Does treatment cost vary with shellac nails vs gel? If removal is included, then yes, gel nails typically cost more to remove because of their more complex process. However, in terms of application, the costs are usually the same.
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.
If you're looking for a long-lasting manicure, you can't go wrong with either shellac or gel nails. Both manicure variations last between 10 and 14 days. But because shellac nails are partially made with standard polish (and therefore softer), they're more vulnerable to chipping than gel nails.
Shellac is much less damaging to nails than traditional gels (or acrylics), and if your goal isn't to make your nails longer, then they're a great choice.
If you go with the former option, shellac may be the better option because it's typically easier to remove, which in turn, is less likely to cause damage.
Additionally, while Shellac appears to help avoid the damage to the nails caused by acrylics, SNS goes a step further, according to Vo. “SNS is positively good for nail health. The SNS dipping powder system is fortified with no less than four vitamins, plus the all-important mineral calcium.
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
With proper and skilled application, gel nails do not leave an impression on the fingernails. They are also available in different textures. Cons – Gel nails typically have a higher price tag than acrylics and often do not last that long, so they have to be replaced more often.
One drawback to shellac, Seney points out, is that because it has traditional polish mixed in the formula, gel nails last longer. Although shellac is a little bit more susceptible to chipping than gel, both still last much longer than regular polish.
Consistency difference between Gel and Shellac
Because Shellac polish is thinner on the nail, the removal process is quick, only taking 15 to 20 minutes using acetone. On the other hand, Gel removal is slightly more complicated and takes longer due to its thicker and stronger nature.
Shellac is essentially a hybrid of gel and traditional nail polish that's cured and hardened with a special LED lamp so you get lasting wear and don't have to worry about dry time. Because Shellac is softer than gel, it soaks off more easily with acetone.
SNS nails. SNS, short for Signature Nail System, is a powder dipping system. first, your nails are prepped and primed in exactly the same way that they are for acrylic application. if you want extra length, tips are glued on at this stage exactly the same as acrylics (above)
Gel manicures dry in a few minutes, don't chip, and last for a couple of weeks. But they can cost you anywhere from $25 to more than $50. Whether you get weekly manicures and never have bare nails or you're looking to get something fresh for an upcoming occasion, you might want to try a gel manicure.
Gel nails are more expensive than acrylics. That's because gel nails require more equipment, such as a UV or LED light, a gel top and base coat, in order to be applied properly. Not all gel nail polish kits come with tools to remove gel polish however -- keep that in mind too.
The curing process makes the manicure last a lot longer than a regular manicure, often up to three times longer. Even though it costs more than a regular manicure, its durability makes it a good value, particularly for those who get regular manicures.
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.
On average, they last up to 2 weeks, with some lucky few getting a good 3 weeks in! However, it isn't uncommon to experience issues with how long these nails actually last, and there have been cases where Shellac nails start to peel after only a few days.
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.
With a quick-drying, durable formula, gel painted nails hardly chip. Your gel manicure is resistant to chipping or smudging, and the gel color will stay as bright and shiny as it was on day one.
The biggest benefit of gel manis is how long they last. "Gel manicures could last up to two weeks with proper nail prep and at-home care, such as cuticle oil and hand lotion," says Duguay-Gordon. And if you're careful, they can last up to four weeks.
Regular polish and gel generally have the same effect on the nails. But, the removal process is where it gets tricky. Gel polish needs to be soaked off in acetone and that can be harmful to nails and skin. In this case, yes, regular polish is safer.
Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!
Post-gel damage is typically caused by the removal process. Using the wrong tools and technique can leave tips with microtrauma.
"The biggest risk to leaving a gel manicure service on for longer than three weeks is that the extra weight can start pulling on the edge of your nail, causing tears in the base of your nails," says Reynosa. "They can then lift, which peels back keratin layers and causes more mechanical damage.