We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?

Follow this easy step-by-step guide for a perfect DIY mani.

Manicure upkeep can be difficult — when one nail chips, the whole set is ruined. Plus, there’s the question of whether or not you’re ruining your nails with treatments like acrylics or gels. Still, a polished and pretty set of nails can make you feel like a million bucks — not to mention, nails can be an outlet for self-expression via different nail shapes, polish colors and designs.

If you are obsessed with the look of acrylic, dip powder or gel manicures, but hate to risk damaging your nails, your new manicure hero has arrived: polygel. This gel-acrylic hybrid provides the best of both worlds, so you no longer have to choose between nail style and nail safety. So, let’s get into what actually makes the polygel formula so unique.

Polygel is a nail enhancement that's best described as a gel-acrylic hybrid formula. “You get the strength of an acrylic enhancement, but then you get some of the flexibility that comes with a gel,” explains Naomi Gonzalez-Longstaff, a nail designer and celebrity manicurist. “It is gel-based in terms of its consistency and texture, but a bit thicker.” When properly applied, polygel nails do not break easily. In fact, they're strong and flexible, despite feeling lighter than other solutions like hard gels. Their flexible nature also makes them more durable as time passes.

Are polygel nails better than acrylic nails?

Similar to acrylic, polygel can be used to sculpt, fill in or extend nails. However, there are differences, including the fact that polygel is significantly lighter than acrylic (though it's just as strong). It's also different than a dip manicure, which is equivalent to granulated acrylic.

Polygel is a perfect option for anyone with softer nails, but not recommended for anyone with more brittle nails. “It's a great in-between for those who have good natural nails but want a little bit more stability and a little bit more strength, without the abrasiveness of acrylics,” she says.

If you're attempting to do polygel nails at home, you first need supplies. Attempting the process without proper tools can be both frustrating and potentially damaging to nails. Here's everything you'll need to successfully pull off a set of DIY polygel nails at home.

These steps can vary based on the instructions in your kit; adhere to them carefully for best results.

Much like the gel itself, the removal process is a combination of techniques. “You're going to have to file some of it off, like you do when removing acrylic nails, and then use acetone with a cotton ball wrapped around the nail, like you do for your gel manicures," she says.

But every kit and product has a different application and removal process, so follow the included instructions closely. One way to tell whether your polygel nail kit is good quality is “by looking at the removal process, because if it includes a lot of abrasiveness to the natural nail, that means the product isn't formulated well,” Gonzalez-Longstaff notes.

The polish itself lasts around three weeks, depending on lifestyle wear-and-tear. If you're not opting to use a more affordable polygel kit in the comfort of your own home, note that in-salon prices can vary from $75 to $150, depending on the location and technician. If you’re only filling your nails in, rather than getting a full set of polygel nails, prices are likely lower.