t need to arrive with the answer. Bring a photo of a look you love, tell us about your routine and we’ll help you find the right match. When you’re ready, you can book your appointment online in about a minute, or browse our gallery for a little inspiration first.
