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

Gel polish: a miracle material

Gel polish is a kind of hybrid of gel and varnish. This is a relatively recently developed plastic gel that is easily dissolved by an appropriate product. The method of application on nails is the same as with regular polish, which simplifies the creation of a variety of nail designs. The only thing is that the gel polish dries under a UV lamp and the lifespan of such a manicure is from 2 weeks.

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

Thin and fragile nails coated with gel polish become more elastic and this material also prevents the nail from peeling and breaking, which is also an absolute advantage.

And one more plus. The procedure for removing gel polish has been greatly simplified. There is no need to file off the gel polish (which again preserves 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, and the whole thing is covered with foil to retain heat and improve the effect. The softening time of gel polish depends on the manufacturer (from 10 to 20 minutes).

According to experts, there are practically no downsides to gel polish. This product has a softer formula than regular polish, which is less damaging to the nail plate. During the shellac removal procedure, the nail may dry out a little and become more vulnerable to negative external factors (due to prolonged contact with acetone). Although this factor can be mitigated, because there are special moisturizing oils and masks for nails.

Shellac and its differences

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.

Gel polish first appeared on the scene about 3 years ago. One of the leading companies in this industry, CND or otherwise known as Creative, has announced an innovative new product called Shellak gel polish. The product was patented by the company and quickly gained popularity, which is not surprising. Competitors were not left 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 what many gel polishers call it, regardless of the manufacturer.

The actual difference between them is that Shellak currently 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 comfort and safety of manicure.

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

There are also some differences when covering a nail with shellac and gel polish:

1. Here the procedure is standard: nail preparation (cuticle treatment, shape correction, treatment with an antibacterial agent)
2. In the case of shellac, this procedure is sufficient; in the case of gel polish, it is also necessary to sand the nail plate.
3. This stage is the same for all manufacturers. The nail plate is degreased with a special agent - bonder.
4. At this stage, the base, a base gel of a transparent color, is applied.
5. The immediate stage of applying gel polish or shellac.
6. 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.
7. Very important: each applied layer is dried well in a UV lamp. Drying time depends on manufacturers (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
8. The final stage is removing the sticky layer from the surface of the nail (this is done with a special product or nail polish remover without acetone) and applying moisturizing oil to the cuticle.

The difference is not great, but it does exist

It’s hard to imagine a modern woman without a manicure, be it a housewife or a successful business lady.

In a busy schedule, it’s not so easy to find time to do a traditional manicure that will last one or two days.

This is the reason for the popularity of such nail service technologies as gel polish and shellac, which, in addition to looking great, need updating only once every two to three weeks.

What are the features of each coating? What are the pros and cons? Let's deal with each in order.

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac

Shellac– a resin of natural origin with unique properties.

This is an innovative product that was introduced by the American company CND in 2010, which has become a serious competitor to conventional manicure, as well as gel nail extensions.

The procedure is performed with professional tools such as an ultraviolet lamp.

Therefore, it is best to perform the procedure in a salon.

However, if there is a need to remove shellac, you can purchase special remedy and remove the coating yourself at home.

Pros of shellac:

• Exceptionally resistant to damage. You won't be able to remove it with regular nail polish removers.
• Safe for nail plate. It will not deplete it and will not cause allergies.
• More than two weeks does not require correction.
• The product does not have any strong, intrusive odors.
• Safe for pregnant women. Does not contain harmful components such as formaldehyde. It is worth noting that shellac on the nails of pregnant women lasts less time and the reason for this is hormonal changes in the entire body.
• Shellac will strengthen your brittle nails and help them grow to the required length.
• Wide palette of fashionable and bright colors.

Cons of shellac:

• Compared to a traditional manicure, applying shellac will take at least half an hour.
• Price Shellac application is sometimes comparable to the cost of gel extensions, and correction must be performed every few weeks. If your nails grow too quickly, this procedure may seem rather wasteful.
• Shellac easily exposed to negative effects due to temperature changes. For example, if you are cleaning the house and wearing gloves, the nail may expand and then return to its original shape. During this process, cracks may appear on the surface of the nail, through which fungus can become infected.
• Make sure your nails are healthy before you go to the salon to have your nails done. If you apply shellac to a damaged nail plate, you will worsen the situation.

