All too often, in the world of beauty, words get thrown around carelessly. Words like retinol, acid, and peel, for instance, have come to mean a plethora of things in addition to their actual definitions. Retinol seems to have become a term used for any retinoid (factually, it's not that), acid appears to include any sort of exfoliant, from enzymatic to scrubs (not all exfoliants have to be in acid form), and as for peels? Well, a peel quite literally causes your skin to peel—it's not just a name for an aggressive exfoliating technique.
And while all of these terms losing their meanings very much irks me as a beauty editor, I find nothing more confusing than how the term Shellac has come to mean any and every gel manicure. Because the truth is, there are some key differences between a Shellac manicure, a gel manicure and a traditional polish manicure. Want to know which one might be best for you? Keep scrolling to discover exactly what Shellac nails are and how they differ from other manicures.
What Are Shellac Nails?
Put simply, Shellac is a brand name. Much like Hoover, Shellac has quickly become the go-to term for a gel manicure. Gel manicures are designed to last for over two weeks on the nail without chipping and must be cured under a UV lamp. Owned by the nail brand CND, Shellac is simply the given name for CND's gel service. With Shellac, typically a base coat will be applied before two coats of colour and finally a top coat. Each coat of polish should be cured under the lamp.
How Is Shellac Different To Other Gel Polishes?
This is where things get interesting. In truth, Shellac is very different to other gel manicures on the market. Manicurist Julia Diogo (@paintedbyjools) explains, "There are many different gel brands on the market. Shellac is actually a hybrid product which contains a mix of gel polish and regular polish. Other gel systems are 100% gel, meaning they are a lot longer lasting."
And while it is true that Shellac will likely chip quicker than a 100% gel polish, it does have its perks. Firstly, it tends to me much quicker to apply than other gel brands and, most importantly, it's significantly easier to remove.
Can Everyone Get Shellac Nails?
The answer to the above is a very simple yes. Everyone can get a Shellac or a gel manicure. Those with very short nails might find that their Shellac or gel manicure chips quicker than those with longer nails, and this is because the colour can be tricky to 'seal' when nails are shorter (and getting bitten frequently)!
"Shellac/gel manicures are for everyone—in order for your nails to remain in good health you need to have them done/removed by a professional only. Anyone suffering with something like onychauxis [a condition where nails thicken] should definitely avoid a Shellac or gel manicure," says Diogo.
Can I Do A Shellac Manicure At Home?
You can do a Shellac manicure at home, although it's typically not advised. Shellac was created for professionals as an in-salon service, so you're going to get the best results possible if you book in for a Shellac mani at your local salon.
Having said that, you can now buy Shellac gel polishes on the likes of Feelunique. Providing you have all the kit, then you can experiment with a Shellac manicure at home.
What Is Bio Sculpture and How is it Different to Shellac?
There are a number of Shellac alternatives, but there's no doubt that Bio Sculpture is having a moment. Loved by the likes of Diogo and fellow celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland, Bio Sculpture is known as a 'builder gel', meaning it actually reshapes the nail.
"In my opinion Bio Sculpture as a whole trumps many brands I have previously used, including Shellac. It is a prescriptive nail treatment which means it isn’t a ‘one product fits all’ system—this means you can tailor your manicure service to suit your clients exact nail type. The product is also 100% gel which provides maximum durability," says Diogo.
The draw backs? Bio Sculpture manicures don't come cheap and they take a long time. On top of that, finding a manicurist that's trained in Bio Sculpture locally might prove tough.
Shop Gel Kits & Lamps
From manicurist Leighton Denny, this gel kit can be used with any colour polish. Simply apply the top coat and cure until the lamp for a significantly extended manicure time.
Natural gel polishes are hard to come by. Manucurist products, however, are totally free from solvents and last an impressively long time. It might not rival a Shellac mani in terms of longevity, but it gets pretty close.
If you're concerned that your at-home gel manicure might crumble under the sun while on holiday, this mini lamp is perfect for travelling.
If you're serious about your gel manicures, Mylee's full kit will be for you. With a number of gel polishes to choose from, this kit is great for those already experienced in doing their own gel at home.
Shop Shellac Polishes
The perfect coral hue, which works just as well on toes as it does on hands.
It's impossible not to feel optimistic when looking at a yellow manicure.
The perfect mix of red, brown and orange.
We'll be wearing this terracotta hue all summer.
Shop Manucurist Gel Polishes
A dusty pink it a timeless option when you can't decide what hue to go for.
We're living for this vibrant orange shade.
This soft pink is so pretty.
When in doubt, a classic deep red always looks chic on nails.
Shop Mylee Gel Polishes
Cornflower blue is big news for nails this year.
More understated with your nail colours? We've just found your perfect shade.
This red is a must-have in your kit, it suits everyone.
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