The Shellac Nail In 2022: Shellac Vs. Gel Nails

There is no denying the hygiene-related and aesthetic benefits of manicures. But when we are at the nail salon, we want to choose a manicure that will still look great two weeks post-appointment. Due to the sheer variety of manicure products in the market, it’s pretty easy to find ourselves spoilt for choice. Solid color or funky nail design? Squoval or round shape? And the most crucial decision – gel manicure or shellac nails?

Many often find themselves in a dilemma where they must decide whether to go for shellac or gel nails. The best way to choose the correct option is to understand their primary differences. Shellac and gel nails are the preferred option for semi-permanent manicures. Myriads of top nail artists use them for low-chip, durable quality. But there is something that makes manicure lovers prefer shellac nails to gel nails.

In this post, you’ll learn the main differences between these options to decide better on your next manicure appointment.

Main Differences Between Shellac and Gel Polishes

Polish

Although gel and shellac nails have durable, shiny appearances, the latter is a polish that the Creative Nail Design has verified. It is available in more than 100 shades at CDG-verified nail salons. Shellac blends two forms of nail coating – traditional nail polish and gel. The traditional nail polish is used for shine and color, while gel offers nail protection and durability. However, shellac’s finished look doesn’t look quite natural.

On the other hand, gel nails are made with liquid gel – and there is no exclusive polish distributor. Gel nails are produced with a blend of acrylic oligomers and monomers hardened under UV light to form a glossy, hard coat.

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If you are searching for a durable manicure, you cannot go wrong with either gel or shellac nails. Both versions can last for around ten to fourteen days. But since shellac nails are partially composed of standard polish, they are more susceptible to nail chipping than gels.

Removal

The main advantage of shellac nails is the simplicity of the removal process. A manicurist can remove these nails within five to ten minutes without scraping. Perhaps you’re wondering how the manicurist will remove them without scraping? There is a unique acetone-based nail remover explicitly designed for shellac nails.

Gel polishes are not renowned for having hassle-free removal. Peeling off gel nails can cause severe damage to your nails’ surfaces. Therefore, people often have their gel manicure removed by a manicurist at the salon through a lengthy acetone soak and hectic scrupulous filing. Although there are DIY strategies for removing gel nails, removing shellac polishes is still more convenient than gel counterparts.

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How to Remove Shellac Nails at Home

The simplest and most effective way of removing shellac manicures is to go for a nail salon appointment to have them removed. But if you want to change your polish as soon as possible, why not do it at home? The removal process for shellac polishes requires soaking and filing and can take around fifteen minutes to complete. Its specially designed remover also allows the acetone to penetrate the polish’s unique formula better and make the nail loosen faster. Therefore, it eliminates the need for scraping.

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Follow these steps to get rid of shellac manicure at home:

• Lightly file some polish off
• Place an acetone-soaked cotton pad on every nail
• Wrap the cotton pad around the nails using aluminum foil
• Wait for around ten minutes, and twist off the cotton pads and the pieces of aluminum foil
• Wipe each nail with the remover, and you’re set

Are Shellac and Gel Nails Safe?

UV light is relatively not safe for humans, but UV lamps are a must-have during the manicure process for hardening shellac nails. Fortunately, recent research indicates that UV lamps pose a minimal risk; therefore, you don’t have to cancel your salon trips. However, if you’re very concerned with the UV rays, you can consider using sunscreen before having your nails done. Using sunscreen can give you peace of mind during the treatment process.

Can they ruin your nails?

You won’t have damaged nails if you have a professional nail artist apply and remove your shellac or gel polishes. However, you may remove your nail’s top layer if you peel off the polishes at home. Damaging the nail’s top layer renders it brittle and weak.

Avoiding shellac nails when you have brittle nails is also recommended. Essentially, take some considerable time to remove them or have them removed at a professional nail salon.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-filing-nail-8481629/

Conclusion

Gel and shellac manicures have withstood the test of time as the most preferred long-lasting nail color. It would help to decide how frequently you will switch your nail designs to determine the correct option. If you plan to change your nails often, you should try out shellac nails. They are cute, simple to apply, and can last longer than regular nails. But if you’re looking for a specific shade that is not often available with shellac nails, it’s better to opt for gels and then have a specialist remove them when it’s time.

In addition, they can be easily removed at home using an acetone-based nail remover. However, the most effective removal technique is to visit a skilled nail specialist to remove these polishes without damaging your nails.