Shellac vs Gel vs Builder Gel (BIAB) vs Acrylic vs SNS: Which Manicure is Right for You?

Walking into a nail salon can be overwhelming. You're faced with a menu of options: Shellac, Gel, BIAB, Acrylic, SNS... but what do they all mean? Is one better than the other?

You're asking the right question. Each system has unique pros and cons, affecting everything from the final look to the health of your natural nails.

This definitive guide cuts through the confusion. We'll break down what each manicure is, how it's applied, and who it's best for, so you can book your next appointment with confidence.

With the questions of "what is the difference between gel and acrylic?" "Is there a difference between shellac and gel?" and more, let's get into the in-depth information about each style of nail product.

A Deep Dive Into Each Manicure Type

1. Shellac: The Branded Hybrid

What it is: Let's clear this up first: Shellac is a brand name by Creative Nail Design (CND), not a different type of product. It's often described as a "hybrid" because it combines the ease of polish with the durability of gel.

• The Look: Gives a high-gloss, salon-perfect shine with a very natural, thin finish.

• The Process: Applied like a polish and cured under a UV or LED lamp. It's a system where the base, colour, and top coat are all from the Shellac brand.

• The Pros:

  • Gentle on Nails: When removed correctly, it causes minimal damage.

  • No Dry Time: Cured instantly under the lamp.

  • Colour Range: As a leading brand, CND offers a vast, trend-led colour palette.

• The Cons:

  • Not for Length/Strength: It's a polish, so it doesn't add significant strength or length to your natural nail.

Who is Shellac for? Ideal for anyone who wants a long-lasting, glossy manicure on their natural nails without the commitment or potential damage of enhancements.

Product Recommendation:

• CND Shellac Gels: provides relatively long-lasting shellac gels that are easy to apply and come in a variety of colours.

2. Gel Polish: The Durable Classic

What it is: This is the generic category that Shellac falls under. "Gel" or "Gel Polish" refers to any polish that requires a UV/LED lamp to cure into a hard, durable layer.

• The Look: Identical to Shellac—a high-shine, flawless finish. The main difference is often in the brand (e.g., OPI GelColor, Essie Gel Couture).

• The Process: Almost identical to Shellac application: base coat, colour, top coat, each cured under a lamp.

• The Pros:

  • Extreme Durability: Less prone to chipping than regular polish.

  • Wide Availability: Nearly every salon offers a gel polish manicure.

  • Flexible & Strong: Moves with your nail, reducing the risk of lifting.

• The Cons:

  • UV/LED Exposure: Requires a lamp for curing.

  • Improper Removal is Key: The biggest risk to nail health is peeling it off.

Who is Gel Polish for? Almost everyone. It's the go-to for a long-lasting, low-maintenance manicure on natural nails.

Product Recommendation:

• Ambedo Solid Nail Gels: For a unique at-home experience, Ambedo offers solid gel formulas that provide a high-shine, long-lasting finish, with a mess-free, easy application process, and no chipping.

• OPI GelColor: A professional-grade favourite known for its extensive colour range and flawless, non-chip finish.

• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel (At-Home): While not a true light-cure gel, this is a high-street alternative that offers better durability than regular polish without a lamp, perfect for DIY enthusiasts.

3. Builder Gel (BIAB): The Nail Strengthener

What it is: Builder Gel, often called "BIAB" (Builder In A Bottle), is a thicker, more viscous gel designed to add strength and structure to the natural nail. It can be used to overlay and protect your natural nails or to create subtle extensions.

• The Look: Can be worn as a strong, natural-looking overlay under colour or as a glossy nude manicure. It provides a very clean, "healthy nail" look.

• The Process: Applied like a gel polish but in a thicker layer, then cured under a LED/UV lamp. It is self-levelling, creating a smooth, strong surface.

• The Pros:

  • Nail Rehabilitation: Ideal for helping weak, brittle, or peeling nails grow out by acting as a protective shield.

  • Strong & Flexible: Offers strength without the hardness of acrylic, reducing the risk of painful breaks.

  • Soak-Off Removal: Unlike acrylics, it can be soaked off with acetone, making it much gentler.

• The Cons:

  • Requires Skill: Application needs precision to avoid a thick or lumpy finish.

  • Longer Removal: The thicker layer takes longer to soak off than standard gel polish.

Who is Builder Gel for? Anyone with weak, damaged nails who wants to grow them out, or those who want more strength than standard gel offers without committing to acrylics.

Product Recommendation:

• Ambedo 5-in-1 Fibre Fix Builder Gel (BIAB): This all-in-one product is a game-changer. It acts as a base, builder, top coat, and nail strengthener infused with fibres. It’s perfect for creating a resilient, flexible overlay that protects and repairs natural nails.

4. Acrylic: The Ultimate Extension

What it is: Acrylic is a system made by combining a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to form a dough-like substance that hardens in the air. It's used to create strong extensions or add significant strength to the natural nail.

• The Look: Can look very natural with a skilled technician, but can also be thick. It's the best option for dramatic length or intricate 3D nail art.

• The Process: The technician sculpts the acrylic mixture onto your nail (or a tip) with a brush and lets it air-harden. It is then filed and shaped before being polished.

• The Pros:

  • Unbeatable Strength: Perfect for those with weak nails or anyone who needs extreme durability.

  • Great for Length: The best choice for creating long nail extensions.

• The Cons:

  • Potential for Damage: The application involves filing the natural nail, and improper removal can be devastating.

  • Strong Fumes: The liquid monomer has a distinct, potent smell.

Who is Acrylic for? Anyone wanting dramatic length, those with very weak nails that need heavy-duty reinforcement.

5. SNS Dip Powder

What it is: SNS (Stand N' Seal) is a brand name for a dip powder system. The process involves dipping the nail into a coloured acrylic powder.

• The Look: A smooth, matte-to-gloss finish. It's known for feeling very lightweight compared to traditional acrylic.

• The Process: A base coat (a resin) is applied, and the nail is dipped into a pot of coloured powder. This is repeated 2-3 times, then sealed with an activator and a top coat.

• The Pros:

  • No Lamp Needed: The activator causes a chemical reaction that hardens the powder.

  • Lightweight Feel: Many people prefer the feel to the weight of acrylics.

• The Cons:

  • Hygiene Concerns: The communal powder pot can harbour bacteria if not managed correctly.

  • 'Dip Flu': A significant con for some is a reaction known as 'Dip Flu'. This is a temporary, flu-like allergic reaction (congestion, sneezing, coughing) caused by inhaling the fine powder particles during the dipping process.

  • Difficult Removal: The multiple layers can make removal more time-consuming than gel.

Who is SNS for? Someone who wants the durability of acrylics but in a lighter form, and who does not react to the powder dust.

Product Recommendation:

• OPI Powder Perfection: A leading professional dip system.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Shellac or Gel Polish if: You love your natural nail length and just want a flawless, chip-resistant colour.

• Choose Builder Gel (BIAB) if: Your natural nails are weak, peeling, or you need a protective shield to help them grow. It's the perfect middle ground.

• Choose Acrylic if: You want to add significant length via extensions.

• Choose SNS Dip Powder if: You want a strong, long-lasting manicure that feels lightweight and you prefer to avoid UV/LED lamps, provided you are not sensitive to the powders (and make sure to sweep away any powder residue off your skin straight away to prevent skin reactions!).