Shellac or gel polish: are they different from each other and which is better? The difference between gel polish and shellac What is the difference between shellac and gel polish.

Every girl likes to decorate her nails. Especially for modern fashionistas, experts have developed a couple of innovative coatings with which you can enjoy a chic manicure for a long time.

Shellac and gel polish have long gained popularity, but still not all ladies realize the difference between them. What's better: gel polish or shellac?

What is the difference between gel polish and shellac?

The products that fashionistas use to decorate their nails are perfect for home use. To make a coating with them, you do not need to have professional skills. Each of them lasts more than two weeks, but otherwise the difference is quite significant:

• shellac has a strengthening effect, so it is more suitable for brittle plates;
• in case of using a gel, it is necessary to apply a layer of primer before it and remove the top film;
• Shellac can be removed with a special liquid, gel can only be removed mechanically, which worsens the condition of the nails;
• the gel does not dry out the plates, but shellac not only contributes to a lack of moisture, but also delaminates them;
• if you want to get shiny nails, it is better to choose shellac, as it has these properties.

The most important difference is that shellac contains more varnish, while gel does the opposite. Due to the different proportions of the components, the consistency of the products also differs - the second coating is thicker.

What will last longer on nails and which is less harmful: gel polish or shellac?

Girls who want to start using such products are, of course, interested in what will last longer. This question cannot be called strange, since the procedure in the salon costs a lot of money.

Shellac can last from two to four weeks. Since the nails grow over time, a gap forms at the base, which can only be corrected by correction.

As for the service life of the gel, it is a couple of weeks, but only with the correct application technology and sufficient care. Of course, there are cases when after this time the nails look great, but you shouldn’t keep the polish on longer. By violating this rule, you can worsen the condition of the plates, since the coating will only be removed with the help of aggressive compounds.

Each manufacturer assures potential buyers that its products are completely safe. Many girls believe in this, completely forgetting about mechanical harm. It is worth remembering that even if the application rules are followed, it is simply impossible to minimize harm.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which coating is more dangerous. Any decorative agent blocks the supply of oxygen to the plates. In addition, these varnishes do not allow the nails to develop a natural protective layer, which is what they do in their natural state.

Are the same lamps used for shellac and gel polish?

One of the few similarities between the coatings is the drying device. In both cases, a UV lamp is used. Thanks to it, varnishes can stay on the nails for a long time and not crack or crumble, as happens with ordinary cheap products.

How to dry gel polish or shellac?

Drying with a lamp for both coating options will take only 5 minutes. But if the procedure is carried out at home and you cannot find this device, you can turn to other methods:

Gel. Most often, girls use the method of freezing the coating itself - it needs to be immersed in the refrigerator compartment for 20 minutes, then taken out and immediately applied to the plates. The second common method is the medical blue lamp, which has remained since the times of the USSR. Oddly enough, you can not only warm it up with it for medicinal purposes, but also dry the gel in just 10-15 minutes.

Shellac. In this case, after applying the composition to your nails, you can dip them in ice water and keep them there for about 15 minutes. This period of time is quite enough to completely consolidate the product. You can also use a regular hair dryer, setting it to maximum power and blowing cold air over each plate separately.

Types of gel polishes and shellacs

Both types of varnishes are divided into three categories - one-, two- and three-phase. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, so each variety should be considered separately.

It’s better to start with the last type, since it is considered the most common. It has remained since the appearance of such coatings. As for the application technique, it consists of three products - base, color and top. The first is necessary to smooth the plate and form a film, which improves the adhesion of the layers. After drying this layer, a colored coating is applied, which is also sent for drying. At the second stage, you can even keep your nails under a lamp to prevent the appearance of waves. The finish (top) also needs to be dried, after which the sticky layer is removed from it.

Three-phase varnishes are resistant to external factors, for which they have received well-deserved respect. In addition, they have the following advantages:

• reliable plate protection;
• availability;
• exposure up to two weeks;
• does not chip or scratch.

Three-phase products also have disadvantages, but their number, of course, is much smaller. This includes only the laboriousness of the procedure and the need for at least minimal skills in using such coatings.

The next ones to consider are two-phase varnishes. They belong to the category of the rarest and, accordingly, not in demand in the modern world of manicure. The application technology is as follows: the color coating is applied first, and then the fixative. The base-color option is less common, but it is quite difficult to do without a final layer that ensures the safety of the varnish. The main advantage of such coatings is that they are less labor intensive. But this also leads to one disadvantage - worse wear.

