Shellac, gel, and acrylics are all popular choices for long-lasting manicures, but each offers different benefits. Knowing the difference between shellac gel and acrylic can help you make the perfect choice for your nails.
The difference between shellac gel and acrylic is their benefits. Acrylic is more durable and lasts longer, while gel is less damaging to nails and offers a wide variety of colors. However, shellac is the least damaging to your natural nails.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Shellac
3. What is Gel
4. What is Acrylic
4. Similarities – Shellac Gel and Acrylic
5. Shellac vs Gel vs Acrylic in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Shellac Gel and Acrylic
7. Summary – Shellac vs Gel vs Acrylic
What is Shellac?
Shellac is a blend of nail varnish and gel (also known as a ‘hybrid gel’). In fact, it’s a brand name patented by Creative Nail Design (CND) and is created according to a special formula owned by the company. Shellac is generally applied in a thin layer. Like gel manicures, it is cured under UV light and sets to a smooth, glossy finish. Shellac combines the best properties of gel and polish: hardness, durability, color, and shine. That’s why it’s quickly gaining popularity around the world.
Shellac is ideal for nails that are already in a good state. This finish can stay intact for around two weeks, but it doesn’t last as long as gel or acrylic finish. Shellac is also chip-resistant and is easy to remove. You can remove it at home with an acetone soak. There’s no need to file or scrape the polish away.
What is Gel?
Gel manicures offer a durable, long-lasting manicure with a variety of color choices. The gel manicure process can either maintain the current length of the natural nail or extend it using gel. There are two types of gels: hard gel and soft gel. Hard gel is thicker and stronger, applied with a brush to extend the natural nail’s length. It can only be removed by filing. Soft gel is applied like regular polish and is not used for nail extensions. Soft gel can be removed by soaking it in acetone to soften it, allowing it to be scraped off.
The application process for gel includes either maintaining the natural nail’s length or creating extensions using a nail form. A nail form is a sticker placed under the tip of the natural nail, and hard gel is applied on top to build the extension.
Gel sticks to the nail when cured, providing a thick and durable finish. It can also be used to enhance nails. Applying gel requires a step-by-step process that takes more time than regular polish. Gel does not strengthen nails and may damage them if picked off rather than properly removed.
Gel manicures dry quickly under LED or UV light, usually within 30-60 seconds per coat. Once cured, gel manicures can last up to four weeks. Gel polish comes in a wide range of colors, with over 300 options available.
Gel extensions cannot be applied to nails that have been bitten or clipped too short because the gel needs a base to adhere to. However, if you are just adding color and not extending the nails, any nail length is fine.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic manicures involve combining a liquid polymer and powder polymer to create a hard, durable coating on the nails. This process is mainly used to extend the length of the nails; acrylic is not applied unless the goal is to lengthen the nails. Acrylic manicures provide a tough and long-lasting option for adding length and strength to the nails.
Applying acrylic nails begins with prepping the natural nail by buffing off its layer of oil, which helps the acrylic adhere better. The acrylic mixture is applied over a plastic tip glued onto the natural nail, and the nails are filed with an electric file to create a seamless, even finish.
Acrylic is applied over the plastic tip to create a uniform length from cuticle to tip, adding strength and protection to the plastic tip. However, acrylic doesn’t strengthen the natural nail itself; instead, it forms a new barrier on top of the nail.
Acrylic dries quickly on its own after application, without needing a LED or UV light lamp. The product hardens naturally as it is exposed to air. Acrylic manicures can last a month or longer, making them a long-lasting option. Acrylic nails come in a range of colors, providing clients with many options.
If you are sensitive to harsh fumes, you may want to avoid acrylic manicures due to the strong odors they can produce. In such cases, gel nail enhancements may be a better alternative.
Similarities Between Shellac Gel and Acrylic
- Shellac, gel, and acrylics are all popular choices for long-lasting manicures.
- These methods generally require a professional application for the best results.
