If you love the glossy, long-lasting look of a gel manicure but dread the upkeep, you’re not alone. Every time I get one, I’m amazed at how great my nails look—until a couple of weeks later when I start peeling off the polish bit by bit.
The good news? Gel polish isn’t the only way to achieve that smooth, chip-resistant finish. Here’s a breakdown of eight popular alternatives, including their pros and cons, impact on nail health, and maintenance costs.
### Acrylic Nails
Acrylic manicures involve applying a mix of acrylic powder and liquid monomer to create a strong, durable layer over your natural nails. This thick coating allows for added length and shape, and regular polish glides on smoothly for a gel-like finish.
Acrylics are best done by a professional, as DIY attempts can be tricky and may lead to painful nail damage. They’re ideal for those who want long, flawless nails and are willing to invest time and money in upkeep. However, they’re not the best choice if you type a lot or play contact sports.
One downside is that acrylics can weaken your natural nails over time. You might not notice the damage until you stop getting them, but your nails will likely be brittle and fragile for a while. There’s also a risk of infection—if an acrylic nail gets caught on something and pulls away from the nail bed, it can be painful and lead to complications.
Expect to pay $50 to $100 for the initial application, which takes about two hours. Maintenance requires fills every two to three weeks, costing $15 to $25 and taking around 45 minutes. If a nail breaks, repairs will add to the cost and time.
### Silk Wrap Nails
Popular in the ’80s before acrylics took over, silk wrap nails involve applying a thin layer of silk or fiberglass with resin to strengthen the nail and prevent breakage. While they can extend nails, they’re not as thick or sturdy as acrylics.
You can try a DIY silk wrap manicure, but a professional will likely achieve better results. This option is great if you prefer a natural look and want to reinforce your nails against breakage. They last longer when kept short.
Silk wraps are less damaging than other treatments, but proper removal is key—soaking instead of peeling them off helps maintain nail health. It’s also a good idea to take breaks between treatments to let your nails breathe.
Costs are similar to acrylics, with an initial treatment ranging from $50 to $100. Fills cost $25 to $50, depending on whether you opt for powder or overwrap.
### Dip Powder Nails
Dip powder manicures involve applying a base coat, dipping nails into colored acrylic powder, and sealing it with an activator solution. The process is quick and doesn’t require UV light.
You can get a dip manicure at a salon or use a DIY kit at home. This option is great for those who want a durable, natural-looking manicure that lasts three to four weeks.
The main downside is that repeated filing and lack of air exposure can weaken your natural nails over time. Each salon treatment costs around $50 to $75, while DIY starter kits range from $15 to $35. Removal requires soaking in polish remover and gently scrubbing off the color.
### Builder Gels (BIAB)
Builder gels, also known as BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), are lightweight, brush-on products that provide a gel-like finish with less damage. They require a base coat and UV curing and can be used to strengthen or extend nails.
DIY builder gel kits are available, but lengthening your nails at home can be tricky. It’s easier to use builder gel for added strength rather than extra length.
While the gel itself isn’t harmful, improper application and removal can cause damage. To take it off, you’ll need to trim any extended length, file down the thickness, and soak your nails in acetone.
A builder gel manicure costs $50 to $100, with fills being slightly cheaper. DIY kits with UV lamps are available for $20 to $30.
### Press-On Nails
Press-on nails are pre-polished artificial nails that stick onto your natural nails with adhesive. They’re widely available and come in various sizes and styles, including press-on toenails.
I love press-ons because they’re affordable and require no long-term commitment. However, they can pop off easily if you use your hands a lot. They’re perfect for a quick nail makeover before a night out or a weekend getaway.
Press-ons won’t harm your nails unless you pick at the adhesive or remove them improperly. To take them off, soak them in polish remover instead of pulling them off.
They require no maintenance—just remove and discard them when you’re done. A new set costs $10 or less.
### Regular Nail Polish
A classic at-home manicure with a good base coat and top coat is a budget-friendly alternative to gel. The downside? Regular polish chips faster.
I’ve found a happy medium with gel-like polishes that don’t require UV curing. Revlon Colorstay, for example, works well when used with its matching base and top coats.
A traditional manicure with cuticle care can also improve nail health. However, picking at your nails or polish can cause damage.
A basic salon manicure costs $20 to $40, but you can spend the same amount on high-quality polish, base coat, and top coat for at-home use. Maintenance is simple—just remove the polish when it starts to chip and keep your nails filed to prevent breakage.
### Choosing the Best Alternative
The best gel manicure alternative depends on your priorities. If you want a long-lasting, chip-resistant finish, dip powder is a great choice. If you prefer flexibility and easy removal, press-on nails are the way to go.
Whatever option you choose, follow the application, care, and removal instructions carefully to keep your natural nails healthy.