You know the one. Paint it on yourself or hit up your manicure spot for a pristine application (complete with hand massage, might we add). Just make sure you spend ample time under the nail dryer or you’ll risk those dreaded dings on the way out.
This is probably what you’re getting when you book a gel mani. It’s basically a hybrid of gel and nail polish that’s cured and hardened with a UV light. The word Shellac is actually just the trademark name of CND, the first company to invent and register this type of polish. It’s less hard than gel and soaks off with acetone.