Pros and cons of gel polish

Gelvarnish- This is a product that is applied like a varnish, but dried under an ultraviolet lamp like a gel. In terms of shine and color saturation, it greatly outperforms traditional varnish and has the strength of a polymer.

For a few weeks, your hands will look the same as they did immediately after visiting the salon. In this case, the coating procedure will take thirty to forty minutes.

Pros of gel polish:

• Wide color palette. The ability to combine colors and create original combinations.
• Natural looking manicure.
• Resistant to chipping and detachment. With high-quality professional application, gel polish will last up to three weeks.
• Possibility to grow long nails. Covered with gel polish, they grow much faster, protected from the negative effects of the environment.
• You can cover your nails with gel polish, even if they have slight imperfections. By applying several layers of coating, nail imperfections can be corrected.
• No sharp unpleasant odors when working with the product.
• Your own nails are practically not damaged when coating with gel polish. The composition does not contain toxic components and allergens.
• This product is capable of allowing air to pass through, which allows the nail plate to “breathe”.

Cons of gel polish:

• Coating and Removal Procedures difficult to do at home without the risk of damaging the nail plates. If you want to get excellent results, contact a specialist.
• Beware of steaming your hands in the first 24 hours after applying the coating, so as not to damage your manicure.
• Maybe thinning of your own nails with frequent repetition of the procedure. This may depend on your individual characteristics, as well as on the work of the master.
• Exists risk of purchasing fake gel polish, with high cost and low quality. If you are not a professional, it will be quite difficult to distinguish it from the original.
• Relatively high cost of the product and the work of the craftsman.

What is the difference between them?

By and large, shellac itself is gel polish, which CND was the first to market and gave the name Shellak.

The reason for the popularity of shellac is not so much in the name, but in a special production technology that has no analogues. This is a truly high-quality product, the price for which is justified.

What is the difference between CND shellac and gel polishes from other manufacturers? They may differ in both composition and application features.

Firstly, before coating with shellac there is no need to apply a primer containing aggressive components. Your nails are not filed, which is very important for those who have thin nails.

Secondly, a small amount of gel polish removes as quickly (less than ten minutes), easily and safely as shellac.

Of course, there are also disadvantages. When using shellac without a primer, the risk of delamination of natural nails increases.

What to choose?

Considering the above, the conclusion suggests itself that shellac will be more gentle on your nails. However, everyone chooses what is more convenient for them to work with. Both shellac and gel polish are in demand.

Both coatings are perfect for those who are not enthusiastic about gel extensions or regular polish, and want to have a neat and natural manicure without harming their nails.

We hope that this article was useful to you and helped you understand the features of using gel polish and shellac. Try it and decide what suits you.

This coating lasts a long time and has a lot of design options to suit every taste. But many people have a question: what is the difference between a manicure with gel polish and shellac and is there a difference?

Manicures using not ordinary polish, but gel polishes or shellac, have gained enormous popularity. This coating lasts a long time and has a lot of design options to suit every taste. But many people have a question: what is the difference between a manicure with gel polish and shellac and is there a difference? Manikurchik.ru will help you understand this issue.

Shellac and gel polish: what is the difference?

Let's move straight to the main answer to the question: gel polish and shellac are the same thing. So where does the argument come from? In 2010, the American company CND was the first to market a hybrid of varnish and gel and patented the name Shellac. The new product became extremely popular. Soon, other manufacturing companies began to produce gel polishes and call them differently, for example Gelish, Bluesky shellac, etc. Currently, there are a huge number of companies producing gel polishes. Starting from budget Chinese products to domestic, European and American brands. The price category is also wide. There are also low-quality fakes (usually on CND).

Therefore, there is no significant difference between gel polish and shellac. The composition of the products is almost the same. If we go deeper into the topic, the chemicals and their proportions, of course, may differ from one manufacturer to another, but in the end the product has the same properties. The operating technique and the process of applying and removing the coating are also no different. The duration of wearing the material on the nails is also the same.

