Gel or Shellac?

"So which is actually better — gel or shellac?" It's by far the most common question in our nail salon in 1040 Vienna. The honest answer: it depends on what you want from your nails. Here's the comparison we'd give you in the salon too.

What is shellac?

Shellac is a hybrid of nail polish and gel: it's applied like polish but cures like gel under the LED lamp. The result is instantly dry, shines intensely and lasts — unlike ordinary polish — around two weeks without chipping.

The big plus: shellac is thin and feels almost like your own nail. And it can be removed again comparatively quickly and gently.

What is gel?

Gel is built up in several layers and cured under the lamp. It's noticeably more stable than shellac, can strengthen brittle nails and even add length — that's the world of nail extensions.

In return, gel also holds out longer: 3 to 4 weeks, after which the grown-out regrowth is simply refilled rather than redone from scratch.

The direct comparison

• Wear time: shellac approx. 2 weeks · gel 3–4 weeks
• Stability: shellac = colour with protection · gel = genuine reinforcement, even for soft nails
• Length: shellac doesn't extend · gel can extend and shape
• Natural feel: shellac thinner and more flexible · gel a little stronger in build-up
• Removal: shellac quicker · gel is gently filed down (please only in the studio!)
• Price with us: manicure with gel & shellac from €45 · refill from €50

Our honest recommendation

Go for shellac if… your natural nails are healthy and stable, you "just" want long-lasting colour and you like to try something new every couple of weeks.

Go for gel if… your nails are brittle, keep tearing, you want more length, or you'd like your manicure to last a month — before a holiday, for example.

Common mistakes in the decision

"Shellac is always gentler" — not automatically. What matters is proper removal, not the material. Shellac that's picked off does just as much harm as gel that's torn off.

"Gel always looks artificial" — modern gel work in thin layers is barely distinguishable from a well-groomed natural nail. The bulky "studio look" is a workmanship error, not a material problem.

"I have to commit forever" — you don't. Many clients switch by season: gel in summer (holidays, the sea, more wear and tear), shellac in winter. Changing mid-rhythm is possible at any time too.

And the combination?

The most popular treatment in our studio is actually the combination of the two: the manicure with gel and shellac (from €45). Here a thin gel base provides stability, while shellac delivers the colour — so you get the strength of gel and the colour variety of shellac in a single appointment. For most everyday nails, that's exactly the sweet spot between wear time, looks and upkeep.

The bottom line: the 30-second decision

If you take just one thing from this comparison: shellac is colour, gel is structure. Healthy nails + a wish for colour = shellac. Brittle nails, a wish for length or maximum wear time = gel. And for the large majority in between, the combination of a gel base and shellac colour is the most practical route — one appointment, from €45, up to four weeks of peace of mind.

Still unsure? Just bring your nails in — an expert's eye beats any internet research. Our nail salon in 1040 Vienna advises you free of charge, Mon–Sat until 7 pm.