How to Choose Between Gel Nails and Acrylic Nails in Dubai

Thinking about upgrading your manicure at It’s Beauty in Dubai and not sure what to book – gel or acrylic? On our nails salon page you can already see a lot of options, but this guide will walk you through the details so you arrive at the salon knowing exactly what you want.

This article is based on the everyday experience of our co-founder and nail expert Nastya Bonds and the nail team working across our locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They create gel and acrylic sets daily for women from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond – each with different lifestyles, dress codes and beauty habits.

Gel vs acrylic: what’s the real difference?

Before you choose, it helps to understand what you’re actually putting on your nails. Both gel and acrylic are nail enhancements that give you long-lasting, polished nails – but the formula, feel and finish are different.

Gel nails

At It’s Beauty, a gel manicure means thin layers of gel polish or builder gel applied to your natural nail, then cured under a UV or LED lamp.

How they feel and look

Light and flexible on the nail
Very glossy, with a “freshly done” shine
Can look almost like your natural nail – just neater and more even

How long they last

Classic gel polish usually wears around 2–3 weeks with proper prep and aftercare
Builder gels and structured overlays can last longer while supporting the natural nail underneath.

Because gel is slightly more flexible, many clients with naturally weaker nails find it more comfortable and gentler on the nail plate when applied and removed professionally.

Acrylic nails

Acrylic nails are created by mixing a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to form a sculpting paste. Your nail master shapes this over your natural nail or tip, and it hardens into a firm structure.

How they feel and look

Strong, structured and a little more rigid than gel
Great for extra length, bold shapes or very defined architecture
Ideal for dramatic looks – long stilettos, sharp square tips, strong French designs

How long they last

Acrylics are known for durability and can keep their shape for around 3–4 weeks before you need a refill, depending on how fast your nails grow and how active your hands are.

At It’s Beauty, we work with both acrylic overlays and acrylic extensions, always finishing with fully cured gel polish for a glossy, chip-resistant result.

How to choose based on your Dubai lifestyle

Dubai life is busy: office days, school runs, gym, shisha with friends, brunches and beach clubs. Your nails have to keep up with all of this.

If you’re always on the go

If you work with your hands a lot or you simply know you’re tough on your nails, acrylics can be a smart choice.

They offer extra strength and structure, so everyday knocks are less likely to chip the shape. Long extensions are easier to maintain in acrylic if you like a bold, sculpted look.

Your nail master might suggest:

Shorter, practical lengths for work;
Rounded or almond shapes that don’t catch on clothes or hair;
Neutral, office-friendly colours that still look chic at a rooftop dinner.

If you prefer a natural, office-friendly look

If you spend your day at a laptop in DIFC or Media City, often type on a phone, or care for small children, gel can feel more comfortable. It’s lighter and more flexible, so it moves with your natural nail. Short gel manicures or BIAB-style overlays give you strength without heavy thickness.

This option works well if you:

Like short or medium length;
Need a clean, polished look for meetings;
Want something that grows out gracefully between appointments.

If you love statement nails for events

For Eid brunches, weddings, travel or big life moments, many Dubai clients choose:

Acrylic extensions for long, sculpted shapes and intricate designs.
Hard gel or builder gel if they want length but prefer the smooth, glassy finish of gel.

At It’s Beauty, your nail master will look at your natural nail, ask about your routine and then suggest gel, acrylic, or a mix (for example, acrylic for length plus gel polish on top).

Nail health, removal and maintenance

Whichever option you choose, the real secret to healthy nails is professional prep and removal.

Safety and nail condition

Both gel and acrylic nails are considered safe when:

The nail is prepped gently, without aggressive filing
Products are high-quality and properly cured
Removal is done with soak-off wraps and careful e-file work – not peeling or forcing the coating off

Gel usually needs less filing and uses milder chemicals, so many experts see it as a slightly gentler choice for naturally thin or sensitive nails.

Acrylic systems are stronger and involve more shaping. If you wear them non-stop for very long periods without breaks or proper care, your nails may feel more tired. That’s why regular refills and professional removal are important.

How It’s Beauty handles care

In our Dubai and Abu Dhabi salons, we:

Use premium gels and polishes from Luxio, MAL and Kinetics for long wear with a light feel;
Work with Russian manicure techniques for precise cuticle work and clean nail lines;
Sterilise tools fully and use single-use files to keep everything hygienic and calm for your skin;
Remove coatings gently, so your natural nails stay comfortable between sets.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have very sensitive skin, just tell your nail master. She will pick the softest options available and keep the session as comfortable as possible, while still staying within your doctor’s general recommendations.

Gel and acrylic at It’s Beauty: what’s special about our approach?

In a city full of salons, It’s Beauty focuses on tailored, calm nail services rather than one-size-fits-all sets.

What you can expect:

Personal consultation – your master looks at nail length, shape, previous coatings and lifestyle before advising gel, acrylic or a combination.
Choice of techniques – from classic gel manicures to strong acrylic extensions, hard-gel structure and Russian manicures for clean cuticles.
Comfortable atmosphere – four convenient locations in Dubai plus one in Abu Dhabi, easy to fit into your Marina, Downtown or Business Bay routine.
Options for every preference – from chic, minimal office shades to glossy chrome and soft French designs, plus Japanese/“breathable” manicures if you prefer to keep nails free of classic coatings between sets.

Nastya Bonds trains the team to focus on detail, symmetry and gentle handling, so even first-time clients feel safe trying extensions or structured manicures.

Key takeaways and your next step

To make your choice easier, keep this mini checklist:

Choose gel if…

You like a natural, glossy look
You prefer a lighter feel on the nail
You keep your nails short or medium and work at a laptop most of the day

Choose acrylic if…

You want extra length or bold shapes
You need maximum strength for a very active lifestyle
You love statement, highly sculpted designs

In both cases:

Book refills every 2–4 weeks, depending on growth
Let a professional remove the coating
Use cuticle oil and hand cream daily – Dubai AC and desert air are not gentle on hands

If you’re still unsure, you don’t have to decide alone. Book a manicure or nail extensions appointment at It’s Beauty in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, sit down with one of our nail masters, and they’ll help you choose between gel and acrylic based on your nails, your job and your style. Think of it as a small self-care ritual in the middle of your busy city day with perfectly finished nails as a bonus.