Is acrylic better for nails than gel?

Acrylic nails may be a better option for those looking for supreme durability and longer time between maintenance appointments. The application process for both requires a similar amount of prep work, though acrylic does not require UV-light setting. The removal process is also similar, except gel nails are wrapped in acetone-soaked cotton balls while acrylics are dipped in pure acetone.

61 Acrylic Nail Ideas for Your New Favorite Set

star manicure — @akikonails_nyc / Design by Camden Dechert

When it comes to ultra-strong, long-lasting manicures, acrylic nails are the certified OGs. Sure, there are plenty of newcomers like gel manicures and shellac to consider, but none have the storied reputation for rock-solid durability and considerable versatility that acrylics do. While they shine in extra-long lengths and the fan-favorite coffin shape, there's honestly nothing acrylic nails can't do. Ahead, we've rounded up 61 cool acrylic nail ideas that will turn heads no matter the season or occasion.

01 of 61

Full-Spectrum Nudes

Gradient nude manicure with glossy base and matte tips — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

Who said nudes had to be boring? This gradient nude manicure has a lot going for it, from richly hued, glossy bases to matching matte tips. Tonal textures add so much depth to even the most neutral designs.

02 of 61

Candy Hearts Set

Almond-shaped acrylic nails with candy heart tips — @imarninails / Instagram

Let these candy heart tips do all the talking for you. Customize each nail with your own personal message for the ultimate bespoke manicure.

03 of 61

Septum Piercing Statement

Nude acrylic nails with silver tips and septum piercing on ring finger tip — @imarninails / Instagram

Adding nail jewelry is an easy way to enhance your acrylic mani. This septum piercing tip brings a whole lot of edge to the silver-tipped French manicure.

04 of 61

Bejeweled Acrylics

Pale pink almond-shaped acrylic nails with multicolored pastel jewels — @disseynails / Instagram

These delicate pink acrylics are playful and fun. Rainbow bright jewels elevate the otherwise neutral set to statement heights.

05 of 61

Tortoiseshell Set

Long almond-shaped acrylic nails with tortoiseshell design — @imarninails / Instagram

These tortoiseshell acrylics are inherently elegant and sophisticated with a hint of '90s sass. We can guarantee this set will garner endless compliments.

06 of 61

Cow Print

If you've yet to try your hand (er, fingers) at the cow print nail art trend, now's your chance. Lucky for you, when working with acrylic nails your manicurist will be able to create even more dots and spots to make a can't-miss style statement.

07 of 61

Cherry Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails with French manicure and cherries — @paragonnails / Instagram

All American and avant-garde, these acrylic nails are quite literally the cherry on top of a perfect mani. If you don't love the summery delight, consider swapping them for berries, coconuts, or your favorite citrus fruit.

08 of 61

Rose Quartz

Prefer slightly shorter, more neutral nails? These almond-shaped rose quartz nails will give you all the good vibes.

09 of 61

A Regal Set

Blue acrylic nails — @paragonnails / Instagram

We're loving the royal vibes of this milky mani. The hue is on the border of blue and purple, and we guarantee it'll look good no matter the season.

10 of 61

Marbled Acrylic Nails

Sometimes things really are as simple as black and white. Case in point: these gorgeous black-and-white marble acrylic nails.

11 of 61

Barbie Pink Acrylic Nails

If you're a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, you likely already have your manicurist on speed dial over these swoon-worthy, transparent pink acrylic nails. The jelly finish creates a see-through allure that simply can't be overlooked.

12 of 61

Line Drawing Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Line Drawings — @akikonails_nyc / Instagram

We're in love with this simple acrylic nail design that mimics the elegance of a line drawing. Find some stencils you love, or go freehand if you're looking to work your artistic abilities.

13 of 61

Starry-Eyed Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Starry designs — @akikonails_nyc / Instagram

A star nail design is simple but fabulous, and it never goes out of style. That's just the case with these acrylics that have a way of fitting with any season.

