A Gel manicure typically lasts anywhere from 3 weeks to a month and there is a very low chance of a Gel manicure chipping. In comparison, a Shellac manicure typically last about 2 weeks if it is taken care of properly and has a higher chance of chipping after a few weeks go by.
For longer lasting, with more colour options, choose gel. For shine and ease, choose shellac.
“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.
Shellac manicure starts peeling within a day or 2:
Your tech may have not dehydrated your nail bed well enough. You don't always need to rough up the nail but the natural shine should be buffed down first (unless you are using Shellac brand gel polish they require no buffing). The polish might be older.
Your shellac nails should remain shiny and chip-free for 14 to 21 days if you take care of them responsibly.
The most common reason why the top coat starts peeling after one day is because the top coat isn't cured properly. Sometimes this is a top coat formula and lamp compatibility issue - or that you just need to cure the top coat for longer.
As many of us know, Shellac nail polish is the way to go when looking for one of the more durable options of nail polish around. On average, they last up to 2 weeks, with some lucky few getting a good 3 weeks in!
It is recommended to have a shellac manicure re done every two weeks but most of my clients gets three or more weeks out of shellac with no chips at all and even longer on toes.
A shellac manicure can usually last 14 days without chipping. If you want your shellac to last another fortnight or so, protecting your natural nails, a nude-ish Shellac Forte is your best bet.
Step 1: Give Your Nails a Break
Most nail technicians suggest giving your nails at least a week-long break every eight weeks. Shellac, gel, dip dye, and acrylics require buffing the nails beforehand, and the harsh acetone for used removal compromises the top layer of the nail.
Because shellac nails use traditional nail polish, in addition to a gel layer, they're a little more prone to chipping than methods like the gel application, which means you may need touch-ups more than with other types of nails.
The Differences in Cost
It all comes down to cost. On average, gel manicures and pedicures are slightly more expensive than shellac ones because gels tend to be pricier, and salons often charge a premium for LED/UV curing equipment.
This is why heading to a professional to remove shellac nails is a good idea. A liquid solvent used to remove stubborn polish. Like traditional nail varnish remover, but seriously strong (I'm talking removing Sharpie strong). Cotton pads will be soaked in acetone, and wrapped around each nail, to dissolve the polish.
The gel removal is somewhat more difficult than that of Shellac because of the structure of its formula. Because it's thicker, it takes longer to get rid of. Shellac is a thinner polish, hence the remover is able to break through it much faster. With gel, it can take up to a whole 50 minutes to get rid of.
The difference between Shellac and SNS nails is more about method than it is about results. Shellac, or gel nail polish, is painted on. SNS, or powder dip nails, is not painted on. Rather, you dip your fingers one-by-one into a little container of fine, coloured powder that sticks to your nails.
Any remover with an acetone content of 60 per cent or more will work, but it's best to find one designed to remove shellac or gel polish – like this one – as it will be less harsh on your skin and nail beds. Pure acetone is also very effective, but it can also be drying to your skin and nail beds.
Don't rough the nail up too much!
Nails need to be lightly scratched to ensure proper product adhesion. However, I have found that too much buffing weakens the clients' nails, which makes nails more susceptible to bending, eventually tearing the Shellac or gel over time, causing the gel to chip.
“Lifting occurs when there isn't a correct bond between the product and the nail plate. Therefore, the best way to prevent lifting is through proper prep of the nail plate and product control. It's important to be very thorough when removing cuticle stuck to the nail plate—a quick swipe of the file isn't enough!
The key factor here is moisture - too much water will cause your nails to expand, and when you apply polish on such moist nails, they may begin chipping or peeling sooner than they should. Many technicians use acetone before applying gel polish to prevent this.
Shellac™ can only cure correctly if you cure it with the original CND lamp. If you use any other device, the durability of Shellac™ may be compromised. If Shellac™ is not properly cured, it can have a rubbery feel to it and the product will most likely chip off.
Unfortunately, leaving your CND™ Shellac™ manicure on for too long can result in service breakdown; lifting, chipping, discolouration etc.
Unlike other artificial nails, you cannot use Shellac to strengthen or lengthen your nails. Shellac is only sold to licensed professionals and requires a special removal process. You cannot apply Shellac, repair a break or even remove it at home.
If you just allow your gel nails to grow out, they can become weak and brittle as a result of being exposed to water and air, which could potentially damage your natural nails.
Avoid heat such as a bath, shower, sauna, or steam room for at least an hour after your treatment. Heat or humidity straight after a gel application can cause the bond of the varnish to loosen from your nail bed. This will then cause the polish to lift at the sides and ultimately ruin your freshly applied manicure.