The grace of women's hands has always been one of the most important components of a woman's image. Of course, hand care is impossible without a manicure - treating the nails, trimming the cuticles and applying moisturizer, the final stage of which is decorating the nails with varnish, glitter, rhinestones or even a design. Manicure also includes nail extensions with acrylic or gel. When decorating their nails, women often wonder what is better to choose: gel or shellac?
Gel or shellac
Differences in coating composition
The basis of these products are gels and varnishes. The difference between some manicure products and others depends on their ratio.
The varnish is slightly more viscous in structure and often smells unpleasant.
The texture of shellac is characterized by greater softness. It contains many oligomers. They act on a coating that does not evaporate or dry out even if the manicure procedure is slightly delayed.
Shellac differs from gel and is hypoallergenic. This substance does not contain formaldehyde or other harmful components, so it has no age restrictions or contraindications. This manicure can be done even by pregnant women.
In gel polish and shellac, the difference is made by additional components. Each manufacturer may have their own.
User reviews
When discussing the advantages of a particular nail care material, the opinions of opponents in the debate on the topic “Which is better: shellac or gel polish?” They agree on one thing - it all depends on the manufacturer. This is due to the fact that more and more new manufacturers are appearing in the production of such products, who also use innovative technologies.
One of the main indicators of how shellac gel polishes differ from other gel polishes is the ease of their removal. Unlike many similar coatings, shellac does not need to be cut off or treated with various compounds, including those containing acetone. It soaks in about 10 minutes. After applying the usual artificial nail remover, it is then removed with a stick from a manicure set.
Preserving the naturalness of nails, acquiring the chosen shape and color, attracting the attention of others, is the result of using modern cosmetics when performing manicure and pedicure. This is evidenced by the opinion of an ever-increasing number of people who have tried these products. If not all, then every second of those who have used the innovative material leaves a most enthusiastic review of nail coating with shellac gel polish (shellac).
Differences in application and removal techniques
Before using the products, hygiene procedures are carried out: the nails are straightened, the shape is chosen, and the cuticle is removed. However, the significant difference between gel polish and shellac is visible already at the next stage. Before using conventional products, the nail is polished so that flaws and irregularities are not visible.
When applying shellac, more advanced and high-quality technology is used. Nails are treated only with cleansing liquid and not filed off. This makes the procedure safer, and the manicure does not lose its durability.
Shellac is applied in different ways. The three-phase type is used in several stages: first the base coat, then the color and finishing fixation. Two-phase shellac is less common. It combines color with a base or topcoat. The single-phase type combines everything in one bottle and is applied in 2 layers. The procedure takes up to 40 minutes. You can even do it during your lunch break.
Applying such varnish is possible at home, but it is accompanied by some difficulties. It requires practice and skill. The procedure will require a special lamp. Without it, the coating will not harden.
The difference between gel polish and shellac is visible in the removal technique. The procedures differ in their degree of safety. The top of the plate with gel polish applied is cut off using tools. At the same time, harmful small particles can settle on the lungs, so the master works in a mask. The remaining coating is removed with liquid, and then the nail is treated with restorative and nourishing agents.
Shellac is removed using a swab on which remover is applied. Use the product carefully so as not to get on the skin. Then the tip of each finger is wrapped for 15 minutes. The surface of the varnish then softens easily. It is removed with a stick.
Nail care tips
- Don't forget to give your nails a rest. It is advisable, after wearing a manicure for two to three weeks, to leave your fingers without polish for two weeks so that they can recover.
- Do not chew or file a coated manicure; this may disrupt the structure of the gel and it will begin to deteriorate.
- Do not remove the cuticle yourself without special, well-sharpened tweezers.
- If your nails become weak or begin to peel, eat foods with vitamin B (chicken meat, herring, egg yolk, milk, etc.)
- Two main rules of basic manicure: cut when wet, saw when dry.
- Use strengthening creams or make special baths and compresses.
Baths for strengthening nails
Oil (strengthening)
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil.
- 0.5 cups apple cider vinegar.
Heat the oil, add vinegar to it, mix thoroughly until smooth. Dip your fingertips so that the nails are immersed in the bath. Hold for 10 minutes.
Iodine-salt (anti-delamination)
- 1 glass of water.
- 3 tablespoons salt.
- 1 teaspoon 5% iodine tincture.
Dissolve salt in hot water and add iodine, then mix thoroughly. Immerse your fingers in the hot bath for 10-15 minutes.
