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Shellac and OPI gels are technically the same in many ways. These brands are both formulated by blending gels and regular nail polishes to boost their strength, durability, and effectiveness. With these distinct facts, which is better, Shellac or OPI gel color?
Choosing between Shellac and OPI gel color is relative. When it comes to color selection OPI gel color takes the trophy home. It has over 140 beautiful colors while the early bird, Shellac, has a bare minimum of 80. However, when it comes to curing, Shellac has undeniable speed under a LED lamp.
Shellac was launched a year earlier than its counterpart OPI gel color. Their similarities are more vivid compared to their differences. They both have the same wear and removal effect. They also both cure at the same speed under the UV lamp. The best part is where they both can last you up to 14 days looking classy and as new as today.
Compared to the traditional gel and the regular nail polish, these two are creatively designed for maximum benefits. They have a safe consistency that strengthens and preserves the health of your nails. Keep scrolling down to read a lot more on the best nail gels that guarantee health for your nails.
Table of Contents
7 Facts You Need to Know About Shellac Nail Polish
Shellac has been largely referenced as a blend of regular nail polish and the traditional gel. Because of the element of gel in it, this product requires curing under UV/LED lamps. All you need is two thin coats of color polish for the best opacity.
1. It’s a Brand
Most people confuse shellac nail polish with gel manicures. It is not. Shellac polish is a brand of its own. It is formulated by a simple blending of regular nail polish and the traditional gel. In a layman’s language, this product is a hybrid and a standalone product.
2. Long-Lasting
Most people claim that Shellac nail polish doesn’t last long enough. On the contrary, its standard 14 days maximum wear is just enough. According to nail experts, wearing nail polish for more than two weeks can cause health issues to your nails.
3. Curing
Because of the gel element in its formulation, Shellac nail polish requires either UV/LED lamp for fast curing. They are known to have a higher curing speed under the LED lamp. Always be careful not to overexpose your nails to the lamp rays as it could cause health problems.
4. Professional Removal
Removing Shellac nail polish can get aggressive on your nails if not done by a skilled person. Schedule a session with your nail technician to have them professionally removed to avoid stressing and exerting your nails.
5. Not Good for All Nails
If you have brittle nails, shellac nail polish is not your thing. Make sure your nails are strong enough by using dermatologically approved strengtheners weeks before application. If not, you might end up with poorly nails.
6. Semi-Permanent
This hybrid nail polish is semi-permanent, and they are confirmed to last up to 14 days. Which is not so bad. However, you should not wear them more than the stated time as it could harm your nails. Not even if they have not lifted or chipped off.
7. Nail Safety
Before you topically use any product on any part of your body, the one question you need to ask yourself is how safe it is. Shellac nail polish uses UV/LED nail polish to cure which is known to accelerate aging. It also requires harsh acetone for removal which can make your nails brittle because of its chemical composition.
What is the Strongest Gel for Nails?
DIY manicure is notoriously tricky, and you need all the information you can lay your hands on. Especially on the products you are going to use. The best gel polish to invest in should strengthen your nails. They should also be durable and formulated from natural raw materials. Scroll down below to see the best of the best.
1. Elsie Gel Couture Nail Polish
This gel polish has stellar performance and it will give your nails that classy touch. It is formulated for strong performance and durability. It performs for as long as it lasts without streaking or bubbling. This Gel Couture Nail Polish will last up to two weeks without lifting or chipping.
2. Deborah Lippman Gel Lab Pro
Excellent ingredients handpicked for the health of your nails are bottled up in this tiny bottle. They improve the strength of weak or brittle nails. It contains omega-6 fatty acids and biotin. It also contains healthy tea extracts. It has a smooth consistency that cures with high speed. It also lasts long without lifting and chipping.
3. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
You are most likely to meet Sally Hansen in every store and salon that stocks the best of the best products. It has a sustainable strength for your nails. It can also last up to 7 days without any ugly wear and tear. This gel nail polish is slightly thick but with a smooth consistency.
4. Dior Vernis Gel Shine
This long-wear nail lacquer is everything your nails need for strengthening. The ingredients are mostly natural, and it excludes most of the infamous harmful chemical compositions. They are designed to outlast most of the popular gel, and they are hard to fade or chip.
5. OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish
This gel polish has a huge fan base because of its eligibility for healthy nails. It guarantees stronger nails and it can stay put for up to 10 days. It is super-shiny for that royalty glossy touch to your colored nails. This clean and classy gel is non-streaky, and it has over 60 colors to choose from.
6. Revlon ColorStay Gel
This Envy long-wear nail polish is designed as the ultimate strengthener for your nails. It does not compromise durability either and you get to rock and roll in them for up to 10 days. It is formulated to stay shiny and chip-free and it has a minimized curing time.
7. Butter London Patent Shine
This patented miracle worker will do your nail some welcome magics. It shines 10X stronger than the rest of them all and your nails will barely need a topcoat for the glossy touch. It is formulated minus the 8 infamous chemicals that are the major culprits to weak and brittle nails. They are also intensely pigmented with an extravagant shine for your nails.
Here is an article about regular nail polish ad shellac mix Do Regular Nail Polish and Shellac Mix? We Found Out
Conclusion
Some gel manicures and nail polish are known to cause serious damage to healthy fingers. Some of the things that chemically formulated polish can cause include but are not limited to brittle, weak, chipping, and scaling nails. Always read through the polish labels and understand the chemicals you should avoid using on your fingers.
Sources
- BYRDIE: Are Shellac Manicures Worth the Hype? We Investigate
- ESSENTIALS: Understanding the Difference Between Shellac/OPI Gel Polish, Acrylic, and Gel
- BYRDIE: These are the Best Nail Polishes, According to the Internet
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