Shellac nails vs gel nails - a showdown everyone has had at least once while staring at a polish wall or booking a salon appointment. So what’s the difference between shellac and gel nails? You’ve come to the right place.
Shellac gives you that glossy, lightweight look. It cures super fast but chips just as quickly, and you have to soak your nails in acetone to remove it. On the other hand, gel nails bring richer color payoff and longer wear, but they cost more, take longer, and aren’t exactly DIY friendly.
We’ll break down the differences between shellac vs gel nails below to help you narrow it down to the style that fits your preferences. But the truth is, there’s a smarter option than BOTH traditional gel and shellac nails, right here at Polish Pops.
Our take on gel nails lets you enjoy the look and staying power of a salon manicure without the time, cost, or soak-off drama. Just peel, press, trim, cure for 60 seconds, and admire. It’s really that quick and easy, which is why we’ve earned a 4.8/5 star rating across 7,500+ reviews.
Take matters into your own hands and see what makes our nail wraps so great today!
“I have always gotten shellac manicures at the salon. These gel Polish Pops have been exactly what I needed. Saves time and money! This is such a great product!” - Eileen
“This is a superb buy. Everything is superior quality and includes all you need. I am on day 12 and my nails still look great. I have NEVER had such success with polish or salon gels.” - Lynne
“Like a salon at home! Polish Pops are the best at-home kits for beautiful, sturdy nails!” - Danielle
Shellac Nails vs Gel Nails (Fast Facts)
|
Feature |
Shellac Nails |
Gel Nails |
Polish Pops (UV Gel Wraps) |
|
Where You Get It |
Mostly salon service. |
Salon or DIY with bottled gel. |
DIY at home with starter kit. |
|
Application Style |
Brushed-on polish in thin layers. |
Brushed-on gel, often built up thicker. |
Pre-shaped gel wraps you peel, press, trim, and cure. |
|
Curing Method |
UV/LED lamp at the salon. |
UV/LED lamp for each coat. |
60-second cure under a compact LED lamp. |
|
Typical Wear Time |
About 10–14 days with salon upkeep. |
About 2–3 weeks depending on formula. |
14+ days when applied correctly. |
|
Removal |
Acetone soak and foil wraps. |
File then soak or drill at salon. |
Gentle lift-off with cuticle oil—no harsh soak. |
|
Design Options |
Solid colors, some simple art. |
Wide range of colors and art at the salon. |
Tons of designs, from florals to glitter and French tips. |
|
Time Commitment |
Salon visit + drying/curing time. |
Longer appointment or multi-step DIY. |
Full gel design manicure in minutes. |
|
Cost Per Manicure |
Up to $80 with tip |
Up to $100 with tip |
$16 per set |
|
Natural Nail Impact |
Can feel dry or weak after repeated acetone soaks. |
Can thin nails if over-filed or over-drilled. |
Designed for damage-free wear and removal when used as directed. |
|
Best For |
Salon regulars who like thin, polished color and are willing to pay for it |
Those who want long-wear and don’t mind salon time/expenses. |
Anyone who wants salon-style gel nail designs at home, fast and affordably. |
What’s the Difference Between Shellac and Gel Nails?
Both shellac and gel nails can give you that glossy, long-lasting look you crave. But the way they’re applied (and how they hold up) is totally different. Here’s a quick overview of shellac nails vs gel nails.
Overview of Shellac Nails
Shellac is applied like regular nail polish at the salon: thin coats of color brushed onto the nail, followed by a quick cure under a UV or LED lamp. The formula usually combines gel and traditional polish, so it feels light on the nail and doesn’t build thickness the way a true gel does.
Most techs apply a base coat, two layers of color, and a glossy top coat, curing between every step. The whole process is pretty quick, and the final look is sleek and natural.
Pros of Shellac Nails:
- Thin, lightweight feel
- Quick salon appointment
- High shine with a smooth finish
Cons of Shellac Nails:
- Chips sooner than gel, especially on active hands
- Requires an acetone soak for removal
- Limited design options unless your tech hand-paints art
Overview of Gel Nails
Gel nails are thicker and richer because they’re made from a true gel formula that cures hard under a lamp. Your tech applies a base coat, multiple gel layers, and a top coat. The nails have to be cured at every step.
The payoff is stronger, glossier nails that hold up beautifully for weeks. Gel nails also give techs more freedom with design: chrome, ombré, glitter, encapsulated art - nothing is off limits. That said, you have to have the time and money to get/maintain gel manicures.
Pros of Gel Nails:
- Long wear with minimal chipping
- Stronger, sturdier feel
- Tons of color and design options
Cons of Gel Nails:
- Longer application time
- Can weaken nails if over-filed or drilled
- Removal can be messy or time-consuming
Shellac vs Gel Nails: Which Manicure is Right For You?