With lemon juice (for whitening and transparency of the nail)
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil.
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice.
Heat the oil in a water bath, add juice. Soak your nails in the bath for 10-15 minutes.
Remember, most of the success and effectiveness of nail bath treatment is regularity of use. So perform the procedure at least once a week.
Take care of your nails and don’t forget, health is always more important than beauty. Whatever finish you choose, make sure it's safe and give your nails a few weeks of rest after getting rid of it.
Potential effects on nails
Gel polish differs from shellac in the degree of activity. It gradually thins the plate.
Shellac is less aggressive, so it better preserves the health of your nails. When it is applied or removed, no stripping or sanding is used. This is a safer method that will not make the plate excessively brittle in the future.
Duration of wearing
Gel polish lasts up to 3 weeks. It reacts more strongly to exposure to detergents or chemicals.
Shellac shows phenomenal durability. It stays firmly on the plate for more than 3 weeks, but only with proper care. For some, this varnish can retain its attractive appearance for up to 28 days. With a manicure, you can freely do any housework, go to the beach and swim. But if the nails are affected by fungus or low-quality materials were used, the coating will not last long.
Differences in price
Gel polishes are much cheaper compared to shellac. Depending on the manufacturer, you can buy them from 100 rubles. per bottle. At the same time, less varnish is spent on manicure if you only need to adjust the plates.
Shellac is recommended as a product that is more gentle on nails. Its price is on average 650 rubles. and higher. CND products are considered the most expensive. Bluesky and Kodi brand products can be purchased a little cheaper.
The products complement the necessary tools and compounds required for work. They fit together perfectly.
Experts claim that a standard 7.3 ml CND bottle is enough for 15 procedures. However, it is consumed a little more than regular varnish, since when adjusting, the old coating is completely removed.
The significant difference in cost between gel polish and shellac is primarily explained by the level of safety and degree of allergenicity.
You can also see very cheap products in stores, but most likely they are fake.
When searching for information, it is advisable to pay attention to the spelling of the word itself: shellac or shellac. The second option will be correct. Sites that even have an error in their name may contain other incorrect information.
Advantages and disadvantages of coating
So, gel or shellac: which is better to choose?
During application, varnishes do not smear on the surface of the nail, because they are characterized by rapid polymerization. They are easy to use. Gel polish differs from shellac and comes in a variety of colors. With its help, craftsmen create any design that is complemented with various effects.
Among the disadvantages is nail polishing. This harms their structure and gradually leads to fragility. Some substances used in such varnishes cause an allergic reaction.
The CND product line called Shellac consists of only 61 tones, but manicure products are distinguished by deeper, more saturated shades.
When hardened, they do not lose elasticity like acrylic and are evenly distributed over the plate. They do not require an acidic primer, which greatly dries out the surface. The product, on the contrary, strengthens brittle nails. The coating of this type of varnish is characterized by high resistance to mechanical damage. If necessary, shellac can be easily removed without disturbing the integrity of the nail itself.
Its main disadvantage is the high cost of both the varnish and the remover.
The CND Shellac set is everything you need for a home manicure!
We found out that shellac is a gel polish produced by CND Shellac. The products of this company have become widespread and are popular among both professional craftsmen and beginners.
To get started, just purchase a set of basic shades. There will also be a file, primer, base, top and shellac remover. After all, ordinary acetone cannot remove such a coating. You need to apply liquid to a cotton pad, attach it to the nail and wrap it in foil. You can also use special silicone clamps. Everything is removed after 5-10 minutes using an orange stick and buff.
What is better to choose: gel polish or shellac
It is almost impossible to visually determine from a photograph how gel polish differs from shellac. Only specialists can notice the difference.
The products perfectly level the surface of the plate. They make your hands look neat and well-groomed. For this reason, many cannot answer: is it better to use gel polish or shellac? Choices are often influenced by personal perception. After all, some women need long-term coverage, while others are ready to experiment and change their nail design. However, experts still recommend shellac as a more advanced product.
According to reviews, a shellac manicure takes less time, is applied and removed much easier than regular gel polish, and its high cost includes a guarantee of the safety and health of the nails.
So which is better?
Cosmetologists work more substantively, competently and skillfully to answer the question of how shellac differs from gel polish. They continue to improve their skills in practical work with these materials, conduct research, and generalize the results.
Without waiting for the results of these professional studies, based on personal impressions, the experience of friends and acquaintances, an increasing number of ladies try and use modern cosmetic products, preferring their use in nail care.
