You’re sitting in the nail salon, the appointment has just started — and the nail technician asks: “Shellac or gel?” A few seconds of silence. Both names sound familiar, but what exactly each one means stays unclear. Most women make this decision by gut feeling — or choose whatever they had last time, without knowing whether it’s actually the right choice.
That’s not a lack of interest. It’s because most comparisons online explain products, not people. Yet the answer to the question “shellac or gel nails?” doesn’t depend on the technique — it depends on the condition of your nails, the rhythm of your daily life, and what you expect from the result.
This article explains all three options clearly and directly, takes an honest look at longevity and care risks, and offers a personalised recommendation by nail type and lifestyle — plus answers to the most common questions the nail technicians at MONLIS hear every day.
What’s the difference, exactly? Shellac, gel and regular polish explained simply
In short: all three cure on the nail — but in very different ways, with different compositions and different levels of effort to remove.
Regular nail polish
It dries through solvent evaporation — no UV lamp, no salon strictly required. Realistic wear time: five to seven days before chipping begins. Its strength is simplicity: apply, let dry, remove with regular nail polish remover. Perfectly sufficient for occasional care without a fixed salon schedule.
CND Shellac
Shellac is not a generic term — it is a registered trademark of CND (Creative Nail Design), a company founded in California in 1979. It is a hybrid product: a combination of nail polish and UV gel. The layer is thinner than a classic gel build-up, and the natural nail remains visible. Applied in two to three thin coats, cured under a UV or LED lamp.
An important note: many salons use the word “shellac” for any hybrid gel polish. These are not the same thing. Genuine CND Shellac has a specific, patented formula and a defined removal protocol — and that is precisely what makes the difference in terms of tolerance.
Gel manicure
Gel is thicker and more mouldable than Shellac, also cures under UV or LED light, and works both for sealing natural nails and for extensions or sculpting. There are various systems — from soft soak-off gel to hard builder gel. The range is wider, and the decision is correspondingly less clear-cut.
Longevity compared: how long does Shellac, gel and regular polish actually last?
CND Shellac officially lasts 14+ days — in practice often two to three weeks, depending on nail growth and daily routine. A gel manicure typically lasts three to four weeks. On paper, a clear advantage for gel.
But that advantage comes at a cost: the longer the material stays on the nail, the more visible the gap between new growth and the coating becomes. For fast-growing nails, this can already look noticeable after two weeks — regardless of whether Shellac or gel was used.
What actually affects longevity: frequent contact with water and cleaning products weakens any coating. Someone who spends a lot of time washing dishes, cleaning, or working in healthcare will not enjoy four weeks of perfect wear even with gel. Nail preparation at the salon matters more than the product itself — a properly degreased nail with a good base coat lasts longer than one that was rushed. And grown-out nails can crack from the top: this is often perceived as “peeling”, but it is a mechanical problem, not a product defect.
Regular polish is more honest in this respect: after five to seven days it’s done, and you know that going in. Shellac and gel disappoint more often because expectations — frequently built up by marketing promises — are higher than reality allows.
Further reading: Gel vs. Shellac compared – Treatwell
Application and removal: what actually stresses your nail
The honest answer: it’s not the product that damages the nail — it’s removal done incorrectly.
Shellac can be removed with acetone-soaked cotton pads left on the nail for ten to fifteen minutes. After that, the layer comes off on its own. No filing, no drilling. The nail plate stays largely intact.
Gel — depending on the system — requires either soaking (for soak-off gel) or mechanical drilling (for hard builder gel). The latter inevitably removes the top layer of the nail. Done well, this happens in controlled amounts — but someone who regularly removes gel will measurably lose nail thickness over months.
Regular polish is removed with acetone or acetone-free remover — gentle, as long as the nails are cared for afterwards.
A common misconception deserves attention here: many people believe gel or Shellac strengthens the nails. What actually happens: while the coating is on, the nails are mechanically protected — they break less easily. The nail itself does not become healthier or more resilient. After removal, the nails are in the same state as before — or weaker, if the removal was too aggressive.
Taking breaks of two to three weeks without any coating several times a year gives the nail time to recover — nail technicians recommend this regardless of which technique is used.
