Shellac, Gel Polish, BIAB or Gel Nails? The Differences
By HER Beauty
Shellac and gel polish are, in practice, the same thing: a thin, coloured gel that is cured under a lamp and gives a glossy colour on your own nails. Gel nails, gel reinforcement, BIAB, polygel and acrylic are building materials that add strength or length. If you want colour, choose gel polish. If you want strength or longer nails, you need a building material.
Are shellac and gel polish the same?
Yes, in everyday language. Shellac started out as the name of one specific product, but today most people in Denmark use the word for any gel polish. On our price list, Shellac means gel polish on your natural nails.
Gel polish goes on in thin layers: base, colour and top. Each layer is cured under a lamp, so the polish is hard and dry when you leave. It gives colour and shine, but it does not build up the nail.
Gel polish is usually removed by dissolving it, which makes it easy to change. With us, a Shellac takes 35 minutes and costs 489 DKK. Removal plus a new Shellac takes 45 minutes and costs 514 DKK.
Gel nails, gel reinforcement and BIAB: what is the difference?
This is where builder gel comes in. It is thicker than gel polish and can shape a nail that is stronger or longer than your own.
- Gel nails (nail extensions): The gel is built out past your natural nail to give length and shape. A new set with us takes 90 minutes and costs 939 DKK. Once the nail has grown out, you come back for an infill (60 min, 669 DKK).
- Dual Forms: Another way of making gel nails. The gel is filled into a form, which is placed over the nail and cured. Read more in our guide to Dual Forms.
- Gel reinforcement: A layer of builder gel on your own nails, with no extension. It gives thin, soft or splitting nails more strength while they grow. With us it takes 60 minutes and costs 674 DKK.
- BIAB: Short for "builder in a bottle". It is a builder gel brushed on from a bottle and applied to natural nails to add strength.
BIAB vs gel polish: which should you choose?
A lot of people ask exactly this. The honest difference is thickness and purpose. Gel polish is a thin layer of colour, while BIAB is a builder gel that gives the nail structure.
If your nails are strong and healthy and you just want colour, gel polish is enough. If your nails break or split easily, a builder gel gives more support because it adds a thicker layer over the nail.
We do not offer BIAB. Our answer to the same need is gel reinforcement on your natural nails, which also gives you a stronger nail without extensions. It is not exactly the same product, so if you want BIAB specifically, choose a salon that offers it.
What about acrylic and polygel?
We do not do acrylic or polygel, but people often ask about them. So here is the short version.
Acrylic is made from a powder and a liquid that are mixed into a paste and harden in the air. It is a strong material for length, but it has a noticeable smell while it is applied.
Polygel is a thick paste that sits somewhere between gel and acrylic. It is shaped on the nail and then cured under a lamp.
What gel, acrylic and polygel have in common is that they are based on acrylates. According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the acrylates in both powder/liquid nails and gel nails can cause allergy, and the more skin contact, the higher the risk. That is why they recommend having these nails done by a professional nail technician.
Which option suits you?
- You want colour and your nails are strong: gel polish (Shellac).
- Your nails are soft or split, but you want to keep your own length: gel reinforcement.
- You want longer nails or a different shape: gel nails or Dual Forms.
- You want a French look or a little decoration: French or Nail Art as an add-on (120 DKK each) on both gel polish and gel nails.
Not sure? See all our services and prices or ask us when you are in the salon. We will happily tell you if we think a simpler option is enough for your nails.
What is kindest to your natural nails?
How the polish comes off matters a lot. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against picking off gel polish or using other nails or tools to remove it. With us, gel removal takes 30 minutes and costs 309 DKK, and you can read more in our guide to safe removal.
The same dermatologists recommend sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on your hands before a gel manicure, or dark gloves with the fingertips cut off. If you notice redness, itching or swelling around your nails, read our article on nail allergies and talk to your doctor.
Whether you end up with gel polish, gel reinforcement or gel nails, we will help you find what suits your nails and your everyday life. You will find us at Rosenørns Allé 4, close to Forum Metro, Monday to Friday 8:00 to 17:00. Book online and we will see you in the salon.