How long the coating will last without chipping or cracking depends only on the application technology and the quality of the material (you should not use cheap Chinese gel polishes from unknown companies).

Myths

Common beliefs that shellac is easier to remove from nails than gel polish are wrong. There is an opinion that shellac can be removed with a liquid, and gel polish should be filed off the nails, and the nail plate should also be filed before application. But that's not true! Gel polish is easily dissolved with a special liquid. It's possible that someone . Also, it is not true that when using gel polish you must use a primer under the coating, but not for shellac. Primer is a product that improves the adhesion of the nail plate to artificial turf. Primers are available in both shellacs from CND and others. It is not necessary to use this material. It is recommended for use in case of brittle, thin nails and high humidity of hands. This product extends the life of your manicure.

So what's the difference?

The only difference is the price. Original CND shellac and all consumables (primer, lamp, degreaser, etc.) are much more expensive than other analogues. Therefore, a manicure in a salon with shellac from CND will cost more than a manicure with shellac from other companies.

The cost of the coating will depend only on the level of the gel polish company and the professionalism of the artist. For example, Kodi will be cheaper than gel polish coating from Gelish, but more expensive than Bluesky.

The name “shellac” has long become a household word. and comes from the name that CND gave to its new Shellac product. Now all similar products can be called shellac. Therefore, if you want to use only a coating from the American company CND, check with the salon which manufacturer’s shellac will be used.

Shellac manicure
Manicure with TNL gel polish

Do you think there is a difference between gel polishes and shellac? Leave your opinion in the comments!

Well-groomed hands and nails are one of the most important details in a woman’s appearance. The condition of hands and nails can be used to judge certain aspects of a person’s personality. Therefore, most women pay a lot of attention to their manicure, and for good reason.

Nowadays, there are many tools and techniques for creating a beautiful, durable and comfortable manicure.

In this article we will look at types such as gel polish and shellac, which are the most popular types of coating throughout the world.

Gel polish combines nail gel and the most common polish. It is applied to nails in the same way as regular polish, only its consistency is denser and thicker, like nail gel. It must be applied with the usual brush, without any other equipment.

It dries quite quickly under an ultraviolet lamp. Well, its main advantage over ordinary varnish is its durability: such a coating will last from 14 to 20 days, the color will not fade, and the gloss will delight you throughout the entire period.

Before applying gel polish Primer coating is a must.

If you have naturally weak, brittle and thin nails, gel polish will be your salvation from damage. Your nails will be safe under it. But in this case, you should give your nails a rest from gel polish, as it tends to thin the nail plate due to the procedure of preparing the nail and removing the coating.

You can remove gel polish only with the help of a special liquid, sometimes also uses foil.

Neither water nor detergents will damage your coating.

It is quite difficult to remove nail polish by touching something with your nail. However, if you make an effort, you can ruin your nail coating.

Therefore, there is no need to file your nails or trim them, or specifically pick at the coating, especially with sharp objects.

If, after removing the gel polish, your nail turns the color of the removed coating, this can be dangerous; this should not happen. Either this particular type of gel polish is not suitable for you, or the master performed the nail coating procedure incorrectly. If this happened - be sure to give your nails a break from any coatings. If this is out of the question for you, pay attention to bio-gel, which is perfect for damaged nails.

Types of gel polishes

Let's look at some manufacturers of gel nail polishes.

• In'Garden So naturally— the main advantage of this product is that it contains useful substances. It is recommended to apply it in 2 layers, but it is difficult to remove, so it is better to trust a specialist with this procedure.
• Axxium OPI— the advantage of this brand is that this gel polish provides additional reliability to the nail; it will be difficult to break. Cons: it takes a long time to dry even under an ultraviolet lamp; does not always lie flat on the nail; On average it lasts about 10 days.
• — this brand has a very wide palette of different colors and shades. Many masters appreciate this gel polish for its excellent quality. There are practically no problems with application, because it fits perfectly on the nail plate. The brush is specially made for applying gel, which greatly facilitates the process and reduces the time it takes.
• Jessica Gelation— for the condition of natural nails it is a gentle gel polish, but it is not convenient to apply and sometimes spreads.

