Gel polish and shellac are the names of the same manicure procedures, but they differ in many characteristics: the cost of the procedure, the composition of materials, the duration of wearing the decorative coating, a variety of color shades, and the algorithm for applying the material.
It is important that gel polish and shellac are worn for an average of 2-3 weeks, thin the nail plate, and require careful care after application. The composition of gel polish is more harmful because it contains toxic components.
How do the means differ?
This can be understood by formulating a definition. Thus, a gel base is a product developed by combining it with a varnish component. And shellac is a hybrid of varnish and the first option. It turns out that in essence they are the same thing, it’s just that the second variety is produced by the CND company, which gave it the name “shellac”. However, products from other brands still have some differences. The main competitors are companies such as Kodi, Perfect Match and others.
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What is gel coating
It is important to note that both types are varnish layers containing a gel-like component in different volumes. It is this ingredient that provides ample opportunities for nail design:
- bright and rich shades;
- shine;
- strength and durability.
Varieties have a plastic, instant composition. They are applied in the same way as the classic one, but a special ultraviolet lamp is used to dry them. The advantage of the products is their longevity. Having had a manicure, a woman can admire it for up to 3 weeks.
What's the result?
Of course, every woman has the right to decide for herself which procedure to give preference to, which coating is suitable for her in a particular case. However, some general recommendations can still be given.
Shellac is good for healthy nails, if there are any problems, you will need to fix them first. Biogel is often used as one of the therapeutic procedures.
For the rest, you can proceed from the strengths and weaknesses of a particular coating. So, if you often have to deal with aggressive chemicals, then it is better to stick to shellac. But for a trip to the sea and on vacation, biogel would be a good choice, because it is flexible, elastic and resistant to deformation. The risk of damaging such coverage during vacation is minimized.
For many, an important issue is the price of such pleasure. In some cases, the size of desires is limited by the size of the wallet. To clarify the financial issue, you need to contact several salons and find out the prices for the services offered.
If there are no fundamentally important points when choosing, then you can try both options and decide which one is more comfortable with which coating. And in the future, give preference to already proven material, and not be tormented by the question of what is better.
Gel layering: a miracle product
The recently developed hybrid of gel and varnish is easily dissolved with a special liquid. It is applied as simply as a classic coating, but dries only under the influence of UV rays, which affects its durability - from 14 days. At the same time, the shade retains its freshness and shine throughout the entire wear period.
This is a real salvation for brittle nails. The layers have a strengthening effect and protect them from damage. Therefore, it will not be difficult for girls to grow long nails and maintain their health and integrity.
Removal is also not accompanied by difficulties. There is no need to use a nail file, which will damage the plate. It is enough to take a solution that softens the product. After this, you can remove the old manicure with an orange stick.
Properties of E904, chemical characteristics and production mechanism
The food additive shellac is structurally composed of compounds and esters of aromatic and fatty hydroxy acids - aleurethic, shellolic and others. The composition contains lactones, pigments and shellac wax. The main active ingredient (resin) makes up 60-80% of the E904 additive.
- Properties of E904, chemical characteristics and production mechanism
- How is the substance used in industry?
- Can shellac affect human health?
- Packaging and storage rules
The substance usually enters production in the form of flakes, only a few millimeters thick. Shellac does not dissolve at all in water, fats, acetone and ethers. It has good solubility in alkalis, aliphatic alcohols, average solubility in benzene, ethanol.
The melting point of the substance is 80 degrees Celsius. In addition to water resistance, it is also characterized by resistance to light exposure, as well as an electrical insulating effect.
The first mention of the use of this resin dates back to the 1st millennium BC. India and the countries of Southeast Asia are the habitat of insects called Laccifer lacca (lacquer bugs), which are similar to bedbugs.
These insects feed on tree resin and sap that comes from branches, bark and leaves of trees. Due to the digestive processes of scale insects, the substances they eat are converted into resin, which the insects eventually deposit on the branches and bark of trees. The resin or varnish dries to form a crust, which is collected for further processing.
