Choosing the right nail polish can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know what works best for your lifestyle? As nail experts serving Ottawa and Gatineau, we see this question daily.
Let’s break down the three main types of polish: regular, gel, and shellac. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which one suits your needs and budget.
What Is Regular Nail Polish?
Regular polish is the classic option you’ll find at any drugstore. It’s made with basic ingredients that air-dry naturally. You apply a base coat, two color coats, and a top coat.
How it works:
- Goes on wet and dries by air exposure
- Takes 10-15 minutes to fully dry
- Available in thousands of colors and finishes
- Easy to remove with regular nail polish remover
Many Ottawa clients still prefer regular polish for its simplicity and low cost. It’s perfect if you like changing colors often or doing your nails at home.
Understanding Gel Polish
Gel polish is a newer technology that changed the nail game. It contains special ingredients that cure (harden) under UV or LED light.
The gel process:
- Apply thin layers of gel polish
- Cure each layer under a lamp for 30-60 seconds
- Results in a hard, glossy finish
- Lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping
Gel polish became popular because it solved the biggest problem with regular polish: chipping and peeling within days.
What About Shellac?
Here’s where it gets confusing. Shellac is a brand name, not a type of polish. CND created Shellac as their version of gel polish.
Shellac facts:
- It’s CND’s branded gel polish system
- Uses the same UV curing technology as other gels
- Often used as a general term for gel polish
- No different from quality gel polish brands
In Ottawa and Gatineau salons, you might hear “shellac” used to describe any gel polish service. Don’t worry – it’s all the same basic technology.
Durability Comparison: Perfect for Ottawa Weather
Living in Ottawa and Gatineau means dealing with harsh winters and temperature changes. Your nail polish needs to handle:
- Cold, dry air
- Frequent hand washing
- Winter gloves and mittens
- Indoor heating that dries out nails
Regular polish durability:
- Lasts 3-5 days before chipping
- Ottawa’s dry winter air makes it chip faster
- Cold weather can make the polish brittle
- Great for short-term wear
Gel polish durability:
- Lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping
- Handles temperature changes better
- Resists water and soap
- Perfect for Ottawa’s harsh winters
Winner for Ottawa weather: Gel polish wins hands down. Our Gatineau clients love not worrying about chips during winter activities.
Application Time: What to Expect
Regular polish application:
- 20-30 minutes total
- 10-15 minutes drying time
- Can be done at home easily
- Risk of smudging while drying
Gel polish application:
- 45-60 minutes total
- Instant drying under the lamp
- Best done professionally
- No smudging once cured
If you’re busy (like most Ottawa parents we serve), gel polish saves time in the long run. You won’t need touch-ups every few days.
Cost Breakdown for Ottawa and Gatineau
Let’s talk money. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
Regular polish costs:
- DIY: $5-15 CAD per bottle
- Salon service: $25-35 CAD
- Lasts 3-5 days
- Monthly cost: $100-140 CAD if done weekly
Gel polish costs:
- DIY kit: $50-100 CAD initial investment
- Salon service: $35-55 CAD
- Lasts 2-3 weeks
- Monthly cost: $70-110 CAD
Long-term savings: Gel polish costs less per day of wear. Plus, you save time on touch-ups and reapplication.
Health and Safety Considerations
Both options are safe when applied properly. However, there are some things to consider:
Regular polish concerns:
- Contains harsh chemicals (formaldehyde, toluene)
- Strong smell during application
- Easy to remove at home
- Less nail damage overall
Gel polish concerns:
- Requires UV light exposure
- Harder removal process
- Can weaken nails if removed incorrectly
- Some people are sensitive to gel ingredients
Pro tip: Always have gel polish removed professionally. DIY removal often damages your natural nails.
Which Polish Type Is Right for You?
Choose regular polish if you:
- Like changing colors frequently
- Want to do your nails at home
- Have a tight budget
- Don’t mind weekly touch-ups
Choose gel polish if you:
- Want long-lasting results
- Live an active lifestyle
- Work with your hands
- Prefer professional nail services
Special Considerations for Ottawa-Gatineau Climate
Our local weather creates unique challenges:
Winter concerns:
- Dry air makes regular polishing chips faster
- Gel polish handles dry conditions better
- Both need extra cuticle care in winter
- Consider darker colors to hide minor chips
Summer activities:
- Swimming and water sports
- Gardening and outdoor work
- Gel polish resists water damage better
- Regular polish works fine for short summer events
Professional Application vs DIY
Professional advantages:
- Perfect application technique
- High-quality products
- Proper nail prep
- Safe removal services
DIY considerations:
- Requires practice for good results
- Initial investment in tools and products
- Risk of damaging nails during removal
- Time-consuming learning curve
Most of our Ottawa and Gatineau clients find professional application worth the cost, especially for gel polish.
Making Your Decision
Consider these questions:
- How often do you want to change your polish?
- What’s your budget for nail care?
- How hard are you on your hands?
- Do you prefer DIY or professional services?
For busy professionals: Gel polish saves time and looks professional longer.
For creative types: Regular polish lets you experiment with colors affordably.
For active lifestyles: Gel polish handles sports and activities better.
Caring for Your Polish Choice
Regular polish care:
- Apply base and top coat always
- Use cuticle oil daily
- Wear gloves for cleaning
- Touch up chips immediately
Gel polish care:
- Moisturize cuticles daily
- Wear gloves for harsh chemicals
- Don’t pick at chips or peel
- Schedule removal appointments
The Verdict for Ottawa and Gatineau Clients
After working with hundreds of clients in Ottawa and Gatineau, here’s our honest recommendation:
Try gel polish if:
- You’re new to professional nail services
- You want the best value for money
- You live a busy lifestyle
- You’re tired of constant touch-ups
Stick with regular polish if:
- You love changing colors weekly
- You enjoy doing your nails
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- You prefer minimal chemical exposure
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Polish?
The best polish is the one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re in Ottawa or Gatineau, professional nail services can help you achieve the look you want.
At Vals Beauty Hub, we offer both regular and gel polish services throughout Ottawa and Gatineau. Our experienced nail technicians can help you decide which option works best for your needs and lifestyle.
Book your appointment today and experience the difference professional nail care makes. We’ll help you choose the perfect polish type and ensure your nails look amazing for weeks to come.
Remember, the right choice is different for everyone. What matters most is that you feel confident and happy with your nails.
Want to learn more about nail care? Check out our complete nail cost guide or explore acrylic nail options for your next appointment.