Booking a manicure often comes with a choice between Shellac, gel and various branded gel polish systems, and the terminology gets confusing fast, partly because some of these names are actually trademarked brands rather than general categories. Understanding what each one really is helps you ask for exactly what you want, and know what to expect in terms of durability, removal and cost. This guide clears up the confusion between Shellac, Halo Gel and standard gel polish.
Shellac is a brand, not a category
Shellac is a trademarked product name belonging to CND, Creative Nail Design, not a generic term for any semi-permanent polish, even though it is often used that way in everyday conversation. It is best understood as a hybrid between traditional nail polish and gel, containing a higher proportion of lacquer than most gel polishes, cured under a UV or LED lamp. This hybrid formula gives Shellac a slightly thinner, more natural finish than a full gel system, and it is generally considered gentler on the natural nail during removal as a result.
Gel polish is a broad category
Gel polish, by contrast, is not one specific product but a broad category covering many different brands, including OPI GelColor, Gelish, DND, and Halo. All gel polishes are made from acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together and harden under UV or LED light, generally giving a thicker, glossier finish than Shellac and typically lasting a little longer before chipping.
Where Halo Gel fits in
Halo is one specific gel polish brand within this broader category, developed by Pure Nails specifically for the UK professional nail market. It has become one of the most widely used gel polish brands among UK nail technicians, known for smaller, cost-effective bottles, a self-levelling formula, and being fully vegan and HEMA-free, which matters for clients with sensitivity to that particular ingredient found in many gel systems.
Comparing the three
| Factor | Shellac (CND) | Halo Gel | Standard gel polish (general) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Trademarked hybrid gel/polish brand | A specific gel polish brand | Broad category, many brands |
| Typical wear time | 10 to 14 days | Up to 14 to 21 days depending on formula | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Removal | Soaks off easily, gentle on nails | Soaks off in around 10 minutes | Varies, generally needs some filing first |
| Finish | Thinner, more natural-looking | High shine, highly pigmented | Thicker, glossier |
| HEMA-free options | Varies by product line | Yes, across the current range | Varies significantly by brand |
Why removal time genuinely matters
The differences in removal time are not just a minor technical detail, they translate directly to nail health. A thinner, easier-to-remove product like Shellac or Halo generally means less filing and buffing is needed before soaking, which reduces the mechanical stress placed on the natural nail during removal. Thicker, more heavily built gel systems, while often more durable day to day, typically require more preparation work at removal, which is worth factoring in if you have naturally thin or fragile nails.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shellac actually better for your nails than gel?
Shellac is often considered gentler on the natural nail because of its easier removal process, but neither Shellac nor gel is inherently damaging when applied and removed correctly by a trained technician. The real risk factor in both cases is poor application or forced removal, not the product category itself.
Can I ask for Halo Gel by name at any salon?
Only if the salon actually stocks that specific brand, since Halo is one of many gel polish brands rather than a universal industry term. It is worth checking with your salon beforehand if you have a preference for a particular brand or its HEMA-free formulation.
Why do some gel polishes last longer than others?
Formula thickness, pigment quality, and how well the base, colour and top coat layers are cured all affect longevity, alongside how the nails are cared for afterwards. This is why wear time can vary meaningfully even between two products both marketed simply as “gel polish.”
Our recommendation
If you have thinner or more sensitive nails and prioritise gentle removal, Shellac or a similarly hybrid formula is likely the better fit. If you want maximum durability and do not mind a slightly more involved removal process, a well-applied standard gel polish, including brands like Halo, will generally outlast Shellac by several days. Either way, ask your salon which specific brand they use rather than assuming, since the names get used loosely in everyday conversation far more than their actual formulas differ.