Gel polish is different from shellac. Shellac nail polish: application steps. There are also some differences when covering the nail with shellac and gel polish.

19.07.2019

High-quality, bright, and most importantly harmless manicure, that's what any girl wants. The answer to this demand was gel polish and shellac, but what is the difference between them and what should clients choose? To decide, you need to know the composition and methods of applying and removing these coatings.

Women tend to look for beauty in small things, which is why they take such good care of their nails. Every third girl visits a manicure master, asks to create a small masterpiece on her hands, with which she will not be ashamed to go out into the street.

Unlike conventional varnish, gel polish and shellac stay on nails for at least two weeks, do not fade over time and do not wear off with proper care. In this article, we will try to answer the frequently asked question, what is the difference between gel polish and shellac.

Nail polish in the salon: is it worth it?

Salons have stocked up on a rainbow variety of colors and stencils, stocked up on professional ultraviolet (hereinafter referred to as UV) lamps, and are waiting for you with open arms. They offer gel polish or shellac nail polish as long-lasting and vibrant manicure options.

However, the experience of many girls shows that only three out of ten masters can make a quality manicure that will satisfy the client's craving for beauty, but at the same time will not leave negative consequences on the nails.

Types of coatings in the cabin

varnish
The simplest cover, lasts 1-2 days. Suitable for those who like to change their manicure often, but require constant attention and care for the nail plate.
Gel polish (shellac)
The coating requires additional materials, since it consists of several layers, it dries only with a UV lamp. It will suit those who prefer not to spend a lot of time, but want not to worry about the well-groomedness of their palms for a long time.
Gel (gel polish)
Strengthening coating that allows you to increase the nail and gives more space for decorating. Suitable for girls whose nails are not very strong or exfoliate.

Advantages

It may seem that the main advantage of specialists is the experience and quality of equipment. In fact, these indicators vary and are not mandatory.

A much greater advantage is the wide choice of colors and patterns that are almost impossible to replicate at home. In addition, if we talk about the convenience of creating a manicure, doing it neatly on your own is quite problematic.

Are there any contraindications?

Before deciding to visit the master, you should understand that any coating of the nail plate with varnish can harm your hands, cause irritation, and dry out the nail. Therefore, it is worth consulting in advance with a familiar dermatologist about which remedy should be preferred and what procedures to carry out before and after applying varnish.

General contraindications come down to a short list:

Thin and weak nails.
Sensitive or thin cuticle.
Diseases of the nail plate.
Allergic reaction to individual components of the gel or varnish.
Pregnancy.
Menstruation.
course of antibiotic treatment.

The last three points seem strange, but in fact they are connected with the fact that during such periods the body is strenuously struggling with all foreign substances, including nails and skin that can actively exfoliate. In this case, the coating will peel off along with the old nail plate.

All about gel polish

The difference between gel polish and shellac is primarily in the composition and application technology.

The composition of the substance

Film former.
Photoinitiator.
active diluents.
Pigment.
Additives and fillers.

The last point is responsible for the durability and gloss of the varnish, it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Application technology

Basic manicure
Cuticle removal, formation of a free edge, cleansing and degreasing of the nail plate.
Coating with acid-free primer
The substance is a layer between the varnish itself and the nail, it helps to fix the gel.
Application of gel polish
Fixing under UV radiation
Each layer, there can be from 2 to 5, must be well dried under ultraviolet light, otherwise polymerization will not begin in the gel and the varnish will not harden.
Degreasing
Remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth and a special degreasing solution.

How durable is gel polish?

On average, the minimum period for wearing gel polish is 2 weeks, the maximum threshold is not defined and depends only on the owner of the manicure. Some do not remove the gel until the growth of their nail.

However, for such a result, the first few days after the procedure, it is worth refraining from frequent contact of hands with water. It is also not recommended to visit saunas, jacuzzis, solariums.

In addition, it is worth remembering that removing the gel polish may require cutting off the coating. This procedure can harm the nails, especially if it is not performed by a professional.

Shellac Features

The difference between gel polish and shellac is not great, but you should not forget about it, especially if you decide to refuse the help of a master and do a manicure yourself. It is worth saying that shellac is a type of gel polish, and many often confuse them.

