Acrylic Nails vs. Gel Nails
Acrylic nails do not require UV light to harden. Acrylic powder simply needs air exposure for curing. Mixing acrylic monomers with powder polymers creates a chemical reaction that causes the mixture to harden in 10-15 minutes.
Nail Longevity and Hardening Processes
Although some claim longer acrylic nail longevity under UV light, this is false. Nail longevity mainly depends on expert application, quality materials, and proper maintenance. Further, UV light does not improve acrylic nail appearance as it does for gel nails. Instead, acrylic nails achieve a glossy finish through buffing and polish, not UV light. Overall, acrylic and gel nails utilize distinct hardening processes – chemical reactions versus light curing.
How to Check Acrylic Nail Hardness
Simply tapping acrylic nails with a brush checks their drying and hardness. Fully hardened acrylics will emit a crisp tapping sound. Acrylic nails undergo polymerization, chemically fusing the monomer and polymer paste. This reaction occurs when exposed to air, requiring no additional light source. However, using a UV or LED lamp can hasten curing time. Still, room temperature air drying suffices for hardening most acrylic nails. Overall, UV lights remain unnecessary for acrylic nail application as they naturally harden through chemical reactions with air. Their versatility, practicality, and efficient self-hardening make acrylics a top choice for DIY manicures.