Gel Pedicure vs Regular Pedicure: Which One Is Better?

Jaxon Wilder

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gel pedicure vs regular pedicure

Today, I’ll help you learn gel pedicure vs regular pedicure to choose the best pedicure for yourself. Getting a pedicure is one of the best ways to pamper yourself with a relaxing experience! You get a huge variety of pedicure options to choose from depending on your needs, budget, and requirements. Regular and gel pedicures are the most loved pedicure treatments. You can keep on reading to know which one is better.

What Is A RegularPedicure?

A pedicure is a foot treatment that makes your feet soft with painted toenails. This foot treatment is also known as a regular pedicure or classic pedicure. You can start with regular pedicures if you’re just stepping into the world of pedicures! 

Keep on reading further to learn about gel pedicures.

Also Read : What Is The Difference Between A Spa Pedicure and A Deluxe Pedicure?

What Is A Gel Pedicure?

A gel pedicure is a pedicure type that uses gel nail polish instead to paint toenails. This popular pedicure treatment will give you bright, shiny, and chip-free nails. Gel pedicures are perfect for those who want hassle-free pampering with long-lasting results.

Both regular and gel pedicures will make your feet look and feel fresh. But most women get confused when it comes to choosing either a gel pedicure vs regular pedicure for their feet. You can keep on reading if you want to clear all confusion about gel pedicures vs regular pedicures.

Also Read : How Long Does A Pedicure Last? Tips To Make It Last Longer

Comparison Of Gel Pedicure Vs Regular Pedicure

In this section, I’ve given all the differences between gel pedicures vs regular pedicures.

  1. Procedure

Regular pedicures include foot soaking, exfoliation, nail grooming, cuticle care, massage, and nail polish application. Here, the nail expert will apply a base coat, regular nail polish, and a top coat. 

Gel pedicures also include foot soaking, exfoliation, nail grooming, cuticle care, massage, and nail polish application. Here, the nail expert will apply a base coat, gel nail polish, and then a top coat. 

  1. Procedure Time

A regular pedicure will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. On the other hand, gel pedicures will need approximately 60 to 70 min to complete. 

Gel pedicures take more time due to gel nail polish application. Each layer (base coat, gel nail polish, and top coat) needs to be cured under UV light or LED lamp.

  1. Products

For regular pedicures, you’ll need a tub, warm water, foot scrub, nail grooming kit, pumice stone, foot file, moisturizer, and regular nail polish.

For gel pedicures, you’ll need a tub, warm water, foot scrub, nail grooming kit, pumice stone, foot file, and moisturizer. You’ll also need gel nail polish and UV light or UV lamp to cure gel polish.

Keep on reading further to learn more about gel pedicure vs regular pedicure.

  1. Lifespan

A regular pedicure can easily stay fresh for one to two weeks without any chipping. Whereas, gel pedicures will stay glossy and chip-free for three to four weeks. This is because regular polish is air-dried and gel polish is dried under a UV light or LED lamp.

  1. Benefits

Regular pedicures will give you painted toenails without damaging your nail health and the skin around the nails. Also, the nail polish application process is quick, hassle-free, and consumes less time.

Gel pedicures will give long-lasting, chip-free painted toenails. It is best suitable for holidays and special occasions.

  1. Side-effects

Regular pedicures can have harmful side effects like ingrown toenails, blisters, nail fungus, or nail infection.

Gel pedicures can make your toenails weak and brittle when it is not done correctly. You can suffer from skin burns, swelling, or broken skin due to high exposure to UV or LED rays.

Keep scrolling to learn other factors related to gel pedicure vs regular pedicure.

  1. Removal Process

You won’t need much effort to remove regular nail polish from your toenails. Just pour some acetone-based nail polish remover on cotton pads and rub over the polish. You can even use nail polish removal pads to remove all residue of nail polish.

You’ll need professional help to remove gel nail polish from your toenails. The nail expert will first soak your toenails in acetone and then wrap them in aluminum foil for a while. Now, a nail drill is used to clean off the remaining polish residue.

For regular nail polish removal, approx 5 minutes is enough. Whereas, you’ll need about 10 to 15 minutes roughly to remove gel nail polish.

  1. Color Options

Luckily, you’ll get a wide variety of options to choose from in regular pedicures. This includes matte, glossy, metallic, satin, shimmery, and so on. You’ll also get different color options in gel nail polish but with limited variations. 

  1. Cost

Regular pedicures are inexpensive compared to gel pedicures. A regular pedicure will cost around $25 to $50 approximately, while a gel pedicure will cost around $40 to $70 approximately.

Finale

In the above post, I’ve explained gel pedicure vs regular pedicure. Both regular and gel pedicures will make your feet appear healthy and polished. You can go ahead with gel pedicures if you want long-lasting results. A regular pedicure is also a good option if you want to paint your toenails without taking too much time. Thus, you can choose a gel pedicure instead of a regular pedicure as it gives better results!

FAQ

What Is The Main Difference Between Gel Pedicure and Regular Pedicure?

The main difference between a regular and gel pedicure is their lasting power. Your gel nails will remain glossy and chip-free even after 15 days. Whereas, regular pedicures will start looking dull after 7 to 10 days.

How Gel Polish Is Removed At A Salon or Home?

You can check out this quick gel polish removal tutorial if you want to know the gel polish removal procedure.

Is Gel Nail Polish Stronger Than A Regular Nail Polish?

Yes, gel nail polish is stronger than regular nail polish. This is because the formulation of gel polish is better compared to regular polish.

Can Gel Nail Polish Harm My Toenails?

No, gel nail polish won’t harm your toenails. This nail polish is harmless only when it is applied and removed properly by an expert.

Regular and Gel pedicures can easily brighten your day with a luxurious experience. You may find both these pedicures similar at first glance but they are actually