First, the raw materials are dissolved with sodium carbonate - in this way, the future shellac is purified from various organic impurities (insect particles, leaves).
The resulting substance is bleached using sodium hypochlorite and then dried.
To get rid of wax in the additive, at the end it is reacted with a weak solution of sulfuric acid and the insoluble wax is filtered out. The result is bleached shellac, cleared of wax.
In addition to white, it can be orange or light brown. It is also possible to synthesize a colorless additive.
The technological purpose of the E904 additive is the formation of glazing coatings, preventing or reducing the intensity of foam formation, and preventing the sticking of glazed particles to each other.
Shellac: what is the difference from gel polish
In fact, these two means do not differ from each other. Many nail masters adhere to this exact opinion. And to a certain extent, they are right.
The product was developed about 3 years ago by CND. This was an innovation in the cosmetics industry that quickly gained popularity. The company patented its creation, but competitors did not want to stand aside and also began to produce their own lines. But since Shellac has already managed to win everyone’s love, most experts today call any varnish tube this way, regardless of the manufacturer.
The difference between gel polish and shellac can be understood by their composition, structure and texture. So, the last option does not require the application of a primer. It is also much easier to remove from the nail, which is a big plus for those who are overly concerned about the health and safety of their fingers, and also do not neglect the issue of comfort. But it also has disadvantages. When using it, severe drying of the nails was noticed, which leads to their separation. This was not observed with products of other brands.
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.
Similarity of means
Both varieties perfectly cover the nail plate, giving it rich color, shine and strength. The variety of the palette allows you to create any design and admire it for up to 3 weeks.
The products are also united by the presence of a gel base and varnish in the composition, but the ratio of the components is known only to the manufacturers. The application process is also no different: first the base is applied, and then the shade. A special UV lamp is required for fixation.
Shellac manicure ideas: photos
Today it is fashionable to paint your nails one color or apply a light design using gel polish. The trend is glitter, cobwebs, sequins, stickers, stripes, triangles and dots.
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What is the difference between CND shellac and gel from other brands?
The list is related to patent law and trade secrets. As a result, it turns out that products have different characteristics. Among them:
- Tube volume. Can be from 7 to 15 milliliters.
- Basic kit. The names included in the set along with the varnish also vary.
- Persistence. Basically, manicure lasts for 2 weeks for the “pioneer”, and for some competitors - up to 3.
- Coating and removal methods. Each company offers its own subtleties and nuances.
- Color spectrum. Its volume is also different. Shellac has about 60 shades, while Gelish has 90. Less well-known manufacturers offer a palette of 20-30 colors.
We also note that the contents of all positions do not contain harmful ingredients.
What is shellac?
Creative Nail Design, CND or as everyone is more familiar with “shellac” is a type of decorative nail coating that combines the properties of regular colored varnish and gel. Thanks to this combination, the result is a beautiful and, most importantly, durable manicure that lasts about 2 weeks on the nails. Shellac also has other advantages.
Shellac
- The ability to adjust the design without fear of rapid drying, since shellac hardens exclusively in a special UV or LED lamp.
- Significantly strengthens nails, smoothes them, and also gives them a glossy shine.
- Shellac is a fairly light coating that does not weigh down the nail plates and thus does not cause discomfort.
- It takes no more than 40 minutes to create a manicure.
- It does not streak or flow under the cuticle, which makes it possible for even an inexperienced person to use this coating.
- Suitable for creating not only manicures, but also pedicures.
Interesting: Marble manicure: beautiful options
Delicate design made with shellac
Important! The top of the latest nail trends was occupied by the design of manicure and pedicure, made in the same style and the same color palette.
Single-color coating will be in demand again in 2022
- It is a non-toxic coating that can be used by allergy sufferers and pregnant women.
- A very wide palette, which makes it possible to create a wide variety of designs.
- It looks impressive not only on long nails, but also on short ones.
Shellac on short nails
Important! The only significant drawback of CND coating is its considerable cost in relation to other decorative means.