A new product that attracts the attention of every young fashionista is single-phase products. Thanks to them and a special lamp, every lady has the opportunity to get a durable and bright manicure. The coating already contains three formulas, that is: base, color and protection.

Single-phase varnishes go on sale in a variety of color variations, the number of which often exceeds 100 (from one manufacturer). There are quite a lot of positive qualities of this product, so it is simply impossible to list them all, but it is worth noting the main ones:

• simplicity and ease of use;
• availability;
• Possibility of use on the road;
• speed of the procedure;
• favorable prices in showrooms;
• great workout for beginners;
• excellent strength;
• great color in the end result.

There are also some nuances here:

• due to the leveling layer, it cannot be used for damaged nails;
• not quite uniform consistency;
• Before use, you must remove the shine from your nails with a buff.

What is better gel polish or shellac?

It is impossible to give a clear answer to a common question. Each girl will have to decide for herself which product is best for her. Having learned about all the nuances of using both coatings, it will not be so difficult to come to a reasonable conclusion.

More and more often, girls are taking care of their nails at home, because they don’t always have time to go to the salon. Well-groomed hands are the first thing that catches your eye; more than one manicure will not help hide broken nails of various sizes. Only proper daily care will make your hands beautiful. It’s not enough to apply shellac gel or increase the length and choose a fashionable design. The stunning appearance of your nails directly depends on your overall hand care.

Gel polish and shellac care

The main rule for beautiful hands is to have a manicure. When taking care of your nails at home, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the working tool; it must be treated immediately before use. It is recommended to change the coating on the nail plate no more than weekly, since even the safest and most expensive material has a negative effect. Frequent changes cause general harm by drying out the nails.

You can't wear the covering for more than three weeks.

You should only wash your hands with water at room temperature, since very hot or cold water can dry out the skin, which may explain the presence of wounds and damage.

On a note. To keep your hands well-groomed, you need to control your diet, use quality materials, and nourish your skin and nails.

All this will help make them stronger and more durable.

You also need to follow a few rules:

• Gel polish, biogel and other coatings do not react well to high temperatures, so in the first days it is not advisable to have long contact with hot water. For the most part, this condition applies to visiting baths, saunas and other similar establishments.
• When working with household chemicals, you need to protect your hands with rubber gloves. It is known that gel extensions have a solid structure and are not exposed to aggressive chemicals. At the same time, gel polish has a more airy and soluble structure than acrylic. The main difference is that under the influence of chemicals, the nail can peel and chip. A proper manicure provides a protective top layer, while the likelihood of protecting the coating from yellowing and tarnishing is minimal.
• You cannot level the shape after applying the coating. Most women often adjust their shape and length a few days after coverage. This is strictly prohibited. When applying the coating, the master seals the edge of the nail, preventing peeling and chipping. When using a file with an abrasive, the protective layer is erased, the quality of the coating decreases, and you have to renew the manicure more often than required.
• You cannot wear the covering for more than three weeks. You need to understand that there are limits for wearing the gel that you should not exceed. The longer the coating is worn, the stronger the adhesion to the nails, which means it will take more effort to remove it. All this is harmful to the nail plate.
• Proper care of the helium coating must be carried out with special means. A strong manicure will last longer if you use professional hand cosmetics. To extend its life, you can replace the topcoat weekly. Moreover, in the modern world it is not a problem to buy a lamp and coating. It would be a good idea to choose nourishing and moisturizing creams for hand and cuticle care, which contain vitamin A, E, aloe vera, papaya, pineapple and sage.

On a note. You can maintain the aesthetic appearance of your nails and give them freshness by using regular polish of the same color as the coating on your nails.

Many crazy manufacturers produce the same series of gel polishes and regular nail polishes.

The difference between gel polish and shellac

Gel polish is a plastic substance that has the structure of regular varnish, but which requires a special lamp to dry. After applying the varnish to the nail, a lamp is needed to polymerize and harden the composition.

On a note. Immediately before coating, the nail plate is treated with a special primer, which helps adhere the gel to the nails. This coating allows you to walk with well-groomed nails for 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the intensity of their growth. All this time, the gel retains the same appearance and does not change its structure.

Such nails do not require updating of materials or corrections for a long time; the procedure is well suited for owners of brittle, thin, poorly growing nails. Home methods for removing this type of varnish involve cutting off the protective layer or using a special liquid that helps soften the gel and remove it carefully.

