When it comes to nail polish, women generally refer to shellac and gel nail polish. They do not chip and look exceptionally chic. Which should you choose when it comes to shellac versus gel nails? Read on further to know some amazing things about these fascinating gels and shellac manicures.

shellac vs gel nails

What is Shellac Nail Polish?

Shellac is a brand of nail polish that’s mixture of nail polish and gel that is generally applied with two coats of color and a topcoat. Each coat is cured by placing the nails under a special UV light that is typically designed for this purpose.

What Is The Difference Between Shellac Nails And Gel Nails?

For semi-permanent manicure, gel nails and shellac nails are ladies' favorites.  They are used by nail artists for their long-lasting and low chip quality. Allow us to illustrate some differences between gel and shellac nails so that you stay informed while performing your next manicure.

The major difference between shellac vs. gel and nail polish is not very big, still, some Shellac nail manicures are semi-permanent polish and gel is a semi-permanent gel. 

How long do Shellac and Gel Manicures Last?

Shellac nails are much thinner than gel nails. Therefore, shellac nails wear out earlier in comparison to gel nails. Shellac nails last for about 2 weeks. 

Gel nails last up to a month. Avoid soaking your nails in tubs, stems and showers. Wear rubber gloves while washing up.

Are Shellac Nails Safe for your Nails?

There has been a lot of discussion on the implications of shellac and gel nails. People often are concerned about the usage of UV light to cure the polish. UV causes cancerous cells. Therefore, apply SPF before the manicure procedure. 

If you are thinking that Nails are not able to breathe due to heavy coatings on them, let us remind you that your nails are dead just like your hair. However, cuticles are alive and need utmost care. 

While you can remove gel and Shellac at home, you can also go to a nail salon and have them remove your color, typically for a $5-$10 fee. You can also follow some DIY with precision. Acetone based removers are typically designed for Shellac nails that help in removing them within 5 to 15 minutes by an expert. Peeling off gel nails damages your nail to some extent.

Shellac vs. Gel – Which is Better? 

Gel and shellac nail manicures have attained their shared status for long-lasting beautiful nail color. Selecting between gel vs. shellac arrives at precisely how often you change the design and color of your nails. If you prefer to keep changing your nail art, go for Shellac nails. If you do not change the nails frequently, choose gel nails. 

When it comes to the color range, the gel colors are strong with a range of vibrant and natural shades. Shellac colors lag much behind in this. The choice is limited here.

Shellac does not last as long as gel nail polish, however it lasts longer than regular polish. Most Shellac applications will last around 1-2 weeks while gel can last 2-3 weeks.

alternative to shellac and gel nails

A Great Alternative to Shellac and Gel Nails

If you’re looking for an alternative to Shellac or gel nail polish, you can try dip and acrylic nail powder for a longer lasting solution. Nail powder does not require a UV light to cure and lasts even longer than Shellac or gel nails. It’s frequently used in professional nail salons as luxury, high-end nail color.

Powder dip nails and acrylic nails aren’t new concepts. They form an essential part of the standard manicure. Dip employs a resin-based substance like super glue. Acrylics involve monomers to create a hardened nail polish that can be sculpted and shaped, almost like clay.

Are Dip and Acrylic Nails Safe

Your mind might be brimming with questions like "Is dip and acrylic nail safe for your nails?" Yes, they are absolutely safe. There is an array of color to choose from. These are very simple to use. 

You will be happy to know that dip nails do not require LED/UV light to secure them. The process is much easier and quicker to finish. They last for about a month when good care is taken at home. 

Where To Get Dip And Acrylic Nail Powder.

Dip and acrylic nail powder is not typically sold in stores. Most professional nail salons however do offer dip powder manicures for a pretty penny, ranging anywhere from $50 to $100 for a full set.

At home dip nails are much less expensive. You can buy them in 1 oz jars ranging from around $14 to $25 a jar. The great thing about doing your dip nails at home is that the nail color can be applied over and over again. The powder will last for 50+ full manicures. That’s a ton of money saved from getting them done at the salon.

If you’re looking for a dip and acrylic nail brand to try, think about using Fairy Glamor. We’re a high quality nail powder brand made for nail technicians and professionals. Our powders are two in one, so they can be used for both dip and acrylic nail application. Prices start at $13.95 a jar and we’re located in the United States for fast shipping.

We hope this post helped you learn more about the differences between Shellac and gel nail polish. What differences have you experienced between Shellac and gel? Which do you like better? Let us know in the comments!

 

April 15, 2021 — Fairy Glamor
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ABOUT FAIRY GLAMOR

Fairy Glamor designs unique 3-in-1 dip and acrylic nail powders in Galveston, Texas. We're a 100% family owned business that was founded in 2020 and went from making handmaking powders in our spare bedroom to shipping out of a big warehouse. We believe in both quality and affordability--that's why our powders are used by both professional nail technicians and in homes. Our unique colors are hand-designed to give you gorgeous manicures that'll make your nails feel magical.