However, shellac is applied differently and has a slightly different composition. The first Shellak varnish was developed by the American company CND. Over time, other companies began to produce similar gel polishes, so the name became a household name.

The basis of shellac is a natural resin, processed from tree sap by some insects. The resin has the same name, and is a natural polymer. This is the main difference between gel polish and shellac.

Because of this substance, the manufacturers of the second refuse the primer that destroys the surface of the nail, and present their products as less harmful.

Coating composition

The composition of the coating may vary:

active diluents.
Pigment.
Additives and fillers.

How is shellac applied?

Basic manicure
Removing the cuticle, forming a free edge with a nail file, cleansing and degreasing the nail plate.
Shellac staining
Drawing, decoration.
Fixing under UV radiation
A UV lamp for gel polish and shellac is needed equally, because. the polymerization process of the coating is triggered only by UV radiation.
Degreasing
Remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth and a special degreasing solution.

In order to remove the manicure, a special aciton-containing gel polish and shellac remover is used. It is enough to attach the sponge soaked with it to the nail plate, wrap it with foil and leave for 10-15 minutes. Substances corrode the gel and varnish, so that they themselves come off the nail. Be careful, this method can also harm your hands, you should consult with experts about the harmlessness of this procedure for you in advance.

How often do you need to make a correction?

Correction for shellac is practically not needed, but for this you need to carefully degrease and prepare the nail plate before starting the procedure. You can make a correction 1-2 times, but not more, because the longer the nail is covered with varnish, the more it dries and the more difficult it will be to restore it.

However, if you are wondering what gel polish or shellac lasts longer, do not hesitate, the answer is gel polish, it is denser due to the artificial polymers that make up its composition.

Gel polish or shellac: what to choose?

Having studied the main features of the two coatings, we summarize and finally say how gel polish differs from shellac. If we simplify everything that has been said, we get that gel polish is more gel, and shellac is varnish.

Procedure Differences

gel polish

Minuses
fixed with a primer, requires filing when removing.
pros
strengthens nails during wear, does not wash off, retains shine and color even after a couple of weeks.

Minuses
less durable than gel polish.
pros
It is applied as a simple polish, removed with shellac remover and gel polish.

What is better?

The answer to this question will be only your own decisions and needs. If you are going on vacation and want to impress everyone with well-groomed hands, but are afraid to break or scratch your nails, feel free to choose gel polish.

If you often do yourself a manicure, because you constantly need to keep your nails in order, give preference to shellac, which will harm them less.

Don't forget to give your nails a rest. It is advisable to leave your fingers for two weeks without varnish for two to three weeks of wearing a manicure so that they recover.
Do not gnaw or file a coated manicure, this can break the structure of the gel, and it will begin to break down.
Do not remove the cuticle yourself without special well-sharpened tweezers.
If the nails become weak or begin to exfoliate - eat foods with vitamin B (chicken, herring, egg yolk, milk, etc.)
Two main rules of basic manicure: cut wet, saw dry.
Use firming creams or make special baths and compresses.

Baths for strengthening nails

Oily (strengthening)

0.5 cup apple cider vinegar

Heat the oil, add vinegar to it, mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Dip your fingertips so that the nails are immersed in the bath. Hold for 10 minutes.

Iodine-salt (against delamination)

1 glass of water.
3 tablespoons of salt.
1 teaspoon of 5% tincture of iodine.

Dissolve salt in hot water and add iodine, then mix thoroughly. Soak your fingers in a hot bath for 10-15 minutes.

With lemon juice (for whitening and transparency of the nail)

0.5 cup vegetable oil.
0.5 teaspoon lemon juice

Heat the oil in a water bath, add the juice. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes in the bath.

Remember, for the most part, the success and effectiveness of nail treatment with baths is the regularity of use. So do it 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.

Video: the difference between gel polish and shellac

Shellac and gel polish are common materials for creating a feminine and beautiful manicure. However, few people know - these coatings have important differences. We will talk about what gel polish is in the first video, and about shellac in the second.

No nail salon is complete without the use of gel polish and shellac. These tools allow you to achieve the perfect result. Nails look well-groomed, manicure lasts up to one month. It's practical.

