Gel or gel polish: the difference and which to choose

Gel polish, sometimes called shellac or a gel manicure, goes on like regular polish but cures under a lamp. It is glossier and lasts much longer than ordinary polish, which tends to chip within a few days.

It is a thin layer: it adds colour and some protection, but it does not change the shape or strength of the nail. That is why it works best for people who already have healthy nails with some length.

After about two weeks the nail grows out and the colour starts to sit away from the cuticle. At that point it is removed and reapplied, or you change colour.

Gel, also called builder gel, is a thicker material that is shaped over the nail. It builds a structure: it adds strength to the middle of the nail, where nails usually break, and allows the shape to be corrected.

It can go on your natural nail, without adding length, or with extensions when you want longer nails than your own. Your chosen colour goes on top.

Because the structure stays with the nail for weeks, gel is not removed at every visit: it is maintained with an infill. The old gel is filed down, the regrowth near the cuticle is filled, and the structure is rebuilt.

Choose gel polish if your nails are strong, if you like them short or at their natural length, and if what you mostly want is beautiful colour for two weeks.

Choose gel if your nails break, chip or bend, if you want them longer or a different shape, or if you prefer a fixed routine every three or four weeks without thinking about your nails in between.

If you are not sure, tell us when you book. We look at your nails at the first visit and tell you what makes most sense. You can also start with gel polish and move to gel later.

At Hippie Chic, gel polish on the hands costs €29 and takes about 45 minutes. A colour change only on gel costs €31.

A first set of gel on natural nails costs €50 and takes about 75 minutes. With extensions it costs €70 and takes almost two hours. After that, each infill costs €41 and takes about an hour.

Per month, gel costs more than gel polish, but it lasts longer and solves nails that break. For many clients, an infill every three or four weeks ends up being the simplest way to always have their nails done.

Neither should be pulled off at home. Peeling off gel polish or gel takes layers of the natural nail with it, leaving it thin and fragile for weeks.

Removal is done carefully in the salon and costs €15. If you are having a new set straight after, removal is part of the work.