We've been dreaming of long summer nights, good music with friends and our festival look, specifically the nails! It's the perfect opportunity to go bold with colour, and we're so excited, in fact, that we've put together a list of some of the nails that we're going to be wearing this festival season to help you plan your look.

Soft gel, a formula of acrylic monomers and oligomers, is the material behind Gel-X. Until the cutting edge formula founded by Aprés, soft gel was too soft to extend into longer nails. Gel-X is popular for the formula, but also the ability to soak off the extension like gel polish — with acetone and without drills. Using a hand file or e-file, carefully file off as much acrylic as possible without getting too close to the nail plate. (Barreto prefers to leave a thin layer so the natural nail isn't harmed.) Festival season is fast approaching, and if you're not already planning what nails you'll be flaunting for your long weekender, then you definitely should be! Whether you're headed to Glasto, Isle of Wight or all the way to Coachella, we've got some must-have festival nail ideas that you won't want to miss. At the heart of festival acrylic nails lies a diverse array of designs that cater to every personality and style preference. From bold and extravagant to delicate and intricate, there’s a design for everyone. These nails offer a chance to let your imagination run wild, incorporating vibrant colors, glitters, crystals, and various nail art techniques. If you’ve ever sought a manicure that lasts longer than regular nail polish, you’ve likely been faced with the gel nails versus acrylic nails dilemma. While both of these options are a great way to try out various nail trends, like jelly nail polish and pop art French tips, identifying the right manicure service isn’t always easy.With risks of chipped nail polish, broken tips and damaged nails, making the right selection is key for ensuring your manicure can last. And while gel nails and acrylic nails aren’t all that different on the surface, they do have some unique distinctions that can make one or the other a better option based on what you’re looking to achieve. Below, we’re breaking down the key differences between gel and acrylic nails, so you know exactly what to ask for at your next manicure appointment. If you're worried about potential damage to your nails, don't be. The key to healthy nails with acrylics is proper removal with the right tools (like lots of acetone) and tons of time and patience. (This how-to guide has all the steps for at-home removal, though we highly recommend you have the process done by a pro.) The right nail technician will be able to care for your natural nails whether you use acrylic powders, gel polishes, or gel extensions. And don’t overthink the look of fake nails, either: Acrylics can be made to look super natural like they’re your very own nails.

There are several ways you can do bright festival nails. Below are a list of some tried and tested styles. You'll then want to use a fine nail art brush and paint some swirly lines over your nails using Margarita Gel Polish. Gel nail polish typically lasts around two weeks without chipping, though, the polish may start to peel or lift at the corners as you get closer to the 14-day mark. It’s stronger than regular nail polish but not as strong as acrylic because it sits on your natural nails. So, whatever state your natural nails are in will affect how strong your gel nail polish is. While gel polish is harder to chip, it’s still possible to break a nail when you have it on if your natural nails are weakened or if you do lots of work with your hands. Unlike gel nail polish that comes in a bottle, acrylic is a combination of liquid monomer and powder polymer that is mixed (typically in a bowl) to create a gummy paste. This paste is laid over your nail with a brush and hardens when it hits the air to create a protective layer over your natural nails that can be filed and shaped. Fake nail tips can also be used under acrylic to extend the length of your nail.url": "https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/beauty-tips/beauty-trends/gel-nails-vs-acrylic-nails" Whether you’re painting your nails at home or heading to the salon for a fresh set, you’re bound to need some festival nail inspiration. This massive list of festival nails ideas is a great place to start. This funky set is the perfect nail design for a UK festival this year. It’s giving us swirly candy canes in the middle of summer and we’re in love. @nails.byabb Gel nail polish is applied over the nail extension, just as if it were your natural nails, to sport whatever color or nail design you’re after. Acrylic is damaging to the nails, especially when you’re constantly getting fills and its chemical makeup can irritate the skin. It also creates harsh fumes that are harmful to breathe in. Gel extensions don’t have those chemicals and harsh fumes and when they’re properly soaked off with acetone, they can help your natural nails grow strong and healthy. Similarly to @byleah.x, @nailsbyychlo has transformed her client’s nails with the classic French manicure with an ombre twist. For festival season, get this look nailed in your skillset and don’t be surprised if you have an influx of clients asking for the same style. @the.little.beauty.company

The upkeep is minimal, but necessary, especially if you want your mani to last and your nails underneath to stay healthy. When you don’t have acrylics, small things that you should do for healthy nails become a necessity, like wearing gloves when you’re cleaning the flat, and keeping your hands and nails moisturised. Want #nailfie-worthy talons? You’re going to have to keep cuticle oil and hand lotion in your bag and on your bedside table. The wonderful world of acrylic nails is home to so many fun and innovative designs. Although they're frequently associated with extra-long looks, acrylics actually let you experiment with different lengths and interesting styles, whether you want a short, square French manicure or a set of lengthy, neon-pink, stiletto-shaped nails. Who doesn’t love a leopard print number? Seriously. It’s a statement for 2023 festivals. @nailsbyholly___

Silver star nails

Acrylic is a mix of polymer and monomer which creates a gummy paste that’s painted onto the nail with a brush. It’s primarily used to strengthen and shape the natural nail and nail polish is painted on top of it to add color. This is a big contrast from gel nail polish which is used to add long-lasting, shiny color to the nails. As we mentioned, gel nail polish is brushed on your natural nail, acrylic or nail extension and is cured with a UV light. The process is much faster than applying acrylic because you’re not shaping the nail and the dry time takes a minute or less. Gel nail polish is a service that can be perfected with little practice and because of this, many choose to do their own gel manicures at home.

Gel-X® soft gel is known for a thinner base. This means the nail extension has a more seamless application to your natural nail, with enough durability to last through the month. From being showered head to toe in glitter and rhinestones, dressing up in extravagant outfits, and accessorising with the funkiest nail art possible…they’re all to become real VERY soon & it feels so good. Extend Gel, the adhesive used to apply Gel-X ®, is the foundation Aprés was built on. The signature gel is the glue between your nail and the soft gel extension. When applied, the gel imparts strength and flexibility for long-lasting nails, which are easy to soak off and remove.

id": "https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/beauty-tips/beauty-trends/gel-nails-vs-acrylic-nails", You'll want to make sure you love the nail art design you choose because these manicures are long-lasting. Acrylics tend to be stronger than gel nails, nail artist Brittney Boyce previously told Allure. They're created by mixing a powder (polymer) — usually clear, but the powders come in a range of colors — and a liquid (monomer) into a dough-like consistency that, when it hardens, can be filed and molded. From there, a talented nail artist can create whatever your imagination conjures.