Also today, another trend in manicure, called shellac, is becoming popular. The main difference between this type and gel polish is the combination of the qualities of gel and varnish coating. When using shellac there is no need to use a primer; instead, a degreaser is sufficient. Also, under this coating there is no need to sand your nails and thereby disturb their structure. This is one of the main indicators of how gel polish differs from shellac.

What to choose: gel polish or shellac

Proper treatment of the nail plate with a degreaser will keep the manicure in good condition for about a month. The material should be applied to a dry nail plate that is not coated with varnish. The product gives a certain shine to the nails. On average, it takes 30 to 50 minutes to coat shellac.

Also, no special effort is required for removal; it is enough to use products with a minimum acetone content. There is no need to remove the protective layer; just soak the cotton wool in the liquid and hold it on the nails for several minutes.

Important! A product such as shellac costs much more than gel polish, but is safer. You don’t need to spend a lot of time removing it; the whole process will take about 20 minutes.

What is gel polish and shellac, what is the difference?– question, the answer to which can be divided into several points:

1. Gel polish is a coating that is used to strengthen the fragile nail plate. When applying it, it is necessary to remove the top layer of the nail, which causes damage;
2. Shellac does not require removing the protective layer of the nail and does not injure the plate;
3. Gel polish can only be removed through mechanical filing. For shellac, it is enough to use a special product;
4. The gel does not dry out moisture from the nails, since the primer, unlike degreasers, moisturizes the nail tissue;
5. Due to severe drying under shellac, nails begin to flake;
6. Shellac is more expensive, but is considered a more durable coating.

How often to do the procedures

Every girl knows what acrylic, gel polish and shellac are. This means that the question arose of what would last longer and what was unprofitable for everyday life. This is mostly due to the high cost of each of these types of manicure, especially from top masters.

On a note. Masters claim that shellac stays perfectly on the nail plate for a maximum of 4 weeks. Moreover, after an average of 1.5 weeks, the regrown parts of the nail are already visible, which increases the need for correction. Most girls ignore such manifestations and delay updating the coating for at least a month of life.

At the same time, gel polish, if all instructions are strictly followed, allows you to preserve the coating for only up to two weeks. Further wearing of the gel is not recommended, since over time the adhesion of the coating and the nail will strengthen, and it will not be possible to remove the gel without damaging the plate.

Which procedure to choose

Having determined that gel polish and shellac are, in essence, similar coatings for creating a beautiful and bright manicure, the question arises: what is better than shellac or gel, and which material should be preferred? Both types of material have a wide range of colors. At the same time, shellac for the most part has the properties of varnish, gel polish is as close as possible to gels.

In order to apply gel polish, you need to sand the nail plate well and treat it with special products for better bonding. This procedure is most often performed in a salon. It takes a lot of time to apply gels, but the effect of well-groomed nails will last at least 14 days.

Gel polish and shellac are similar coatings

In turn, shellac is applied faster, such a manicure can be done independently without any problems, and then just as easily removed. This material is preferred by girls with very thin nails that cannot be sanded.

There are also factors that influence the choice of material. These include:

• Condition of nails, their health and appearance. When choosing the type of material, you need to choose a procedure that will not harm the nail plate. In this case, shellac has a more gentle effect. When choosing, you should also take into account the general condition of the body, because there is a risk of developing an allergy to the materials;
• External influence. You need to make a choice based on the factors that will affect the coverage. For example, under the influence of sudden temperature changes, shellac can peel off and crack. Gel polish will be more practical in this matter;
• Frequency of need for coverage adjustments. Here everything directly depends on the financial situation and the availability of free time for the procedure. In this case, shellac is considered a more expensive procedure.

What's best for peeling nails?

On a note. Additionally, the choice of coating should be influenced by the procedure technology.

Modern fashion involves the use of 2 types of gel polish:

• photosensitive;
• reflective.

Both materials are durable coatings that maintain a fresh look for long periods. The structure of the gel allows not only to strengthen the nail plate, but also to even out all the imperfections. It is especially often used for problems such as split nails.

Shellac is divided into 3 types:

1. Single-phase - is a combination of top material, colored varnish and base in one bottle. Typically, this type is applied in two layers;
2. Two-phase - represented by a mixture of a colored base with a top or base coat. This type is less popular in everyday life;
3. Three-phase - applied to the nail plate in three different layers: base, color base and top coat.

