Nail technicians often wonder – what is the difference between polygels and acrygels for nails? In this blog, Beauty Hunter will break down the difference and explain when it is best to use each of these products.
Article content:
Which is stronger: polygel or acrygel?
Acrygel and polygel: difference in consistency
Which nails are polygel suitable for, and which are for acrygel?
Pros and cons of the materials
What is better for nail extensions?
In the nail industry, two materials have mainly been used for nail extensions in recent years — polygel and acrygel. They have replaced classic acrylic and gel, combining their best qualities. Both products allow you to strengthen nails, extend length, and create ideal architecture and designs.
Polygel and acrygel are essentially the same thing. The story began when Gelish released an innovative product on the market and patented the name Polygel. It immediately gained popularity among technicians because it combined the strength of acrylic and the plasticity of gel. Later, other manufacturers wanted to produce similar material but did not have the right to use the trademark. That is how the name "acrygel" appeared.
To answer the question "is acrygel or polygel better" briefly — there is no fundamental difference. It is one class of materials, only the names are different. Let's focus on the characteristics and features of the material in more detail.
Acrygel or polygel is a real find for modeling long, strong nails. It holds its shape even where ordinary gel might fail and is not afraid of stress. The material is dense but at the same time pliable: it does not run into the cuticles, does not spread, and allows you to calmly build the architecture of the nail. That is why many technicians note that working with it is easier and more comfortable than with classic gel.
Design is a separate topic. With acrygel, it is easy to create voluminous elements and even 3D patterns. It holds small details well, does not crack, and remains elastic, so there are practically no limits to your imagination in decor.
But the best part is that polygel can not only decorate but also become the basis for care. If nails are thin, brittle, or constantly suffer from household chemicals, the material works as protection: it strengthens the plate and makes it more resilient. As a result, the manicure looks well-groomed for much longer. It is no wonder many technicians advise acrygel to those whose hands undergo a "stress test" daily: from computer work to physical activity. With it, nails look beautiful and remain protected.
Please note! Polygel is best applied with a damp brush. For this, technicians use a special slip solution that makes the material pliable and allows it to be neatly distributed over the nail. If you try to work with a dry brush, the acrygel will "pull," leaving unevenness. But a slightly moistened tool turns the process into a real pleasure: the material slides easily, smoothly fills all zones, and allows you to build the ideal shape without extra effort.
Quite recently, a material with the unusual name Liquid Polygel appeared in the nail service industry. This is a liquid polygel that combines the characteristics of classic polygel and base coat for gel polish. The composition is dominated by acrylic copolymer (60–80%), which is responsible for strength and durability, and the remaining 20–30% are components characteristic of base coats, in particular hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA).
At first glance, Liquid Polygel looks very much like a thick base coat. The product is released in familiar bottles with a brush, so even a beginner can master it without additional training. In terms of application technique, the material is more reminiscent of a leveling base rather than complex modeling. That is, working with it is easy, and the result is impressive.
This is precisely its main "feature": ease of use and familiar technique, while having other advantages:
high strength;
versatility;
durability.
Unlike base coats, it is equally suitable for any nails, even those where gel polish usually holds poorly. In addition, the material does not run, self-levels perfectly, allows for quickly creating the correct nail architecture, and does not shrink. Thanks to this, the process becomes not only more comfortable but also faster. And low consumption makes Liquid Polygel profitable as well, since the cost of the service noticeably decreases.
The material is universal. Due to its strength, it holds even where classic gel or gel polish peels off. If a client has a weak nail plate, polygel/acrygel will be a real salvation: it strengthens and allows you to wear the coating without chips and cracks.
For technicians who love working with length and experimenting with shapes, this is also a find. Acrygel allows you to create long nails, model architecture, and do complex designs. At the same time, it does not flow and gives the technician more time to work out the shape.
Among the advantages of acrygel/polygel, one can highlight:
Safety and comfort. The material is hypoallergenic, does not have toxic components, and practically does not cause irritation. Working with it is comfortable and pleasant.
Minimum filing. After application, the nail almost does not require correction with a file. And if the shape still needs refinement, acrygel is filed easily and without unnecessary dust.
Convenient consistency. In texture, the material resembles plasticine: it does not run, does not dry in the air, and does not push the technician for "time." You can shape it for as long as needed.
Ideal for training and beginners. Even if you have little experience and your work speed is still low, acrygel will allow you to calmly and neatly create the desired result without rushing.
Super strength. The main task of the material is creating artificial nails that withstand mechanical loads, do not break, and do not chip even with an active lifestyle.
Despite its versatility, the material requires a certain time for polymerization in the lamp, and without it, you won't be able to work. Another nuance — for leveling and distributing the mass, you need a special slip solution or a damp brush, otherwise, the material will pull and interfere with neat application. Compared to ordinary bases, acrygel might seem more time-consuming, although the result fully justifies it.
When choosing a material for extensions, primarily focus on consistency. Classic polygel/acrygel is suitable if:
you like a thick consistency that allows you to work without rushing;
you are a beginner or are in training: the material does not run and gives time for application;
you need to repair a crack, restore a corner, or extend a nail without a form;
you are modeling nails and doing a sculpted french manicure;
you don't like to file: with careful application, filing is almost not needed, and if correction is required, it won't take much effort;
you work with top forms or paper forms: the material does not leak, so the edge turns out clean.
Choose Liquid Polygel if:
you are more used to working with base coats: the material comes in a bottle with a brush and is applied using the leveling technique;
nails are long: Liquid Polygel allows for applying a thicker layer without the risk of burning or lifting, unlike base coats;
the client is prone to allergies: the composition is safer than many base coats;
you have no experience with gels: Liquid Polygel does not require special training;
you need to strengthen nails, and bases do not hold or cause problems;
the client has a very small nail plate: the consistency allows for neat application without extra bulk;
you need to slightly build up a corner or a short free edge (for full-length extensions, it is inferior to classic acrygel, but it is ideal for adjustments).