Shellac vs. Gel: How Are They Different and Which One Is Better?

The word ‘Shellac’ is actually a trademarked name from CND, the first nail company to bring this type of semipermanent polish to market. You can think of CND Shellac as a hybrid of a gel and regular polish that's found in most salons (find your nearest provider here). Because it’s frequently referred to as your standard ‘gel mani’ or a ‘Shellac gel mani,’ this adds to the confusion between the two. However, at the salon you'll notice the bottle labeled 'CND Shellac Gel Polish,' to differ from a regular gel polish.

Also known as ‘hard gel,’ it’s not exclusive to one brand and is made of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under a UV light or LED lamp. “Unlike traditional polish, gel hardens under light, which makes it more durable and resistant to chips. There are different types of gel systems, including soft gel and hard gel, and both offer a sleek, long-lasting finish,” explains Russell. The main difference between a gel manicure and Shellac is that gel can be sculpted and shaped to your nail just like acrylic; the finish is also a bit thicker and glossier than Shellac.

How Does Shellac Differ from a Gel Manicure?

Although Shellac and gel are both forms of a gel polish, the key differences come down to formula and removal process. Shellac is softer and thinner than gel, so it comes off more easily, which can be a pro or a con depending on what you're looking for in a manicure. As Russell explains, “Shellac is a specific brand of soft gel polish created by CND, while ‘gel’ is a broader term that includes a range of products, from soft gel polish to builder gel and hard gel. Shellac applies like regular polish and cures under a UV or LED lamp, just like other gel products, but its formula is typically thicker and designed for easy soak-off removal. In contrast, many gel polishes may require more filing during removal.”

Other differences include color options and how long it lasts. Since Shellac comes from one specific brand (CND), there are fewer color options and only available for licensed nail professionals and salons. Meanwhile gels are manufactured by so many different brands, including OPI, Dashing Diva and Gelish that you try at the salon or buy at your favorite stores. “Each gel polish line has up to 200/300 color range, so that is truly endless! Not only are there solid colors, there are specialty finishes like velvet (cat eye), reflective glitter, regular glitter, jellies, glow in the dark, textured, speckled and more. My personal collection is well over 2,000 and that's only within a few gel polish lines,” shares Kandalec.

• Go for Shellac If: you want a gentler removal and the chance to switch up your colors more often. “Shellc is best for people who want a durable, shiny manicure with easy removal. For that reason, it's also good for people who have thin or damaged nail beds, because it won't add to the damage when removed!” says Kandalec.
• Go for Gel If: you want manicures to last longer and want a plush, ultra-glossy finish. “It works especially well for those with healthy nails who prefer regular salon visits or want to avoid frequent touch ups,” says Russell. “They can strengthen natural nails and hold up well for two to three weeks or more without chipping. Since the polish cures under a lamp, there is no dry time, which makes the process quick and efficient.” 

Whichever you prefer, consider talking to a nail technician or testing both options using an at-home manicure set to see what works best for you. Ask yourself, what are you specifically looking for? Longevity, color options, glossier finish? 

Which One Is More Expensive: Shellac or Gel?

Typically, a gel manicure is more expensive than Shellac. A Shellac manicure can cost anywhere between $25 and $60, depending on where you get it done, location and/or if you’re adding extra services (i.e, nail art). Meanwhile, a gel manicure can cost between $36 and $65 per application. “Alternatively, you can invest in a complete gel system for at-home use, which can yield many manicures for roughly the same cost,” Russell adds.