Many women, when planning to get a manicure, opt for shellac or gel polish. Each of them tries to achieve an attractive and well-groomed appearance, and this is impossible without proper care for hair, skin and nails. To create a flawless look, many women try to diversify their manicure.
But manicure at home is rarely durable and perfect, and achieving the desired effect with the help of frequent salon procedures is very expensive. The art of manicure does not stand still. And manicures using shellac and gel polish are becoming increasingly popular. What is the difference between the coatings is worth understanding right away.
There is an opinion that gel polish and shellac are different names for the same product. Is it so? If these are different nail coatings, then what are their distinguishing features? Which coating to prefer: shellac and gel polish. What is the difference between them can be understood by reading this article and getting answers to all these questions.
Before making a choice, you need to understand what their features are. So what kind of product is shellac? This coating for nail plates is the creation of the cosmetics company CND. It combines the properties of regular varnish and gel.
A special feature of shellac is its high saturation.. In terms of this indicator, no other varnish can compare with it, and the wide range of colors offered by the manufacturer is presented in all the colors of the rainbow.
Shellac is a salon procedure. Difficulties in doing it yourself are due to the lack of necessary skills, a special expensive UV lamp and tools.
However, shellac has many advantages.
The first is the ability to grow your own long nails. Shellac can be applied to both long and short nails. The coating prevents the nail plate from cracking and peeling. In addition, it strengthens thin and brittle nails, allowing them to grow back.
Secondly, this is a lasting result. This coating can decorate the owner’s nails for up to three weeks. Unlike other products, shellac will not fade over time.
Currently, a huge variety of colors and shades of this product is offered. Manufacturers do not stop there, adding fashionable seasonal shades to their range.
Shellac contains no harmful components such as formaldehyde. Nail coating is made from gentle substances. This means that shellac is absolutely safe even for pregnant women.
Shellac can be easily removed even at home. To do this, you just need to buy foam and liquid specially designed for this. This can be done right in the salon, and instructions for use are included with such products.
The main disadvantage of shellac is the difficulty of using it yourself. Firstly, its use requires an expensive UV lamp, without which the product simply cannot harden.
Secondly, it is difficult to perfectly apply shellac on your own, especially on the nail plates of the right hand. To obtain an impeccable result, salon services are preferable, but this requires financial costs and time.
Another drawback is the need to purchase special products to remove the coating. This creates an inconvenience for girls who prefer to regularly update their nail design. Although shellac is a highly durable coating and is resistant to water, it is worth considering that constant mechanical stress and prolonged contact with water can damage the manicure.
In the entire history of shellac production, only 32 episodes of skin diseases have been identified. Mainly among women from Poland, Russia and Ukraine. And in all cases, the product was purchased in online stores, and not through official suppliers.
The procedure for applying shellac takes place in stages:
- Treatment. At this stage, the nail is filed and given a beautiful shape.
- Preparing to apply the base. Nails are treated with a degreasing and antiseptic agent.
- Applying the base layer. After applying the base, the coating on each nail plate is polymerized using a UV lamp. This stage takes no more than three minutes for two hands.
- Coating with a base color layer. To obtain the best result, application in two thin layers is possible. Upon completion of this stage, polymerization is also required, lasting about four minutes for both hands.
- Adjustment. At this stage, with the help of special correction agents made in the form of a pencil, all coating defects are eliminated.
- Consolidation. Just like the previous layers, the fixative undergoes polymerization. After applying it, your nails acquire an elegant, shiny appearance.
- Removing stickiness from the nail plate. To do this, use a special alcohol product and a sponge. At the end, the skin of the hands is treated with nourishing oil or cream, and a massage of the hands and fingers is performed. The result is an unsurpassed look of hands and nails, satisfaction from undergoing salon procedures.
All manipulations last less than 50 minutes. It all depends on the skill and experience of the specialist. Of course, you can try to carry out the procedure for applying shellac yourself, but without the necessary experience it will be very problematic.
In addition, you will need to purchase not only the varnish itself, but also special tools and products to give your nails a perfect look, and a UV lamp.
