Shellac Nail Polish Is Gel's Easier-on-the-Nails Alternative—Here's Why

green nails

@overglowedit

What does shellac nail polish have that gels, acrylics, and dip powder don't? In the world of manicures, one has options — and shellac nail polish has long been a popular one. But if you're a bit confused about how shellac differs from gel, you're not alone: The two types of nail polish are similar, with just a few key differences. Ahead, get four manicurists' takes on the shellac vs. gel debate, and learn what makes shellac a singular experience for the nails. Plus, get a sneak peek at the nail styles that will be trending through 2024.

Meet the Expert


What Are Shellac Nails?

Shellac nails are a type of brand-name gel polish specifically created by CND, and features a unique formula that makes them easier to remove than traditional gel nails. "CND shellac nails combine the best properties of gel (for wear and protection) and the best properties of polish (for glorious color and shine)," says Jan Arnold, co-founder and style director of CND.

What Is Shellac Polish Made Of?

Like most long-lasting manicure products, shellac polish has an acrylic base. “All of the ingredients used to make any type of artificial nail—whether they are glued, cured by UV, or mixed with a liquid and powder—are based on the acrylic family,” celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann explains. “The ingredients in shellac manicures are like pre-mixed acrylics, and they undergo a chemical reaction once they are cured with a UV lamp.” According to Varnish Lane co-founder Lauren Dunne, shellac is technically a gel polish and regular polish hybrid. “The formulas bind together when cured under the light,” she explains.

The Benefits

So, who's in favor of shellac? Dunne, for one, sees its perks. “The major benefit of shellac is a beautiful high-gloss manicure that will stay chip-free for 10 to 14 days if applied correctly,” she explains. “This makes it the ideal manicure for travel, work, and all-around having beautiful nails that last longer.” Another perk? The manicure is cured with a special LED lamp made exclusively for shellac, so there's virtually no drying time, notes Arnold.

shellac manicure
 Emily Roberts / Byrdie

Shellac Manicures and Nail Damage

Even though shellac is considered by some to be the safest of all gels, it still has its downfalls—namely, that it can damage the nails. “Any product that is cured onto your nail has the potential of nail damage in the removal process,” Lippmann explains. “You must commit to the time that is required to soak off the product correctly. No scraping, no filing on top of the nail—no removing with your teeth.” She points out that, oftentimes, people get impatient with how long it takes for the gel to dissolve, and they end up pulling the polish off, which ends up damaging the nail.

Even if you’re not pulling the polish off, Dunne says that frequent shellac manicures can take a toll on your nails. “During the removal process, especially if not done properly, you can risk removing layers of your natural nails and weakening the nails,” she explains. Luckily, these downfalls are avoidable with the proper removal and breathing time between shellac manis.

Shellac Nails vs. Gel Nails

Shellac Uses Semi-Permanent Gel

Essentially, gel nails use a semi-permanent gel to color your nails, whereas shellac nails use semi-permanent polish. There are also nearly triple the number of color options for gel nails as there are for shellac nails, but there are still plenty of shades to choose from for either.

Shellac Is Easier to Remove Than Traditional Gel

Speaking specifically to shellac nails (aka the gel polish created by CND)—shellac manicures are considered to be easier on your nails than traditional gel. That’s because the brand’s formula features tiny tunnels within the polish once it’s dry, so once it’s time to remove it, acetone can sink into said tunnels to easily (and safely) remove the long-lasting polish. It’s this very quality that makes Lippmann believe that shellac is the easiest of all gel products to both apply and remove—and she’s not alone.

“We highly recommend using shellac polish versus your typical gel polish because they soak off easier and are less damaging to the nails during the soak-off process,” Dunne says.” On the other hand, off-brands don’t feature the same patented formula and therefore may not be removed as easily, which can cause damage to your natural nails. In fact, it’s due to these off-brand formulas that shellac gets a bad rap, to begin with. 

There Are More Color Options With Gel Polish

Because true shellac is made be a specific brand, there are naturally far more color options when using gel polish, as virtually every nail brand from Essie, to OPI, and more creates beloved gel shades.

Byrdie Tip

With any manicure that uses a lamp that emits UV light, be sure to protect the skin on your hands with SPF to avoid any UV damage and accelerated aging.

Who Shouldn't Use Shellac Polish?

If you have brittle or thin nails to begin with, you might want to take some steps to improve your nail health before trying shellac, or any gel manicure. Getting a shellac manicure can cause further damage if the polish is applied to already damaged nails. Apply cuticle oil twice a day and use a good hand moisturizer regularly. These keep your skin and nails from getting dehydrated. It's also important to ensure you go to a professional for removal, as the wrong technique can hurt your nails in the process.

How Long Do Shellac Manicures Last?

"A manicure applied following the proper CND Shellac system will deliver 14-plus days of high-performance, high-shine, trouble-free wear," Arnold tells us. And as we can attest, the finish is durable and rarely chips or peels, making it stand up to most household chores like washing dishes.

Byrdie Tip

While a shellac finish is known for its durability, some chemicals can damage your manicure, so you should still wear gloves when cleaning and doing other harsh tasks.

The Cost

As with most beauty procedures, the cost of a shellac manicure can vary. You can expect to pay between $40 to $60 for the salon service. Alternatively, to save on costs, you can try to DIY shellac nails at home.

How to Remove Shellac Polish

It might be tempting, but you should never attempt to peel off a shellac polish, as this can cause a lot of damage to the top layers of your nails. It's best to go back to the salon for proper removal, which can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes.

The removal process is seamless: "Shellac has a unique formula that forms tiny microscopic tunnels throughout the coating when cured in the CND LED lamp," explains Arnold. "When it’s time to remove the polish, the acetone penetrates through these tiny tunnels, all the way to the base layer, and then releases the polish from the nail—no scraping and forcing the coating from the nails."

Post-Removal Care

Take a break between shellac manicures. It’s as simple as that. “We always recommend our clients give their nails a break from shellac, especially if they have had multiple shellac manicures in a row,” Dunne says. “It gives your nails a chance to re-strengthen.”

In addition to giving your nails a break, Lippmann recommends incorporating a targeted base and topcoat—like her line's Hard Rock base and top coat ($22)—into your routine. “It’s a must when trying to recover from enhancement removal,” she says. “I recommend always putting several layers of polish on to protect our nails—whether it's layers of base coat and topcoat—even if you don’t want color.”

Additionally, both Dunne and Lippmann say it helps to cater to your cuticles, as healthy cuticles are the key to healthy nail growth. To do so, try using the Varnish Lane Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil ($28), or Lippmann’s Hydrating Cuticle Oil Pen ($24) meant to soften and hydrate cuticles while stimulating nail growth and improving the surface of your nails.

The Final Takeaway

"For best results when getting a shellac manicure, clients need to ensure their nail pro is trained and certified by CND, as they will truly understand the proper protocol to apply, and most importantly, remove shellac to preserve the integrity of the nail underneath," Arnold says."The product was designed as part of a system—all the layers work together to deliver that 14-day flawless wear and preservation of nail health." To get yourself a next-level manicure, find your nearest CND Shellac nail pro.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Gel manicures: tips for healthy nails.

Related Stories