Important! For polymerization of all types of coating, exposure to an ultraviolet lamp is required.

Also, to determine which coating material to choose, you need to consider the pros and cons of shellac and gel polish. The positive aspects of shellac include:

Both materials are durable coatings

• resistance to mechanical stress;
• cannot be removed when treated with conventional nail polish remover;
• protects the natural nail plate from damage;
• does not harm the nail plate, the likelihood of developing an allergy to the materials is minimal;
• there is no need to adjust the manicure for at least 30 days;
• absence of sharp specific odors;
• not prohibited for use during pregnancy;
• does not contain chemicals harmful to the human body;
• even with hormonal problems, the coating stays on the nails for at least 14 days;
• used to strengthen natural nails, with this coating you can grow nails to the required length;
• a variety of color bases for different tastes.

Like other materials, shellac has certain disadvantages:

• application of the coating takes at least 30 minutes, which in itself is longer than applying regular varnish;
• high cost, which reaches almost the same indicators as gel polish, but this coating needs to be changed more often, which means the procedure is more expensive;
• changes in the structure of the coating under the influence of sudden temperature changes;
• Shellac may be damaged by chemicals.

The popularity of gel polish is due to the following advantages:

There is a risk of damaging the plate

• a variety of color bases that can be easily combined and combined to create a unique design;
• with moderately bright colors, nails have a natural look;
• The coating procedure is suitable for home use;
• the coating withstands various damage, protects nails from environmental influences;
• the protective coating allows you to grow the length of your nails;
• promotes plate alignment, helps hide imperfections;
• coating products do not have harmful odors and are not capable of causing allergic reactions;
• The coating allows air to pass through, due to which the nails are enriched with oxygen, do not break and become stronger.

On a note. The main disadvantage of gel polish is the fact that it is difficult to carry out such a coating yourself.

There is a risk of damaging the plate by incorrectly removing the protective layer. Also, the material does not like high temperatures, so it is advisable to limit exposure to nails to prevent cracking and peeling. It is recommended to take breaks, giving the nail plate a rest.

Special compositions that provide a flawless and long-lasting manicure are presented today in a wide variety. These include a variety of gel polishes and shellac. Experienced manicurists know the difference between them, but their clients sometimes do not know it.

Gel polish

The name that the permanent nail coating received - gel polish - fully reflects its composition. Being a tandem of traditional manicure and gel, it combines their best characteristics. These include:

The hybrid coating helps strengthen the nail plate - therefore, as long as it is present, the nails become stronger and do not break. Constant improvement of manufacturing technology improves all the characteristics of the manicure composition.

Shellac

One of the first companies to release a manicure product that combined varnish and gel was CND. The patent gave the new product a name - Shellac. It was under this name that the hybrid composition for long-lasting manicure gained worldwide fame.

In addition to the product itself, the company produces all related products necessary for high-quality coating application and removal.

Reference! Over time, the name Shellac became a household name. There is shellac on the market - products from CND and coatings from other companies. Funds from different companies have both similarities and differences.

What do products for long-lasting manicure have in common?

Since the release of the Shellac line, debate has not subsided about which coating is better. It would seem that from all of the above, we can conclude that the hybrid compositions differ only in the manufacturers, but otherwise they are identical.

General characteristics of the products include:

• presence in the composition of the gel and regular manicure;
• variety of color palette;
• one application method - with a brush, layer by layer;
• the ability to make nails strong.

What is the difference between shellac and gel polish

The table will clearly demonstrate the difference between the two hybrid coatings used for long-lasting manicure.

Table: differences between shellac and gel polish

The compositions have both common features and differences. The advantages of shellac include a method of application that eliminates damage to the plate and durability. Using another hybrid composition is a more budget-friendly way to ensure strength and beautiful appearance of nails.

How is this coating different from gel?

Unlike gel, gel polish is considered a softer system, since it is easily removed with liquid, but if desired, it can be removed using sawdust.

Why did he become so popular?

Literally 5 years ago no one had heard of this varnish. With the advent of the gel polish system, the nail industry began to develop rapidly. All manufacturers have supported the boom of a new product in manicure - a hybrid of gel and nail polish, which is applied as simply as polish, but lasts and retains its gloss like a gel for 2-3 weeks - this is just every girl’s dream! Consumers quickly appreciated the advantages of a simple and beautiful coating: easy application, the ability to apply and remove at home, and the easiest possible removal of the material, unlike gel coating.