Shellac and gel polish: the difference between the products and the distinctive features of gel polish
Gel polish is a special product in the form of a plastic gel. Gel polish has the ability to dissolve easily, be easily applied to the nail plate, and adhere to it for a long time after drying with a UV lamp.
Gel polish is a real salvation for owners of fragile and flaky nails that are highly susceptible to brittleness.
Applying gel polish in one layer provides protection from external influences, but using such varnish for a long time can turn a brittle nail plate into a strong one, and flaky nails into hard ones.
Like any varnish, gel polishes also have a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Among the significant advantages are several properties:
- During use, it makes nails stronger, longer and more elastic.
- It cannot cause adverse reactions, since the gel contains only tested substances that do not cause any irritation.
- Convenience and ease of use.
- No heaviness in the nails after application.
- Due to the UV lamp, it quickly attaches to the nail plate without having time to smear.
- Gives a glossy shine, unlike regular nail polish.
- Has a variety of shades.
- A manicure created with gel polish lasts a long time.
The correct approach to the procedure of applying gel polish on nails will take on average from an hour to two hours of your time. If individual nail design is required: working with drawings, patterns, rhinestones, as well as various shades of gel polishes, then, of course, the procedure time increases.
But this is only when the girl does the manicure herself at home. And experienced professionals in salons will certainly cope with this procedure in a few minutes. They easily apply both shellac and gel polish; the difference in these procedures is only in durability. Shellac can be worn for 2 weeks, and gel polish for 3-4 weeks.
Despite the lifestyle of the owner of the manicure, high-quality gel polish will never lose its original shine and neatness during the operation of the manicure.
There are two approaches to applying gel manicure:
- single-phase;
- three-phase.
The three-phase approach involves the use of three types of funds. Each product has a different composition and varying consistency.
These include:
- a base coat that helps to successfully secure the nail plate with a layer of gel polish;
- a substance containing pigment to create decor;
- top coat, which is the final stage of manicure and provides sufficient stability to future nails.
A single-phase approach means that the process uses one tool that combines all of the above. The number of layers of gel depends on the intensity and contrast of the shade on the nails the girl wants to see.
Any girl can create a certain nail design if she has a UV lamp and several gels. With special efforts, you can achieve a real work of art on your nails.
But be sure to follow the rules for applying gel polish:
- Thoroughly degrease your nails using a lint-free cloth. Pay attention to the tips of your nails.
- Peel off the top layer of each nail to improve adhesion.
- Coat each nail plate with base product and dry for a minute in a lamp.
- We apply colored gel polish in several layers at once so that the shade is saturated. In this case, we apply one layer and dry it in a lamp, the same procedure is carried out for the 2nd layer. Be careful! Do not allow the gel to get on the cuticle!
- The top coat is applied in one layer. Dries in no more than 2 minutes.
- Final degreasing of the nail plate.
- Care with cuticle oil.
The most popular brand is Bluesky. Gel polish has a dense consistency and is used to effectively strengthen nails. There is a wide range of different shades.
The advantage of Kodi's products is the glossy shine, color fastness and longevity of gel polish. There are more than 200 options among color shades.
The LDB company produces gel polishes, which are very dense in consistency, as they are made on the basis of 100% gel.
Shellac and gel polish: what is the difference between nail industry products
We have already explained to you what shellac and gel polish are. What is the difference between these products will be discussed below, because these are not two identical things, and the differences appear both in the composition and in the principle of application.
The concentration of varnish in Shellac is higher than in gel polish, so it is as easy to cover your nails with it as with regular nail polish.
But the presence of gel in the composition makes it possible to enjoy manicure for a long period.
Shellac is created to strengthen the nail plate and there is no need to file off the top layer of the nail. When working with shellac, a primer is not used so that the varnish adheres better to the nail plate.
The principle of removing shellac from a nail is also different from removing pure gel polish. Removing gel polish takes time and significant effort, but shellac can be removed quickly and without special knowledge.
