Choosing between acrylic, gel, and shellac nails can be overwhelming with so many options and trends in the world of nail enhancements. As a manicurist, I’ve seen clients staring at salon menus, completely confused by the different types, techniques, and benefits. Each option offers something unique, from lasting shine to durable finishes, depending on your style, health needs, or favorite mani trend like milky or magenta.
Understanding the difference between them helps you make the right choices, whether you’re after low-maintenance care or love using fun accessories. It’s all about finding what fits your routine—whether it’s how natural you want to keep your look, how much time you’ll spend maintaining it, or what feels best to you. With expert information and a little guide, even the most hesitant client becomes informed and wise.
So, from my own experience, whether you’re going the extra mile or just starting out, let’s explore.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic nails are the most durable and customizable option, ideal for long, bold styles but require more maintenance.
- Gel nails offer a glossy, chip-resistant finish with less damage, perfect for a sleek, natural look.
- Shellac nails are a gentle hybrid polish, great for a natural appearance and easy removal with minimal nail damage.
- Each option varies in durability, cost, removal process, and impact on nail health—choose based on lifestyle and preference.
What are Acrylic Nails?
From my experience as a professional technician, acrylic nails are among the most popular types of artificial nail enhancements, valued for their durable, long-lasting finish and wide beauty options. They’re made by mixing liquid monomer with polymer powder into a dough-like texture (monomeri), shaped using a brush, air-dried, and cured under a LED lamp or dryer. This creates a hard, protective layer over your natural nails, giving a strong base for polish in shades like standard, nudes, pinks, whites, and clear.
Their versatility allows for various forms and shapes such as almond, round, ballerina, coffin-shaped, and bold styles like stiletto, which are ideal for both elegant and daring looks. With proper application and care, they can last 4 to 5-6 weeks, especially with refills and regular maintenance. Always consult a professional to avoid damage or infections, as removal needs soaking in pure acetone, a critical, efficient, and safe step to prevent air bubbles or underneath issues. Whether you want length, uniformity, or bold artistic expression, acrylics remain a top choice for nail enthusiasts
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting (4 weeks or more)
- Custom length, shape, and color with uniformity
- Supports artistic designs and colored powders
Cons
- Requires maintenance and fill-ins
- Chemical odor during application
- Can be damaging and expensive if not done properly
What are Gel Nails? (My overall Experience)
Gel nails are gaining huge popularity for their glossy finish and chip-resistant results. Instead of traditional nail polish, a gel-based formula is applied in layers, each cured under a LED lamp or UV light. This curing process creates a durable, long-lasting shine that holds its integrity for weeks. One major advantage is the fast drying time, making gel nails a convenient choice for a busy lifestyle.
Since they’re less harsh than acrylic powder, they’re great for those wanting a balance between durability and nail health. Many gel kits include a builder gel to add strength and length, plus a range of colours for every mood and occasion, along with nail files for shaping and pure acetone for easy removal.
Pros
- Shiny, glossy finish
- No damage to the nail bed
- No chemical odor
- Up to 2 weeks of wear
- Quick drying time
- No chips or smudges
Cons
- Expensive
- Exposure to UV rays
- Can make nails brittle and prone to onycholysis
- Risk of infections, green nail syndrome, and bacterial issues
Want to know about Structured Gel Manicure? Read my latest post here.
Inside the Gel Manicure Process
A proper gel manicure promises chip-free, ultra-glossy nails for up to two weeks. Whether your natural nails are short or long, or you prefer tips glued on, it’s suitable for everyone. The technician starts with a base coat to prime the nails before applying the gel polish. After each coat is painted, your hand is placed under the UV lamp for 30 seconds, and a final glossy topcoat with another minute under the light completes the process.
What Are Shellac Nails and What Makes Them Unique?
Shellac nails are known for their gentle, long-lasting color and unique hybrid formula, combining both gel and regular polish. As a nail enhancement, they don’t add length like acrylic, but they are a healthier option by comparison, offering a durable lacquer finish with easy application. The product is applied and cured under an LED light or UV lamp, but without needing to rough the nail or remove the shine, which helps prevent damage when done properly.
A major benefit of shellac is its easy removal, without filing, making it a gentle solution for maintaining natural nails. It’s also a patented product by CND (Creative Nail Design) and has earned its reputation in the beauty community.
Pros
- Lasts 14 days
- Mirror finish with long-staying color
- No drying time
- Doesn’t chip, peel, or fade
- Free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP
Cons
- UV exposure risks include burning to eyes and skin
- Not suitable for brittle or thin nails
- Potential cancer risk with repeated exposure
The Shellac Kit and Finish
A shellac nail polish is a hybrid between traditional polish and gel, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s applied like regular polish using an innovative formula, then cured under a LED lamp to create a high-gloss finish. You get up to two weeks of chip-resistant wear without chipping or fading, making it perfect for a natural look with a durable manicure.
Availability and Nail Health
Shellac kits are widely available and offer an array of colors to match every style and preference. Their removal is straightforward and less damaging than acrylics—just a brief soaking in pure acetone followed by gently lifting the polish, helping to preserve the integrity of your natural nail. This balance of du
The Difference Between Acrylic, Gel, and Shellac Nails
Acrylic, gel, and shellac nails differ in their formula, structure, removal process, durability, and even cost. Acrylic is made by combining liquid and powder to form a hard layer that adds length and shape. It’s the go-to for stronger, longer extensions and typically lasts 2-3 weeks before needing a fill. In contrast, gel nails are known for a robust, natural finish and generally last 2 weeks. However, they usually cost about 15–20% more than acrylics.
