Gel Nails Vs Shellac Nails

Gel nails and Shellac are both long-term, chip-resistant nail treatments with shiny finishes – but what exactly is the difference between the two treatments?

Shellac nail polish is an exclusive offering sold only in salons. Combining gel and regular polish into one durable coating.

Nail polish removal with UV gel nail treatments is much simpler and requires no buffing or filing to complete.

Cost

Gel and Shellac manicures are both long-wearing polishes that need curing under UV light. Gel nails refers to any manicure performed using gel polish while CND (Creative Nail Design) owns and markets Shellac as its patented product.

Both methods will have similar benefits for your nails, but it is essential that you carefully weigh how much longer-term color options and ease of removal matter to you. It also depends on the condition of your nails prior to application – both could cause further damage if applied on top of fragile or damaged nail beds.

Gel and Shellac nail polishes provide a variety of colors to choose from, making it easy for you to find something you like. However, while Gel nail polishes can be found from most nail brands, Shellac is only offered through salons equipped with UV lamps specifically to cure their product.

Longevity

Gel nails are among the longest-wearing of manicures, typically lasting three weeks before chipping or wear-and-tear damage occurs. As such, they’re an excellent option for people who use their hands frequently or prefer long-lasting salon looks – not to mention looking great with shiny or glossy finishes that make a statement with their nails!

Shellac is a hybrid formula consisting of half regular nail polish and half gel. Applied similarly to gel manicures, two color coats and a topcoat should be applied in this manner for best results, but professional application must occur due to special curing equipment being necessary for its proper execution.

Shellac may offer less colour choices than gel polish from various brands; however, they tend to be considered less damaging to natural nails provided the product is removed correctly using acetone. Furthermore, there’s no need for buffing – which can often be time consuming and damaging process if done incorrectly.

Ease of Removal

Shellac nails can last up to 14 days without chipping, making your nails appear stronger. But take caution not to keep them on too long as after two weeks the color may begin leaking into your cuticles – not exactly ideal!

If you decide to get a Shellac manicure, it is recommended that it is completed by a trained nail technician in-salon as the nails must be carefully stripped off using an acetone-soaked process and this shouldn’t be attempted at home.

If you’re in search of a Shellac manicure or gel manicure, be sure to browse providers on Blys. These providers have been thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet industry standards, are insured and have a range of color choices to help find just the look for you!

Colour

No matter whether you go for Gel or Shellac nails, finding a salon that specializes in manicures is key for making sure they’re applied and removed safely. Blys provides screening to make sure their nail technicians use high-quality tools with multiple color choices for you to choose from.

Shellac by Creative Nail Design (CND) is an innovative hybrid gel/regular nail polish product, providing less damage to natural nails than gel polish while still being potentially damaging due to the removal process. However, due to this potentially toxic nature of removal process.

Shellac, being a brand specific, doesn’t provide as many shades to choose from as gel polish does, limiting your options further if there is one you desire that cannot be found within Shellac’s collection. If this happens to be the case for you, consider getting a professional to remove them later instead if desired – though both products offer beautiful high-shine looks lasting 10-14 days without chipping – although Gel nails do this more effectively.