16 Kinds of Nail Polish You Need to Know for Your Next Mani

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From gel to acrylic, we have all the info on all the varieties!
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So, it’s time to get your nails done! But how do you know what style of manicure or polish to choose from? Whether you’re going to the salon or attempting a DIY at-home manicure, we’ve got you covered. We put together the ultimate guide to the different types of nail polishes and finishes . Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each manicure style and which would be best for you.

Most Popular Types of Nail Polish

  • Traditional nail polish: A thin paint that goes on the nail easily but takes a longer time to dry.
  • Gel nail polish: A long-lasting and durable manicure that cures with a UV light.
  • Acrylic: An artificial nail enhancement that adds length, shape, and durability to the natural nail. Acrylic nails don’t require a UV light to cure, but it can speed up the process.
  • Dip powder: A nail enhancement that’s long-lasting, durable, and doesn’t require UV light.
Section 1 of 6:

The Different Types of Nail Polishes & Manicures

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  1. 1
    Traditional Nail Polish Also known as lacquer, traditional nail polish is the most common type of nail polish. These polishes come in a variety of colors and finishes. A traditional nail polish manicure typically requires two to three coats of polish for an opaque look, along with a base and top coat for added shine and longevity. Not only is the product easy to apply, but it’s also easy to remove with a swipe of nail polish remover or acetone.
    • Pros: Easy to use, various colors and finishes, no equipment needed
    • Cons: Not long-lasting, dries slowly, prone to chipping
    • Longevity: 5 to 7 days
    • The nail polishes you see lined up at the store are usually traditional nail polishes!
  2. 2
    Gel Nail Polish Gel nail polish is similar to traditional nail polish, except it’s longer-lasting, extremely durable, and requires a UV light to cure. With each layer of gel polish, the nails must be placed under a UV light for around 60 seconds to cure or “dry” the polish. The curing process immediately hardens the polish, eliminating the risk of smudging. Gel polish is used on top of the natural nail or can be added to acrylics or gel extensions. [1] As nail artist Marta Nagorska explains, “With gel polish, you only paint on what you have.”
    • Pros: Long-lasting, cures quickly, variety of finishes
    • Cons: Allergy risk, can be difficult to remove, potential nail damage with frequent use
    • Longevity: 2 to 3 weeks
    • Ripping or picking off gel polish can damage the natural nail. Go back to the salon or soak the nails in acetone to safely remove gel polish .
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  3. 3
    Acrylic Acrylic nails are a nail enhancement that molds around and extends from the natural nails. This type of artificial nail is durable and used to strengthen the natural nail, allowing it to grow underneath. Many receive this style of manicure to add length, shape, and style to their nails.
    • Pros: Durable, can add length and strength, customizable shape
    • Cons: Can damage natural nails, strong odor
    • Longevity: 2 to 3 weeks
    • Are acrylics a type of nail polish? Acrylics are not technically a type of nail polish. Acrylics are a type of artificial nail enhancement—a combination of liquid monomer and powdered polymer that’s added to the nail. Therefore, the acrylics are not “nail polish” but a type of manicure.
  4. 4
    Dip Powder Dip powder is a nail enhancement that’s long-lasting and durable. Unlike traditional nail polish, this “polish” adds a coat of acrylic powder and resin to your nail. The dip molds to your natural nail, thanks to nail resin or nail glue. After air-drying for about 2 minutes, the dip is cured and extremely durable. [2]
    • Pros: Extra-strong, long-lasting, no UV light required
    • Cons: Allergy risk, can be difficult to remove
    • Longevity: 2 to 4 weeks
    • Picking at or ripping off dip powder manicures can damage your nails. Return to the salon or soak the nails in acetone to safely remove dip powder nails.
    • For more tips on removing dip powder nails, check out our “How do I remove dip nails at home?” forum !
  5. 5
    Polygel Polygel is the child of acrylic and gel nail polish. This nail treatment has a gel-like consistency and is applied over the natural nail or a nail extension with a brush. The “polish” is then molded over the nail, sculpted into the desired shape, and cured with a UV light. Many describe polygel manicures as feeling light, natural, and flexible, making them a good alternative to heavier acrylic sets and hard gel polishes. [3]
    • Pros: Long-lasting and durable, odor-free, natural feel
    • Cons: Requires UV light, can be difficult to remove
    • Longevity: 3 weeks
    • Nail experts don’t advise doing a DIY polygel manicure at home if you’re not technically trained, as the mixing of the chemicals has to be just right so as not to damage the nail.
  6. 6
    Builder Gel Also known as BIAB (builder gel in a bottle), builder gel is gel polish’s stronger brother. This polish is thicker and more durable than regular gel but has a less pliable finish. It’s often used as an overlay treatment or with extensions to help strengthen or bond nail tips. Like gel polish, builder gel cures under a UV light and must be soaked off with acetone. [4]
    • Pros: Durable, can add length and strength, used with extensions
    • Cons: Requires UV light
    • Longevity: 3 to 4 weeks
    • Builder gel is ideal for nail-biters because the polish is like a thick suit of armor on top of the nail.
  7. 7
    Hard Gel Nail Polish Hard gel nail polish is a stronger version of gel polish (but it’s not as strong as builder gel). This polish is used to strengthen the natural nail or extend the natural tip. Unlike builder gel, it’s not used as a binder or glue but is applied straight to the natural nail. Hard gel nail polish also has to be filed off, as its extra-strong formula makes it resistant to chemicals, including acetone. [5]
    • Pros: Durable, chemical resistant, can be filled over time
    • Cons: Can be difficult to remove, requires UV light
    • Longevity: 4 weeks
    • Hard gel nail polish is great for creating longer nails on top of weak or brittle natural nails, as it can help prevent chipping without sacrificing length.
  8. 8
    Breathable Nail Polish Breathable nail polish allows your nails to breathe and heal. This type of polish doesn’t form a barrier over your natural nail. It allows water and oxygen to pass through the polish to the nail, helping them stay hydrated. While this isn’t a super durable polish, it can help minimize chipping as a nail heals. [6]
    • Pros: Promotes healing and hydration
    • Cons: Not long-lasting, fewer color options
    • Longevity: A week to 10 days
    • Breathable nail polish is often marketed as “water-permeable.”
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Section 2 of 6:

