Shellac and gel polish: differences. What is the difference between shellac and gel? What is better to choose: gel or shellac

Gel polish and shellac are gaining more and more popularity among the fair sex. How one type of manicure differs from another, and why many people think that they are the same thing, is worth understanding. Gel polish is a very convenient type of manicure. It is safe for nails, does not contain harmful impurities, and lasts a long time.

Shellac is a kind of hybrid of varnish and gel polish. “Shellac” is the name of the product of the American company CND. This brand has other types of coatings. Shellac is a universal coating. It is applied without much difficulty; it must be dried in an ultraviolet lamp. It can stay on nails for up to three weeks, helps strengthen the plates, while allowing them to remain elastic. Gel polish and shellac are essentially the same thing. But for some reason many people mistake them for different types of coatings. The only difference between them is that shellac is a more gentle type of coating for nails; it is more expensive. These two coatings are the same thing. The difference between them is only in the application technique, quality and pricing policy.

Which is better – shellac or gel polish?

Reviews say that shellac still differs in quality from gel polish. This manicure is more gentle on the nail plates, since after performing hygienic procedures (trimming the nail, cuticle), there is no need to polish the nail with a nail file. Shellac is applied immediately after the manicure is done. Another feature of this type of coating is that when applying it to the nails, only a degreasing agent is used. The base component is optional.

Shellac can be removed much faster than gel polish, and there is no need to file off the top layer of the nail. For other types of varnish, this condition is mandatory. But in terms of their properties, application features, and type of coating, shellac and gel polish or acrylic are one and the same. This coating does not spoil the nails, lasts a long time, and can be removed without problems. Shellac is better because before applying it to the nail plate, the latter does not need to be pre-cleaned or sanded with a nail file. Therefore, this coating is slightly safer than other types of gel polish.

How to apply gel polish

Before applying any varnish, hygiene procedures are carried out - the nails are given the same length and the optimal shape is selected (video). Then the cuticle is trimmed and the hands are massaged using moisturizing oil or cream. Only after this do they proceed directly to the technique of performing a manicure using gel polish.

Before applying the base, it is necessary to sand the nail plate, otherwise, after applying the gel polish, all the flaws and unevenness of the nail will become visible. After this, the nail should be degreased with a special alcohol-based product. Then the base coat is applied and dried under an ultraviolet lamp for about 20 minutes. After this, the varnish is applied in two layers. Each of them must be dried. After this, a fixative is applied.

This is a standard type of manicure using this coating. But the techniques don't end there. Using this type of varnish, you can create various patterns, designs on nails, classic or inverted French, add other colors, combining each other and adding individuality to the image.

This coating is universal for different shapes and any length of nails. In addition, you can apply it yourself at home, having mastered the basics of the technique a little. This material is similar to shellac in its qualities. They equally contribute to strengthening the nails. In addition, with this manicure you can safely do your homework without fear that the polish will peel off.

How to apply shellac

Shellac is the same as gel, but the nail plate does not need to be cleaned before applying it, and this method is safer. It is just as durable as the previous type of material, but it is of higher quality.

Its application is slightly different from the method described above. A standard manicure is also carried out, nails are straightened and shaped. The cuticle is trimmed. Then proceed directly to the manicure, with the exception of polishing the nail surface. Using this type of material, you can make various decorations on your nails, decorate them with rhinestones, sparkles or patterns.

There is no need to be afraid that such procedures can ruin your nails. But if the plates are excessively brittle or laminated, such manipulations should be treated with caution. This is due to the fact that degreasing is carried out before painting and before removal, and this dries the nails even more. Sometimes such materials can cause individual intolerance. Shellac is a popular brand of gel polish, so they are one and the same. It's just a little improved, its quality is better. But all other properties are identical.

Currently, manicure materials such as gel polish and shellac are very popular in the nail industry. They really simplify the task for the master and in the end the result pleases the client’s eye. Gel polishes from each manufacturer have a wide color palette, unlike varnish - they significantly increase the life of the manicure and, unlike gel, they are more convenient to use.

Gel polish: a miracle material

Gel polish is a kind of hybrid of gel and varnish. This is a relatively recently developed plastic gel that is easily dissolved by an appropriate product. The method of application on nails is the same as with regular polish, which simplifies the creation of a variety of nail designs. The only thing is that the gel polish dries under a UV lamp and the lifespan of such a manicure is from 2 weeks.

