Shellac Nails Vs Gel Manicure

Gel nail polishes have long been considered the go-to option for long-wearing and gorgeous nail designs, but there is another popular option called Shellac that promises similar effects.

But what are the key distinctions between these two manicure options? We consulted nail experts Jennifer Bell and Tamara Di Lullo to provide insight.

Cost

Shellac manicures typically range between $25-$45 depending on your salon and location, using UV curing lights for curing purposes, and are long-lasting solutions.

DiLullo estimates that Shellac nails typically last at least two weeks and sometimes three. Shellac is a patented product from CND that blends regular nail polish with gel technology for instantaneous drying time between coats – typically two color coats plus top coat are required to apply this style of manicure.

Shellac manicures offer several distinct advantages over gel manicures, such as reduced damage and no buffing required – plus it features gentler acetone remover. However, it should be noted that attempting to take off Shellac nails yourself could result in damage to the surface of the nail; to ensure maximum damage-free removal it’s wise to seek professional assistance when doing it yourself.

Application

Shellac and gel nail extensions both provide long-term polished looks to enhance natural nail beauty, although their application processes differ somewhat. Gel is applied in multiple layers (base coat, two color coats and topcoat) before being cured under UV or LED lights to complete curing. Shellac applications generally occur much more quickly.

Shellac works similarly, only needing one coat of polish applied and no curing needed after it dries. According to Seney, both systems create a high-gloss finish that maintains its appearance for months on end despite normal wear and tear.

Although neither type of manicure can be considered healthy for nails, shellac can be slightly less damaging. Dunne explains that frequent gel manicures can take their toll due to an intense removal process while shellac polish may be more gentle on natural nails.

Longevity

Shellac and Gel nail polish both last two to three weeks with proper care, though there may be subtle variations in colour selection (with Gel providing more options, whereas Shellac removal is generally gentler on nails).

Both products use radical initiators to initiate chemical reactions with methacrylates monomers found on natural nails, necessitating trained and skilled Nail Pros to apply and remove them in order to maintain the integrity of natural nails.

Gel can be more challenging to remove than its Shellac counterpart; it usually requires buffing to do away with it and may damage nails more if removed incorrectly, while Shellac can be easily taken off at home using acetone. Both types have the potential to harm natural nails if applied incorrectly or removed incorrectly – both have potential to harm them further if improperly applied/soaked off, so if your natural nails are fragile it might be wiser to take steps first to strengthen them before considering any type of manicure service.

Removal

Shellac takes the best elements from both gel (no chipping) and traditional polish and combines them with LED curing technology, creating a durable manicure that can last for two weeks or more.

Shellac manicure removal differs significantly from gel‘s process in that it can be completed quickly by placing cotton pads saturated in acetone on each nail and wrapping them individually in aluminum foil. Although it is convenient, we still advise professional nail care services when removing both gel and Shellac products as trying to pull off these products can strip away layers of keratin that protect natural nails leaving them vulnerable and exposed.

Shellac manis also have limited color selection compared to Gelish manicures; there are over 400 options in Gelish while only about 116 shades exist in Shellac polishes. If you want specific hues, gels may be worth trying since both products boast long-lasting nail color performance.