Not many people know what is the difference between gel polish and shellac. Some specialists choose exclusively gel polish, others prefer to use shellac from CND. They became pioneers and gave us a tool called Shellak.

Finding out which tool is better, it is worth understanding what each of them is.

Characteristics of gel polish

This is the case when the name speaks for itself.

The gel in this product:

Easy to apply.
Levels the surface of the nail plate.
Gives a glossy effect.
Makes the color saturated.
Steadfastly keeps on the nails from two weeks to one month.

Lacquer is responsible for color and shade. Many varnishes contain gloss.

Thus, gel polish is a universal tool for high-quality manicure. Its important feature is hardness and resistance to chemical damage.

Important! Manicure using gel polish is subject to mandatory drying with a UV lamp. If this is not done, the gel polish will be less resistant to damage, its surface, under the influence of various factors, will lose its luster in a few days.

The main characteristics of shellac

CND has released an original product that has no analogues. In addition to shellac, the company is developing new technologies and produces a range of products for manicure. CND has become a global brand.

This tool has a more liquid structure than gel polish. It is also easy to apply, dry under a UV lamp. The composition is kept secret in order to maintain shellac's leadership position and avoid competition.

The only thing that is known for sure is that shellac contains more varnish than gel in its composition. There are other distinctive features in its composition. This can be judged by the consistency of shellac.

Common features

Both means:

Popular with professional salons all over the world.
Dry quickly.
Requires drying under a UV lamp.
Keep manicure and perfect condition up to one month.
Prevent brittle nails, make them hard.
They have two common components: gel and varnish.
Apply with a brush.
Look great on nails.

Differences:

Consistency. It is known that gel polish contains more gel than varnish. Shellac is the opposite.
Application. Shellac is applied to the nail surface without a primer, which provides a strong bond.
Drying speed. Shellac has the advantage of drying faster. Under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp, it dries faster than gel polish.
Duration of saving the result. Gel polish stays on nails a little longer. To make the manicure look good, it is updated every three weeks. This is the maximum time. After three weeks, the overgrown nail near the cuticle becomes visible. It looks untidy and ruins the whole look.
Fortitude. Shellac is resistant to damage. Well protects the manicure from the effects of chemicals.
Removal from nails. Shellac is removed faster and easier. You don't need to pre-sand your nails.
Color gamut. Gel polishes have a wider range of colors.
Unique copy. Shellac has released a line of products that change color depending on temperature.
Price range. Shellac is much more expensive than gel polish. But there is one nuance here. Some firms began to fake shellac from CND. Such a tool will be cheap and of lower quality.
To distinguish a fake CND product from a real one, you need to look at the bottom of the vial. CND release funds with a ribbed bottom. The batch number will also be listed there.
Possibility of adjustment. Gel polish can be reapplied if there is damage to the coating. Shellac is applied only once. If the manicure has deteriorated, it will have to be changed completely.

Compare gel polish and shellac

It's time to sum up and understand which of the means is better. Comparative data is in the table below.

Comparison table:

Criteria	Shellac	gel polish
Ease of use	Applied without primer.	Loses on this point. It requires first applying a binder to the cleaned nail plate.
Save duration	Loses.	Lasts longer.
Fortitude	More resistant to damage.	Loses to a competitor.
Removal	Removed easier.	Loses.
Price	The CND product loses.	It costs less.
Color selection	Loses.	Big choice.
Unique properties	The product line may change color as the temperature changes.	Loses.
Adjustment	No.	Unlike a competitor, it is possible to correct a manicure.

Both tools have strengths and weaknesses. The comparison table contains eight items. Both funds scored an equal number of points.

This means that everyone makes their own choice in favor of one or the other means. For some, durability and ease of application are important, CND products are more suitable for them. For others, price and color choice are much more important. This is where gel polish comes in.

Visual differences

Many people wonder if it is possible to distinguish gel polish from shellac in appearance. Experts believe that the differences are so insignificant that even professionals cannot figure it out.

Shellac has rich colors and shines more on the nails. This is what distinguishes it from its competitors. But there are some nuances here. If gel polish is applied carefully and tightly, it can have no less saturated color. It is almost impossible to distinguish these funds from each other visually.