The Different Types of Nail Finishes

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  1. 1
    Sheer and Tinted Sheer and tinted nail polishes have a more natural, subtle look. These polishes are designed to be sheer or almost see-through, allowing your natural nail to shine through. These polishes are typically used to give the natural nail a subtle shine and finish. [7]
  2. 2
    Matte Matte nail polishes have a non-shiny or non-glossy finish. These polishes have a velvety, crisp look that gives the nail an air of sophistication. They’re muted, elegant look is perfect for formal events. Matte polishes can be worn on their own or paired with polishes with shiny finishes for a trendier look. [8]
    • Matte nail polishes often have a quick-drying formula, making them ideal for on-the-go looks.
  3. 3
    Metallic and Shimmer Metallic and shimmer nail polishes are bold, glamorous, and dramatic. These nail polishes add a reflective sparkle to the nail and leave a finish sure to catch anyone’s eye. Many also feature multiple colors, thanks to their metallic particles or glittering pigments. [9]
    • Metallic and shimmer polishes are often worn on top of other polishes, as they often have a sheer base. However, they can be layered with multiple coats for a more opaque look.
  4. 4
    Glitter and Sequin Glitter and sequin nail polishes are full of sparkle and fun! These polishes typically have a sheer or colored base and lots of fine and/or chunky pieces of glitter, making them a bold choice for parties or a drab, rainy day. [10]
    • Like metallic and shimmer polishes, glitter and sequin polishes can be layered on top of other polishes for a more understated look, or they can be layered with multiple coats for a bit more pizzazz.
  5. 5
    Holographic Holographic nail polish has a hypnotic rainbow effect that’s totally psychedelic! This type of polish changes color and/or tone with the movement of the hand or shift of light. The holographic pigment comes in a range of colors, with each shade giving off a different bold and bright rainbow effect. [11]
    • Holographic nail polish is typically layered on top of a base color, and the base color can affect which pigment in the holographic polish shines through.
  6. 6
    Crackle Crackle nail polish has an earthy, textured appearance perfect for edgy looks. This polish is designed to “crack.” When placed over a base layer, the crackle polish splits to create a natural geometric design, allowing the base color to shine through.
  7. 7
    Magnetic Magnetic nail polish gives the nail a unique, textured, metallic look. This polish is full of metallic particles that, when placed near a magnet, shift and change shape. Magnetic polishes come with a magnet “activator” that’s placed over the painted nail to create a swirling design. [12]
    • Each nail can look different when using magnetic nail polish because no magnetic pattern will look exactly the same.
  8. 8
    Color-Changing and Thermal Color-changing or thermal nail polish changes color at different temperatures. When heated up, these polishes become a different shade or color entirely. Most react to body temperature or hot water. Think of it like a mood ring.
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Section 3 of 6:

What kind of nail polish lasts the longest?

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  1. Acrylic nails and dip manicures typically last the longest. How long your nail polish or manicure lasts depends on the overall application and everyday wear and tear. As a baseline, however, acrylic nails and dip manicures are meant to last 2 to 4 weeks before needing a fill or touchup. This makes them the longest-lasting kind of nail polish or manicure style. [13]
Section 4 of 6:

What type of polish is best for your nails?

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  1. 1
    The best type of polish for your nails is non-toxic. Non-toxic or natural nail lacquers have fewer chemicals than standard traditional nail polishes, making them healthier for your nails. [14] These polishes are typically “3-free,” meaning they don’t contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate (harmful chemicals that could damage your nails). While this doesn’t make the nail polish 100% chemical-free, it does make them safer than other traditional polishes. [15]
    • Keep in mind that non-toxic nail polishes are typically traditional nail polishes. The majority of acrylics, gels, and dip powders contain harsh chemicals.
  2. 2
    Sometimes, doing nothing to your nails is best! While getting manicures and cool designs on your nails is fun, over time, it can become damaging. Getting acrylic, gel, or dip nails done consistently could be weakening your nails, especially if you’re constantly removing and adding on new nail enhancements or polishes. Try to reserve artificial nails for special occasions to help reduce nail damage and problems. [16]
    • Give your nails time to recover between each manicure. Doctors recommend waiting at least one month between getting another dip or artificial treatment. [17]
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Section 5 of 6:

