Few things rival the satisfaction of freshly manicured nails—glossy, perfectly shaped, and free of any imperfections. My first experience with gel nails was at 14, during a summer break, and I was instantly hooked. One of the many things I was looking forward to after finishing school was being able to have a neat manicure, without any disciplinary action. Fifteen years later, I had transitioned from gel overlays to acrylics—a beauty ritual I cherished and had no intention of abandoning. Until the pandemic hit.
The unforeseen state of affairs forced my favorite nail salon to close, prompting me to revisit press-on nails, my second time after trying them on as a teenager. Here’s my verdict on what stuck.
Gel polish and acrylic nails: The pros and cons
Gel polish is the preferred choice for those like me who want a long-lasting manicure, keeping the same color or style intact without the worry of chipping. However, the benefits don’t come without their cons. “Gel polish is more durable than normal nail polish, but application and removal can cause a lot of damage to the nails if it isn’t done right,” explains Dr. Kiran Sethi, integrative aesthetic and wellness physician. “Removal techniques like peeling off the gel polish can also cause damage to the nail plate. Nails are buffed before and after application, and this isn’t good for the nails, especially if overdone,” she says, explaining that the UV light itself can cause sun damage to the skin of the hands, resulting in more aged and freckled hand skin.
Thankfully, I have strong nails that haven’t weakened over the years. I take a month-long break once a year to give my nail beds some rest and always go to a reputed salon that prioritizes hygiene to avoid potential damage. Dr. Sethi also suggests using cuticle oils and nail creams to prevent nails from becoming dry and brittle.
Press-on nails: Nail glue vs glue tabs
If you traveled abroad in the ‘90s, you might recall the popularity of press-on nail designs complete with glue tabs—a concept now also embraced by Indian brands like SOEZI, co-founded by Sonakshi Sinha. These kits typically offer two application methods: glue tabs for a temporary, reusable fix perfect for a single day, and nail glue for a more durable bond that lasts several days but is more challenging to remove.
“Glue tabs are convenient because they’re a quick and hassle-free way to try many nail designs without the commitment of long-term wear,” confirms Minash Bablani, founder of Ellement Co., a brand specializing in nail color and care products. When I revisited press-on nails with glue tabs—just as I had as a teenager—I quickly realized that while they’re ideal for a special occasion, they don’t offer the same security as my own nails for everyday activities. The constant awareness that they might pop off during something as simple as lifting a heavy object or cooking made them impractical for my daily routine.
If you are opting for press-on nails for an occasion, Dr. Sethi suggests peelable glue stickers as a gentler option than liquid nail glue, which usually requires soaking your nails in substances like drying acetone for removal. “Nail glue can cause damage to your nails because of its strong adhesive properties—this can potentially weaken them over time,” adds Bablani.
After gathering enough information and anecdotal evidence about the damage nail glue can cause when removed at home, I was more than convinced to steer clear.
The verdict?
If you’re looking for a manicure that truly lasts, it’s best to visit a reputable salon known for its gel and acrylic services. That’s exactly what I’ll continue to do while keeping my cuticle oil and hand cream close at hand.