Which technique suits which nail type? An honest guide
The better question isn’t “which is better?” — it’s: which suits you? The answer depends on your nail condition, your daily life, and what result you want.
| Type | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy, short nails, natural look desired | CND Shellac | Thin layer, natural finish, easy to remove |
| Brittle or thin nails | Soak-off gel — with care | Provides mechanical protection — but not a cure. Removal must be gentle. |
| Nail extensions desired | Gel sculpting | Shellac is not a builder material — extensions require gel or acrylic |
| Occasional manicure, no fixed salon schedule | Regular polish | No UV curing, simple care, no removal issues |
| Active daily life, lots of manual work or sport | Gel or Shellac — depending on nail type | Both more impact-resistant than regular polish; gel lasts longer under heavy use |
One more point many salons prefer not to mention: brittle nails cannot be cured by any manicure technique. Causes can include nutritional deficiencies, excessive soaking, or thyroid conditions — and these can only be addressed through dietary changes or medical investigation. A coating protects the nail mechanically, but it does not change its structure.
For persistently brittle nails, we recommend consulting a dermatologist to rule out any underlying health causes.
Cost overview: what does Shellac, gel and a regular manicure cost in Munich?
Prices vary depending on the studio, location, and product system used. As a rough guide for the Munich market:
| Technique | Price range Munich (approx.) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regular polish | from €20–30 | Incl. basic care |
| CND Shellac | from €35–50 | Price increases with nail design and length |
| Gel manicure | from €45–55 | Sculpting and extensions cost more |
In a direct price comparison, regular polish appears cheaper — but it needs to be renewed more often. Calculated over four weeks of wear, the differences are smaller than they first appear. To see the current prices at MONLIS: Manicure services at MONLIS
What to look for when choosing a studio
The technique is only as good as the hands performing it. And the product being used.
A common misconception: “Shellac” appears on the price list of many salons — but what’s actually used is some generic hybrid gel polish. Genuine CND Shellac is a patented formula sold exclusively under that brand name. Cheaper alternatives may look similar but have different removal behaviour and different tolerability.
Don’t hesitate to ask at your next appointment: which brand? Which product line? A reputable studio will answer without hesitation. The same applies to hygiene standards — single-use instruments or verifiably sterilised reusable tools are not a luxury, they are a basic requirement. The removal protocol is also revealing: is the gel filed or soaked off? How long does removal take? Anyone who values nail health will give a clear answer to these questions.
MONLIS works with genuine CND Shellac and OPI, employs certified nail technicians, and offers service in German, English, Ukrainian and Russian — a real advantage for international clients in Munich. Learn more about our nail technicians: Certified nail technicians in Munich
Conclusion: not the best technique — but the right one for you
Shellac, gel and regular polish are not in competition with each other. They solve different needs. Those who want natural, well-groomed nails for two to three weeks without complicated removal will do well with CND Shellac. Those who need extensions or a more robust coating for intensive daily use will be better served by gel. And those who visit the salon only occasionally and want flexibility need nothing more than a good nail polish.
What matters in every case: the product, the application, and the aftercare. If you’re not sure which option suits your nails, that’s no problem — a brief consultation before your first appointment costs nothing and may save you a disappointment.
Book your appointment online: Online booking at MONLIS Munich
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace individual advice from a nail professional or dermatologist. For persistent nail problems or skin irritation, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically yes — with acetone-soaked cotton pads, foil wraps, and enough soaking time (approx. 10–15 minutes). In practice, impatience is usually the problem: rubbing too early causes more damage than professional salon removal ever would. Anyone trying it at home should apply nail oil afterwards without fail.
Not categorically — but removing hard builder gel requires mechanical filing, which removes the top layer of the nail. Soak-off gel behaves similarly to Shellac. The decisive factor is not the product but the removal protocol and how frequently the procedure is repeated.
There is no universal number — but nail technicians recommend taking breaks of two to three weeks without any coating several times a year, combined with regular nail oil care. This gives the nail plate time to recover.
“Gel polish” is an umbrella term for all UV/LED-curing hybrid polishes. CND Shellac is a specific brand within that category — with a patented formula, defined removal protocol, and its own product system. Not every gel polish is Shellac, but every Shellac is a gel polish.
This usually points to an adhesion problem during application: insufficient nail cleaning, nails that were too moist, or a missing base coat. Contact the studio — a professional correction should be possible at no extra charge. If it is a systemic issue, an experienced nail technician will identify it.