In addition, this is an excellent alternative to regular nail polish, you just need to dry the gel polish in a special lamp (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes), and no smeared varnish, you don’t need to wait for it to dry, and who, if not us girls, is well aware of the problem forever smudged varnish.

Is it harmful to use gel polish?

It is believed that nails become brittle after gel polish, but this is not true. Wearing gel polish does not affect the nail plate in any way; it becomes thinner and deteriorates only if the technology is violated, or the material is incorrectly applied and removed.

What are the advantages:

• Easy to apply, almost as easy as regular nail polish;
• wears like a gel (3-4 or more weeks);
• is much easier to remove than gel;
• can be removed with sawdust or liquid;
• lighter and more gentle material than extension gel;
• has a huge palette of colors and brands;
• has an amazing gloss that lasts throughout the entire wear;
• strengthens weak nails, prevents nail breakage and cracks;
• medicinal compounds (for example IBX) can be easily applied under gel polish, unlike varnish coatings;
• the coating will not smudge or deteriorate;
• You can easily remove it at home with a special liquid.

Types of systems: one, two or three stages.

Which system is better to choose?

The three-phase system is the most stable and is suitable for absolutely everyone.

The single-phase system is recommended for home use, however, due to the lack of a separate base and top coat, it is less durable and is not suitable for thin, brittle and weak nails - they will require strengthening with an Ibx treatment agent or strengthening with a rubber base. The single-phase system can be used with base and finish to increase wear time.

What to look for when choosing gel polish?

Most existing colored varnishes meet all these criteria; the main thing is to carefully choose the finish and base.

Most manufacturers advise using base + color + top of the same brand, but this is not so important. You can use any color coating, it is important to choose the right base and top, then the wear will be long.

If you have strong and good nails, then additional strengthening is not required, which means you can choose any base. If you have thin, brittle, brittle nails, you need to pay special attention to the choice of base. It is better to choose rubber bases; they perfectly strengthen nails. You should not opt ​​for the base + top 2 in 1, such a product will not provide strengthening.

It is also recommended to use a primer or for thin nails. They ensure adhesion of the coating to the natural nail, working as double-sided tape. But you shouldn’t use a primer from one brand and a base from another. The problem of base and primer compatibility is quite common; many people purchase an excellent base, but do not pay enough attention to the primer and choose the cheapest one, which is often not compatible with an expensive and high-quality product.

There are extremely universal bases, tops and primers (for example, Kodi, Irisk). They combine well with drugs from other brands and do not cause allergies.

The choice of top and base should be approached with special attention if you are going to make different designs, use sliders and stickers, and rhinestones. Then you should have several different tops in your arsenal. For example, to combine rhinestones and decor, it is better to use thick tops; you can also use a thick base, for example, Kodi. It holds any designs and stickers perfectly. You apply the base to the design, and then simply cover it with a top coat. Also, many designs require the use of a non-stick topcoat.

It is better to select products for gel polish as carefully as possible and not skimp on their choice. There are a lot of very cheap primers from unknown brands. It is better to take a primer that is more expensive, but from a well-known and high-quality brand, since the largest percentage of allergic reactions arise precisely from the use of low-quality primers and liquids.

Maceration.
When soaking, we file down the surface of the coating, namely the top, (approximately 80/100 grit), apply it soaked in gel polish remover, and cover it with foil. Within 15-20 minutes, the liquid dissolves the coating, after which we remove the remaining coating, removing it with a soft orange stick. You should not immediately use iron pushers - they can damage the nail plate, since beginners often cannot distinguish where the base layer ends and the natural nail begins.

Sawdust.
When filing, you can use a rough file, but completely cutting off the coating from the nail will be quite problematic and time-consuming, so many masters file the coating down to the base, leaving it on the nail (You file off the color as soon as a translucent coating becomes visible from under the color - this is the base, there is no need to cut it down). Next, the base coating must be soaked using the same technology. This saves time and does not injure the native nail with sawdust.

There is also a method for removing gel polish completely with sawdust - removal is done using. This method is performed only by professionals with extensive experience and requires special training, since it is easiest for them to damage the nail plate.

How to choose an online gel polish store?

What to pay attention to:

• Availability of certificates.

• Quality assurance and customer support.

• Partial redemption.

• Keeping track of trends and new products.

• Taking care of clients.

When going for a manicure, it is better to decide in advance on the choice of coating. The most popular manicure products today are shellac and gel polish.

