I get confused between SNS/Shellac/BIAB Gel /Polygel or Acrylic? Whats the difference?

It’s hard to understand the difference between different nail enhancements and if not performed correctly or with the best products they can sometimes do more damage than good. Often times people don’t even know what enhancements they have had on their nails or how to look after them. So let’s clarify.

Shellac is a flexible, soft ‘GEL’ polish, its just a well known brand name. So its basically a nail polish, set under a LED Light. Its more hardwearing than traditionally airdrying polish, so must be filed or soaked off. Some types of Shellac contain a substance called Hema, which is a common allergen, Thus at I use Australian brands of Gel Polish companies ‘Cut the crap’ and ‘Ooh la la’ because their products are great quality and Hema free.

People who need more strength than Polish offers, can benefit from an overlay of soft BUILDER GEL, or BIAB (Builder Gel in A Bottle). It’s painted on like a polish, but is thicker and stronger, can be shaped to repair or shape shorter nails, and must be cured in a LED Lamp to harden. It can be refilled, and thus is fairly easily maintained.

SNS is an acrylic powder, that is applied to nails or nail extension tips. Its stronger than Gel polish and Builder Gel, so great for people with soft flaky nails that break easily or people who have short nails and want to extend them. Its popular because its cheap, and quick to apply, but it also contains lots of allergy causing chemicals and is really harsh on natural nails. Its also not very flexible, so if you break it - OUCH!

Polygel is often referred to a hybrid product, because it is hard and strong like an acrylic but mouldable like a soft gel. In my opinion it’s the best overlay product available. Its patted on with a brush and can be used to build nail length and structure just like acrylic, yet its not as smelly or difficult to work with. It’s not as widely known and used because its relatively new and more expensive than traditional overlay products

So which overlay type is best?

From my own research, I think BIAB Gel and Polygel are the best options for nails, in terms of a durability, flexibility, removal processes and ingredients. I would stay away from powder products such as SNS and Acrylic. There are various opinions on this, but at Cameo these are the products I use on myself and my loved ones.

Why are extensions better than tips?

Tips are made from acrylic and superglued to the end of the fingernail and strengthen with more acrylic on top. These are popular because they are the cheapest method to extend nail length. At Cameo, only full coverage extensions made from soft gel are used, as they are less likely to break and more aesthetically pleasing. I also further shape these to suit individual nail shapes, so they look more natural than tips.

Why do your manicures cost more than walk in nail salons?

Many women have had average experiences at walk in nail salons. Often, these types of businesses don’t prioritise service, hygiene or longevity or use of safe products, sometimes putting speed and profit over a nail health and providing a quality experience.

Regular manicures at Cameo Beauty Parlour will aim to improve the condition of your nails, not harm them.  Only the very best Australian made products are used and every treatment culminates with a hand and cuticle massage leaving you feel pampered and polished. Yes it will take longer and cost more – but you get what you pay for.

Why do I need refills?

Its more efficient to maintain your nail overlays than redoing an entire set each time. As your nails grow out the architecture of the nail shape will change, making them more prone to breaking – also the gap between your nail polish and cuticle will be larger and not as pretty. By the time this happens (between 2-4 weeks) the cuticles will be needing love and attention too.