Effect on the condition of the nails

Both products give a firming effect that lasts until the manicure is removed. Gel polish and shellac are made up of chemicals that make nails worse.

Important! If the nails are thin and weak, manicure with these means will only aggravate their condition. It is worth carrying out a series of strengthening procedures for the nails before doing a manicure.

Useful video

Benefits of gel polish

Let's talk about gel polish. It is known that this is a special tool that has the form of a plastic gel, it can be applied like an ordinary varnish in a thin layer, but it must be dried in an ultraviolet lamp.
Gel polish is designed for lovers of beautiful well-groomed nails with a bright sheen. As a rule, it lasts for two or three weeks, so you do not need to repaint them every day. The brilliant effect that gel polish gives cannot be compared with the reflections of varnish, and it is impossible to achieve such an effect using other means. The most important thing is that he pleases the girl throughout the entire time of wearing, and wags, as if he had just been made.

gel polish effect

In addition to beautiful nails, the coating can make the nails more elastic and strong. This effect will preserve the natural nail and prevent the breakage of regrown ones. You can remove the gel polish with a special machine or with a tool that is applied to the nails, after which they are wrapped in foil. The coatings on the nails are kept for quite a long time, but not for everyone, usually the wearing period is 2-3 weeks, it can last until the nails are completely grown. But this is not always beautiful, therefore it is better to do it after a certain period of time.
Despite the fact that gel polish appeared not so long ago, it quickly gained popularity and became one of the trends. Two and a half years ago, it was released by an American company, it was the first in the world and was originally called Sellac. This name is called gel polishes from different companies, some say that these are completely different concepts.

What is the difference between Sellak's gel polish from other companies?

If we consider this issue with all seriousness, you can find out that there are no analogues of the CND company yet and not everyone has the substances that it contains. Each coating company has its own composition, structure and consistency of the product. There are also certain rules of use that should not be neglected, but rather used for the best effect.

Shellac is the only brand of gel polish before application, which does not require the use of a so-called professional primer for bonding materials. Also, important differences include easy withdrawal, which is not available in all firms. For some customers, it is very important to quickly complete the work, relying on this, the gel polish of such a company has a huge advantage over other competitors. In addition, women will receive a guarantee for safe removal and will be satisfied with the result.

But each tool has its drawbacks. Compared to conventional gel polish systems, nails received more damage, they became very dry, more exfoliated and their condition worsened.

Long wear is ensured if:

Do not file the nail or cut it off.
In no case do not pick hard surfaces and the coating itself.
Do not peel off the coating using a knife, foot or other objects.
If you want to cover with some kind of varnish, then use only acetone to remove it.
After visiting the master, it is recommended to avoid prolonged contact with water. It is better to refuse visiting saunas, baths, swimming pools and taking a hot shower.

If you want your nails to be done with high quality, contact more experienced masters. They follow the correct removal and application technologies, so nothing can damage the nails. In no case do not visit self-taught and beginners, as many can tear off the gel along with the top layer of the nail, after this the nails can suffer greatly, along with this, some kind of disease can be introduced that is not so easy to cure.

Based on this information, you can make the right choice, which is yours. Many advise to give preference to a more natural composition. Therefore, you can consult a doctor about it. After that, you can safely visit the salon without hesitation and give your nails a beautiful and unique look. Don't forget to give your nails a rest sometimes. It should be at least a month or more, it all depends on how long you can do without the services of a master. Remember that no beauty deserves such sacrifices as a threat to one's own health.

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 eye of the client. Gel polishes of each manufacturer have a wide color palette, unlike varnish - they significantly increase the life of a manicure and, unlike gel, are more convenient to use.

Gel polish: miracle material

Gel polish is a kind of hybrid of gel and polish. This is a relatively recently developed plastic gel that dissolves easily with an appropriate agent. The method of application to the nails is the same as with ordinary varnish, which simplifies the creation of a variety of nail designs. That's just the gel polish is dried under a UV lamp and the life of such a manicure is from 2 weeks.

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

Thin and fragile nails covered with gel polish become more elastic and this material also prevents the nail from exfoliating and breaking, which is also its absolute plus.