Unlike these, Shellac is not a type of enhancement but a brand of gel polish, often misclassified. It’s a gentler option, combining elements of regular polish and gel, and is popular for its minimal damage and glossy color. Shellac doesn’t extend nails but adds durability without affecting the natural nail structure, making it a healthier choice.
When comparing how long they last, acrylic enhancements are more durable and last the longest, helping reduce breakage, cracking, and chipping. Shellac, on the other hand, offers picture-perfect wear for up to 14 days and can be reapplied regularly, while acrylics are typically maintained every two to three weeks through a fill-in.
In terms of structure and support, acrylic stands out for delivering strength, length, and shape. Meanwhile, Shellac focuses more on delivering chip-free and long-lasting color rather than reinforcement.
The removal process is another area where these options differ. Shellac’s unique formula forms tiny air tunnels that allow acetone to soak in within five to 15 minutes, making the process quick and gentle, requiring no filing, buffing, or scraping. In contrast, acrylic is harder to remove and often requires E-files, and improper handling can be damaging—which is why it’s advised to follow a trusted guide for safe removal.
Price can vary depending on your location and the skill level of the artist. Both Shellac and acrylics typically range from $40 to $60, although DIY acrylics may cost more upfront due to buying materials.
Though the process for all three may seem similar, two major differences lie in the formula and removal time. Shellac is essentially half gel–half polish, while gel polish is a pure gel-based product. Shellac also offers a faster, less damaging removal process than gel.
Choosing the perfect manicure isn’t always easy. Between achieving chip-free, ultra-shiny, and eye-catching fingertips, it helps for any nail enthusiast to weigh the benefits of each treatment. Whether it’s gel, shellac, or acrylic, knowing these differences will help you decide before booking your next appointment—or checking out that handy infographic.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between acrylic, gel, and shellac nails can feel like a tough decision for many beauty enthusiasts, especially when your lifestyle, nail health, and style preferences all play a role. Each type offers unique advantages depending on your needs.
If you do heavy handwork or prefer longer nails, acrylics are often the go-to. Their durability and strength make them ideal for resisting daily wear and tear. On the other hand, gel nails provide a natural look with a durable finish, blending strength and flexibility so they’re less prone to breaking. Plus, they’re glossier and typically less damaging to the natural nail compared to acrylics.
For a long-lasting manicure without the commitment of extensions, shellac nail polish is a perfect fit. It’s chip-resistant, keeps a more natural appearance, and is great for those who frequently change colors or are new to nail enhancements.
Before deciding, it’s key to think about the maintenance each option demands. Salon visits for fill-ins and repairs are often essential to keep your nails looking their best.
All three manicures—acrylic, gel, and shellac—deliver beautiful, smooth, and long-lasting results. But to pick the right one, you must know what you want to achieve. Here’s a quick decision guide:
- If you want longer nails, go with acrylics.
- If you’re after stronger, chip-free, durable nails, a long-lasting mani with gel or Shellac works best.
- For the most natural finish, Shellac is ideal.
Also, keep in mind each style’s removal methods and ongoing maintenance, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle.
Even though both Shellac and acrylic have their benefits, it’s okay to feel unsure. That’s why we asked nail artists for their suggestions.
If you like short nails and a clean polish that lasts two weeks, go with gel or Shellac products. But if you love long nails, nail art, or bold styles like crystals and 3D embellishments, acrylic enhancements are a solid option.
Experts say Shellac is best for a healthy nail client and can even be applied over acrylic. Those with weaker nails needing extra support should stick with acrylics, while people with naturally strong nails who don’t want to compromise their health can trust Shellac. And if you struggle with growing nails, acrylics offer a quick way to add length and shape.
Conclusion
When choosing between acrylic, gel, or shellac nails, it’s all about matching your style, schedule, and nail care priorities. Whether you want strong, artistic extensions or a natural, chip-free polish, understanding the key differences helps you make a confident, beauty-smart decision for your next manicure.
What is the healthiest type of fake nails?
As a nail tech, I’ve seen gel nails with soak-off formulas cause less nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking than acrylic nails. They’re more flexible, so your own nails are less likely to break. Always ask for soak-off gels instead of those that need to be filed off—they’re gentler and easier to soak without damage.
What Nail Type Lasts the Longest?
When clients ask me what nails hold up the longest, I always point to acrylics. They consistently top the list for longevity, especially when applied correctly using a liquid monomer and powder polymer. Once set, acrylic nails naturally harden as they dry, forming a strong, durable shell that can easily last 3–4 weeks with proper care. In my experience, one of their biggest pros is how extremely durable they are. They are ideal for anyone who wants lasting beauty without constant touch-ups.
Do Acrylic Nails Ruin Your Nails?
Though acrylic nails give the impression of strong, healthy nails, they may actually damage your nails, skin, and even your general health. The substance used in them can make your natural nails thinner and weaker over time. From my own salon experience, I’ve also seen how the chemicals used to apply and remove them can irritate the skin, especially with repeated exposure.
