Shellac Nails Vs Gel Manicure
No matter which manicure type you select, make sure your nails remain strong and healthy as a part of the process. That means using cuticle oil or hand moisturizer on a daily basis and visiting a professional nail technician regularly for fill-ups.
Shellac nails have become a trendy manicure trend. Made up of half regular nail polish and half gel, the application usually involves three steps – base coat, two color coats, and top coat – that must all be completed to get perfect Shellac manicure results.
What is Shellac?
Shellac nails remain one of the most beloved nail trends. While many misunderstand it as an all-encompassing term for gel polishes, Shellac actually stands for one particular brand of polish patented and developed by CND that offers over 160 shades at accredited salons.
Formula is a combination of regular nail polish and gel manicure; making it stronger than traditional polish yet not as intense. Cures under UV lights for up to 14 days of wearability.
Shellac nails may appear indestructible; however, they’re still susceptible to chipping when exposed to harsh chemicals or manual labor. Furthermore, picking at your nail color could cause it to lift and possibly harm the natural nails underneath – therefore leaving the removal process up to a qualified nail technician will ensure a gentler removal experience than acrylics or harder gels.
How is Shellac applied?
Shellac nail polish requires four layers, including a base coat, at least two color coats and top coat(s), that are each set under UV lights for curing (setting). While UV exposure may damage nails over time, you can protect your hands by adding hand sunscreen while wearing nail polish.
Shellac nails have long been recognized for lasting up to two weeks and remaining super shiny without chipping, yet remain extremely shiny without cracking. Unfortunately, however, these artificial nails cannot be taken for granted and must be taken off properly by a trained professional (i.e. not picked off or pulled) in order to protect the natural nail underneath them from being damaged by doing it yourself.
If you plan on engaging in manual labor or washing your hands frequently, gloves should always be worn to help protect the nails. They’re especially handy when gardening as thorns and sharp objects lurking in the soil may endanger them. In addition, apply cuticle oil twice daily and utilize an effective hand moisturizer in order to maintain strong nails.
How long does Shellac last?
Shellac manicures offer the ideal way to maintain high-gloss, chip-free nails for up to 14 days without damage, although their lifespan could be cut shorter if used as tools or for manual labor.
Shellac is an innovative hybrid polish that combines the benefits of both gel and regular nail polish. Cured under LED light, its molecules – small ones and larger ones alike – bind together for its iconic sheen.
Manicurists agree that Shellac offers more breathable coverage and strengthening natural nails than gel polish, yet still has long-term power. To avoid damaging natural nails when taking it off at home by peeling, visiting a salon to get professional removal will make the removal process much gentler for both yourself and your natural nails. Soak and file before doing it yourself to ease removal!
How is Shellac removed?
Shellac polish can last long-term and be easily applied, yet over time will begin to chip or lift if not taken care of correctly. When this occurs it is recommended to visit your nail salon rather than trying to peel it off yourself in order to prevent damaging to the natural nail plate and maintain healthy looking nails.
As with gel manicures, extending the lifespan of your Shellac manicure with a nail hydrator such as Varnish Lane Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil or Lippmann’s Hydrating Cuticle Oil Pen will extend its life and promote healthy nail growth while simultaneously helping prevent damage caused by biting nails. Furthermore, these products may help prevent future nail biting incidents by protecting and strengthening nails during growth cycles.
Individual preferences ultimately dictate which manicure will work best for them. Gel manicures tend to last longer and offer more colors options; whereas Shellac manicures are easier to remove and give nails some breathing room.