And one more plus. The procedure for removing gel polish is greatly simplified. There is no need to cut off the gel polish (which again saves 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, to preserve heat and improve the effect, all this is covered with foil. The softening time of the gel polish depends on the manufacturer (from 10 to 20 minutes).

Cons of gel polish, according to experts, there are practically no. This tool has a softer formula than conventional varnish, which damages the nail plate less. During the shellac removal procedure, the nail may dry out a little, become more vulnerable to negative external factors (due to prolonged contact with acetone). Although this factor can be mitigated, there are special moisturizing oils and masks for nails.

Shellac and its difference

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.

For the first time, gel polish appeared on the arena about 3 years ago. One of the leading companies in this industry, CND or Creative, known by its other name, has announced an innovative new product called Shellak gel polish. The product was patented by the company and quickly gained its popularity, which is not surprising. Competitors did not stay 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 how many masters of gel polishes are called, regardless of the manufacturer.

The actual difference they have is that Shellak is on this moment 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 manicure comfort and safety.

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

There are also some differences when covering the 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 polish the nail plate.
This step is the same for all manufacturers. The nail plate is degreased with a special tool - a bonder.
At this stage, a base is applied, a base gel of a transparent color.
Directly the 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 well dried in a UV lamp. Drying time depends on manufacturers (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
The final step is to remove the sticky layer from the surface of the nail (this is done with a special tool or a nail polish remover without acetone) and apply a moisturizing oil to the cuticle.

The difference is not great, but there is a place to be

What is different, what is better, what is cheaper - aspects of the discussion can be very original, but the general meaning is the same. Gel polish and shellac - is there a difference? Understanding this issue is actually very easy!

What is gel polish?

The definition of gel polish fully reflects its essence and advantages. This is a coating that, in work and on hands, combines all the advantages of conventional nail polishes and gels. Due to its hybrid properties, the composition of the gel polish was quickly appreciated in the nail industry. Masters praise everything:

simple application on nails - like regular varnish;
a rich palette of shades and a large selection of possible designs;
coating durability - from two weeks to a month;
accuracy - the entire period of "socks" gel polish looks "like new" on the nails;
easy removal - without sawing and mechanical removal;
no harm to nails.

They are constantly being improved, all simplifying the procedure for working with this material, convenient for manicure.

What is shellac?

Shellac is one of the very first coatings, which combined the advantages of varnishes and gels. The innovative composition of the first hybrid material was developed by CND, giving it a name when filing a Shellac patent. Under this name, CND gel polish has become world famous and has become the basis of an ongoing dispute: gel polish and shellac - what's the difference?

And, it would seem, there is no difference, since both coatings are essentially the same. However, in salons and when implementing the ideas of nail designs, these concepts do not mix. Why?

Gel polish and shellac - what's the difference?

Disputes and fortune-telling on this topic have been going on for three years already - since the release of the Shellac line of coatings. Differences are already overgrown with myths. For example, there is a statement that Shellac is a gel polish, which contains an organic polymer of the same name. But it's not.

The differences between shellac and gel polish are simpler, although there is also a difference in composition:

Compound. Each gel polish - Shellac or a representative of another company - has a unique combination of components. Which, as a consequence, leads to a difference in the properties of the coatings. These nuances of quality can be expressed in durability, saturation of shades, ease of application, but nothing more. The main meaning of all gel polishes / shellacs is the same - it is a hybrid of a traditional manicure composition and a gel.
Price. Shellac is always more expensive. There are many reasons for this, but there are two main ones. The first is the best gel polish composition to date, and its characteristics can be confidently called ideal. The second - Shellac always comes with a full line of tools and compositions necessary for manicure - they are optimally matched to each other, which further enhances the status of shellac.
Wearing a coating on the nails. So far, of the entire line of gel polishes, only shellac demonstrates unique durability up to a month. The rest is only enough for a couple of weeks.
Color palette. It differs in depth and variety of shades and it is difficult to say which brand has it better.

Shellac and gel polish are two names for the same essence, so it's hard to say which is better and which is the right choice. Someone likes exclusive and durable quality, while another lady does not need a permanent manicure for a whole month. Requirements determine the choice, and it definitely exists in the nail industry today!