While conventional nail polish often shows first chips after only 3 to 5 days, gel nails remain flawless and shiny for up to 3 weeks. What really lies behind this difference surprises more than just nail fans.
Table of contents
What are classic and gel nails?
The difference between classic and gel nails lies in method, application, and durability. While classic nails represent a traditional manicure, gel nails represent a modern nail treatment with higher durability and resistance.
Classic nails: The traditional manicure
Classic nails are the traditional form of nail care and design. They involve applying conventional nail polish to natural nails. The process is simple and quick:
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Nail care and cleaning
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Applying base coat
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Colored nail polish in 1-2 coats
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Final top coat for sealing
This method is perfect for quick color changes and short-term nail design. The polish dries in the air and usually lasts 3-5 days before the first signs of wear become visible.
Gel nails: Modern nail art with long-lasting effect
Gel nails fundamentally differ from classic nails through their special curing technique and durability. The key difference lies in the use of special gel polishes that are cured under UV or LED light.
The advantages of gel nails are diverse:
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Extremely long durability (up to 3 weeks)
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More break-resistant and shinier surface
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Less prone to chipping
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Enables more complex nail designs
For everyone who wants to know more about UV nail polish, our detailed guide offers deeper insights into this modern nail treatment technique.
Both nail techniques have their justification and can be chosen depending on personal style and needs. It is important to consider your own preferences and the desired look.
Below you will find an overview table comparing classic nails and gel nails based on key characteristics and summarizing the main differences.
| Characteristic | Classic nails | Gel nails |
| Durability | 3-5 days | Up to 3 weeks |
| Curing | In the air | Under UV or LED light |
| Application | Fast, easy at home | Precise, often professional |
| Care effort | Less pre-treatment needed | More preparation/removal |
| Flexibility in color change | Very high | Rather low |
| Cost factor | Affordable | Higher |
| Stress on natural nail | Low | Possible stress from mistakes |
Why is the difference important?
The difference between classic and gel nails goes far beyond mere color design. The choice of nail treatment affects not only the appearance but also the care, durability, and overall experience of your manicure.
Time investment and lifestyle
Every nail treatment suits different life rhythms and needs. Classic nails are perfect for people with little time and the desire for quick color changes. They are ideal for spontaneous styling decisions and can be easily applied at home.
Nail health and care
The choice between classic and gel nails directly affects the health of your nails. Classic nails require less pre-treatment and can treat the natural nail structure more gently. They often allow more frequent color changes without additional stress.
Gel nails require more precise application and removal. If treated improperly, they can stress the nail structure. Therefore, professional application and gentle removal are important.
Aesthetics and individuality
Every nail treatment offers different aesthetic possibilities. Our detailed UV nail polish guide shows how diverse modern nail designs can be.
Classic nails score with:
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Faster application
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Easy color change
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Lower costs
Gel nails convince with:
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Long-lasting brilliance
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Durability
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More complex design possibilities
Ultimately, your personal style decides which nail treatment suits you best.
How do classic and gel nails work?
The application of classic and gel nails fundamentally differs in technique, materials, and curing process. Both methods aim to create beautiful and well-groomed nails but use completely different techniques.
The process of classic nail polish application
Classic nails are based on a traditional painting process that does not require a special curing technique. The process includes several consecutive steps:
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Cleaning and preparing the nail surface
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Applying a base coat to smooth the nail
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Application of colored nail polish in 1-2 layers
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Final top coat for sealing and shine optimization
The crucial difference lies in the air drying. The polish layers cure naturally through the evaporation of solvents, which takes about 15-30 minutes.
Gel nails: The modern nail modeling
Gel nails require a more precise and technically demanding method. The process fundamentally differs from classic nails:
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Professional nail preparation and cleaning
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Applying special gel primers
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Applying gel polishes in layers
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Curing under UV or LED light
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Sealing with final gel
Our guide to the difference between gel and polish offers deeper insights into the technical details.
Technical features
The main difference lies in the curing technology. While classic nails rely on natural air drying, gel nails use special light technologies:
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UV light with wavelengths between 340-400 nanometers
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LED lamps with targeted light emission
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Very short curing times of 30-90 seconds
This technology enables immediate curing and significantly longer durability compared to traditional nail polishes.
What are the pros and cons of classic and gel nails?
Every nail treatment has its individual strengths and challenges. The choice between classic and gel nails depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and the specific requirements for your nail design.
Advantages of classic nails
Classic nails convince with their simplicity and flexibility. They are ideal for people who value speed and ease:
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Quick and easy application at home
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Cost-effective option for frequent color changes
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Less strain on the natural nail
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No special equipment like UV lamps required
Especially practical are classic nails for everyone who wants to change their nail color spontaneously or has little time for elaborate nail treatments.
Advantages of gel nails
Gel nails offer a more professional and longer-lasting solution for demanding nail design:
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Extremely long durability of up to 3 weeks
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More resistant and break-proof nail surface
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Allows for more complex and detailed nail designs
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Immediate hardness after UV curing
Our Shellac Nail Understanding Guide shows how diverse modern nail treatments can be.
Potential disadvantages of both methods
While both nail treatments have their strengths, there are also challenges:
Disadvantages of classic nails:
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Short durability (3-5 days)
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Susceptibility to chipping
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Less shiny surface
Disadvantages of gel nails:
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Higher costs for professional application
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More complex removal
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Potential nail damage from improper treatment
Ultimately, your individual style determines which nail treatment best suits your lifestyle.
The following table shows the main advantages and potential disadvantages of classic nails versus gel nails at a glance to facilitate the decision.
| Method | Advantages | Potential disadvantages |
| Classic nails | Quick application, cheaper, flexible in color changes, gentler on natural nails | Short durability, less shine, prone to chipping |
| Gel nails | Long durability, break-resistant, immediate drying, complex designs possible | Higher costs, elaborate removal, possible nail strain |
Discover the perfect nail look for your everyday life
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Frequently asked questions
What are classic nails?
Classic nails are the traditional form of nail care, where conventional nail polish is applied to the natural nails. They usually last 3-5 days and allow for quick color changes.
How are gel nails applied?
Gel nails consist of special gel polishes that are applied in layers to the nails and then cured under UV or LED light. This technique ensures an extremely long durability of up to 3 weeks.
What care do classic nails need?
Classic nails require less pre-treatment than gel nails. For good care, nails should be regularly filed and sealed with a high-quality top coat.
What are the advantages of gel nails?
Gel nails offer many advantages, including extreme durability, break resistance, and the ability to create complex designs. They dry quickly under UV or LED light and are less prone to chipping.