Another very significant property of gel polish is its shine. For at least 2 weeks, the nails retain their color and shine, as if the coating had been applied recently.

Thin and fragile nails coated with gel polish become more elastic and this material also prevents the nail from peeling and breaking, which is also an absolute advantage.

And one more plus. The procedure for removing gel polish has been greatly simplified. There is no need to file off the gel polish (which again preserves the nail plate from mechanical damage). This material is removed very simply: a cotton ball with a special agent is applied to the nail plate, and the whole thing is covered with foil to retain heat and improve the effect. The softening time of gel polish depends on the manufacturer (from 10 to 20 minutes).

According to experts, there are practically no downsides to gel polish. This product has a softer formula than regular polish, which is less damaging to the nail plate. During the shellac removal procedure, the nail may dry out a little and become more vulnerable to negative external factors (due to prolonged contact with acetone). Although this factor can be mitigated, because there are special moisturizing oils and masks for nails.

Shellac and its differences

In fact, shellac and gel polish are the same thing. Many experts claim this. To some extent we can agree with them. But small differences exist.

Gel polish first appeared on the scene about 3 years ago. One of the leading companies in this industry, CND or otherwise known as Creative, has announced an innovative new product called Shellak gel polish. The product was patented by the company and quickly gained popularity, which is not surprising. Competitors were not left far behind and soon developed their own lines of gel polishes. Despite this, the name Shellak has managed to gain popularity and now this is what many gel polishers call it, regardless of the manufacturer.

The actual difference between them is that Shellak currently remains unique in its chemical composition, structure and texture. Shellak is a gel polish that does not require the use of a primer (a liquid that provides better adhesion between the nail and the coating). Secondly, CND gel polishes are much easier to remove from the nail, which is a very important factor for people who are especially attentive to the issue of comfort and safety of manicure.

However, shellak also has its drawbacks. When using it, more drying of the nail was noticed than when using gel polishes from other manufacturers, and separation of the nail plate was more often observed.

There are also some differences when covering a nail with shellac and gel polish:

Here the procedure is standard: nail preparation (cuticle treatment, shape correction, treatment with an antibacterial agent)
In the case of shellac, this procedure is sufficient; in the case of gel polish, it is also necessary to sand the nail plate.
This stage is the same for all manufacturers. The nail plate is degreased with a special agent - bonder.
At this stage, the base, a base gel of a transparent color, is applied.
The immediate stage of applying gel polish or shellac.
Consolidation. After applying and drying 1-2 layers of shellac or gel polish, a fixing gel is applied, which covers the entire plate and seals the edges.
Very important: each applied layer is dried well in a UV lamp. Drying time depends on manufacturers (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
The final stage is removing the sticky layer from the surface of the nail (this is done with a special product or nail polish remover without acetone) and applying moisturizing oil to the cuticle.

The difference is not great, but it does exist

For any woman, thick, lush hair and beautiful, delicate hands are equally important. Femininity, charm, and sexuality largely depend on their condition. The beauty of hands is especially emphasized by well-groomed nails. Maintaining their attractiveness has always required costs, effort, and time. Just removing the damaged nails and applying a new coating every day (or two) was worth it. However, the times when a woman had to make such sacrifices are becoming a thing of the past thanks to the emergence of new cosmetics.

Innovations in nail care

Several years ago, innovative types of nail coatings triumphantly entered the cosmetics market. They are new hybrid substances, which are a combination of gel and varnish in one product. Many salon visitors, who have already tried their benefits on their nails, do not attach importance to what is better - shellac or gel polish. They choose the products that the master recommends.

Most often, nail polish is traditionally used at the final stage of manicure and pedicure. However, its use is increasingly being replaced by more modern cosmetic products every day. The development of new technologies could not ignore the care of the fair half of humanity, and wonderful materials were created.

Innovative materials in nail cosmetics

One of the main advantages of new materials and technologies is a significant increase in the durability of nail coatings, compared to conventional varnishes. This property is equally inherent in new products for manicure and pedicure, so it is difficult to say which is better: shellac or gel polish.