What is shellac?

Many people believe that Shellac is a type of coating and give it a common name. But the name itself "Shellac" is the name of the product, which is produced by CND. There are no types of Shellac; this is the only brand produced by just one company.

Shellac looks very beautiful on nails, has a glossy shine and a perfectly even finish. The color palette is constantly updated.

Before applying gel polish no special training required, the nail does not need to be polished for better adhesion. This, of course, is a huge plus for the health of your own nails, since the top layer is not injured or thinned.

But to prepare, you need to degrease the natural nail so that the Shellac lays down in an even layer and lasts longer. When removing, you also do not need to cut off the top layer of the coating; just a special product and a napkin are enough.

Shellac also does not take long to dry under an ultraviolet lamp, and the entire procedure lasts no more than 30 minutes.

Gel polish eliminates the occurrence of allergic reactions; it does not contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde and is odorless.

It can be used even by pregnant and lactating women - it will not cause harm.

If your Shellac coating only lasted a few days, there were definitely mistakes made during the application process. Properly applied Shellac will last at least 2 weeks.

The difference between shellac and gel polish

Shellac is similar to gel polish, but the most important difference is that it gel polish, that is, most of it is varnish, not gel. However, it looks many times brighter and richer than varnishes.

Shellac preserves natural nails by gently preparing the surface of the nail plate. Preparing to apply gel polish is more harmful to the nail, as the nail is filed for better adhesion.

Shellac coating is removed in a gentle manner using an acetone-containing product. Gel polish is removed using a special liquid and an abrasive surface; The top layer is cut off before everything else is removed.

When using Shellac no primer needed(Shellac base is applied), and for gel polish a primer is required.

Shellac will last about 2 weeks, and gel will last about 3 weeks.

What is better to choose?

If you are faced with a choice between Shellac and gel polish, first of all you should evaluate the condition of your natural nails. If they are brittle, thin and weak, gel polish is not suitable for you, as it requires harsh nail preparation. In this case, it is better for you to choose Shellac, as it is safer and does not damage the surface of the nail.

If such an aspect as the duration of wearing the coating is important to you, Shellac is inferior to gel polish. The gel polish lasts about a week less.

If you can’t stand filing your nail plate, feel free to give up gel polish in favor of Shellac.

Focus on your nails, your wishes and feelings.

Nails with different types of varnishes. Photos and videos of nails will allow you to visually show what kind of gel polish and shellac are available.

The main differences between nail polishes

What is the difference between gel polish and shellac? First of all, Shilak always has a full line of its products for manicure, including base base, tools and nail preparation. True, this approach affects the cost of manicure, making it more expensive. If you are thinking between choosing gel polish and shellac, then choose the latter without hesitation.

Some people believe that shellac can cause damage to nails. There is actually no truth to this. If applied correctly and subsequently removed, shellac cannot harm the nail plate. Gel polish should be applied to prepared nails in one or several layers and dried under the influence of rays. If gel polish is applied in one layer, it has a transparent appearance; when several layers are applied, it acquires a more saturated, dense color.

On average, the polymerization time in a simple lamp is 2 minutes, and in an LED lamp – 1 minute. However, in most cases, everything depends directly on the color saturation and properties of the gel polish. The more saturated the color, the longer it will take to harden. can stay on nails for about 2 weeks without losing its attractive appearance. It can last for a longer time, but until this time the nail will grow back at the roots, and a fairly wide strip of untreated nail will appear, which has an unattractive appearance.

Each of the varnishes under consideration is in the Soak-Off class, in other words, it can be removed non-mechanically, but only with the use of a specific solvent - remover. To do this, apply the product to a layer of shellac or gel polish and wrap your fingertips in foil. This is necessary to soften the coating, after which it can be applied without damaging the nail plate.

When choosing gel polish and shellac, you need to know that in appearance these two products have no fundamental differences. Both of them will stay on the nails for a long time, keeping the manicure in its original form.