14 of 61

Multi-Colored Checkerboard Acrylic Nails

We love this modern take on a French manicure, with a rainbow of primary colors in checkerboard patterns. You can mix and match both color and scale, creating some smaller squares and some larger, depending on the nail.

15 of 61

Pink Ombré Acrylic Nails

In case you missed it, pink ombré nails are a major fixture these days. If you want to test out the look, bring these acrylic beauties as inspo.

16 of 61

Pride Acrylic Nails

Pride-patterned acrylic nails with rainbow tips — @apresnailofficial / Instagram

You don't have to wear these rainbow acrylics during Pride month to show off your spirit. Love is love all year round.

17 of 61

Checkerboard Tips

We're off to the races with this nail design, which looks as if you dipped each finger into a different shade of the checkerboard flag found at finish lines. A champion acrylic nail idea, indeed.

18 of 61

Cloudy Day

Acrylic Nails with Clouds — @akikonails_nyc / Instagram

We don't know what we love more about this nail design: the rich blue shade, the fluffy clouds, or the star detailing interspersed throughout.

19 of 61

Neon Tips

Perfect for a summer pool day, these neon digits will make a head-turning statement.

20 of 61

Pink Starburst Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Pink Sparkles — @nailprofus / Instagram

Pretty in pink (hot, pastel, neon—you name it): Just consider this another take on the beloved Barbie nail look.

21 of 61

Sunset Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Sunset Ombré tips — @kdsnails_ / Instagram

The multi-hued ombré manicure has been incredibly popular as of late, and it's showing no sign of slowing down. To get in on the look while it's still topping the nail art charts, consider this acrylic sunset manicure as your inspiration.

22 of 61

Ballerina Pink Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails in Ballerina Pink — @divanailsmineola / Instagram

Pink, almond-shaped, and slim—a simple everyday look that deserves all the recognition. Just be sure to file your edges to keep those lengths intact.

23 of 61

Butterfly Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Butterflies — @kdsnails_ / Instagram

Butterflies remind us of all things bella—Bella Hadid and a beautiful life, that is. If you're all about the fluttery, flirty look, consider trying this acrylic nail idea.

24 of 61

Silver French Manicure

A pale pink manicure with tips in shiny silver instead of the traditional French? Um, yes, please.

25 of 61

Jade Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails in Sage Marble — @paragonnails / Instagram

Why not embrace jade as a cheery neutral for your nails? These pale green acrylics make our crystal-loving hearts skip a beat.

26 of 61

Short Acrylic Nails

Blue ripple-effect acrylic nail set — @imarninails / Instagram

Need an acrylic design that leaves you able to do everything you could with bare nails? We totally get it. This design packs a watery punch onto a smaller canvas—what more could you want?

27 of 61

Metallic Acrylic Nails

Maybe it's just us, but these metallic, almond-shaped nails remind us of all things Sailor Moon. You too? You know what to do.

28 of 61

Ruby Red Acrylic Nails

red Acrylic Nail Ideas — @jag.nailspiration / Instagram

Like a bold red lip, these bright red acrylics never go out of style. Pair with a stiletto shape for a showstopping finish.

29 of 61

Colorful Chanel Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Colorful Chanel detail — @kdsnails_ / Instagram

We love a designer moment as much as the next person. Mix a classic brand with modern neon and you have yourself a match made in nail heaven.

30 of 61

Neutral Mismatched Acrylic Nails

Neutral acrylic nails with black dot on three of the nails — @paragonnails / Instagram

Here's another example of how the mismatched nail trend doesn't have to be bold to be noteworthy. With a neutral color palette and minimalist decorations, this manicure is simple and elegant.

31 of 61

Wavy Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail with wavy white shapes — @akikonails_nyc / Instagram

Two words: groovy, baby. Especially since these negative-space acrylic nails ensure that grow-out will be hard to notice.

32 of 61

Mermaid Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with pink and purple Mermaid pattern — @paragonnails / Instagram

We can't keep our eyes off this mermaid-inspired design, which goes above and beyond with silver glitter scales.

