When was the last time you thought about getting overlays or extensions? There are acrylic and gel overlays, and there are acrylic and gel extensions. Have you heard of these terms? Which have you tried? Both are great depending on your style but when it comes to nail health, practicality, and traveling, what then? Let’s talk overlays vs extensions. Which is better when it comes to your nails and nail health?
Overlays vs Extensions: What are overlays?
Overlays are done with either acrylic or gel, depending on your preference. The technician will use a thin layer, without extending the length of your nail. Overlays are popular with people that want their nails to look natural but want a thicker protective layer as opposed to what nail polish can offer. Nail overlays are stronger than bare nails but not as strong as getting acrylic or gel extensions. Overlays need maintenance too! Every 2-3 weeks, depending on the speed of your nail growth, you need to have refills to protect the new growth.
Overlays vs Extensions: What are extensions?
Nail extensions are way more popular, not only on Social Media but as a service as well. Extensions are done with gel or acrylic and involve extending the length of your nail, using a tip. Most people opt for the acrylic extensions because they’re pocket friendly–usually costing around $75 for a fresh set, and about $30 for a refill. Gel extensions are not as strong, but they look more natural and can cost you a bit more. A fresh set can cost you up to $100 and refills can cost around $50.
You can customize everything from the nail shape to the color you want your manicure to have! In order for the extensions to look fresh, you need to get refills, every 2-3 weeks. Refills are when the technician uses gel or acrylic to fill in the new growth on your nail bed. If you let the extensions grow out without refilling them, you risk nail injury or even a break! The pressure point on the nail moves from the apex to the upper part of the nail bed because of the weight of the product of your extension. That’s why it’s vital to get them filled if you plan to keep your extensions or overlays.
But which is better? Let’s compare overlays vs extensions!
What are the benefits of using Overlays?
Overlays are applied on natural nails, either with gel or acrylic. Overlays are a great option for people with short brittle nails, people that cannot have long nails in a professional setting, and want to add structure to their natural nails without extensions.
Acrylic:
Acrylic overlays are used to strengthen weak nails, add length to really short nails, protect very long nails, and cover up any cracks or peeling. It’s available in a wide array of colors and is a great base for other nail treatments.
The latest trend involves acrylic overlays on shorter nails. The reason people opt for this look is that not only does it look natural, but you’re protecting your nails especially if you want to grow them out. It adds a thickness to your nails which otherwise wouldn’t exist with regular wear and tear.
Gel:
Gel overlays just like acrylic, are thin layers of gel that are applied over natural nails to give structure and shape. If they’re done correctly (and getting them done professionally is recommended) they can help people with brittle and weak nails grow out. But if done incorrectly, both acrylic and gel overlays might lead to fungal infections.!
Note: Gel polish and Gel overlays are two different things. Gel polish is just polish. It can be soaked off at home or at the salon very easily. It’s a thin layer while layovers use a hard gel that also needs to be cured. But depending on the product, it can be brushed on in layers or shaped using a slip solution and a nail brush.
Gel vs Acrylic:
Gel overlays are less harmful to your nails because the gel has less harsh chemicals. They also look more natural and offer protection. Acrylic nails are bulkier and don’t look as natural. They’re also more affordable in comparison to gel. It all comes down to your preference.
What are the benefits of using extensions?
Extensions can also be done with gel or acrylic depending on the look that you want and the budget you have. There are usually two types of extensions that are used: tips and forms. Tips are plastic extensions that are glued to naturally buffed nails. The acrylic or gel is applied on top of the tips to create the extension. Forms on the other hand are extensions that are done freehand, without the use of tips.
Acrylic:
Acrylic nail extensions are applied on top of the tips and provide structure and support to your nail. You can choose the length, and the shape and they last about 4 weeks. It provides a smooth base for other nail decorations. One of the best advantages is that since acrylic extensions are thick and strong, it prevents nail biting. Acrylic is more affordable so if you’re looking for extensions on a budget, this is the way to go.