The procedure is as follows: a regular cotton pad should be moistened with a special shellac remover, then apply the moistened pad to the nail and wrap it with foil. There will be no difficulties during removal, because the shellac will immediately become soft. And to remove gel polish, preliminary work with files is required.
Another good difference is that you can cover your nails with shellac at home yourself and not be afraid of making any mistakes that can be expected when working with gels.
While gel polish has a specific odor, shellac is odorless and cannot cause an allergic reaction. The variety of shades of shellac is always greater than that of gel polish. Thanks to the variable colors, you can choose any color, and your nails will look richer and more contrasting.
The production of any gel polish has the same purpose and application, but each company wants to stand out with some feature. If we take the CND product as an example, it has a decent price. While its analogues are sold at more favorable prices.
Differences can be everywhere: in the composition of the gel, in the volume of one jar, in quality, in the period of wearing. The most important thing is quality. A high-quality product will never harm your nails, and will also “last” for quite a long time.
What is the difference between gel and gel polish, as well as other products
In addition to shellac and gel polish, today nail art masters use other means to create a beautiful manicure. Here, too, you need to understand that there is always a difference between gel and gel polish, biogel, gel paint and other products. Just which one?
Gel polish differs from the recently introduced biogel, since the technology for applying biogel is much more complicated, but it is just as easily removed using special means without damaging the nail plate.
Biogel is more expensive, since it is made on the basis of natural ingredients that, during a manicure, treat and restore nails.
In addition to biogel, nails are also extended with UV gel. The difference between UV gel and gel polish is that the first product is used exclusively for nail extensions, and the second is used to create a long-lasting color manicure.
Therefore, these are two different products that have different application methods, terms of wear on the nails and the final result, since the extended nail still needs to be decorated with UV gel, and this is where you can use gel polish or gel paint, which are very similar between yourself.
Despite the different composition, both coatings on the nail look the same. Gel paint is available in small jars and is intended for creating patterns and ornaments, but some manicurists often use it to cover the entire nail, although gel polish is more suitable for these purposes.
Well, the last remedy that everyone uses is regular varnish. Its difference with gel polish is immediately clear. The polish lasts very little on the nails, just a couple of days and you need to do a new manicure. A large selection of shades, cost, ease of removal and application make it popular among women.
Now it’s clear what the difference is between gel and gel polish, shellac and biogel. All tools have their purpose and advantages. Each woman must determine for herself what suits her best to create a beautiful manicure.
With the help of which you not only maintain a well-groomed appearance of your hands, but also show your individuality. Unfortunately, the coating on the nails does not last more than a week, in addition, it can smear before it has time to dry. Therefore, it is necessary to update your manicure very often, which is quite tedious. Gel polish coating helps solve the problem. The photo below shows what the nails look like after this procedure.
Applying gel polish is easy, and since a UV lamp is used for drying, you don’t have to worry about the coating smearing. In addition, gel polish forms a strong base for nails, which protects them from damage and allows them to grow faster. Decorative gel polish coating retains its appearance for a long time, does not fade over time, and does not form scratches. The technology for applying gel polish is simple, the main thing is to take into account some important points.
What is gel polish?
Gel polish has a unique structure; when dried under an ultraviolet lamp, it turns into a durable coating that is not subject to damage or abrasion. Currently, many companies produce gel polishes, the difference between which is the polymerization time, viscosity, amount of color pigment, etc.
Durability, strength, and simple application technology are the reasons why this type of manicure, such as gel polish, is becoming increasingly popular among women. The photo shows that the color range of such varnishes is quite diverse, from traditional to extraordinary tones.
The coating applied to the nails dries under the influence of ultraviolet rays in a lamp for two to four minutes. The drying time depends on the consistency of the product and the power of the lamp.
Advantages
Among the advantages of such a coating, one can note its durability compared to conventional varnishes, ease of application (if you have special devices, a manicure can be done at home), durable texture, which helps strengthen the nail plate. The gel polish coating remains shiny; when applied correctly, it does not form cracks or chips, so there is no need for additional correction. Nails look natural after applying gel polish. In addition, the use of gel polish is not harmful to health, is safe for pregnant and lactating women, it does not penetrate the pores of the nail and does not affect the condition of the nail plate.