33 of 61

Pink Tip Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nail with Pink Tips and star stickers — @akikonails_nyc / Instagram

Pink tips? Check. Holographic confetti? Check. Need we say more?

34 of 61

Heavy Metal

Long crimson gradient acrylic coffin nails with gothic nail decals — @afreshset / Instagram

The great thing about acrylic nails? They can hold a whole lot of hardware. Take this deep red gradient set with silver gothic motifs for example.

35 of 61

Simple Butterfly Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Butterfly on one nail — @vanityprojectsmia / Instagram

These acrylic ballerina nails might look low-key and neutral, but two butterfly wings make the look a bit more bold without going overboard. The intricacy of these wings is almost as beautiful as butterflies themselves.

36 of 61

Oxblood Sparkle

Acrylic Nails in Oxblood with statement sequins on one nail — @pampernailgallery / Instagram

Oxblood makes our autumn-loving hearts all warm and fuzzy. Luckily for us, the rich hue can be worn all year long, and it feels even more festive with some added bedazzling.

37 of 61

White Flame Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with White Flames — @paragonnails / Instagram

We love the modern white take on a classic orange flame. Subtle and bold all at the same time, this white-hot acrylic nail idea can work all year round.

38 of 61

3D Nails

Acrylic Nails with 3D design — @vanityprojectsmia / Instagram

If you feel like you've tried everything under the sun when it comes to acrylic nail art, it's time to take things to another dimension. The bubble texture and deep iridescence will have everyone staring, and is great for Halloween or any season you want something more avant-garde.

39 of 61

Bedazzled Acrylic Nails

bedazzled purple Acrylic Nails — @goddessprovisions / Instagram

Solid nails are pretty and all, but when you add a few gemstones to the mix, you're left with a gorgeous manicure that's that much more stunning. The subtle butterflies and slightly mismatched shapes only add to the allure.

40 of 61

Gold Foil Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Gold Foil — @paragonnails / Instagram

White acrylics go from simple to ultra-luxe with tiny flecks of gold. We're dreaming about all the ways we can incorporate this must-try nail look into our going-out outfits.

Byrdie Tip

When recreating this look on your own, opt for gold flake appliqués (which stick to your nail polish and are set with top coat) instead of trying to hand-paint the details on your own.

41 of 61

Jelly Acrylic Nails

While these acrylics are longer than long, the idea remains the same: You simply can't go wrong with the jelly nail art trend. Whether you wear it in a coffin, square, almond, or squoval shape, you're sure to fall in love with the unique nail look.

42 of 61

Glossy and Matte Acrylic Nails

Can't choose between a glossy or matte finish? You don't have to. With this acrylic nail idea, you can see how stunning the pairing can be.

43 of 61

Faux Stiletto Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Floral detail — @the.nail.nest / Instagram

One of the best parts about acrylics is that you can achieve things that would be impossible with natural nails. Amidst a matte, dusty rose manicure, this design's clear accent nails achieve a unique look via internal flowers and gold foil.

44 of 61

Neon Stiletto Acrylic Nails

neon tipped Acrylic Nails — @akikonails_nyc / Instagram

Why stop at one neon color when you can play with two? Here, neutral matte polish pairs with neon green and yellow hues for a nail look fit for a '90s-loving queen.

45 of 61

Gemstone Acrylic Nails

Acrylic Nails with Pearls — @the.nail.nest / Instagram

Keep your neutral manicure anything but boring by getting acrylic nails with iridescent tips and a base of gems. With a design like this, you just may have the best-accessorized hands in the house.

46 of 61

Glow-in-the-Dark Acrylic Nails

If you really want to make a statement, consider acrylics that glow in the dark. These look fairly normal during the day, but you'll be the life of your next party or night out when everyone sees the nails' true power.

47 of 61

Flower Halo

These taupey nails get a glow-up courtesy of a halo of flowers around the outer edge. Replicate the look with nail stickers for a super easy DIY mani.

