May 2026 · 4 min read
Four different nail services. Each has different wear time, removal process, and cost. Here is what you need to know to choose.
Shellac is a brand name (CND Shellac) that is now used generically for soak-off gel polish that lasts 14 days. It is thinner than builder gel — it does not add strength to the nail. Shellac is applied in 3 layers (base, colour, top — each cured 30 seconds under UV). Wear: 14 days. After 14 days: the colour fades, the top coat wears at the free edge, and the polish starts to lift. Removal: file off the top coat (30 seconds), soak in 100% acetone for 10 minutes. It comes off in one piece if the soak is long enough. Best for: clients with healthy natural nails who want a short-term colour change without nail damage. Not for: thin, peeling, or weak nails (Shellac does not protect them — it sits on top). Available at Jeannie Nails.
Gel is a thicker, stronger polish than Shellac. It has a builder component (the gel viscosity is higher — it self-levels on the nail and can be built up slightly to add strength). Wear: 2-3 weeks. After 3 weeks: the gel grows out at the cuticle. It does not lift at the tip (the gel bonds to the nail strongly — it grows out before it chips). Removal: file off the top coat, soak in 100% acetone for 15 minutes, push off gently. Gel removal is harder than Shellac removal (the gel is thicker and takes longer to absorb acetone). Best for: clients with slightly weak or thin nails who want 2-3 weeks of perfect wear. Not for: very active hands (gardeners, gym lifters — the gel flexes with the nail but can separate at the free edge if the nail is bent repeatedly under load).
Dip powder is a resin and powder system. The nail is coated with a clear resin, dipped in coloured powder, the excess is brushed off, and the process is repeated (2-3 layers). No UV lamp needed for the colour (just a sealant/top coat that goes on at the end, cured under UV for 60 seconds to seal the colour). Wear: 3-4 weeks. After 4 weeks: the dip grows out at the cuticle. The dip itself does not chip (it is a hard polymer that is tougher than gel — it absorbs impact better). A dip manicure is thicker than gel (approximately 0.5mm thicker per layer — 3 layers = 1.5mm thicker). Removal: file off the entire dip layer (not acetone soak — dip does not dissolve in acetone well. It takes 20-30 minutes of filing with an electric drill). Best for: clients with weak, peeling, or damaged natural nails (the dip protects the nail). The thickness gives it more impact resistance. Not for: clients who want thin, natural-looking nails (dip is visibly thicker). Available at Jeannie Nails.
Acrylic is a liquid monomer and powder polymer system. The nail technician dips a brush in the monomer, then into the acrylic powder, and places the wet bead of acrylic on the nail. The acrylic hardens in air in 30-60 seconds (no UV lamp needed for the application). The technician sculpts the acrylic into the desired shape before it hardens. Acrylic is the strongest option (it is harder than dip, harder than gel, and harder than Shellac). Wear: 4-6 weeks. After 6 weeks: the acrylic grows out at the cuticle — the gap is visible and can catch bacteria if left too long. Acrylic does not chip (it cracks or breaks under extreme force — a direct hard impact to the nail). Removal: soak in 100% acetone for 20-30 minutes (the hardest to remove — the acrylic softens and can be pushed off, but it takes the most acetone time). Best for: long nail shapes (coffin, almond, stiletto — acrylic supports length that gel and dip can not). Not for: clients who want low maintenance (acrylic requires fill appointments every 2-3 weeks, not 3-4 like gel or dip). Available at Jeannie Nails ($30 basic, $45 with nail art).
We have a guide on our wall: if you want 2 weeks and you have healthy nails: Shellac $15. If you want 2-3 weeks and you have slightly weak nails: Gel $25. If you want 3-4 weeks and you have weak/peeling nails or want summer-proof durability: Dip Powder $30. If you want 4-6 weeks and you want length (coffin/almond/stiletto) or you have very active hands: Acrylic $30. Your Jeannie Nails technician will recommend the right option at your appointment.
Nail services from $15 at Jeannie Nails.
