Hi paula.

I use both acrylic and gel, sometimes both on the one client! I have about 50/50 for each. I quite often do acrylic tip colours or art then cap in gel due to its clarity, so the designs stand out. When I had my salon I found that most new clients opted for acrylic as it was just what they knew, but once they seen some of the gel designs available some would try it, and I got a lot that converted. Also if I had a client that had a bit of lifting with acrylic id try them with gel, and usually would get better results so they would then stick with gel. I think many people have had bad experiences with gel usually due to them going to someone not properly trained in gel, so their nails had no structure, hence it getting a reputation of not being as strong, but done correctly gel can be just as hard wearing.. in fact it can be even better due to its ability to 'flex' more than acrylic. So basically I love both for their different properties... I love using acrylic for 3D work, and nice strong colours, and gel for all the designs u can create with it and for its clear, glassy look. So if u can eventually work with both u will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds... caz they both rock in their own ways!

Artwise I like doing flowers, marbled gel designs, and the good old favorite that always goes down a treat.. animal prints.

Mary Waugh. Educator for Bare All Nail and Beauty.