A very important quality is the ability to give the nails additional rigidity and hardness. A special feature of the use of gel polish and shellac is their positive effect on imperfections. They give flexibility and plasticity to brittle nails, strength to flexible nails, and integrity to peeling nails.

When choosing which is better - gel polish or shellac, or artificial modeling with gels, you should know both the positive and negative sides of each of these types of care.

Features of coatings using modern materials

The technology for applying modern coatings is simple, but has its own strictly defined sequence.

1. After performing antiseptic and antibacterial treatment, giving the nail plate a beautiful shape, sharpening its edge, a base coat is applied with a thin layer. It is fixed with ultraviolet light from a special lamp for 8-10 minutes. This procedure does not require mechanical treatment that injures the nail, which is provided for by extension technology or acrylic compounds.

2. Applying shellac directly to the prepared nail surface is done with familiar and traditional brushes from a bottle, and not with special spatulas from jars. The coating is leveled independently, formed with a special pencil, then fixed within 2-3 minutes with the help of light. During the procedure, regardless of whether gel polish or shellac is used, there are no persistent unpleasant odors that instantly fill the room when working with traditional nail polishes.

3. The final part of the procedure for covering nails with modern means is the application of a third, fixing layer using ultraviolet light.

Thus, the time required to complete the entire process takes no more than 30-40 minutes. These time costs to bring your nails to a beautiful, attractive, healthy and natural state are significantly less than those required to perform a complex acrylic extension procedure.

Advantages of modern materials

1. Shellac does not contain chemicals harmful to the epithelium.

2. The third layer applied contains oils that have a beneficial effect on the cuticle, and the massage performed at the end of the procedure relaxes and rejuvenates the skin of the hands.

3. The quality of materials and the technology of their use eliminate the threat of damaging the coating immediately after completion of application by accidentally touching a foreign object.

4. No discomfort when applying modern cosmetic nail care products.

5. The service life of the coatings in question ranges from two weeks on the hands to one and a half months on the feet. Comparing this indicator also does not allow us to confidently answer the question of which is better: gel polish or shellac.

6. To remove shellac and gel polish, it is not necessary to file away the layer being replaced. The application of special liquids followed by removal of the used coating makes the procedure easy, painless, does not injure the nail plate, and does not leave any unpleasant sensations.

7. The use of modern materials does not require interruptions.

8. Wide color palette - more than twenty colors and their shades for any, even the most demanding taste.

Disadvantages of gel polish

1. Inconvenience of using products at home. It is not yet entirely clear which is better - shellac or gel polish, which is more convenient and practical for painting nails at home. This is explained by the fact that to carry out both procedures it is necessary to purchase raw materials and special equipment, which are far from budgetary. Not everyone can yet afford to have such tools at home, primarily due to economic inexpediency.

2. Shellac is not universal, suitable for absolutely all types of nails. First of all, this limitation applies to those hands that work with water daily for a long time without using protective equipment.

To create a long-lasting and beautiful manicure, nail technicians in the salon offer to apply gel polish, shellac or biogel. The difference between them is not well known to everyone, and there are women who confuse these materials.

They have significant differences from each other, and in order to get the manicure that is right for you, you need to clearly know what they are. What is gel polish and shellac? The difference between these products becomes noticeable after their use. Since there are differences in the application and removal of the material. Of course, shellacs do not have such a rich palette of colors as the assortment of gel polish manufacturers, but this factor is not always decisive.

Differences between shellac and gel polish, what to choose?

Gel polishes are often called shellacs; there is a kind of confusion between the concepts. But Shellac is not a gel polish - it is a material with a special composition and properties. The difference becomes obvious during the process of applying and removing the coating in a salon or at home. Using regular gel polish requires polishing the nail. Over time, this leads to a thinning of its surface. To remove gel polish, you need to destroy its top layer.

In preparation for applying shellac, created by the American company CND, the nail plate is only degreased, its surface cannot be machined.

The coating is removed using special gel polish removers. In most cases, using shellac provides certain advantages over gel polishes. It dries quickly, and after polymerization, the manicure looks great for 2-3 weeks, as if you just left the salon. Shellac can be removed quite easily if you use special tools and do it correctly.

What is the difference between gel polish and nail polish?

