What's the difference between shellac and gel? - blog Semilac

Shellac (gel polish) and UV Gels manicure are both long-lasting. They look similar, but they're not the same. Read about the differences between them!

Shellac nails - what is it?

Shellac manicure has already become a common name for hybrid varnishes (UV Gel Polishes). Unlike the traditional nail polish, this one is cured with UV lamp and therefore you can enjoy the shellac manicure for longer.

Formula of some companies was created so that the manicure lasts for 14 days. Semilac has created formula and the entire gel polish system, i.e., an appropriate combination of a well-chosen gel polish base, color and top that allow you to enjoy a manicure for up to 21 days, of course if the shellac manicure and application process was done as recommended by the manufacturer.

The basis for a long-lasting shellac manicure is a well-chosen base coat. Semilac has as many as 13 in its offer. Our QUIZ is a helpful tool in choosing the right base coat for your needs. Click the link, find more information about each base and see how cool this tool is.

Which is better shellac nails or gel polish?

Both are cured by UV light and can last way longer than regular nail polish.

When it comes to a ‘permanent’ manicure, we should not forget about the product that is well-known in a professional nail salon. This is of course, UV gel polish. It is an exceptionally durable product for professional use. Nails with its use are more durable than gel polish (by some colloquially called ‘shellac’). It also differs that gels regrowth can be refill. Pro nail tech can make amazing shapes, super long nails and creative nail design (very often for nail championship)

We will leave this question unanswered because it depends on what you expect. If you are looking for simpler process of making long lasting nails, it is definitely better to choose gel polish. If you have experience and trainings done and you want to do very durable nails, beautiful shapes than gels will be a good choice for you

Which one will last longer - shellac nails or gel polish?

In theory, gels should last longer, but it is also a matter of maniure quality and its use. Semilac offers strong gel polish products that can be used to do gel polish nails that will last up to 3 weeks. You can also extend nail plate up to 1cm. This properties has Semilac Extend Base.

Gels are harder and the consistency is thicker so you have to use special gel brush to shape it. Using Gels you need to have experience and professional courses completed to do a proper gel manicure.In this case, it is a guarantee that the gel manicure will last for a long time. If you are a nail tech and you are looking for pro UV building gels. Semilac has created fantastic gels product range for professional industry. You will find various types of gel, also in different colors. These are high-quality products that make modelling and work with them as easy as possible. Check out our offer of builder gels.

Which one is more expensive - shellac nails or gel polish?

When it comes to product purchasing, the gels will be cheaper in terms of the number of nails done. The gels are in containers and can be used up to the end. in the gel polish bottle, there will always be a little unused product. However, this is a product of a different category, and you need to complete course to perform gel nails.

Which one you can remove easier - shellac nails or gel polish?

Gel polish nails removal process is quite simple - by soaking cotton pads in acetone or a remover and wrapped on nails using aluminum foil. So the process is not complicated. Gels have a hard structure and therefore are not designed to be removed using by soak off method. They are most often filed or removed using nail drill.