Acrylic and pink white nails are two popular artificial nail options that many people get done at nail salons. While they may look similar to the untrained eye, there are some key differences between acrylic nails and pink white nails in terms of application method, ingredients, maintenance, cost, and appearance.
Introduction to Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are a type of artificial nails that are created by applying a liquid acrylic resin and polymer powder to the natural nails. The acrylic resin and powder form a plastic-like material that hardens on the nails to extend their length and strength.
To apply acrylic nails, first the natural nails are filed and shaped. Then, a primer is applied to help the acrylic adhere to the nails. The acrylic resin and polymer powder are mixed together to form a thick liquid. This acrylic mixture is then ‘applied using a brush and left to harden under a UV or LED lamp. The process is repeated until the acrylic builds up to the desired length and shape of the nail.
Once applied, acrylic nails are very hard and durable. The acrylic material is waterproof and crack-resistant. Acrylic nails can last 2-4 weeks on average before needing to be filled in as the natural nails grow out.
Introduction to Pink White Nails
Pink white nails, also known as baby boomer nails or ombre nails, are a popular nail style that features a faded pink and white color effect. Unlike acrylic nails, pink white nails use regular nail polish in white and pink shades to create the distinctive two-toned ombre look.
To get the pink white color effect, a sheer pink polish is first applied as a base coat to the entire nail. Then, while the pink polish is still wet, a sheer white polish is painted onto the nail tips. The white polish is then blended up into the pink polish using a brush or sponge gradient tool. This causes the white and pink polishes to seamlessly fade into each other down the length of the nail.
Once dry, pink white nails have a versatile, natural-looking color that flatters multiple skin tones. The pink base provides a subtle pop of color, while the white tips make the nails appear longer and more polished. The ombre effect is chic, modern, and elegant.
Main Differences in Application and Process
There are several key differences between how acrylic nails and pink white nails are applied:
- Acrylic nails require multiple steps – filing, priming, layering acrylic resin and powder, shaping, and curing under a lamp. Pink white nails only need regular nail polish in two colors and blending.
- Acrylic nails are applied to bare natural nails. Pink white nails are painted over polished or prepped nails.
- The acrylic mixture for acrylics is thick and must be precisely sculpted into place. Pink white polishes are thin, sheer liquid formulas.
- Acrylic nails require curing under a UV or LED lamp to harden. Pink white polish dries on its own naturally.
- Acrylic nails are built out to extend the nail length. Pink white polishes are simply painted onto the existing nail length.
The application process for acrylics is much more complex and time-consuming compared to a simple polish manicure. It also requires professional expertise, supplies, and equipment to precisely apply the acrylic product to the nails.
Ingredient Differences
In addition to application differences, acrylic nails and pink white nails have very different main ingredients:
| Acrylic Nails | Pink White Nails |
|---|---|
| Liquid monomer resin | Nail polish |
| Polymer powder | Nail polish thinner |
| Primer | Base coat |
| Acrylic monomer | Top coat |
The main ingredients in acrylic nails are the acrylic polymer powder and monomer liquid resin. When combined, these form the durable, plastic-like acrylic material that covers the natural nails.
Pink white nails are created with regular nail polish in sheer shades of pink and white. The polish formulas contain ingredients like nitrocellulose, acetyl tributyl citrate, and isopropyl alcohol to give the color payoff and application properties.
Maintenance Differences
Maintaining acrylics vs pink white nails also requires different approaches:
- Acrylics: Need infills every 2-4 weeks to fill in growth at the nail base. Require professional removal; should not be picked off. Nails need recovery time after removal.
- Pink Whites: Polish simply needs touch ups or reapplication every 1-2 weeks as it grows out or chips. Easily removed with nail polish remover. Nails remain healthy.
Due to how durable acrylic material is, acrylic nails can only be properly maintained through professional infills or removals. This makes upkeep more difficult and expensive compared to normal polish.
Cost Differences
There is a significant difference between the cost of acrylic vs pink white nail services:
| Acrylic Nails | Pink White Nails |
|---|---|
| Full set: $60-$100 | Full manicure: $20-$40 |
| Infills: $30-$50 every 2-4 weeks | Polish change: $15-$25 every 2-4 weeks |
Because acrylic nails require more products, tools, time, and skill to apply and maintain, the costs are understandably higher than a simple polish manicure. The ongoing maintenance of acrylic fill ins also racks up over time, making them a more expensive long term investment.
Appearance Differences
While the finished look of acrylics and pink whites may seem similar, there are some visual differences:
- Acrylics: Thicker, more dramatic lengthening effect. Hardness prevents flexibility or natural nail growth. Can look very artificial.
- Pink Whites: Subtle graduated fading effect. Thin polish allows nails to flex and grow. Looks natural and brightens the nails.
Acrylic nails completely transform the nail shape and length with the thick, molded acrylic extension. The hardness of the acrylic also resists the natural flexing and growth of the nails underneath.
Pink white nails offer a more subtle makeover. The ombre polish colors brighten the natural nails while appearing soft, flexible, and breathable.
Length of Wear Differences
How long acrylics and pink whites last on the nails also differs:
- Acrylics: 2-4 weeks wear time
- Pink Whites: 1-2 weeks wear time
The acrylic material is very strong and adhesive, allowing the sculpted acrylic nails to stay on for 2-4 weeks before needing fills. Regular polish has a shorter wear time before it begins chipping or growing out.
Damage Risk Differences
Both options carry some risk of damage to the natural nails:
- Acrylics: High risk of damage with improper application or removal. Can cause nail thinning, cracking, discoloration.
- Pink Whites: Low risk of damage with proper polish use. Removal is gentle on nails.
Acrylic nails require drilling into the nail plate to apply and remove them. This can permanently compromise nail health and lead to problems. When properly applied and removed, regular polish is generally safe for natural nails.
Conclusion
While acrylics and pink whites may appear similar at first glance, they have significant differences when it comes to ingredients, application method, maintenance, costs, appearance, wear time, and potential damage to the natural nails.
Acrylics provide a dramatic, lengthened look but require professional application and removal. They also carry higher risks of permanent nail damage. Pink whites offer a subtler but still polished look using regular nail polish. They are easy to maintain at home and gentle on the natural nails.
When choosing between acrylics vs pink whites, consider your own needs, lifestyle, nail health, and budget. Knowing the differences will ensure you pick the best option for beautiful, healthy nails.