There's no single best, but CND Shellac is among the most respected β it invented the modern soak-off gel category and wears ~14 days with fast 10-minute removal. Gelish and OPI are close rivals; DND and Kiara Sky win on value; Lavis and A'DOR on HEMA-free. DTK stocks all so salons compare directly.
Both are professional soak-off gel polishes cured under a UV/LED lamp. Shellac is CND's brand β thinner and more polish-like, ~14-day wear. Gelish (by Harmony) is slightly thicker with a builder-like feel and often markets longer wear. Both soak off in ~10-15 minutes; choice comes down to finish preference and brand loyalty.
A classic manicure uses regular nail polish that air-dries and chips in 2-7 days. A Shellac manicure uses CND's gel polish cured under a UV/LED lamp for ~14 days of chip-free, high-gloss wear, removed by a 10-minute acetone soak rather than wiped off.
Shellac is CND's original patented soak-off gel β the formula that started the category. It delivers 14 days of chip-resistant wear under UV/LED with the CND Shellac Base + Top, and soaks off in about 10 minutes, among the fastest in the pro gel category.
Standard CND Shellac contains HEMA. For HEMA-sensitive or pregnant clients, DTK stocks A'DOR HEMA-Free + TPO-Free, DND DC, and Kiara Sky Gel Pro HEMA-Free. CND Vinylux (air-dry polish) is naturally HEMA-free.
Yes β DTK Nail Supply offers wholesale pricing on CND GEL POLISH and a wide range of professional nail brands, with fast US shipping (orders ship within 48 hours from California). Create a free B2B account at dtknailsupply.com for the best price.