Your Ultimate Guide to Shellac, Gel & Acrylic Nails: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

Not all manicures are created equal—and in a professional setting, understanding the difference between nail systems is key to offering tailored results for every client. Whether you’re helping someone grow and strengthen their natural nails, or you’re creating stunning enhancements with extra length and bold colour, choosing the right nail system matters.

At Salon First, we’re proud to stock a wide selection of professional nail products to suit every technique, from soft gel overlays to full acrylic sets. Below, we’ll break down the differences between Shellac, Gel, and Acrylic nails—plus when to use each and the best products to support your services.

Shellac: The Hybrid Polish for a Natural, Glossy Finish

Shellac is a hybrid polish that combines the flexibility of gel with the easy application of traditional nail polish. While Shellac™ is a patented brand by CND, the term is commonly used to describe similar gel-polish formulas.

What It Does Best

Shellac offers a simple, no-fuss manicure with a glossy finish and chip-resistant wear for up to 14 days. It's ideal for clients who want a natural look without extensions or added strength.

Limitations

Shellac doesn't add length or reinforcement to the nail and isn't suitable for weak or brittle nails. Because it adheres to the nail surface, it's best applied to already healthy nail beds.

Curing & Removal

Shellac must be cured under a UV or LED lamp and can be easily removed with acetone wraps, making it a quick and client-friendly option.

Best For

Clients seeking a low-maintenance, polished look with minimal prep and easy removal.

Explore our professional Gel Polishes & Shellac Alternatives at Salon First.

Gel: Versatile, Strong & Long-Lasting

Gel nails come in many forms—soft gels that offer a flexible overlay and hard gels for building extensions. This system provides a high-gloss, long-lasting manicure and can even be used to create structure and length.

What It Does Best

Gel is versatile—it can be used to mimic natural nails or to build enhancements with nail forms. Hard gel can extend the nails, while soft gel is perfect for overlays and adding strength.

Limitations

While gel manicures last longer than shellac (up to 4 weeks), they do require more time to apply and a proper soak-off process. Improper removal (like peeling or picking) can damage the nail.

Curing & Removal

Cures under UV/LED light. Soft gels can be soaked off; hard gels typically need to be filed off.

Best For

Clients who want a durable finish with the option to extend nail length and experiment with shapes and designs—without the fumes of acrylics.

Shop our full collection of Gel Systems, Lights & Accessories.

Acrylic: The Classic Choice for Strength & Extensions

Acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to form a robust, durable nail enhancement. It's the go-to choice for dramatic length, bold designs, and shaping.

What It Does Best

Acrylics are known for their long-lasting wear (up to 4 weeks or more) and are great for clients looking for significant length and durability.

Limitations

They’re not ideal for clients with fume sensitivities, and removal must be handled professionally. Acrylics also don’t strengthen the natural nail—they sit atop it as a durable overlay.

Drying & Removal

Cures in air—no lamp needed. Can be removed with acetone or filled for ongoing wear.

Best For

Clients looking for maximum length and custom nail art, or those who prefer a long-lasting solution that can be refilled.

Discover  Acrylic Products, Powders & Monomers designed for professionals.

How to Choose the Right System

Ultimately, the right manicure system comes down to the client’s needs, nail health, and desired results:

• Shellac: Great for natural nails, subtle enhancement, and easy removal.

• Gel: Perfect for durable overlays or extensions, with a sleek, glossy finish.

• Acrylic: Ideal for bold shapes and serious length, with the strongest, longest-lasting results.

For beginners and pros alike, it’s worth exploring our Starter & Pro Kits to get hands-on with each system and decide what works best in your salon.

Ready to Upgrade Your Nail Services?

At Salon First, we’re here to support your nail journey from start to finish. With a huge selection of professional nail products, tools, and training essentials, you can elevate every manicure and keep clients coming back for more.