Both shellac and gel polish are used by pedicurists
Shellac should be applied to a previously prepared and degreased plate using a brush, and then polymerized in a lamp for 30-60 seconds. At the end, everything is fixed with a finish.
Primer for shellac
Interesting! Nail art masters in their numerous reviews recommend that before applying a decorative coating in the form of shellac or gel polish, the plate must first be coated with a special primer or primer. These products increase the tenacity between the nail and the decorative product, thereby extending the “life” of the manicure for another 1-2 weeks.
Shellac on long nails
Differences
This includes technical indicators.
Compound
Each brand has an individual “zest”. But the main point is the ratio of the gel component and the varnish in the bottle. And to be more precise, their concentration. So, there is less gel in shellac than in other products. But its components include acetone, which greatly dries the nail surface with prolonged use of the coating.
On the other hand, alternative varnish names include other harmful substances: formaldehyde, toluene, etc. But we note that the positions of leading brands are absolutely harmless.
Application method
First, we put the nails in order: we file them, treat them if necessary. The process takes place in different ways. Using shellac does not require the application of a primer, and to remove old layers it is enough to use a special liquid.
For gel, a degreasing layer is necessary, otherwise the color will not stick to the surface. To remove it, it is better to contact an experienced nail specialist. The procedure carried out independently may damage the record.
Polymerization period
Drying time depends on several factors:
- number of layers;
- type of lamp: LED dries 2 times faster;
- the presence of decorative ornaments;
- percentage of gel component: shellac is fixed better.
As a result, it takes about half an hour to work with shellac, and much longer with other types.
Duration of wearing
The gel retains shine and freshness of color for 2 weeks. CND products have amazing durability - up to 3 or more. For example, some coatings last up to 28 days, demonstrating resistance to external influences, scratches and chips.
The criterion depends on several factors: proper application of products, contact with household chemicals and water. Also, overgrown nails look unpresentable, so the best option is about three weeks.
Withdrawal procedure
Shellac has a gentle layer removal procedure. It does not require filing or stripping of the design. The process is performed using a special solvent, covered with foil for 10 minutes to soften the coating. The CND set includes lint-free wipes and orange sticks that do not damage the surface.
Despite this, the gel still has a lot of fans. Nail experts assure that with the right approach and the use of high-quality tools, it is impossible to damage your nails.
Color palette
Gel products have a wide range, allowing you to create a design to suit every taste. But in shellac, brightness and saturation predominate, as well as innovative thermal positions that change shade at different air temperatures.
Price
Each individual brand sets its own price and, depending on this, it can be several times higher or lower. For example, the founder company has the most expensive line. The analogue from Gelish sets the same price tag, but the bottle is twice as large. And Kodi releases items that are 3 or even 4 times cheaper.
Correction
The advantage of gel polish is that the manicure can be adjusted. In this case, the design is preserved for several more weeks. Shellac cannot be restored. Therefore, after the end of its service life, the old layer is removed and a new one is applied.
Consistency
The “brainchild” of CND contains a larger amount of varnish component, which means it is as liquid as the classic product. It is applied to the nail quite thinly and is practically not felt. And the gel variety is thicker.
How often can the procedures be done?
The popularity of gel-based polishes lies in the fact that you can wear a manicure for 2-3 weeks, and the colors will shine the same way as when you first applied them. Then, on the grown nails, a bald spot appears in the area of the moon, and the need for correction arises.
Having tinted the gap with an additional layer of varnish, the girl can not worry about manicure for several more days. If shellac was used before, it will have to be completely removed and a fresh layer applied to the nails. Similar procedures can be repeated several times. But do not forget about such an aspect as the negative impact of the compositions on the nail plates.
Gel polishes are good protection for nails. They protect against contact with chemicals, protect against the influence of natural ultraviolet radiation and mechanical stress. But at the same time they become a barrier to oxygen access.
