The short answer: there isn’t one single alternative to acrylic nails. The usual options are Gel X for length, a builder gel or hard gel overlay for strength on your own nails, and poly gel if you want sculpted length without acrylic. At NAB Nail Bar the switch starts with taking the acrylic off properly (acrylic removal is from $20 on our price list), then building the new set.
This post is for anyone already wearing acrylic who wants something different. If you just want a side-by-side of every product and its starting price, read our gel nails compared guide.
Step one: the acrylic comes off first
The old product has to come off before anything new goes on. Our technician Amy, who does not do acrylic, says it plainly on her page: have the acrylic removed by one of our acrylic techs first, then she can build you a Gel X, hard gel or poly gel set.
- Don’t pick or peel it off at home. Peeling an enhancement off takes layers of your natural nail with it. Let a technician remove it.
- Mention the removal when you book. On our pricing page, “Removal — Acrylic” is from $20, for taking an old set off before a new one.
Choose by what you want your nails to do
Start with what you liked or disliked about acrylic, not the product name.
You want length, but lighter: Gel X
Gel X is a soft gel extension system: pre-shaped tips bonded to your natural nail. Our technician pages describe it as lighter than acrylic and removed with a soak rather than a file, so removal doesn’t file your natural nail. On our price list, “Full Set — Gel X Short” is from $65 and “Full Set — Gel X” is from $70, with longer lengths priced higher. More on our Gel X nails page.
You want your own nails stronger, without extensions: builder gel
Builder gel goes over your natural nail and adds strength and a subtle apex. Euni’s page calls it a good choice if your nails bend or peel but you don’t want full extensions, and Nga’s page says she uses it for clients growing out damage or wanting a low-maintenance set. “Builder Gel” is from $60. See builder gel nails for more.
You want a firm, sculpted set without acrylic weight: hard gel
Hard gel can be a protective overlay on your natural nail or built into a sculpted set. Nora’s page puts the difference simply: hard gel is lighter on the nail and has a more natural flex, while acrylic is harder and more rigid. On our price list, “Hard Gel Overlay” is from $60, “Full Set — Hard Gel” is from $80, and “Fill — Hard Gel” is from $65. Read more on our hard gel nails page, or see how often hard gel needs a fill.
You want real length and structure, just not acrylic: poly gel
Poly gel is a putty your technician sculpts and then cures. Jimmy’s page describes it as sitting between acrylic and hard gel, lighter than acrylic and stronger than a soft gel overlay. Starr’s page calls it length and strength without acrylic. “Poly Gel Manicure / Overlay” is from $75. Our poly gel vs hybrid gel page goes deeper.
You’re happy with your natural length: hybrid gel
If what you really want is your own nails to stop chipping, hybrid gel may be enough. Vivian’s page describes it as more strength than gel polish without the weight of acrylic, good if your natural nails are thin but you’re not after much length. “Hybrid Gel (Organic)” is from $75. More on hybrid gel nails.
If your nails feel thin after acrylic
If your natural nails feel thin or bendy after acrylic, an overlay usually makes more sense than going straight into long extensions. Builder gel and hard gel overlays both add a protective layer over your own nail while it grows. Kim’s page describes her hard gel overlays as good for nails that bend, split or peel, and Nga’s page says hard gel is usually the better choice for thin or peeling nails because it reinforces the nail you already have.
Who to book at NAB
Each technician lists different systems. From their own pages:
- Amy: Gel X, hard gel full sets and fills, poly gel and hybrid gel. She does not do acrylic, so book the acrylic removal with an acrylic tech first.
- Starr: hard gel and poly gel sets, plus Gel X.
- Nga: builder gel, hard gel and Gel X in short and medium lengths.
- Euni: builder gel and Gel X.
- Nora: hard gel and sculpted nails, Gel X and soft gel.
- Shindy: Gel X, including Gel X fills, and hard gel.
Some technicians list acrylic and at least one alternative, which helps if you’d like to see one person for the whole change:
- Kim: acrylic full sets and fills, Gel X, hard gel overlays and hybrid gel.
- Jimmy: acrylic, Gel X and poly gel.
- Vivian: acrylic, Gel X, poly gel and hybrid gel.
- Kira: acrylic, gel full sets and fills, and Gel X.
When you call, say you’re switching from acrylic and tell us what you want to switch to, so we can book enough time for the removal and the new set. Every technician sets their own rates, and the prices above are starting prices. You can browse everyone on our technicians page.
Still deciding?
For every option side by side, including how each one comes off, see how builder gel, hard gel, poly gel, hybrid gel and Gel X compare. If you decide to stay with acrylic after all, our acrylic nails page covers sets and fills.
Visiting NAB Nail Bar
NAB Nail Bar is at 8891 W Flamingo Rd, Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89147. We’re open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 11 PM, with the last appointment at 10:30 PM, and closed on Sunday. Call (702) 577-1680, tell us you’re coming off acrylic, and we’ll match you with the right technician.
Switching from acrylic: questions
What is a good alternative to acrylic nails?
It depends on what you want. Gel X for lighter length, builder gel or a hard gel overlay for strength on your own nails, poly gel for sculpted length without acrylic, and hybrid gel if you’re happy with your natural length.
Do I have to remove my acrylic before getting Gel X or hard gel?
Yes. The acrylic comes off first, then the new set goes on. Acrylic removal is from $20 at NAB Nail Bar. Mention it when you book so the time is held.
What should I get if my nails feel weak after acrylic?
An overlay, such as builder gel or hard gel, rather than long extensions. Both add a protective layer over your natural nail while it grows. Builder gel and a hard gel overlay are each from $60.
How much does it cost to switch from acrylic?
At NAB Nail Bar acrylic removal is from $20, a short Gel X full set is from $65, builder gel and a hard gel overlay are from $60, and poly gel is from $75. These are starting prices; your technician sets the final price.