Basic Manicure Nail Care

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  1. 1
    Apply a base coat. A good nail care routine requires more than just shaping and hydrating your nails. Before you apply any type of polish or nail extension, a base coat is typically added. A base coat acts as a barrier between your natural nail and the polish, protecting it from damage. [18]
    • Base coats are usually clear, but they can come in sheer or opaque varieties.
    • Lots of base coats include strengthening ingredients, which are ideal for those with brittle or weak nails.
  2. 2
    Layer a top coat over your chosen polish. After you’ve applied your chosen polish, it’s important to apply a top coat. A top coat locks in your color or design. Think of it as another protective layer. While it adds shine to your manicure, it can also help prevent chipping. [19]
    • Top coats come in all types of finishes, including glossy and matte. Aim to match your top coat’s finish to your nail polish’s finish.
    • Some top coats are advertised as “quick-drying.” These top coats have a special formula that makes them dry faster.
  3. 3
    Consider using a nail strengthener. A nail strengthener helps harden weak, brittle, or damaged nails. This product is best used on freshly clean nails free of polish, making it ideal for the periods in between manicures. Nail strengtheners add an extra layer of protection to your natural nails. They help them grow stronger and longer in the absence of nail polish or nail enhancements. [20]
    • Some nail strengtheners require multiple layers over multiple days. Always read the instructions on your chosen product.
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Section 6 of 6:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Why do different types of nail polish use different ingredients? Different nail polishes have different ingredients because they do different things. For instance, a glitter nail polish may have different ingredients than a matte nail polish because a glitter polish is designed to have a sparkly effect, while a matte polish is not shiny.
  2. 2
    Is dip or gel better for your nails? Dip powder is gentler on the nail when compared to gel polishes; however, both dip and gel manicures are designed for long-term, non-damaging wear. The main difference is how the polish is applied to the nail. Gel manicures require the nail to be filed and buffed before being placed under a UV light. Dip manicures use a colored powder acrylic and resin mixture that cures in the air. [21]
    • The Cleveland Clinic warns that extended use of gel nail polish could put you at a greater risk of skin cancer and nail damage because of prolonged UV exposure. [22]
  3. 3
    How do you take care of your nails? Applying nail polish and different manicure styles to your nails can be lots of fun, but it’s also important to make sure you’re taking care of your nails and not just styling them. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), the best way to take care of your nails is to: [23]
    • Keep them clean and dry.
    • Shape them with an emery board.
    • Avoid picking and biting the cuticle .
    • Avoid using them as a tool.
    • Wear gloves while using harsh cleaning chemicals or washing the dishes.
    EXPERT TIP

    Marta Nagorska

    Nail Artist
    Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.
    Marta Nagorska
    Nail Artist

    Use cuticle oil daily to keep your nails healthy. Cuticle oil nourishes the nail and cuticle, replenishing natural oils. Aim to use the oil after you wash your hands or before going to bed.

  4. 4
    Is resin a type of nail polish? Resin is not a type of nail polish; however, it is a component used in certain types of manicures. Also known as nail resin or nail glue, resin is a strong adhesive that coats the nail and attaches nail enhancements to the nail. [24] It’s most commonly used in acrylic and gel manicures.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/gel-polish-vs-dip-powder-6931155
      2. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/gel-polish-vs-dip-powder-6931155
      3. ↑ https://www.makeup.com/nails/nail-care/what-is-a-polygel-manicure
      4. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/beauty-tips/beauty-trends/builder-gel-nails
      5. ↑ https://glitterbels-us.com/blogs/news/builder-gel-vs-hard-gel?country=US
      6. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/beauty-tips/beauty-trends/breathable-nail-polish-101
      7. ↑ https://kiarasky.com/blogs/news/our-guide-to-the-different-nail-polish-finishes
      8. ↑ https://orlybeauty.com/blogs/news/types-of-nail-polish-finishes
      9. ↑ https://orlybeauty.com/blogs/news/types-of-nail-polish-finishes
      1. ↑ https://kiarasky.com/blogs/news/our-guide-to-the-different-nail-polish-finishes
      2. ↑ https://orlybeauty.com/blogs/news/types-of-nail-polish-finishes
      3. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/the-science-behind-magnetic-na
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/how-long-does-a-manicure-last-11707366
      5. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-look-at-the-effects-of-nail-polish-on-nail-health-and-safety-2019112118231
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/nails/g28834890/best-natural-non-toxic-nail-polishes/
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures/reduce-artificial-nail-damage
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures/dip-powder-manicure
      9. ↑ https://orlybeauty.com/blogs/news/difference-between-base-coat-and-top-coat-nail-polish
      10. ↑ https://orlybeauty.com/blogs/news/difference-between-base-coat-and-top-coat-nail-polish
      11. ↑ https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/self-test-nail-strengthener-six-weeks
      12. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/gel-polish-vs-dip-powder-6931155
      13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/you-guessed-right-gel-nail-polish-is-bad-for-your-nails
      14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
      15. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/nail-care-products

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