You need to figure out for yourself how gel polish differs from shellac, and identify the existing advantages and disadvantages of each of these fashionable coatings. Sometimes even nail salon employees cannot explain their difference. Therefore, it is advisable to understand this issue yourself.

What is gel nail polish

Gel-varnish coating combines the properties of these two substances - a gel, which gives depth to the composition, and a varnish, which provides color and shine to the nail covering. Therefore, together these two substances give a simply amazing effect.

The gel polish coating can last for quite a long period, which is usually at least two weeks. On average, such a coating, when used sparingly, can last from two to four weeks; it is highly resistant to mechanical and chemical influences.

Manicure with gel polish

The process of applying gel polish coating to the nail plate is completed with mandatory ultraviolet treatment in a lamp specially designed for this purpose. The gel polish coating treated in this way acquires durability, hardness, incredible shine and depth of color.

For at least two weeks, your nails will look as if you just visited the salon. This effect of a freshly done manicure can last up to four weeks.

This is an excellent solution for those who dream of having beautiful, well-groomed and shiny nails, but do not want to waste time on frequently repainting them.

The gel polish coating strengthens the nails, making them stronger during the period of its use. Remove this coating using foil and a special remover.

Characteristics of Shellak from CND

The American cosmetology company CND, having slightly improved the composition of gel polish, has released a proprietary product for covering nail plates, called Shellak. Essentially, these two substances have a common basis and common uses.

Therefore, the question of what is the difference between gel polish and shellac becomes more relevant. After all, many people consider gel polish and shellac to be the same product. Let's look at their similarities and differences.

The difference between these products is the unique composition of Shellak, thanks to which this collection took a leading position among other gel polishes in 2016. Therefore, shellac has no analogues throughout the world.

The CND company produces a complete set for applying and removing shellac.

The standard set includes:

• professional lamp,
• liquids for degreasing nails and removing varnish,
• colored varnish - several bottles of different colors,
• tools for cutting cuticles,
• orange sticks,
• napkins,
• top coating,
• base coat,
• files,
• buffs,
• polisher.

Note! Unfortunately, on the Russian market you can often find counterfeits of real Shellak CND. Both the packaging and the bottles themselves with this product are copied. Typically, genuine bottles from the company have ribbed protrusions at the bottom and a batch number located there..

Similarities between gel polish and shellac

Over time, the name shellac has become a household word. Other companies (Gelish, Bluesky, Kodi) also produce similar products with the same name and composition. Gel polish and shellac have both similarities and differences.

What these funds have in common is:

1. Both of these products give your nails a beautiful, well-groomed look due to their shine and shine.
2. During their use, both coatings make the nails stronger, which prevents them from breaking.
3. Both products are applied in layers using a brush.
4. Both products contain two substances - gel and varnish, but in slightly different proportions.
5. In both cases, hardening occurs under the influence of a special ultraviolet lamp.
6. The duration of wear in each case is approximately the same.

Differences

The difference between these products is really noticeable in many respects, which is why gel polish and shellac are perceived by many as different materials.

The differences between gel polish and shellac are as follows:

• color spectrum;
• polymerization time;
• duration of the withdrawal process;
• price – real shellac is a very expensive brand product.

Differences in composition

The concentration of varnish in shellac is another element that distinguishes gel polish from shellac. Shellac contains more varnish, making its application reminiscent of applying regular varnish. It is also sometimes called varnish-gel, putting the word “varnish” first.

The inclusion of gel in its composition allows this coating to remain on the nails for up to three to four weeks. And gel polish contains more gel in its composition, which prolongs the duration of its polymerization.

A more detailed composition of the funds is usually a company secret and is not disclosed. Thanks to this, Shellak CND is a coating that is unique in its composition.

Difference in application method

When analyzing how gel polish differs from shellac, you should definitely note the method of application. After all, shellac is the only gel polish that does not require prior application of a primer. A primer is a special liquid chemical that is applied immediately after processing and filing the nails and ensures their better adhesion to the gel polish.

Besides, applying shellac does not require preliminary grinding of the nail plate, to ensure its better adhesion to the coating. All this allows you to avoid thinning or injuring the nail. Thanks to this, the coating application procedure is significantly simplified and time-saving.

The procedure for applying gel polish to nails should be carried out by an experienced manicurist.

After all, there is a risk of damage during grinding.

The first layer of gel polish gives a transparent effect to the nail plate. Applying subsequent layers strengthens the coating and creates a color composition.

