A shellac manicure is a type of semi-permanent nail polish that is cured under a special UV light. It is a hybrid nail polish and gel, meaning it is half regular nail polish and half gel. The product is applied with two color coats and a top coat, and between each coat, the color is cured and set by putting the nails under the UV light. Shellac is thinner and softer than gel polish, but harder than traditional nail polish. Shellac nails tend to start to break down around two weeks, whereas gel nails can last up to three weeks. Shellac is a brand name of gel polish by CND. Shellac nails are less durable than gel nails and are more vulnerable to chipping. The cost of a shellac manicure is comparable to a gel manicure, and it varies depending on the salon and location. To remove shellac nails, acetone is required, but it is easier to remove than gel and kinder to the nails as there is no need to buff the nail plate to break the bond.