Note: Removal of acrylic nails isn’t easy. You’ll need an electric file to file down the thickness and then soak off the product. Visiting the salon for removal is recommended.
Gel:
While pricier than acrylic nail extensions, gel extensions are lighter, more natural looking, and less damaging when it comes to removal. Depending on the salon, they might use a form or use tips. These need refills just like overlays and acrylic extensions do. Refills are also pricier than acrylic extension refills.
Overlays vs Extensions: Which product for which?
Think about the type of look and the amount of time you want your manicure to last. If you’re looking to just grow out your nails and keep them as natural looking as possible, then I’d suggest sticking with gel overlays. While extensions might look better, it’s not your natural nail but just a product that adds length.
If you want extensions, I would still suggest using gel because overall, with both overlays and extensions, the removal process is far less damaging. Acrylic requires buffing and a lot of filing. It also contains products that are harmful in general. But if you’re rough with your hands then using acrylic for extensions might be a better choice. I’ve had gel nails crack and even shatter under certain circumstances, but that can also be due to some negligence on my salon’s part.
When it comes to getting a manicure on a budget, stick to acrylic for both overlays and extensions, with overlays being more affordable.
Overlays vs Extensions: Long-term and Travel
If you’re looking to maintain one of these manicures for a longer amount of time, I’d suggest overlays. Every three to four weeks, you’ll need a refill, which means your nails will be growing stronger due to the product you choose for your overlay. If your nails are bitten and extremely short, then try extensions. As your nails grow and you choose a specific length to maintain, eventually the plastic tip will be filed off, leaving your natural nail.
While it’s not recommended to have these manicures all year long, taking a break and keeping your nails bare (once they’re at the length you want) is beneficial for your nail health. You can remove all of the product and try using nail hardeners or regular gel polish to keep your nails protected because at the end of the day, the more natural, the healthier your nails.
Travel
What you choose is up to you but out of the experience, I had acrylic nail extensions when I was traveling internationally to Mumbai this past year. Once I reached the baggage claim, I grabbed my bag and was dragged a few feet from where I stood, and as I pulled it off the belt I fractured the apex of my nail extensions. The pain was at a new level!
Finding a good salon locally (if you’re staying abroad as long as I did) isn’t easy. In Mumbai, many salons don’t use an electric drill. While this is a good thing potentially, it also means that product application is detailed by hand. So the smoothing process and buffing are done by hand. Most times this doesn’t create an even and smooth base.
Instead, opt for cutting your nails short and getting overlays. Since refills are required every three to four weeks, your nails will look clean and well-manicured for most of your trip.
Pro-Tip: If you can’t get to a salon for a refill, you can file down the area by the new growth so the transition from your natural nail to the layover is smooth. Apply polish on top and it looks as good as new!
Nail Maintenance
Whether you have extensions, overlays, or even natural nails, it’s important to keep your hands and cuticles hydrated.
When washing your hands, make sure you clean around your nails and if possible use a soft bristle brush to clean the dirt and debris out from around and under your nails.
Push back your cuticles if you can but only when they’re soft. Try doing this after a hot shower. If you feel comfortable, then trim them and then apply cuticle oil and massage it into your cuticles.
On natural nails avoid buffing them frequently as it leaves your nails thin and susceptible to splitting. Instead of keeping your nails completely bare, if you’re not a fan of color, try a clear polish. Constant contact with soap and water can soften your nails, potentially creating a split. Nail polish (simple) can protect your nails effectively.
When filing your nails, file using a glass nail file and file in one direction. This prevents breaks.
The use of a hand and nail lotion is key to keeping your hands and nails healthy. Following these steps can strengthen your nails from the outside but note that your diet and genetics can also impact the health of your nails. Eat a balanced diet and take your vitamins! If you have any concerns, consult your doctor.
Overlays or extensions, ultimately it’s what you like. Weigh the pros and cons and remember, you can switch it up too! Take a break to give your nails the chance to breathe and have fun with your manicure! Get creative!
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