Differences in polymerization time

Shellac, due to its greater similarity to regular varnish, polymerizes faster under the influence of UV light.

The exact polymerization time depends on many factors: layers of application of the composition, light saturation of the coating and decoration agent, as well as the use of a lamp for polymerization. In an ultraviolet lamp, the polymerization time of the layer is 2 minutes, and in an LED device it is 1 minute.

Difference in the duration of saving the result

Shellac lasts a little less than gel polish. But, despite its durability, gel polish is more susceptible to aggressive environments.
Shellak CND also has a fairly durable coating. Shellac from other companies lasts for at least two weeks.

But you need to take into account that as the nail grows over time, a thin strip forms near the cuticle. And a longer period of using the coating on the nail plate can give the nail an unaesthetic and untidy appearance. Therefore, it is advisable to change any of these manicures at least once every three weeks.

Other differences

When applying shellac, there is no need to file off the top layer of nails, which makes it more gentle. Another difference between shellac and gel polish is its quick removal.

Since shellac is more similar in composition to regular varnish, it dissolves faster under the influence of means that ensure its removal, especially those containing acetone.

Removal procedure

These coatings also differ in the procedure for removing them from the nail plate.

Shellac removes much faster without pre-sanding

And the gel polish must be ground down or filed off a little before removal. To remove shellac, the Shellakc CND kit includes special cotton nail wraps that allow you to remove it carefully. The set includes special orange sticks that allow you to easily remove any remaining coating.

Color spectrum

These materials also differ in their color range. The color palette of gel polishes is wider and the choice of colors is much richer. But shellacs have more saturated tones. Thermo shellac can change color depending on temperature.

Price

There are also differences in price. Shellac is a little more expensive than gel polish. The most expensive is the branded Shellak CND, since this set includes all the auxiliary products. Currently, it is not the branded Shellak CND that is found, but similar products from other companies, which can be purchased much cheaper.

Adjustment

With gel polish coating, you can make corrections, extending the duration of use. Typically, the length of the nails is given by a gel product, and shellac serves primarily as a coating. Its adjustment is not done, and the shellac needs to be completely replaced.

Consistency

Gel varnishes have a thicker, denser consistency, as they are produced primarily on a gel basis. Shellac has a more liquid consistency, although it also contains gel, but in smaller quantities.

Is it possible to distinguish two coatings visually?

It can be very difficult to visually determine the difference between gel polish and shellac. Considering that shellac is now produced not only by CND, its chemical composition, color and effect of the coating may differ significantly. Branded shellac has a more pronounced shine compared to regular gel polish..

Taking into account the more saturated colors of gel polishes, visually on the nails they can look more extravagant.

General principles of applying and removing varnish

Despite several distinctive features of these coatings, the principles of their application and removal have the same algorithm, which makes them similar to each other. When applying both gel polish and shellac, you should clean the nail plate from fatty residues (degrease).

Both procedures are carried out using layer-by-layer application of the material with brushes and its subsequent hardening under lamp light.

The procedure for withdrawing these funds consists of the same steps:

1. Soak a cotton pad in a special solution.
2. Apply to the nail plate.
3. Wraps the top in foil.
4. Stand for ten minutes.
5. It is removed when already softened.

Are there any benefits to gel polish and shellac?

The benefit of these products is to firmly strengthen the nail plate for the period of use of the coating, as well as to create an aesthetic image of the nails.

When applying such strengthening coatings, the nail plate is not afraid of minor mechanical damage.

The gel base of both products is harmless to the nail, due to the absence of phenol in it.

Using a separate primer, which is an addition to gel polishes, is more delicate.

Shellac contains components that give strength to nails.

It is necessary to carry out preliminary treatment of the nail plates, otherwise they may be seriously damaged.

Cons and harm of products

In the case of using gel polish and shellac, a persistent chemical composition is applied to the nails for a fairly long period. At this time, there will be no access to air or sunlight to the nail plates, which should negatively affect their condition.

The negative aspects of using shellac include the following:

• when using shellac, the nail plate dries out more and flakes;
• limitation in the choice of colors.

The disadvantages of using gel polish include: additional grinding of the nail plate area when using it, which thins the nail.

So, despite the fact that gel polish and shellac are materials very similar in composition, application methods and many other parameters, the difference between them is still significant. It lies in the application, removal, durability and beauty of the coating. This allows shellac to occupy a leading position among other gel polishes.

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