Although these two materials are sold in almost identical bottles with a brush, there is a big difference between them. Regular nail polish is short-lived; this coating may lose its aesthetic appearance within a few days after application. It air dries and can be easily removed with nail polish remover.

Gel polish is polymerized in the light of an ultraviolet lamp. It is much more durable and can last up to 3 weeks. But still, the cost of the product is higher, and the color palette is inferior to ordinary varnish. But its performance characteristics are unrivaled and it is becoming more and more popular every day.

What is the difference between gel polish and biogel?

The use of Bio Sculpture Gel and shellac have different purposes. Biogel is used to build up the nail plate, while simultaneously strengthening and improving it. It is a remedy that can accelerate the growth of nails and strengthen them. All components of the biogel are safe and can be used many times.

Bio-gel is applied to create a durable and high-quality manicure. It is able to protect the nail plate from mechanical injuries and the nails become stronger as long as there is a coating on them. After removing the shellac, this effect disappears. Be sure to take a break after applying shellac several times in a row.

Differences between gel polish and UV gel?

The coating created using UV gel is characterized by a long wear time (more than 2 weeks), ease of application and rapid polymerization in a special lamp. Its removal occurs, unlike gel polish, without filing, which is one of its main advantages.

UV gels come in three groups:

Basic, performing the clutch function.
Modeling agents used to change the shape and length of the nail plate.
Finishing agents that add tightness and shine to the manicure.

Manufacturers offer different systems for extensions using UV gel. They are three-phase, two-phase and single-phase and differ in the number of agents used. Gel polish and gel paint are very similar materials and can replace each other if necessary. But there are still certain differences between them.

Gel paint, for example from BlueSky, is a denser and more pigmented material that is used more often to create beauty on nails in the form of magnificent designs. It fits perfectly on the surface, does not spread and allows you to create the finest patterns. It is also worth taking a closer look at gel polish and shellac coatings. The difference between them, although small, is important when choosing.

Gel polish and shellac, what is the difference between them, which coating is better and lasts longer

In order not to make a mistake with the chosen material for manicure, you should know what gel polish and shellac are, what is the difference between them. Shellac is a gel polish produced by CND and it has no analogues. Therefore, when purchasing gel polish from another manufacturer, carefully study the instructions for use and its properties, since products from different companies may have differences, in particular in the time required for polymerization.

Using gel polish for manicure is both beneficial and harmful to your nails. Gel polish protects the nail plate from mechanical stress, and the nail under it does not peel off or break. If the coating is worn for no longer than the period recommended by the manufacturer, then it does not cause harm, and the nail that grows under it has a flat and smooth surface.

But since gel polish completely blocks the access of air to it, you must take a short break before applying a new coating. Another important point is the process of removing it, which should be trusted only by a trusted professional, in order to avoid damage to the nail plate. Shellac combines the properties of gel and varnish. Before coating the nail, you do not need to apply primer, file or sand the nail plate, as when using gel polish. Therefore, before painting with shellac, special attention should be paid to degreasing the nail.

To remove Shellac coating from nails, CND Corporation has developed two products that significantly simplify this process and make it as safe as possible. Product Remover is able to dissolve the structure of applied shellac; it acts quickly and gently, while moisturizing the nail plate.

Shellac remover Wraps are cotton wraps that help remove shellac safely and easily. They have a sticky base and are securely attached to your fingers. Inside each winding there is a sponge that needs to be moistened with a solution that dissolves the coating. Their use prevents the gel polish remover from coming into contact with the skin. The kit includes an orange stick that will help remove shellac residue. After removing the coating, the nail remains clean and smooth, so you can immediately begin applying a new manicure.

Let's look at how to properly remove shellac using these products:

Hands should be washed with soap and dried with a towel.
Each winding sponge is impregnated with a special agent, and it is attached to the finger.
The wraps are left on the fingers for 10 minutes.
After the allotted time has passed, their surface is gently massaged in the area of the sponges, and the wraps are removed from the surface of the nails.
If the coating is not completely removed, the procedure is repeated again, only the windings soaked in the product are left for only a few minutes.
Small remnants of shellac, if necessary, are removed using an orange stick, as well as cotton wool moistened with the product or pure acetone.