The nails themselves do not have the ability to “breathe”, but they absorb water and fats very well into the structure. With their particles, oxygen molecules penetrate into the cells. Nails coated with varnish are deprived of this opportunity.
Important! When using shellac, the hydrobalance in the plate is disrupted (acetone is too drying). The long-term effect on tissue of the chemicals contained in gel polishes is also harmful.
The nutrients contained in hand creams do not penetrate through the decorative layers. If you don't give your nails a break, they will gradually weaken and begin to peel and break even more.
Restorative procedures
Experts recommend taking breaks between procedures. After removing the coating, it is better to go without a manicure for several days, giving your nails a chance to breathe. This period is the best time for wellness sessions.
General principles of application and removal
Despite the fact that both varieties have some differences, this does not affect the manicure technique at all. First, remove the old layer with a solvent liquid. To do this, apply a disc moistened with the solution to each nail and wrap it in foil. After 10-15 minutes, the layering is removed with an orange stick.
It is imperative to put your fingers in order: trim the cuticle and use a nail file to create a shape. Degrease the surface and apply the base. Dry in a lamp for 2 minutes.
Apply the color with a brush, drying it each time. The total duration depends on the number of coatings and brand. So, gel polishes take a little longer. Finally, apply the top. And after drying, remove stickiness with a degreaser.
Recommendations for recovery
In order to continue to use your favorite varnishes, it is suggested that you take a nourishing and moisturizing course at home in between applications. After removing the nail polish, shorten the plate and follow these recommendations:
- rub nourishing oil (apricot, jojoba, olive, etc.) into the nails and cuticles in the mornings and evenings - this will eliminate dryness;
- on such days, instead of varnish, a special strengthening agent containing collagen, proteins, and vitamins is applied to the nails in 1-2 layers - this will protect the plate from delamination and fragility;
- Gelatin baths are good for health and strengthening; It is enough to do the procedure a couple of times a week to rid the tissues of free radicals;
- if there are no breaks between procedures for a long time, you should use iodine baths, adding 3-4 drops of the drug to a glass of salt water; the antiseptic is made from seaweed, which has nutritional and restorative properties;
- Iodine can also be added to olive oil and rubbed into the nails; Putting cotton gloves on your hands, leave the mask on until the morning.
When removing gel polish, the plate is sometimes injured. It can be easily treated with paraffin baths. In this case, you will need a course of 10 days. Only then can you think about a new manicure.
Are the funds beneficial?
The answer depends on personal feelings, so you can find it by trying both methods.
Useful qualities also include strengthening nails and protecting them from environmental influences. But you should not use products to treat the surface, since these are decorative products that do not have such effects.
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.
Cons of products
The main disadvantage is that the layers prevent the penetration of oxygen to the plate, since it is tightly closed. Therefore, in order to reduce harm, it is necessary to take breaks between successive procedures and give the nails a rest. It is important to use caring elements, such as cuticle oil. The negative effect of shellac is excessive drying. Its cause was the presence of acetone in the composition.
The gel base also has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, before applying it, it is necessary to remove the top layer of the plate, which causes it to become thinner. Secondly, it is more often exposed to temperature changes, which provokes the appearance of microcracks and chips.
So, we looked at what it is: gel polish or shellac and what is their difference. Despite the differences in some criteria, the coatings provide unsurpassed hand aesthetics: it is impossible to overestimate the beauty and well-groomed nature of manicured fingers.
About nail care
Well-groomed fingers speak volumes in favor of their owner. Designerly decorated plates are a statement of good taste. Some girls prefer to visit a beauty salon to have a beautiful manicure. Others learned how to decorate their nails in an original way on their own.
Modern nail art products provide a lot of opportunities for decorating the nail plate. Classic varnishes, which lasted on the hands for at most 2-3 days, were replaced by more durable compositions: acrylic, shellac, biogel, gel polish, which can remain on the fingers for 2-3 weeks.
New drugs have allowed those with short nails to breathe a sigh of relief. Now, with the help of extensions, they can lengthen the plate in a few minutes.
Modern manicure
