Gel vs. Shellac Manicure?

Shellac and gel POLISH are the same thing. The CND shellac tends to hold up better and last longer for me than other brands like Gelish.

You can also get gel NAILS done at some salons. They're similar to acrylics, just a different medium that has to be cured with a UV light. You get them filled just like acrylics. My experience has been that the gel nails hold up better than acrylics, but both are pretty rough on your natural nails.

MrsInSeptember, this is what I did for my bachelorette and I went with the plain pink, no glitter for the wedding to match my BMs as well.

This is what I have right now, but I usually stick to a more conservative look.

I love how the gel/shellac looks, that's usually what I go with for special occasions. However, I pick at my nails so i usually end up peeling some of them off and it destroys the top layer of my nail for a while. However, if i remove it properly with the acetone soak- then I have no damage.

I went to ulta and had the gel put on and it ended up ruining one of my nails so then I had to let it grow out but I have had the shellac done at a different place and I absolutely loved it. it was the best thing and it didn't ruin my nails

@Elyse, your nails are adorable! I love them!

Man, all this nail talk is making me super excited for my (basic) mani this weekend!

Really pretty pink and glitter Elyse! Thanks for sharing. I was thinking something a little fun but also subtle!

They are the same. I get my nails done with gel/shellac every 2 weeks. As long as you have a good manicurist your nails won't be damaged at all. Eta: spelling

Whenever I let the tech take the gel/shellac off my nails, they're fine. When I'm an idiot and peel it off myself, it's a disaster. But it's the only thing I like on my nails!

Having gel nails(like acrylic nails) done, they last up to 4 weeks. It isn't a polish, and every time I would have them fully removed, not just filled, they were never soaked off. The nail tech would gently file the UV hardened gel off, keeping the integrity of my natural nail. Gel nails are filled, with a gel like substance, (acrylic is a powder) which is applied just like acrylic, but no tip is added(they free form a tip if your natural nail isn't long enough)

Gel nails aren't as hard as acrylic, so they tend to be more comfortable, and if they break, they don't damage the natural nail nearly as much as acrylic does.

Gel/Shelac and Gel/nails are 2 different things.

Definitely ask the nail salon exactly what their products and services are.

Yes, it is the same. Shellac is simply name of brand. But I always make manicure with simple gel and it stays with me even for month!))

Wow, you all are so helpful! Thank you so much!

I just read up on what shellac is and it said that it is regular polish mixed with gel polish for a better shine. The removal process isn’t as bad as it is for straight-up gel or dip. It says you can take it off with acetone without using the Dremel tool so it is gentler to your nails. I have been getting dip for my nails for several years and I love how they look and last, but my nails are sensitive during the removal process and they were thin to start. I am trying gel tomorrow, even though the removal is the same because it takes a shorter time to apply and I want to compare the look and longevity of gel vs dip (dip lasts me almost a month without chips). Good luck with your decision - whatever you choose, I’m sure you will be pleased with it. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!