Is Gel or Shellac Bad for Your Nails?
Let’s talk honestly.
We get asked this all the time.
“Is gel bad for your nails?”
“Isn’t shellac toxic?”
“I’d love to get my nails done, but I’m scared they’ll end up damaged.”
And look, if you’ve ever had your nails feel thin, sore, or peel after a salon visit, you’re not being dramatic. That experience is real. But here’s the thing: Not all gels or shellacs are created equal. And not all salons use quality products or the right techniques.
The truth: Gel and shellac aren’t automatically bad.
The real problem: technique and product quality
The damage usually comes from one of two things:
Poor application and removal techniques
Low-quality, chemical-heavy products
Let’s break those down.
When gel or shellac is applied the wrong way, it puts unnecessary stress on your natural nails. Over-filing during prep, using drills too aggressively, or not leaving a proper base layer can thin the nail plate. That’s when you start to see peeling, sensitivity, and breakage.
Then there’s removal. If the polish is ripped off instead of being safely soaked or filed down, you’re not just removing the gel, you’re literally tearing layers off your natural nail. It might look fine in the moment, but you’ll feel it later when your nails become weak, bendy, or sore.
The second culprit is product quality. Some salon products are still made with outdated or harsh ingredients like formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, and camphor. These chemicals can cause dehydration, brittleness, or even allergic reactions over time. Poor-quality gels also tend to shrink, crack, or lift more easily, which leads to premature chipping and forces clients to have more frequent removals, another source of wear on the nail and.
When gel or shellac is done right, with high-quality, non-toxic products, it’s a completely different story. These formulas are designed to flex with your natural nail, allowing it to grow underneath instead of splitting or peeling. They form a protective coating that seals the nail surface, keeping moisture in and external damage out. Combined with a correct removal process, your nails stay smooth, hydrated, and strong underneath.
Unfortunately, not every salon invests in this level of care. Some choose cheaper bulk products or skip proper training to save time or money. That’s why so many people assume gel “ruins” nails, it’s not the gel, it’s the method.
At Mitty, we take the opposite approach. We use only professional-grade, vegan, cruelty-free systems that meet EU and FDA safety standards, and our team is trained in advanced application and removal techniques like e-file precision work and builder base layering. Every tech understands the structure of the natural nail, how to prep without over-filing, and how to safely remove product without damage.
Our focus is long-term nail health, not just the end result on the day of your appointment. Because when you combine the right products with the right technique, gel and shellac can actually make your nails stronger, smoother, and healthier than before.
Here’s how we do it differently at Mitty:
We don’t over-file. Ever.
No aggressive buffing or sanding down your natural nail. That’s the fastest way to cause long-term damage. We prep carefully and only as much as your nail actually needs.
We use salon-quality, non-toxic products.
All of our gels, BIABs, and nail care products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from the usual suspects—no formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP. We choose EU and FDA-compliant formulas, which means they’re held to the highest safety standards. If we wouldn’t put it on ourselves, we won’t put it on you.
We’re here for your natural nail health.
Nail art is great. Strong nails underneath? Even better. Every appointment is a chance for us to check in with how your nails are doing and adjust based on what they need.
Our removals are gentle and respectful.
No tearing, scraping or rushing. Whether we soak off or use an e-file, we do it slowly and with care. Then we finish with hydration and nourishment to keep your nails feeling strong and healthy.
What’s the difference between gel, shellac, and BIAB?
We get this question a lot too, so here’s a quick breakdown:
Shellac is a hybrid polish (half gel, half regular polish). It’s a little softer, lasts about 10 to 14 days, however it can chip easily.
Gel polish is 100% gel. It’s stronger, lasts 3-5 weeks. This is what we use at Mitty.
BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is what most of our regulars end up loving. It’s a strengthening overlay that helps your natural nails grow and keeps them protected underneath. It lasts around 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer with regular care.
We mostly work with BIAB and high-end gel systems because they allow us to protect your nails while still giving you the fun of colour, art, and shape.
Still nervous?
If you’ve had a bad experience at another salon, it’s OK to be cautious. You deserve a space where your nails are respected. Most of our regular clients came to us looking for something gentler, safer, and more thoughtful, and they’ve stayed because their nails are now thriving.
“I had a great experience and will definitely be back. I came to the salon because I’d had a bad experience at another salon where they’d filed too deep into the nail and I needed my nails fixed. The lady who took care of me at Mitty was really kind and warm. Made me feel super safe after I was a bit shaken from the last nail salon experience. I’m very happy!” Martha Mankowitz
Final word
So, is gel or shellac bad for your nails?
Not when the product is high quality. Not when your technician knows what they’re doing. And definitely not when your health and comfort come first.
At Mitty, we’re about nails that look beautiful and stay healthy underneath. We’re not here for shortcuts. We’re here for results you can feel good about.
If you’re ready to try gel, BIAB, or nail art with products and techniques you can trust, we’d love to see you in salon.