The disadvantages include the complex procedure for removing the coating, as well as the relative high cost of such a manicure. But still, there are much more advantages, which is why many women choose gel polish coating.
What do you need to buy?
In order to be able to do such a manicure at home, you need to purchase a special set, which consists of gel polishes (transparent and colored), an ultraviolet lamp, a degreaser, a bond, a primer, a topcoat, a nail file and a polishing buffer, an orange stick, lint-free napkins. A gel polish coating kit can be found in a specialty store.
When choosing gel polish, keep in mind that an inexpensive product may be of poor quality and can damage your nails with constant use. Therefore, it is advisable to give preference to branded devices.
Without an ultraviolet lamp it is impossible to apply gel polish to your nails. The photo shows what such a lamp looks like.
Its power must be at least 36 W so that the nail coating is securely fixed. Otherwise, your manicure may turn out to be faded and sloppy. The special lamp for gel manicure has a timer, which makes it convenient to track the time.
Wipe the nail plate with a degreaser. To save money, you can use regular medical alcohol for this purpose. Bond is necessary to dry nails. The primer provides better adhesion of the coating to the nail.
Manicure technique
The procedure consists of several stages. Let's look at each of them in detail.
1. Nail preparation
Covering nails with gel polish begins with their preparation. First of all, using a nail file, you need to give your nails the desired shape. For thin nails, the most optimal length will be a short one, which will allow you to maintain your manicure longer. Before the session, you can make a relaxing hand bath with the addition of essential oils. Nails should be allowed to dry thoroughly, as soaked manicure will not last long.
Then you need to push back the cuticle using an orange stick. All nails are filed to the required length. Use a fine-grained polishing buff to remove the natural gloss from the nails so that the surface becomes matte. Delaminations must be removed very carefully, otherwise the coating will begin to chip off along with them. Particular attention should be paid to the edge of the nail plate, removing all cracks and detached parts. Then, using a brush, you need to brush off the dust that has formed during the process.
After this, the nails are degreased, being careful not to touch them until the end of the procedure to avoid chipping the coating in the future. A thin layer of transparent bond is applied to the nail plate, and then a primer. This procedure allows you to preserve your manicure longer.
2. Applying gel polish
Gel polish coating is a simple procedure, but you must follow some rules. First, the nails are coated with a base transparent varnish and placed in a UV lamp for 30-60 seconds. You should not touch your nails so as not to contaminate the surface, this may affect the quality of the manicure.
Then a thin layer of colored varnish is applied. It is important that it does not get on the skin around the nail, otherwise it will not last long. All excess can be easily removed before polymerization. Place the nails in the lamp for two minutes; if desired, you can repeat the procedure two or three times, then the color will be brighter. Do not apply the varnish too thickly; bumps and peeling may appear.
3. Applying top coat
If desired, you can apply any patterns or decorations under the top layer. Polymerization lasts 2-3 minutes. When applying the coating, do not forget to seal the end of the nail, which will give the manicure durability and keep it longer. At the end of polymerization, you need to soak a lint-free cloth in a degreaser and wipe your nails to remove the top sticky layer. To maintain gloss, change the napkin every 3 nails.
Then nourishing oil is applied to the cuticle to moisturize. This completes the coating of nails with gel polish. The photo shows what the nails look like after this procedure.
Now you can do normal things without fear of ruining your manicure.
How to remove gel polish?
After two to three weeks, the coating must be removed, since during this time the nail grows significantly, and this spoils the entire manicure. Gel polish coating is not so easy to remove and an incorrect procedure can significantly worsen the condition of the nails. The best option would be to go to a salon where they will do it professionally. Under no circumstances should you tear off or remove the coating like a film, since the top layer of the nail can be torn off along with the varnish.