48 of 61

Negative Space With Black and White

negative space black and white acrylic nails — @ginaedwards / Instagram

Alternative swipes of black and white polish look chic when paired with otherwise bare nails. We love how the shape of the nail here is rounded to mimic the abstract designs.

49 of 61

Abstract Art-Inspired

This artistic manicure sees each nail used as a different work of art. You could alternate stripes, swipes of color, or any pattern you see fit. The nail is your canvas.

50 of 61

Sweater Nails

green sweater detail acrylic nail manicure — @thenailphilosophy / Instagram

These sweater nails keep all the fun relegated to the tip, but instead of a standard French manicure, it's a cozy take on the trend. Recreate the look with nail stickers in a color that matches whatever you choose for your tip.

51 of 61

Glitter Drip

Nude glazed acrylic manicure with glittery red drip effect — @afreshset / Instagram

Who doesn't want to be dripping in glitter? This sumptuous 3D nail effect has brought all our sparkly dreams to life.

52 of 61

Puff Paint Abstract

puff paint acrylic nails — @thenailphilosophy / Instagram

The puff paint trend of the 1990s is back—and this time, it's coming for your acrylics. Get the look by creating imperfect circles and shapes on top of the acrylic. Bonus points if you use different colors on every nail.

53 of 61

Rainbow Tips With Clouds

This bright and shiny look comes via rainbow tips. Nail stickers would be the easiest way to get the look and there are plenty of options.

54 of 61

Neon Zebra Nails

neon zebra acrylic nail manicure — @thenailphilosophy / Instagram

A punchy look like this requires hyper-saturated colors. Here, nails are layered in zebra stripes (the stripes are in the same color family as each base nail, so try something similar to replicate the mani).

55 of 61

Rainbow Ombré

raimbow ombrÃ© nails acrylic — @kdsnails / Instagram

These ombré acrylics go from lighter to darker shades. We love how each hand mirrors the other, but you could go for ten different hues, if you prefer.

56 of 61

Punk Plaid

This look puts a punk rock spin on prep with curvy punches of plaid on every nail. Lining the red-and-black plaid with yellow adds extra interest (as does matching the mani to your outfit).

57 of 61

Siren Nails

Long acrylic nails with 3D shell design in glittery blue hue — @afreshset / Instagram

Siren makeup has taken the beauty industry by storm, so it's only natural that the trend would extend all the way down to our fingertips. These 3D shell-inspired nails certainly have us under their bewitching spell.

58 of 61

Skittle Nails

Multi-colored Skittle-style acrylic nail manicure — @themimid / Instagram

Think of this manicure as almost an inverse of the French tip, where nearly the entire nail is coated in color, save for a small sliver at the base. Here, each nail gets a different coat of color for a candy-coated effect that's surprisingly grown-up.

59 of 61

A Matching Set

Cardi B matching long blue acrylic nails to blue birkin bag — @iamcardib / Instagram

Some people match their belt to their shoes, Cardi B matches her longer-than-long acrylics to her blue Birkin bag. Whatever you decide to match your manicure to, we're totally here for it!

60 of 61

Regency Nails

Long acrylic nails with shimmery overlay, gold baroque details and cherub nail design — @afreshset / Instagram

With sweet cherub details and layers of gilded Baroque flourishes, we officially deem this the Bridgerton nail set. If Queen Charlotte rocked an acrylic manicure, there's no doubt it would be this one.

61 of 61

Sunshine Arches

Short, square shaped acrylic nails with yellow openwork french tips — @glammertized / Instagram

French manis are cool but these negative-space tips are especially fresh. Who wouldn't smile every time they look down on sunshine arches?

FAQ

Is acrylic better for nails than gel?

Acrylic nails may be a better option for those looking for supreme durability and longer time between maintenance appointments. The application process for both requires a similar amount of prep work, though acrylic does not require UV-light setting. The removal process is also similar, except gel nails are wrapped in acetone-soaked cotton balls while acrylics are dipped in pure acetone.

5 Ways To Strengthen Your Nails After Acrylics, From The Pros