Manicure 101: Which Nail Is Which?// BloomMe HK

Shellac vs. Hard Gel vs. Soft Gel?

They say too much choice is a bad thing. Luckily for salon-patrons, shellac, soft gel, and hard gel all work magic in their different ways. Knowing what benefits, drawbacks, and abilities of these common treatments can make the choosing part easier on you, the salon-patron. Now you only have to choose what to have for lunch (have some pasta. Treat yo self). 

Shellac (CND Nails)

Generally more affordable fake nails, Shellac is a brand name from Creative Nail Design. It’s basically a fusion of gel and nail polish, and comes in a mountain of different colours and finishes. Unfortunately shellac cannot be used to extend your nail, but it is much less damaging than traditional gels or acrylics. Also, added bonus, it lasts anywhere from a fortnight to a month. Heck yes nails!

The technician will apply the polish and then use a UV light to seal the nail. Remember to return to the salon to get the shellac soaked off in acetone rather than peeling them off (we know it’s super fun to pick at, but once you start picking at your nails it’s a slippery slope and you’ll be kicking yourself later). 

Shellac is not suitable for those looking to avoid animal products. It is also not suitable for animals because they are very fussy about manicures. 

Soft Gel (also known as soak-off)

Soft gel nails are quickly becoming a popular choice in Hong Kong for those looking for natural-looking, shiny, healthy fake nails. Soft gel nails, when done correctly and carefully, are gentle on your nails and also come in a variety of shades. 

Unlike hard gel, soft gel nails do not need buffing to remove. Just dunking your hand in acetone for a few minutes can be enough to safely remove the gel from the nails with minimal damage. The downside is that they do not last as long as hard-gel, and can chip easily if you aren’t super careful (no mountain climbing that means). They are also suitable for those with an allergy to acrylic resin or those looking to avoid using animal tested products, hurray!

Hard Gel Nails

Dreamt of having nails long enough to scratch your own back with ease? Hard gel is your new friend. Completely suitable for extensions, hard gel has a thicker consistency than it’s soft gel counterparts and requires buffing rather than soaking for removal. 

Hard gel nails are perfect if you’re looking to get nail art and want a large area for the technician to work with, or if you are looking to get some seriously heavy bling on your nails (hard gel is strong enough to hold all the bling your heart could desire.)

Shapes

Depending on the length of your lovely talons, you have a choice in what shape you would like them to be. This option is usually given as the technician cleans up the nails and sets about filing (they will usually say “what shape do you want?” or they do do an interpretive dance depending on how they feel). 

Round

Old faithful round shaped nails is perfect for those looking to make their hands look slimmer and their fingers longer. Expect a soft curve depending on the length of your nails. 

Square

Square nails are pretty much a perfect square with no soft edges. They can make your hands look a little stubby if not done correctly, but they’re ideal for those with short nails who want another option to round. 

Squared with rounded edges 

Self explanatory, but here at BloomMe we don’t like to leave things to chance so we will explain it anyway (plus we like chatting about nails!). These shaped nails will be square but with soft rounded edges. It’s much easier to maintain, especially on shorter nails, and is usually the most common shape.

Almond

Delicious almonds (one of our favourite nuts, read more about almonds here). Almond shaped nails are very popular on social media and with celebrities. The nail is long and slender on the sides, and comes to a peak at the end just like if you were balancing an almond on your fingernails.

Stiletto  

Often confused for an almond shaped nail, the stiletto has a similar slender side but comes to a dramatic point at the tip (think Halloween nails). Exercise caution with this shape, you will need nail enhancers or extensions to strengthen the nail as it can break easily (which hurts, a lot). 

Coffin-shaped

Spooky. Also known by their less spooky name ‘ballerina shaped’, this nail is similar to a stiletto but has a squared point making it look a little like a coffin/ballerina shoe. This shape holds well with natural nails (granted they’re long enough) but will look super groovy/spooky in an extension.