Glossary
Shellac Manicure
Definition
Nail Products and Techniques
A Shellac manicure is a gel-polish service using CND's trademarked SHELLAC system; the name is also used informally for gel polish in general.
Explanation
Official CND SHELLAC is a coordinated base, colour, top-coat, and lamp system. A salon advertising shellac may instead mean another gel-polish brand, so ask which product is used. Gel polish adds colour and wear but is thinner and less structural than builder gel, hard gel, or acrylic enhancements.
The product system matters
In an official service, compatible CND SHELLAC base coat, colour coat, top coat, and lamp directions are used together. Other gel-polish systems also use cured layers, but their lamps, timing, preparation, and removal directions may differ.
If the brand matters to you, ask to see the bottle and confirm that the service uses CND SHELLAC rather than treating shellac as a generic menu word.
What to expect and how it differs
The technician prepares and shapes the nails, applies thin product layers, cures each layer as directed, and finishes the surface. Cuticle work, removal of old product, repairs, and nail art may be separate charges or require additional appointment time.
Shellac or gel polish is mainly a colour coating. It does not build the same apex or length as builder gel and is not the liquid-and-powder system used for acrylic nails.
Typical cost in Canada
The project's 2026 review of advertised menus across nine Canadian cities found gel or Shellac manicures commonly listed at $38 to $65, with removal often listed separately at $10 to $20. These are sampled advertised ranges, not official national averages. Art, repairs, previous product, salon type, city, tax, and gratuity may change the total.
Removal and maintenance
Removal should follow the product system rather than being peeled or forced from the nail. Picking can lift surface layers of the natural nail. Tell the technician what is already on your nails because hard gel, builder gel, acrylic, and gel polish may need different removal methods.
As the natural nail grows, a visible gap appears at the cuticle even if the colour remains intact. Book removal or reapplication based on wear and nail condition rather than covering lifting product.
Frequently asked questions
Is every gel manicure a Shellac manicure?
No. SHELLAC is a CND trademark and product system. Other manufacturers make gel polish, so a salon may offer a gel manicure without using CND SHELLAC products.