To carry out this procedure at home, you need to prepare foil, cotton pads, a special coating remover or a regular acetone-based product, an orange stick.
First you need to wash your hands. Then a cotton pad is applied to the nail, which is pre-moistened in nail polish remover, wrapped with foil on top to avoid evaporation of the solvent. After 10-15 minutes the varnish softens. After massaging the nail plate, remove the cotton wool and foil along with the coating.
The remaining gel polish can be removed using an orange stick. If not all of the coating was removed, the procedure must be repeated. Do not remove any remaining polish, as this will damage the nail plate.
Possible problems
You can often hear complaints that the gel polish coating turned out to be unstable, lasting no more than a week, or began to chip off after a few days. If all points were taken into account and the procedure was carried out correctly, the reason may be in the individual characteristics of the nails. You can try using gel polish from another company or switch to more expensive products.
For women who do not have enough free time to do manicures often, but at the same time want to have well-groomed hands, coating their nails with gel polish will be a real godsend and will delight you for a long time, maintaining an attractive appearance. In addition, for those who have brittle and weak nails, this method will help them grow to the required length.
The history of manicure goes back several decades, but a real breakthrough in it happened relatively recently. The year 2010 was marked by an innovative invention patented by a professional American brandCND- the appearance of shellac. In fact, it was a hybrid of the color coating familiar to beauties, but thanks to innovative components and special application technology, shellac lasted many times longer, which caused well-deserved delight in every girl. Nowadays we can often hear the word “shellac”, “shelac” or even “shilac” used in relation to gel nail polish, implying long-term coverage. Also, people often use the words gel polish and shellac interchangeably. What is the difference and does it really exist? Let's figure it out with the expertsProstoNail.
Is shellac the same as gel polish? Or is there a difference?
In the modern world, manicure is just the minimum necessary to give the impression of a well-groomed and neat girl. And before, by the condition of your hands, you could even determine whether the person in front of you was an aristocrat or an ordinary commoner. With the advent of decorative colored varnish, one can now draw another conclusion from nails - about the taste and even the character of their owner.
It should be noted that the history of the invention of the first varnish goes back to ancient historical times. Then in China they began to produce a unique mixture that was applied to the hands of geisha. In fact, it got the wonderful name varnish, which literally means “100,000.” Lacquer was extracted by purifying the resinous secretions of insects back in the Ming Dynasty. During the reign of Catherine de Medici, wearing nail polish was considered vulgar and shameful, for which a woman could even be accused of witchcraft. And the world's first water-soluble form of varnish was invented by Charles Revson, now the founder of Revlon, in the 1930s. This revolutionized the world of fashion and personal care, radically changing all the previously existing principles.
To be fair, we note that the first varnish was not very durable. Its lifespan was at most several hours, and after that the coating unsightly chipped, exposing the nail plates. In 1927, Max Factor began mass distribution of varnish, bottled in miniature bottles. And in 1929, the first varnish with the aroma of perfume appeared. The year 1932 is marked by the fact that any decorative coating becomes truly colorful, the palette is replenished with many of the most intricate shades. In 1938, a base for varnish was invented, and in 1949, the so-called “drying” was invented. 1978 - the triumph of Mr. Orly, who invented the universal one. 2010 is the year that made another breakthrough, and all due to the appearance of a durable gel coating known as Shellac.
Today there is a wide variety of manufacturers and brands. In the Naomi online store you can find high-quality and original gel polish at reasonable prices and with fast delivery.
Dig deeper - what is gel polish made of?
