Discover the key differences between shellac and gel manicures to find your perfect nail enhancement. Learn about durability, the application process, and how each affects your natural nails.
Shellac is a specific brand of nail product created by CND (Creative Nail Design) that combines gel and traditional polish.
It’s essentially a hybrid formula that offers some benefits of both products.
Meanwhile, gel nail polishes can come in various formulations, and many brands offer them.
Composition and Application
Shellac is a hybrid product that combines gel polish with traditional nail polish features. Gel manicures, on the other hand, use pure gel products that tend to be thicker and more durable.
The application process of each may vary slightly depending on the specific product being used.
Durability
Gel manicures typically last longer than Shellac, with most gel applications lasting 2 to 3 weeks without chipping.
Shellac generally lasts about 10 to 14 days before showing signs of wear. This is due to the thicker, more resilient nature of pure gel products.
Impact on Natural Nails
Shellac is often considered gentler on natural nails compared to gel treatments.
This is because Shellac is designed to be more flexible and less damaging to remove.
Gel products, particularly those used for extensions or overlays, tend to be harder and may require more intensive removal processes.
The removal process represents one of the most significant differences between these treatments:
- Shellac: Designed to soak off more easily, typically requiring about 10 to 15 minutes with acetone-soaked cotton wrapped in foil.
- Gel: Usually requires a longer soaking time (15 to 30 minutes) and may need more filing or buffing during removal, which can potentially cause more damage to natural nails.
»MORE: How to remove nail polish.
Gel products offer more versatility in terms of nail enhancements:
- Builder Gels: Used to strengthen natural nails or create extensions
- Sculpting Gels: Used for creating nail extensions and elaborate designs
- Gel Polish: Used primarily for color and shine
Shellac is primarily used as a color coating and doesn’t offer the same structural benefits as gel. It also cannot be used in nail extensions like gel can.
Gel manicures tend to be more expensive than Shellac treatments due to their increased durability and the wider range of enhancement options they offer.
However, prices vary widely depending on location, salon, and your specific treatment.
Consider Shellac if:
- You want a manicure that’s gentler on your natural nails
- You’re looking for something that removes more easily
- you prefer changing your nail color more frequently (every 1 to 2 weeks)
Consider Gel if:
- you need maximum durability and longevity
- you want nail extensions or structural enhancement
- you’re willing to invest more time in the removal process for longer-lasting results
Regardless of which option you choose, professional application and removal are recommended to minimize damage to your natural nails.
The salon you choose can also determine the quality of your nail treatment and the health of your natural nails afterward.
Read on to find the answers to some frequently asked questions.
The main difference is that Shellac is a specific brand of hybrid nail product combining gel and traditional polish.
Gel is a broader category of products that comes in various formulations from different brands.
Shellac is often considered gentler on natural nails compared to gel treatments.
Gel manicures tend to be more expensive than Shellac treatments due to their increased durability and wider range of enhancement options.
Yes, both Shellac and gel treatments require UV or LED light curing between coats to harden the product properly.
Shellac might be better for someone who likes to change their nail color frequently, as it’s designed to be more easily removed and typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
While not specific to Shellac or gel treatments, some nail products may contain ingredients like hydroxyapatite, which is used for tooth remineralization and could potentially have benefits for nail health.
Shellac nails are a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting manicure but are worried about the potential damage to their nails. Gel is considered less gentle than shellac but offers improved durability and can be used in nail extensions.
When considering different nail polish types, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option.