Special means for removing shellac are not always available, for one reason or another. In this case, you can use technical solvents such as acetone and isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to take precautions, as contact with skin can cause irritation and allergies. To replace the windings, you can use cotton wool and foil.

The choice of material for creating a manicure is an important point that determines whether you will be satisfied with the result. Increasingly, women prefer gel polishes and shellac, as these coatings stay on the nails for several weeks and do not lose their appearance. Of course, it all depends on what effect you want to achieve when applying your manicure.

And you need to know what gel polish and shellac are, what the difference is between them, so that the choice is made consciously. The current favorites in terms of durability and performance characteristics are gel polishes and shellac coating. After applying them, you can forget about visiting the salon for 2-3 weeks and delight yourself and others with an excellent manicure.

The difference between gel polish and shellac: differences between CND products and other brands

The difference between gel polish and shellac is not obvious to everyone, although these two materials differ from each other. There are significant differences in the composition of these materials, application and removal technologies. Therefore, before purchasing, carefully study their properties in order to purchase exactly what you need.

The American company CND made a real discovery by giving the world Shellac gel polishes, which to this day have no real analogues. In terms of their quality and properties, they remain unrivaled for several years. Gel polishes from other manufacturers have differences in application, material consistency, composition and ease of removal.

Let's take a closer look at these points to understand what makes Shellac special:

To cover nails with shellac, you do not need to apply a primer, which creates adhesion between it and the natural nail.
Removing shellac requires less effort, which makes the process safer for your nails.

Using shellac in manicure is also not without its disadvantages. Compared to gel polishes, it dries out the nail more. Some clients notice separation of the nail plate after removing the coating. When choosing a nail coating, the client should understand the difference between gel polish and shellac. So that later he does not have additional questions for the nail service technician.

The difference in price between different manicure materials can be very significant. It depends on many factors, its composition, manufacturer and seller’s markup. It is not always that what is more expensive is significantly superior in quality. Each master chooses a golden mean for himself, based on his experience and the needs of his clients. There are currently a huge number of materials from different manufacturers on the market.

It’s not so easy to immediately find your own, which will be ideal in all respects. Before purchasing, study reviews on the Internet to understand the difference between gel polish and shellac from a practical point of view. After all, many masters and clients share their experience of using these products. The experience of other people can help you make your choice, saving you money and time.

Beautiful well-groomed nails and a neat manicure are an indispensable element of a stylish image of a girl or woman. Modern technologies and cosmetics can make the work of fashionistas much easier. If regular nail polish lasts two to three days, and then only with careful handling, then materials such as gel polish or shellac provide the hands with an attractive appearance for several weeks until the nails grow naturally.

Today, manicure is not just nail care, it is a real art. Cysts, various varnishes, glitter, sticks and other devices - with their help you can create entire pictures on the nail plates. And thanks to such products as shellac and gel polish, the beauty on your nails lasts for two, three, or even four weeks. Manicurists and girls who are interested in nail art know the fundamental differences. What is the difference between shellac and gel polish?

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac

Shellac or Shellac is a modern cosmetic product produced by CND. It is used to perform a stylish manicure, combining the qualities of varnish and gel. This product is characterized by a number of advantages compared to other materials used for nail art:

For two weeks it retains its durability and original aesthetic qualities, does not fade, does not change shade, does not dissolve under the influence of water and other liquids, and can only be removed with a special solution.
Shellac contains components that protect the nail plate from negative external factors. Nails under the coating grow faster.
There is no discomfort during application, since shellac does not have a strong odor, unlike cheap varnish.
High-quality ingredients are used in production; the product does not contain allergens or other harmful components, so it does not harm the nails.
Even pregnant women can get a manicure using shellac; the product has virtually no contraindications (exceptions: diseases of the nail plate).

The main disadvantage of this material is its high cost. For the basic set you will have to pay about 6,000 rubles, each new bottle will cost another 600-700 rubles. Due to the fact that nails grow quickly, corrections have to be made frequently to make the manicure look neat and aesthetically pleasing. You can’t wear shellac all the time; the nail plate becomes soft, the nails can peel, and in difficult cases, fungus develops.