Let's take a closer look at all the components of such a familiar varnish to understand - is it worth overpaying just for the brand?
| Ingredient | Functions |
|---|---|
| Polymers | Varnish base. The durability of the coating directly depends on their quality. Essentially, these are the same resins that form a super-strong glossy film |
| TSF | A synthetic type of polymer that determines the degree of adhesion of the varnish directly to the nail plate. Should not contain formaldehyde |
| Solvents | Carriers of all varnish ingredients. It is a mistake to assume that hardening of the coating occurs due to polymerization. It’s just that during this process some of the solvents evaporate, which leads to hardening |
| Ethyl acetate | One of the types of chemically modified alcohol. Responsible for the rate of hardening |
| Plasticizers | They give the varnish strength and elasticity, which allows the varnish not to chip even when bending the plates |
| Butyl acetate | One of the components responsible for the degree of fluidity of the coating. Thanks to its presence, you have the opportunity to evenly distribute the varnish over the entire surface of the nails and layer it |
| Nitrocellulose | A very dangerous component due to its literally explosive features. It is this that provides the bright, shiny film for which high-quality gel polishes are so famous. |
| Pigments | Fine particles that give the varnish a unique shade. The color saturation depends on their quantity. The most famous pigments: D&C Red, D&C Blue, titanium dioxide and D&C Yellow |
| Mica | You will definitely come across this component if you take a close look at the composition of pearlescent varnishes. It is he who is responsible for the glamorous shimmer |
| Silicates | Prevents “settling” of pigments and controls the consistency of the varnish |
| Lemon acid | Used as a stabilizing agent |
| Titanium dioxide | A pigment that forms a classic snow-white color. It is found in almost every polish to highlight other shades. |
| Camphor | Plasticizer of natural origin. Gradually being phased out due to its allergenicity |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Its primary task is to neutralize nitrocellulose, its secondary task is to destroy bacteria |
As you can see, one bottle of gel polish contains the work of thousands of specialists. And the quality of your future manicure directly depends on the quality of all components.
It is important to know what you should pay attention to when choosing gel polish
The name “gel polish” alone speaks for itself - it is a hybrid of a modeling ultra-strong gel used for extensions, as well as a classic pigmented varnish designed to effectively decorate our nails. Each varnish is capable of polymerizing, that is, transitioning from a liquid to a solid state. This happens under the influence of a special lamp, which you should acquire before starting your career in nail service or for home use. Because of this, there are several types of gel varnishes:
- UV/ LED- universal gel varnishes, polymerize under the influence of UV waves with a length of 350-400 nm. To fix such compositions, you can use all types of drying lamps;
- UV- polymerization takes place under the influence of UV waves in the short and medium range of 280-370 nm. Fixes well in fluorescent and CCFL lamps. LEDs harden unevenly or not at all;
- LED- compositions adapted to rapid polymerization under LED lamps. Polymerizes under UV waves 380-400 nm. They harden quickly, within 30-60 seconds, in LED lamps. In fluorescent and CCFL lamps, such gel polishes take much longer to polymerize, from 2 to 8 minutes.
The range of decorative coatings for manicure is very, very extensive and even a professional can get confused in it. To completely dot the i’s, we suggest that you always have an informative “cheat sheet” from ProstoNail on hand. So, depending on the application method, there are also several types of varnishes:
- single-phase. The combined composition of these products makes it possible not to use additional top and base, since they are already part of the formula. You simply apply the varnish in one or several layers and cure it under a lamp;
- two-phase. These products combine the basic properties of a colored coating with a top or base. Consequently, you only add one missing link to your arsenal;
- three-phase. Perhaps the most common type of gel polishes used at work and at home. Such paints require additional application of a base, then the varnish itself, and then a finishing top with a glossy or matte effect.
Of course, it is logical to assume that the most practical type of varnish is bottles with single-phase contents, but, in fairness, we note their high cost per 1 ml of liquid.
Well, we have figured out all the nuances of choosing gel polishes, all that’s left is to decide on the desired effect on the nails:
- neon. Disco option for brave beauties. These polishes will literally light up your night at the club;
- matte. a real find for those who want to emphasize the depth and richness of a plain manicure;
- cat's eye. The “” effect is trendy and relevant for those who want to emphasize their predatory nature and impeccable taste;
- thermovarnishes. Representatives of this category change their color under the influence of temperature, which is a very entertaining sight;
- stained glass. Stained glass varnishes are recommended for use in “aquarium” or “” designs due to the lack of pigmentation;
- craquelure. Varnishes that create artistic cracks when cured;
- . We especially love the category of gel polishes that create a metallic style;
- chameleon. This coating can change its color depending on the time of day or type of lighting. A definite plus is the variability of such a manicure.
