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We can all relate when that lovely, brand-new manicure develops its first chip. Around day 4, it’s always on my thumb or pointer finger. You’ve come to the perfect salon if you’re looking for a manicure that will endure for more than a week!
Nothing beats the feeling of having a fresh manicure; we all want our nails to remain perfect for as long as possible after getting them done. The two most popular options on the market as long-lasting nail polishes are Gel and Shellac, but what’s the difference?
We get questions from our clients about the difference between Gel and Shellac polish. It can be pretty confusing when you get into the details, so BeautyDel has decided to break down all the distinctions between Gel and Shellac. After reading this blog, you will know which type of manicure is best for you! Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
What Is a Gel Manicure?
Gel polish, a long-lasting product treated with UV light to make the polish stay bright and chip-free for days, is used for this style of manicure.
According to Jennifer Bell, Senior Marketing Manager at Bellacures, “the UV light rapidly binds the gel to your nail bed by hardening with a thirty-second to one-minute dry time.”
According to Bell, soft and hard gels are often used in manicure salons. She explains that soft gels may be removed with acetone and have a thinner layer of makeup. “Simply put, hard gels are significantly thicker and harder. Although they persist much longer than a soft gel application, removal requires expertise” You should know before getting a gel manicure.
What Is a Shellac Manicure?
In 2010, CND developed the patented Gel polish brand known as Shellac. According to CND Education Ambassador Tamara Di Lullo, “It combines the greatest aspects of a polish with the best advantages of a gel: a fully removable hybrid UV-Cured nail color.”
The advantages of a Shellac manicure include simple removal without damaging nails, over 14 days of glossy, chip-free wear, and no salon drying time.
Di Lullo advises avoiding harsh solvents (like cleaning solutions) and treating the cuticles with a nourishing oil like CND’s Solar oil to extend the life of your Shellac manicure. That will make the Shellac nails last longer. Jojoba oil and vitamin E are in it, which keeps Shellac flexible and chip-free and also promotes fabulously nourished cuticles, according to her.
To know more, you can read: Why choose a Shellac nail manicure?
What are the main differences between Gel and Shellac?
Consistency difference between Gel and Shellac
Ultimately, the main difference between Gel and Shellac comes down to the polish’s consistency. Although both Gel and Shellac require that they be cured under a UV lamp, Shellac has a thinner consistency than Gel.
Due to this difference in consistency, the removal process of a Shellac manicure is easier and faster than that of a Gel manicure. Because Shellac polish is thinner on the nail, the removal process is quick, only taking 15 to 20 minutes using acetone. On the other hand, Gel removal is slightly more complicated and takes longer due to its thicker and more assertive nature. For Gel polish, the removal process can take 30 to 40 minutes as the nail must be filed down first and then soaked in acetone.
Durability difference between Gel and Shellac
Another difference between Gel and Shellac is its durability. A Gel manicure typically lasts anywhere from 3 weeks to a month, and there is a meager chance of a Gel manicure chipping.
If properly maintained, a Shellac manicure can last for around two weeks. However, there is a higher likelihood of peeling after a few weeks.
Additionally, Gel polish guards nails similar to the way Acrylic polish does. Therefore, with a Gel manicure, you get the strength benefits of Acrylic while being less damaging to the nails because they are softer and more flexible.
Color selection difference between Gel and Shellac
The number of nail polish colors to choose from is also a difference between Gel and Shellac that is worth considering. Over 400 Gel polish colors and 148 Shellac polish colors are available. Whether you prefer an immense (and quite ridiculous) number of color choices or a more reasonable number, both Gel and Shellac offer variations of all different colors on the spectrum. They will have the perfect colors for you! You can remove shellac manicure at home.
So, is Gel or Shellac better?
Your tastes will determine how to respond to this question. The uniformity, durability, and color selection of Gel and Shellac have all been discussed.
If you tend to have weaker nails, Gel manicures would be recommended as the formula is thicker and lasts a couple of weeks longer than Shellac. However, the removal process for Gel is quite lengthy and can only be done by a professional.
A Shellac manicure is advantageous if you want to protect the natural nail beds and offer your nails more room to “breathe” due to its thinner consistency. Additionally, Shellac polish can be removed more quickly at home with the help of acetone.
To help you decide, we have made a comparison chart to guide you. You can also talk to a BeautyDel professional who will provide you with our recommendations based on your preferences.