Each polish has its pros and cons. You can enjoy a fantastic polish with both. For longer lasting, with more colour options, choose gel. For shine and ease, choose shellac.
“We highly recommend using Shellac polish versus your typical gel polish because they soak off easier and are less damaging to the nails during the soak-off process,” Dunne says.
Gel manicures benefit those with weaker nails and lasts just that little bit longer than Shellac. However, the removal process is quite lengthy. Shellac is a thinner polish, so if you want to give your nails more space to “breathe' and have sturdy natural nail beds, this one's for you.
Because shellac nails use traditional nail polish, in addition to a gel layer, they're a little more prone to chipping than methods like the gel application, which means you may need touch-ups more than with other types of nails.
The gel manicure is applied with a long-lasting formula that is easily cured by UV light. CND created the Shellac gel polish brand in 2010. The best way to treat the cuticles is to nourish them with an oil rather than harsh cleaning products. The gel manicure will last much longer than the traditional nail polish.
It is recommended to have a shellac manicure re done every two weeks but most of my clients gets three or more weeks out of shellac with no chips at all and even longer on toes.
When you peel off polish from previous applications, it continuously removes the stronger layers of your nail's surface, which reside on the top of your nails. This then exposes the weaker layers of nail, which can cause the shellac nail polish to peel off with the weaker layers of your nails when applied.
The bottom line
If you're trying to switch up your manicure, shellac nails are definitely worth a try. They're long-lasting, cute, and easy, and as long as you get them removed properly, they won't cause any major damage. What's not to love?
Unlike other artificial nails, you cannot use Shellac to strengthen or lengthen your nails. Shellac is only sold to licensed professionals and requires a special removal process. You cannot apply Shellac, repair a break or even remove it at home.
Shellac is a blend of gel and nail polish. Because it is like a polish, it can't be used to extend your nail. Because it is like a gel, however, it does add strength and durability.
Additionally, while Shellac appears to help avoid the damage to the nails caused by acrylics, SNS goes a step further, according to Vo. “SNS is positively good for nail health. The SNS dipping powder system is fortified with no less than four vitamins, plus the all-important mineral calcium.
A basic manicure, with the right polishes, is the healthiest for your nails. When we say the 'right polishes' we mean the best nail growth polish or breathable nail polish. The harsh chemicals in many polishes often degrade our nails. Using an organic polish that contains vitamins, is the best way to avoid damage.
While you can get your shellac manicure removed at the salon, you don't have to. You can buy special shellac remover wraps, but you don't need them. The acetone should loosen the shellac so it can be gently pushed off of the nail; you don't need to scrape or file or otherwise mistreat your nails to remove it.
It gets applied like regular nail polish but dries like gel. Shellac gives your manicure a little more stability than the usual manicure, allowing longer lasting results. These manicures take slightly more time than the regular because of the UV curing process between each coat.
Shellac is a gel polish that comes in a variety of different colors. From the outside, it may look like regular polish, but Shellac requires a 'curing' or hardening process under an ultraviolet (UV) light. Shellac polish is a mixture of methacrylate monomers and radical initiators.
Our top tip for short nails:
Opt for gel, shellac, BIAB, or another semi-permanent option when it comes to your short nails manicure. They'll stay perfectly glossy and remain chip-free for the duration of your mani (around 2-3 weeks).
The simple answer is your nails are dry causing peeling and brittle nails. Shellac cannot damage or weaken your nails once applied and removed correctly.
Adverse Reactions
Several cases of allergic contact dermatitis of the eyelids due to shellac in mascara, cheilitis due to shellac in lip products, allergic dermatitis due to shellac in a hairspray, and allergic dermatitis in black ink most likely containing shellac for tattooing have been reported.
In our experience, SNS can last up to one week longer than Shellac nails without chipping, and SNS also creates a thicker-looking nail from all that powder getting added on. But we've found Shellac to be a little less damaging to our nails long-term than SNS nails.
Your shellac nails should remain shiny and chip-free for 14 to 21 days if you take care of them responsibly. Don't worry about your day to day activities: taking out keys, working on the computer and (light) cooking are no match for shellac.
Shellac polish can also be used on the toes which can be nice in the winter, shoes can be put back on and there are no worries of smudging etc. It has to be removed the same way as the nails so it can be a process that isn't as necessary for the toes which hold polish much longer than fingers.
After 1 week
If they are peeling at this point you may not be a good candidate for gel manicure. Some nail types are very thin, weak, or oily. Thin and weak nails can't be buffed well enough to create the little “velcro” action that adheres the polish to the nail.
Unfortunately, leaving your CND™ Shellac™ manicure on for too long can result in service breakdown; lifting, chipping, discolouration etc.
On average, a shellac manicure lasts around two weeks, but it's not uncommon to notice your nails flaking after just a few days.