Generation difference - what to choose shellac or gel polish?
Shellac is just a brand of gel polish. Shellac, Kodi, Naomi, etc. are all types of gel polishes. An example is the Pampers brand, which is now used to call all diapers in a row; the same thing happened with the famous shellac. Like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, these two types of polishes are almost the same. Both of them react to UV rays and last on the nails for about two weeks. From this it follows that Shellac is a product created by the CND company, the name of which has become a household name. Shellac was the first to begin mass production of gel coatings, which are dried using a special lamp. The only difference between Shellac and regular gel polish is that it uses a "Power Polish" formula, which is a mixture of UV and regular nail polish. Unlike other gel polishes, which noticeably thicken the nail, shellac looks a little thinner. The process of removing shellac is also slightly different - it comes off noticeably faster, with virtually no damage to the nail plate.
Due to the confusion of concepts, many girls do not see the fundamental difference between gel polish of any other brand and shellac from Creative Nail Design. And in vain, because it undoubtedly exists. The main difference between shellac is the hypoallergenic nature of its formula, created on the basis of natural, non-toxic components. Having passed many laboratory tests, shellac has proven its safety, which is especially important for girls with increased sensitivity of the epidermis.
Well, let’s finally weigh the pros and cons of the now so popular gel manicure?
Shellac advantages:
- made on the basis of natural ingredients, making it hypoallergenic;
- features luxurious pigmentation with high saturation of pure color;
- does not create difficulties in work: it is easily and evenly distributed, and polymerizes just as quickly;
- does not involve the use of an acid primer, so it dries out the nail plates less;
- shellac strengthens brittle nails, which allows them to grow to the desired length;
- The coating has excellent durability. Especially neat girls can wear shellac manicure without chipping for up to 3 weeks;
- ease of removing shellac without the hated, nail-injuring foil, but only with the help of a special remover.
Disadvantages of Shellac:
- Shellac coating, like an iPhone, is very expensive to maintain. For example, in order to polymerize the coating, you need to use a special expensive lamp, and in order to remove it, you need a low-budget remover.
Advantages of gel varnishes:
- low-cost varnishes, which does not affect their quality;
- a huge palette of shades, which allows you to play with textures, saturation and various effects;
- do not lubricate, as they have a shortened polymerization period under UF/LED radiation;
- convenience and ease of use, which makes gel manicure accessible even for home use;
Disadvantages of gel polishes:
- Before applying the gel coating, you must prepare your nails by first soaking the plates with a harmful acid-free primer;
- the process of removing a gel manicure is also very traumatic for the nails, which causes them to become brittle and thin later;
- inexpensive varnishes can become bald when applied due to a lack of pigment or too thin consistency;
- regular gel polish can provoke an allergic reaction on sensitive nail plates.
Long-lasting nail coatings allow you to not think about a manicure for several weeks. Hands look well-groomed, interesting, and emphasize the overall style. The nail service industry is developing at tremendous speed, with new products appearing almost every year. It is difficult for the average person to keep track of all this; it is very easy to get confused in all the variety of materials. But most often the question that confuses us is how nail gel differs from gel polish. In fact, these are completely different coatings.
Content:
Nail gels
Gel is a polymer hard coating that is used to model nails, lengthen them, and change their shape. This is what is used for nail extensions. Both gel polish and gel polish require the use of an ultraviolet or LED lamp. It is in it that the liquid coating hardens, becomes durable, allows you to apply any design and does not require correction for the next 2-3 weeks.
Types of gels:
- Solid gel. This is a durable polymer, which after hardening turns into an artificial nail.
- Biogel. A softer coating that, even after drying in a lamp, retains its elastic structure.
