Shellac, Gel or Regular Polish?

You are 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 lies behind them remains unclear. Most women decide in that moment based on instinct — or choose the same as last time, without knowing whether it was truly right for them.

That is not a lack of interest. It is because most online comparisons explain products, not people. The answer to the question “shellac or gel nails?” does not depend on a technique — it depends on the condition of your nails, how you live your daily life, and what you expect from the result.

This article explains all three options clearly and without detours, takes an honest look at durability and care risks, and gives a personalised recommendation based on nail type and lifestyle — plus answers to the most common questions that MONLIS nail technicians hear every day.

What Is the Difference? Shellac, Gel and Regular Polish Simply Explained

In short: all three cure on the nail — but in very different ways, with different compositions and different effort required for removal.

Regular Nail Polish

It dries through solvent evaporation — no UV lamp, no salon necessarily required. Durability: realistically five to seven days, after which chipping begins. Its advantage is simplicity: apply, let dry, remove with standard nail polish remover. Perfectly adequate for occasional care without a fixed salon appointment.

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 with 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 term “shellac” for any hybrid gel polish. These are not the same thing. Original CND Shellac has a specific, patented formula and a defined removal protocol — and that is precisely what makes the difference in terms of tolerability.

Gel Manicure

Gel is thicker and more mouldable than shellac, also cures under UV or LED light, and is suitable both for sealing natural nails and for extensions or nail sculpting. There are various systems — from soft soak-off gel to hard builder gel. The range is broader, and the decision correspondingly less clear-cut.

Durability Compared: How Long Does Shellac, Gel and Regular Polish Really Last?

CND Shellac officially lasts 14+ days — in practice often two to three weeks, depending on nail growth and daily routine. Gel manicures typically last three to four weeks. On paper, a clear advantage for gel.

But this advantage comes at a price: the longer the material stays on the nail, the more visible the gap between new growth and the coating becomes. With fast-growing nails, this can already be noticeable after two weeks — regardless of whether shellac or gel was used.

What actually affects durability: frequent contact with water and cleaning agents weakens any coating. Those who wash dishes often, clean regularly, or work in a medical environment will not get four weeks of trouble-free hold even with gel. The nail pre-treatment at the salon matters more than the product itself — a properly degreased nail with a good adhesion base lasts longer than one hastily coated. And grown-out nails can tear from above: this is often perceived as “peeling off”, but it is a mechanical issue, not a product defect.

Regular polish is more honest in this respect: after five to seven days it is done, and you know that in advance. Shellac and gel disappoint more often because expectations — often built up by marketing promises — are higher than reality allows.

Application and Removal: What Really Stresses Your Nails

The honest answer: it is not the product that damages the nail — it is removal, when done incorrectly.

Shellac is removed with acetone-soaked cotton pads left on the nail for ten to fifteen minutes. After that, the layer dissolves on its own. No filing, no drilling. The nail plate remains largely intact.

Gel — depending on the system — requires either soaking as well (for soak-off gel) or mechanical filing (for hard builder gel). The latter inevitably removes the top nail layer. When done properly this happens in controlled amounts — but those who remove gel regularly lose measurable nail thickness over months.

Regular polish is removed with acetone or acetone-free remover — gentle, provided 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 often. The nail itself does not become healthier or more resilient as a result. After removal, the nails are in the same condition as before — or weaker, if removal was too aggressive.

Taking breaks of two to three weeks without any coating several times a year gives the nail time to regenerate — nail technicians recommend this regardless of the technique used.

Which Technique Suits Which Nail Type? An Honest Guide

The better question is not “which is best?” but: which suits you? The answer depends on the condition of your nails, your daily life, and your desired result.

One more point many salons prefer not to mention: brittle nails are not healed by any manicure technique. Causes can include nutritional deficiencies, excessive soaking, or thyroid conditions — these can only be addressed through changes in diet or medical investigation. A coating protects the nail mechanically but does not change its structure.

For persistently brittle nails, we recommend consulting a dermatologist to rule out potential underlying health causes.

Cost Overview: What Does Shellac, Gel and a Standard Manicure Cost in Munich?

Prices vary depending on the studio, location and product system used. As a rough guide for the Munich market:

In a price comparison, regular polish appears cheaper — but it needs renewing more frequently. Calculated over four weeks of wear, the differences are smaller than they first appear. To see the exact current prices at MONLIS: Manicure services at MONLIS

What to Look for When Choosing a Studio

A technique is only as good as the hands performing it. And the product being used.

A common mistake: “shellac” appears on the price list of many salons — but what is actually being used is a generic hybrid gel polish. Original CND Shellac is a patented formula sold exclusively under this brand name. Cheaper alternatives may look similar but behave differently during removal and have different tolerability.

Feel free to ask at your next appointment: which brand? which product line? A reputable studio will name it without hesitation. The same applies to hygiene standards — single-use instruments or demonstrably sterilised reusable instruments are not a luxury, they are a basic requirement. The removal protocol also reveals a lot: is the gel filed or soaked off? How long does removal take? Anyone who values nail health gives a clear answer to these details.

MONLIS works with original CND Shellac and OPI, employs certified nail technicians, and offers service in German, English, Ukrainian and Russian — a concrete advantage for international clients in Munich. Learn more about our nail technicians: Certified nail technicians in Munich

The Bottom Line: Not the Best Technique — But the Right One for You

Shellac, gel and regular polish are not in competition. They solve different needs. Those who want natural, well-groomed nails for two to three weeks without complicated removal will be well served by CND Shellac. Those who need extensions or a more robust coating for intense daily use will be better served by gel. Those who rarely visit a salon and want to remain flexible need nothing more than a good nail polish.

What counts in every case: the product, the application, and the aftercare. If you are unsure which option suits your nails, that is no problem — a brief consultation before the first appointment costs nothing and may save you a disappointment.

Book an appointment online now: Online booking at MONLIS Munich

This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual advice from a nail expert or dermatologist. For persistent nail problems or skin irritations, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.