Shellac Nails Vs Gel Nails

Gel polish was revolutionary when it first hit the scene in 2009. Unlike regular nail polish, Gel polish does not chip.

Shellac nails are a revolutionary form of manicure that combine the benefits of both gel and traditional nail polish. Created and patented by Creative Nail Design (CND), it is an innovative UV-cured nail color.

A professional manicure typically lasts 14 days without chipping and, when removed correctly, won’t harm the nails.

1. Durability

With so many manicure options available to us today, it can be challenging to know which is best suited to our individual needs. That is why we consulted nail experts Jan Arnold, Deborah Lippmann and Lauren Dunne regarding Shellac nails vs Gel nails so you can make an informed decision regarding your next salon visit.

Shellac nails are an in between hybrid of gel polish and traditional nail polish, typically cured under LED/UV light for long-term results while remaining chip resistant. Although more likely to chip than its gel counterparts, shellac can provide longer wear.

Lippmann states that Shellac is one of the safest gel products to remove at home because once dry, it forms tiny tunnels on your nails for acetone to dissolve the polish without harming natural nails. She cautions that if you take an aggressive or inefficient approach when taking off Shellac polish removal, damage could still occur to natural nails during this process.

2. Ease of Removal

Shellac nails last up to fourteen days without chipping and are far easier to take off than gel polishes, with only acetone being necessary for removal. CND’s formula creates tiny tunnels in its polish that allow acetone to seep into and dissolve long-wearing colors; gels may require slightly more due to being stronger.

Shellac nail polish differs from gels in that it goes on less thickly and more like regular polish, ensuring healthy-looking nails upon removal. Plus, Shellac can be removed at home easily using CND’s own acetone wraps which target only fingernails while also helping minimize dryness on skin and nails following removal – simply place cotton pads soaked with CND’s acetone on each nail then cover each one with one of these wraps before waiting 10 minutes for removal to begin!

3. Variety of Colors

Shellac nails have quickly become one of the hottest trends. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from traditional gel or acrylic manicures? We consulted experts like Jan Arnold, co-founder and style director of CND (her clients include Marc Jacobs and Jason Wu).

Shellac offers the best of both worlds – no-chip color that lasts several weeks without chipping and shine without damaging natural nails. Created and patented by CND, its exclusive salon formula bonds molecules together when exposed to LED light, for no chipping!

Shellac nails require regular touch-ups and may chip more easily than other manicure techniques if your hands become rough from washing dishes or scrubbing floors, for instance. In order to preserve their beauty for as long as possible it’s also important to moisturize with hand creams or cuticle oils daily; CND offers many gorgeous colors such as the Violet-Raspberry Dream with Holographic Glitter called Tartan Punk!

4. Cost

Shellac nails offer the ideal long-term manicure solution. Less damaging than gels, these shellac manicures last up to three weeks!

Considerations must be given when considering a Shellac manicure; one consideration being that it can be more expensive than traditional polish. Furthermore, adding a top coat may be wise if your planned activities involve rigorous physical exertion or you will be traveling somewhere without access to touch ups.

Although Shellac nails look stunning, it’s important to keep in mind that they may be more susceptible to chipping than other forms of polish. Furthermore, since only licensed professionals are eligible to purchase Shellac product directly and apply it themselves at home. Therefore, professional application and removal services may be necessary.