- They all offer a glossy, high-shine finish.
Difference Between Shellac Gel and Acrylic
Definition
- A shellac manicure combines gel and traditional polish, offering a high-shine finish that lasts up to two weeks.
- A gel manicure is a nail treatment that involves applying a gel-based polish and curing it under a UV or LED light.
- An acrylic manicure involves using a mixture of liquid and powder polymer to extend and strengthen the nails.
Nail Length and Enhancement
- Shellac is ideal for natural nails that already have some length. It doesn’t add length or strengthen the nails themselves.
- Gel can be used in two ways: for applying color only on your existing nails, or for adding length with extensions.
- Acrylic is mainly used to create a completely new nail shape and add significant length. It doesn’t directly strengthen your natural nails.
Durability
- A Shellac manicure can last up to 14 days.
- Gel manicures are more durable, lasting up to 4 weeks.
- Acrylic nails are the most durable, lasting a month or even longer.
Application Process
- The application process for Shellac is similar to applying regular nail polish. After applying the shellac, it needs to be cured under a UV or LED lamp to harden.
- Applying gel polish is a multi-step process. You’ll need a base coat, a colored coat, and a top coat, with each layer requiring curing under a UV/LED lamp.
- Applying acrylic nails requires more prep work than gel or shellac. The technician will buff your natural nails, apply a tip to the end, sculpt the acrylic to create the desired shape, file it down for smoothness, and finally, the acrylic air dries. However, no UV/LED lamp is needed to dry acrylics.
Removal
- Removing Shellac is relatively easy; you soak your nails in acetone to loosen the shellac, and then it can be removed.
- Gel removal involves soaking your nails in acetone to soften the gel, followed by scraping it off with a tool.
- Removing acrylic nails is difficult. A technician will typically file down the acrylic first, and then soak your nails in acetone for removal.
Other Considerations
- Shellac offers fewer color options compared to gel polish.
- If you have very short nails and want extensions, gel may not be the best option. Additionally, improper removal of gel polish can damage your nails.
- Acrylic nails have a strong odor and might not be ideal for clients with sensitive skin due to potential irritation.
The following table summarizes the difference between shellac gel and acrylic.
Summary – Shellac vs Gel vs Acrylic
Knowing the difference between shellac gel and acrylic can help you make the right choice for your nails. If you want a simple, long-lasting manicure on your natural nails with minimal chipping, shellac is a good choice. Gel polish offers versatility. You can choose gel for adding color only to your existing nails, or for adding length with extensions. If your goal is to strengthen your natural nails, opt for soft gel. Acrylic is the best option if you want dramatic nail designs or significant added length.
FAQ: Shellac Gel and Acrylic
1. What lasts longer, gel or shellac?
- Gel manicures last longer than shellac. Shellac usually lasts up to 2 weeks, whereas gel can last even up to 4 weeks. In addition, there is a very low chance of a Gel manicure chipping.
2. Which is better, acrylic or gel nails?
- Acrylics are perfect for dramatic designs and long-lasting wear, but removal is a hassle and they can have a strong odor. Gel offers a more natural look, is easier to remove, and may be less damaging, but doesn’t allow for extreme lengths like acrylics.
3. Is shellac better than acrylic or gel?
- If you have strong and natural nails that are already in good condition, then shellac is a good option for you. Shellac is also easier to remove than acrylic and gel. You can easily remove it with an acetone soak.
4. What is the difference between shellac and gel?
- Shellac is a thinner, faster application that removes things similar to regular polish. It offers fewer colors and doesn’t add length. Gel polish, on the other hand, is thicker, comes with a wider color range, and can be used for extensions, but removal is more difficult.
Reference:
1. “What are shellac nails? Things you need to know!” House of Nails.
2. “Guide to Gel Nails.” S&L Beauty Company.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Nail Manicure” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Person’s Hand With Pink Manicure” (CC0) via Pexels
3. “Red and White Manicure With Love Print” (CC0) via Pexels
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