Gel Nails Vs Shellac Nails

Gel nail polish and Shellac are two popular choices for creating long-lasting manicures. Both treatments use UV light curing to stay chip-free and last longer than traditional polish.

Both offer high-gloss manicures that resist scratches and chips for weeks – but which option is more beneficial for nails?

What is Shellac?

Shellac is a hybrid between gel and traditional nail polish that provides an extremely shiny, long-wearing finish. The system involves applying layers – base coat, colour, and topcoat – that are then cured under UV lighting to prevent chipping.

Shellac polish is made by extracting lac-producing insects’ secretions without harming or exploiting insect populations, then refining into flakes and buttons for use in mixing with denatured alcohol to form Shellac polish.

Shellac is a patented product available from various nail polish distributors. According to Dunne, using off-brand shellac can damage nails during its removal as it may not offer the same acetone-free formula.

How is Shellac applied?

Shellac gel polish was developed by CND and offers over 100 salon-exclusive shades. While many use “Shellac” to refer to all forms of gel nail polish, it stands as its own distinct brand with its own identity.

Shellac manicures start with applying a thin and even base coat to ensure proper adhesion of the nail art and color, followed by two color coats and top coat while curing each layer under UV lighting.

Once your nails are dry, buffing will remove the shine and break down any protective seal created when the polish was cured. After that, soak your nails in pure 100% acetone (this works best!) in order to dissolve all traces of polish.

How long does Shellac last?

Shellac can last up to 14 days when properly applied, without needing drying time at the salon and with removal that won’t harm natural nails compared to gel polish.

Shellac can cause nail damage during its removal process if handled incorrectly, according to Lippmann. She advises using rubber gloves and soaking each nail individually with remover wrapped in aluminum foil cotton pads soaked in remover.

Additionally, she suggests clients refrain from biting or picking at their nails and moisturize them regularly with CND Solaroil, which contains jojoba oil and vitamin E. Furthermore, she advises avoiding harsh solvents like cleaning products while wearing gloves when performing household tasks such as gardening or dishwashing.

How do I remove Shellac?

Shellac polishes are more flexible than gel, enabling it to soak off more easily using an acetone nail polish remover, leading to faster removal times and reduced scraping that may damage natural nails.

Shellac offers fast curing times and durability that allows nail technicians to squeeze more appointments into a day, increasing productivity and revenue potential. Plus, less return visits for touch-ups means lower operating costs overall!

Shellac offers endless creative potential. Nail technicians can use its versatile features to craft intricate ombre effects, embedded gems and other intricate designs for truly distinctive nail art that lasts weeks after application.

What are the benefits of Shellac?

Shellac offers an ideal alternative for those who desire a glossy finish but wish to avoid the potential damage that gels, acrylics and dip powder can cause. No matter whether your nails are short or long, Shellac provides maximum protection and shine that lasts up to two weeks!

Shellac offers an incredible variety of colors – over 150 in total! Choose from pastels to jewel tones and even earthy tones; or even add glitter or shimmer for extra shimmery nails!

As an alternative, for an elegant natural-looking Shellac manicure try selecting a clear top coat. However, to maintain strong and healthy nails during a Shellac mani keep in mind to moisturize using hand cream with hydrating hyaluronic acid such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream from CVS (8.99), while at night use an oil with nutritional qualities such as Essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Conditioning Care Oil from Ulta (10.49).