Shellac vs. acrylic with regular polish

[anjovi]

Hey everyone,

I used to have gel nails with shellac on top and while I absolutely loved how long-lasting that was, I ended up getting eyelash extensions and paying for both monthly ended up being way too much. I have switched to shellac nails on my regular nails since it is significantly cheaper (and better for my now-weakened nails), however I am getting really frustrated because the shellac starts to chip within a week or two. I am used to my gel/shellac combo lasting so long. It literally never chipped and I would only have to do my nails because of the new growth. I am trying to decide whether switching to acrylic nails with regular polish would be a better and long-lasting option for me? At my nail salon, acrylic nails with regular polish costs the same as just shellac on my nails (which is why I am considering this option). Any advice? Thanks!

[cianni]

@anjovi I switched from acrylics to shellac a while ago bevause the acrylics did make my nails super weak. As for the chipping - where is it chipping? My shellac lasts up to 6 weeks (well they look horrible and grown out, and I try to not let them go that long), and they don’t chip. Next time, try shellac but ask them to let each layer cure under the UV light extra long. The only times I have ever had chipping was when the nail techs weren’t rushed and the shellac didn’t have enough time to fully cure, which made them easier to chip and peel. I also only have the shellac put on my natural nails.

[anjovi]

They are chipping at the tips and I noticed at the sides of my nails (by the cuticles), the polish also sometimes lifts.

[GG84]

@anjovi If your nails are thin from getting gels done, getting Acrylic done is going to make them even thinner. 

I'm also very confused by your nail salon charging you for gel nails then charging you for Shellac. Shellac is just a brand of gel. You essentially had two gel manicures layered over one another? 

[anjovi]

What I meant by that is that they applied a coating of UV gel (the same way acrylic is done except using the gel products) and then they put shellac polish on top of that.

[GG84]

@anjovi But Shellac and Gel are both cured under a UV light...because they are both a gel. 

[anjovi]

Yes I know, but the gel is a powder that is applied onto the nails. Then it is cured under the UV light and hardens. When that's done, there is no polish on my nails. So my salon asks people if they want regular polish or if they want Shellac/Gel polish on top (which is a longer lasting option). If people choose the Shellac gel polish on top, then that is cured again. The UV gel powder is used to thicken the nails and make them stronger. It is also used to extend the nails incase someone wants longer tips. I hope that makes sense.

[GG84]

@anjovi Look I don't want to tell you your nail salon is ripping you off....

I've worked in the beauty industry 20+ years. Gel does not come in a powder form; it's called gel because it's in a liquid state. I've worked with CND, Shellac, Gellish, OPI. By what you're telling me, you're getting acrylic and gel ontop but being told and charged otherwise.