Biogels differ in composition. They contain rubber and proteins, which provide elasticity, but at the same time the coating is durable. This product can be used to straighten and protect the natural nail plate without lengthening it. It is easily removed by dissolving, since gels simply require filing. Most of the product contains various organic compounds that promise to restore damaged nails, but this claim is quite dubious. But the product really helps to grow or hide defects.
Gels, like gel polishes, can be colored, transparent, or camouflage. They provide certain opportunities for creativity and have one great advantage - long service life. However, during wear and contact with household chemicals, they may fade.
Important! If your nails are thin and weak, you should not choose polymer gels or increase their length. A weakened plate simply won't stand it. For such problems, it is better to give preference to gel polishes or biogels.
Video: About gel and biogel coating
Gel nail polishes
Gel polish combines the properties of gel and regular nail polish. The coating is durable but flexible. It is not so thick, you can apply a very thin layer and create a natural manicure. It cannot be used to lengthen the plate. It is not used to give different shapes to the nail or to disguise large defects.
Main characteristics:
- Glossy finish and beautiful shine. It is lacquered, shimmers, and does not fade over time. But there are also matte finishes that allow you to diversify your design.
- Suitable for any nails. Can be applied to thin, textured plates; the coating will even them out and make them smooth.
- Immediately after drying, you can do any business, but for the first day it is advisable not to keep your hands in water for a long time.
- It does not have a toxic odor or harmful compounds if the product is of high quality.
- Easy to apply. If you wish, you can master the technology and do manicures at home. Everything you need can be easily purchased in brick-and-mortar stores or ordered online.
- Longevity depends on the base and top. If you can save on the varnishes themselves, then you don’t need to do this on the bases.
Both gel polishes and gels can cause allergies. But if it appears on a product from one company, there may not be a reaction on other coatings.
Video: Gel polish coating
Comparison table of coatings
Gel polishes and gels have different properties, composition, and hardness. They cannot replace or complement each other. The design possibilities differ, although attractive nails can be created with any materials. As for durability, it is approximately the same. The coating should last for at least two weeks, usually correction is done after 21 days, but it all depends on the speed of nail growth and correct application.
Gel |
Gel polish |
Available in jars with a screw-on lid. |
Available in bottles like regular nail polishes. The packaging material is opaque, light is harmful to the product. |
Thick consistency, scoop up with a spatula. |
Liquid, flowing, applied with a brush that comes with the bottle. |
Lengthens and thickens the nail plate up to 5 mm. |
It only decorates and slightly thickens the nail without lengthening it. |
Different colors. |
A rich color palette with a huge number of shades, textures, inclusions. |
You can make designs in different colors and apply drawings. |
In addition to designs and drawings, you can glue rhinestones, polymer compositions, ribbons, bouillons, glitters, sliders. |
Correction requires sawing off a thick layer with a milling cutter. |
Correction is possible by tinting the overgrown hole. |
Removable by filing. |
Can be removed by sawing, but soaking is more often used. |
What is shellac
Shellac is a hybrid of varnish and gel. That is, this is a gel polish, but it was first developed by one of the leading companies in the nail industry, CND, the new product was patented and called Shellaak. Its popularity grew at an incredible speed; competitors quickly adopted the idea and began producing their own coatings. But the original shellac still has a unique composition and structure. The coating is also characterized by high durability and adheres well to the natural nail plate.
What else is different about shellac:
- It is not necessary to grind the plate, as when using coatings; it is enough to simply degrease the surface with a bonder.
- No primer is used.
- The concentration of pigments is greater than that of many analogues. Shellac covers the nail well even in one layer.
- Easier to remove. Unlike gels, you do not need to file away the top; you can immediately apply a disc moistened with a remover.
- Dries out the nail. One of the disadvantages of shellac, which is due to the lack of a primer.
- Polymerizes only with an ultraviolet lamp.
Shellac has another big disadvantage - cost. In Russia, you can pay from 1000 rubles for one bottle. Gel polishes and gels from other well-known manufacturers (Bluesky, Kodi) cost several times less. Chinese durable coatings have actively entered the market, the cost of which is no more expensive than regular varnish in a store and rarely exceeds 200 rubles.
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