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Yes, you can put gel polish over acrylic nails, and it’s a common practice in both professional salons and DIY nail routines. With proper prep—like buffing, priming, and curing under UV/LED light—gel polish can adhere beautifully to acrylics, offering a long-lasting, glossy finish.
Acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer, forming a paste that’s shaped over nail tips or forms and hardens when exposed to air.
Unlike soft gel or builder gel, acrylics harden without curing under a lamp, offering a more rigid, customisable structure.
Gel polish is a long-lasting polish cured under a UV or LED lamp, making it far more durable than traditional polish.
Note: Many confuse gel polish with “gel nails” or builder gel. Unlike builder gel, which is used to build structure and strength, gel polish is purely for color and finish.
Yes, gel polish can be used over acrylic nails and is often recommended for better adhesion and longer-lasting results. If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to get your nails done?” — the answer depends on the service. A full acrylic set with gel polish typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, factoring in shaping, buffing, and gel curing time.
Here’s why it works:
Pros of using gel polish over acrylic:
Cons:
Whether at home or in a salon, proper prep is the key to success.
Avoid these mistakes to improve gel adhesion:
On average, gel polish over acrylic nails lasts 2–3 weeks with proper care. Many people ask, “How long do fake nails last without damage?” — and the answer depends on the application type and your daily habits. With gel polish applied over acrylics, your nails can stay looking flawless for up to three weeks, provided you follow a good aftercare routine.
Application Type | Average Lifespan |
Acrylic only (regular polish) | 5–7 days |
Gel polish on natural nails | 10–14 days |
Gel polish on acrylic nails | 14–21 days |
Factors affecting longevity:
Acrylics won’t chip, but gel polish may wear at the tips as the nail grows. Many clients opt for fill-ins around week 3.
Gel polish should be removed without damaging the acrylic layer underneath.
Here’s how:
Important: Acrylics don’t dissolve in acetone the way soft gel does, so be careful to only remove the polish layer.
Let’s compare:
Feature | Regular Polish | Gel Polish |
Dry Time | 15–30 minutes | Instant (UV-cured) |
Finish | Less glossy | High-gloss shine |
Durability | Chips in days | Lasts 2–3 weeks |
Cost | Lower | Higher (product + lamp) |
Best for | Occasional wear | Long-term wear |
Bela Beauty College recommends these best practices for combining acrylics and gel polish:
Gel polish over acrylic nails combines the best of both worlds: the strength of acrylics and the vibrant finish of gel. Whether you’re DIY-ing at home or visiting a salon, the right prep and technique will give you long-lasting, stunning nails every time.
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