Still not sure whether you should go with shellac nails vs gel? There’s overlap in how they look when it’s all said and done, but there are subtle nuances in experience, upkeep, and wear. Before you decide what to book (or whether to skip the salon altogether), consider all this…
Application Time
How long does a manicure take? That’s one of the first questions you should ask when trying to decide between shellac vs gel nails.
One is much faster than the other, and that’s shellac. Your tech will simply brush on thin layers of color and cure your nails between coats. It takes 20-30 minutes most of the time.
In contrast, gel nails can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes - that’s twice as long! The reason this manicure is more long-winded is that the formula is thicker, the layers are built up more carefully, and designs usually need extra steps.
Durability and Wear
The trade-off for more time spent in a salon chair is that gel manicures almost always outlast their shellac counterparts. You can usually expect 2 weeks of wear. The gel cures into a sturdier layer, so it’s a smarter option if you work with your hands or just hate dealing with chipped polish before you’re ready for a new color.
On the other hand, shellac nails feel fresh and glossy for a week or so, but could start chipping earlier - especially if your nails take a beating during the day.
Thickness and Feel
There are differences between shellac nails vs gel in terms of how they feel, too.
Shellac is thin and lightweight, almost like your natural nails with a polished upgrade. As we’ve said throughout this shellac vs gel comparison, gel has more body to it - that’s part of why people love it. It feels more substantial. However, some people find it feels too thick.
It all comes down to personal preference!
Color and Design Options
Shellac has a good shade range, but the designs you get depend entirely on your nail tech’s skill. You have way more options with the other half of our shellac nails vs gel nails comparison.
Gel nails open the door to glitters, chrome, gradients, encapsulated art, and layers that look clean and crisp because the gel stays put exactly where it’s applied. You get way more to play with if you love trendy designs or detailed looks.
Removal Process
All good things come to an end whether you’re going with shellac vs gel nails. But how you clear the slate for your next manicure matters.
Shellac removal usually means soaking in acetone with cotton and foil until the polish breaks down enough to slide off. Meanwhile, gel removal can be as simple or frustrating as your salon makes it. Some techs file aggressively or rely on drills, which can leave your nails tender.
The key takeaway: neither method is exactly “gentle!”
Cost Considerations
Maybe you’re interested in choosing the more affordable option between shellac nails vs gel nails. Shellac usually costs a little less than gel because it’s faster to apply and doesn’t call for as much product. Gel can get pretty expensive the more intricate your design is.
Both require regular salon visits, and both add up quickly if you get them every two to three weeks. That’s just one reason why Polish Pops is the smarter alternative to gel nails and shellac nails.
So, is Shellac or Gel Better For YOUR Nails?
You could make the case for either option in comparing shellac vs gel nails.
Shellac gets the job done if you like thin, natural-looking color and don’t mind a little chipping. You’ll save money and time at the salon. Gel nails bring you stronger wear, richer color, and bolder designs. But they’re more expensive and time-consuming.
But maybe you feel as if neither option is perfect after reading this comparison of shellac nails vs gel nails. We get it, and you’re not alone. Polish Pops nail kit was made just for you.
Introducing a Smarter Option at Polish Pops
Polish Pops gives you a third option that’s honestly way more fun. Our semi-cured UV gel wraps arrive pre-shaped, pre-designed, and ready to go the second you open the pouch.
You peel, press, trim, and cure for sixty seconds. That’s all it takes, and suddenly, your nails look like you spent an hour at the salon. You get gorgeous shine, hand-painted looks, and a manicure that feels sturdy and resilient without weighing your nails down.
We offer everything from soft neutrals to glittery accents to full floral sets, so you can switch up your look whenever you want without scheduling anything. You don’t deal with drilling or acetone soaks either, because removal is done with a little cuticle oil and a gentle lift.
This is by far the easiest way to keep your nails cute on your terms - and you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner once you try it for the first time. Take a look now and see what catches your eye!
Bringing Our Shellac Nails vs Gel Nails Comparison to a Close
We hope this shellac vs gel nails comparison has left you totally clear on what each manicure brings to the table and where each falls short. Shellac gives you quick color, gel gives you longer wear, and both come with some maintenance and other trade-offs.
Our blog has additional resources comparing gel vs dip nails or acrylic vs gel nails if you want to explore other options. The truth is, though, nothing compares to Polish Pops when you want a stunning, long-lasting manicure in minutes from the comfort of home.
So why settle for less than the best? Upgrade your at-home mani game today and see what keeps people coming back to Polish Pops for more!
