When you go to get a manicure, there are a thousand decisions you have to make. What color do you want, do you want a specific pattern, what shape do you want, should you get acrylic tips or not? But one of the major decisions you’ll need to make is shellac vs. gel.
Knowing a little about the differences between these two polishes can help you make the right choice for your nails. Read on to learn more about shellac vs. gel polish and which one is the right option for you.
The Polish
Let’s start by discussing the differences between what shellac and gel polish actually are. Shellac polish is actually a certain brand made by only one company, Creative Nail Design. It’s a mix between traditional nail polish and gel polish, and it comes in more than 100 different shades.
Gel polish is a non-exclusive form of nail polish that’s comprised of liquid gel. The gel contains acrylic monomers and oligomers that harden when they’re exposed to UV light. This creates a hard, glossy coat on your nails that will last far longer than traditional nail polish.
The Lifespan
Both shellac and gel polish have an estimated lifespan of around two weeks. So if you’re looking for a long-lasting manicure and you’re willing to pay a little extra for it, you can’t go wrong with either. But gel may last a little longer undamaged on your nails.
Because shellac polish contains traditional nail polish, it’s a little more prone to chipping than gel. Gel forms one smooth, solid coat when it’s exposed to the UV light, so it’s unlikely to chip. If you’re wanting a manicure that will go the distance without chipping, gel is the way to go.
The Removal
One of the other factors you need to consider when you’re looking at getting gel nails is removing that polish when it grows out. Yes, gel nails are incredibly hard to damage, but that durability comes at a price. Getting gel polish off means soaking your fingers in acetone for a good long while and filing them down quite a bit, which can damage your nails.
If you have delicate nails, shellac may be a better option for you. Thanks to its inclusion of traditional nail polish, all you need to remove shellac polish is a little specialized acetone remover. It will take a manicurist less than fifteen minutes and with no scraping involved.
Decide on Shellac vs. Gel
When you’re getting a manicure, deciding whether you want shellac vs. gel is a matter of knowing your priorities. If you know you’re hard on your nails and you’re not very worried about damage, gel may be a better choice. But if it’s more important to you to have sturdy nails than perfectly polished ones, shellac is the way to go.
If you’d like to get the gorgeous nails you’ll love, come see us at Nail Pro. We offer manicures and pedicures as well as massages, facials, waxing, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your perfect manicure.
