Gel, acrylic, polygel or Gel-X: which nails should you get?
Four ways to get longer, stronger or glossier nails, and what to ask for at the salon.
6 min readYou walk in for "gel nails" and the menu has four things that sound the same. They are not. Here is the plain version, so you can say what you want.
The four, side by side
| Type | What it is | Good for | Taking it off | Bangkok salons that list it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gel nails เล็บเจล | Colour in a gel polish that is hardened under a UV or LED lamp. | Short natural nails and colour that stays glossy. | Soaked or filed off by the salon. | 582 |
| Acrylic อะคริลิก | A liquid and powder mix, shaped into an extension and left to harden. | Length and strength. | Filed down; some salons soak it off. | 127 |
| Polygel โพลีเจล | A putty-like gel, shaped on a tip or form and hardened under a lamp. | Length with a lighter feel. | Filed down; some salons soak it off. | 92 |
| Gel-X (soft gel tips) ซอฟต์เจล | Pre-shaped soft gel tips, stuck on and hardened under a lamp. | Quick, natural-looking extensions. | Soaked off. | not in our data yet |
Names change from salon to salon, and the same thing can be sold under two names. If you are not sure, show a photo and ask what they would call it.
What to ask for
Say the finish you want (glossy, matte, a colour), the length you want, and whether you want your own nails or extensions. Ask whether taking off an old set is included, and how long the appointment will take.
A word on taking it off
Gel and extensions are usually removed by the salon, not peeled. Many salons list removal as a treatment of its own (338 in Bangkok), so check the page before you book.
This guide describes common practice. Salons differ: ask yours.
Salons that do gel nails
Salons near you
Bangkok Beauty Studio
NailsWaxingPhra KhanongE8 2 min walk · Phra Khanong
Have a Good Nails (Phahon Yothin 34)
NailsWaxingPhahon YothinN12 3 min walk · Sena Nikhom
Gloss Professional Sathorn
NailsHairThung MahamekBL25 10 min walk · Lumphini
I'Sasi Nail & Spa (MRT Bangson)
NailsWaxingBang SuePP15 7 min walk · Bang Son
Dada Wax
NailsWaxingChom PhonBL14 3 min walk · Phahon Yothin
Browbar.bkk
NailsLashes & browsAriN5 7 min walk · AriGood to know
What is the difference between gel and acrylic nails?
Gel is a polish hardened under a UV or LED lamp, and is mostly used for colour on natural nails. Acrylic is a liquid and powder mix shaped into an extension, used for length and strength.
Is polygel the same as acrylic?
No. Polygel is a putty-like gel that is shaped on a tip or form and hardened under a lamp. It gives length with a lighter feel than acrylic.
Can the salon take off gel and extensions?
Yes. They are usually removed by the salon, not peeled. Many salons list removal as a treatment of its own, so check the salon page.
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