Gel Nails vs Shellac Nails: What’s The Difference; Which is Best?

Today, beauty institutes and nail salons offer several techniques that allow you to stay beautiful to the tips of your nails. But how do you choose between a semi-permanent varnish (shellac nails) and gel nails?

In this article, these two techniques are detailed to help you choose the one that is best suited to your lifestyle and taste.

Semi-permanent varnish (Shellac nails)

It is a fluid gel that is placed on the natural nail for a rendering resembling a classic varnish. The material keeps a supple finish after hardening.

Installation consists of preparing the natural nails and then applying an adherent base coat. We follow up with two coats of color and, as a last step, the installation of a finish that will protect and shine your nails. Each layer will be catalyzed under a UV or UV / LED lamp. With this technique you can also request a white or colored French as well as simple Nail Art.

The advantages of a semi-permanent varnish?

• The installation technique is quick, around 1/2 hour for an experienced prosthetist.
• Your nails will remain impeccably varnished without flaking the first time you wash them. They will be slightly reinforced and will grow more easily.
• To remove the permanent varnish, we use a cosmetic product, the Remover, which melts the material, which avoids damaging the natural nail by filing it.
• The price of the service is very affordable.

The disadvantages of a semi-permanent varnish?

• The permanent varnish remains on the natural nail, which does not prevent breakage.
• The life of your application is 2 to 3 weeks.
• Nail Art possibilities are reduced because the surface is small.
• We cannot lengthen the nails; we only work on the natural length.

UV-Gel

Gel is a material which is hardened after passing under a lamp. It comes in different shades, textures and features. It can be worked on on a natural nail, on capsules or as a stencil extension.

The installation consists of a preparation of the natural nail then the application of the base, the extension of the nail and / or the construction. The gel surface will then be filed down to make it visually harmonious. The next step will depend on your preference, a French or the color, with an application in 1 or 2 coats or left natural. Finally, a shiny gloss will be applied to enhance your pose for a minimum of 3 weeks. To cure all stages, the gel is catalyzed under UV or UV / LED lamp.

The advantages of having gel nails?

• Thanks to the construction, the natural nails are strengthened, therefore more solid.
• You can do all nail shapes without any constraints.
• There is a wide choice of colors and Nails’Art
• You will have relentless nails for 3-4 weeks.
• The UV gel makes it possible to correct all the defects of the nail without exception (hooked nail, springboard …)

The disadvantages of a gel application?

• The realization of the pose requires time; count approximately 1h30 or more if you ask for an artistic service.
• The price is also higher depending on the technique used or the Nail Art decorations requested.
• The gel does not dissolve. To remove it, there is only one way: file

In conclusion, it’s up to you to choose which technique is best suited to your lifestyle, your desires and also your budget.

Choose a qualified technician who will know how to take care of your natural nails and realize all your requests, from the simple color to the most sophisticated installation.