Pros and cons of gel polish

Gel polish is another popular cosmetic product that is widely used to create a high-quality manicure. The coating is smooth and even, shines beautifully, resulting in the effect of extended nails. Advantages of gel polish:

easy to apply, lays perfectly flat if you follow the technology;
gel polish is characterized by excellent durability, stays on nails for up to three weeks;
the product does not have a sharp, unpleasant odor;
does not peel off;
can be used for regular or French manicure, as well as for making spectacular designs and patterns;
applied not only to natural, but also to extended nails;
it contains components that nourish and strengthen the nail plate;
to remove the coating, you don’t need to file your nails too much, because there are special solutions for this;
The color palette includes more than 200 shades.

Gel polish can be used at home, but you will have to buy a lamp and remover. It lasts a long time on nails and retains its aesthetic qualities. Experts do not recommend using it for women and girls whose nail plates grow very quickly. Despite the excellent durability, defects appear after a week, so the manicure does not look very neat and tidy. To work with gel polish, you need to purchase a whole set: colored varnishes, a degreaser, and a product for removing stickiness from nails. Girls write in their reviews that gel polish lasts well for three weeks or longer, but shellac, for example, only lasts two.

Features of using shellac

By following the rules for applying shellac, you can create a high-quality, beautiful manicure. You should first prepare the nail plate: soften and push back the cuticle, sand the nails with a file to level the surface and provide better grip. To keep the shellac well, it is recommended to treat the plates with a degreaser. Next, a base is applied, which is fixed in a UV lamp, then the main color layer, if necessary, a pattern or a second layer, and a finishing coat. After each of them, the nails are dried. The final action is to remove stickiness.

After completing the manicure, the masters use essential oils and special cosmetics to treat the cuticle. This allows you to slow down its growth and soften it. A beautiful, neat manicure will be preserved much better.

Gel polish application technology

If you plan to use gel polish to perform a manicure at home, you will first need to spend a tidy sum on purchasing the necessary equipment. Of course, if we consider such an investment in the long term, it turns out to be very profitable, because a high-quality manicure in a beauty salon is not cheap. So, in the process of work you will need:

UV lamp;
cotton swabs;
gel polishes of different shades (to begin with, you can limit yourself to one or two, since the cost of the bottle is quite high);
base coat and fixer (2 in 1 options are available);
nail plate degreaser;
sticky layer remover;
solution for removing gel polish from nails.

To make patterns on your nails you will need special paints, brushes and sticks. In the future, you can gradually expand the color palette by purchasing new shades. Glitter looks stylish and fashionable on nails. Craftsmen use stamps with which they can create original ornaments quickly and without extra effort.

Gel polishes of other brands differ from shellac in properties and price, but the technology is almost identical. First, a trim manicure is performed, during which you need to remove the cuticle and give your nails a beautiful shape. Then the surface of the nail plate is polished. After this, you can start applying the coating: base, colored gel polish (2-3 layers), fixer. The final stage is removing stickiness. To do this, you can use a special solution or medical alcohol.

Which lasts longer and lasts better?

There are several parameters in which gel polish differs from shellac. What they have in common is that with such a coating you can create a spectacular manicure that lasts well and looks beautiful. Their properties are much better than traditional varnishes, and the price, accordingly, is also much higher. Shellac and gel polish have the same application technology; drying is carried out using an ultraviolet lamp.

Shellac gel polish contains a higher percentage of varnish, so it is applied to nails very easily and lays down in an even layer. Bubbles may form during operation.
The durability of shellac is better; it does not crack, peel, or be damaged by household chemicals. But if your nails are covered with gel polish, you need to handle them carefully, especially on the first day after the manicure.
If shellac is used, you do not need to apply a primer to your nails, as is the case with gel polishes, but just a base.
There is also a difference in how to remove the coating. Although gel polish lasts longer, you should slightly file the nail plate when removing it. Shellac is removed using a special solution, a cotton swab and foil.
Gel polish, unlike shellac, does not dry out the nail, but, on the contrary, nourishes and strengthens it.

When considering the difference between gel polish and shellac, one cannot help but take into account the price category. Shellac products are much more expensive than other manufacturers.

To choose the best product for doing manicure at home, consider not only the properties and price of these two popular products, but also reviews from specialists and girls who often use one or the other option. Both gel polish and shellac, despite the differences between them, have their advantages and disadvantages, but help create a fashionable manicure that will last much longer than usual.