Big Changes at Sassy Minx:
Big changes are happening behind the scenes at Sassy Minx. Carly shares why she’s stepping back, who’s stepping up, and what it means for your salon experience.
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Why Gel Polish (Shellac) Chips — And What You Can Do About It
Gel polish (often called "shellac") looks stunning — but it doesn't strengthen your nails. Discover why chipping can happen, who gel polish is best suited for, and when it might be time to upgrade to BIAB or a Structured Manicure for longer lasting results.
At Sassy Minx, we’re all about real talk — and setting you up for feel-good, long-lasting results.
One of the biggest myths we love clearing up?
Gel polish (often called “shellac”) doesn’t make your nails stronger.
It makes them glossy, gorgeous, and instantly dry. But when it comes to reinforcing and protecting your natural nails? That’s a different service altogether.
What Is Gel Polish (Shellac) Really?
Think of gel polish like your favourite jacket — it makes you look fabulous, polished, and ready to take on the day.
But it doesn’t protect you from a storm.
Gel polish = beauty, not strength.
It’s a thin layer of colour that hardens under a lamp, giving you that flawless, smudge-free finish we all love.
But it doesn’t physically support or reinforce the natural nail underneath.
If your natural nails are naturally strong and healthy, gel polish can wear beautifully for around 2–3 weeks with good care.
If your nails are flexible, weak, or exposed to a lot of daily stress, chipping, lifting, or cracking can happen — and it’s not a fault in the application.
Who Is Gel Polish Best For?
✨ People who have naturally strong, healthy nails
✨ People who want a fast-drying, glossy manicure without bulk
✨ People who are gentle on their hands day-to-day (no nail abuse!)
✨ People who prioritise aesthetic beauty over additional strength
If you fall into this category, shellac/gel polish is a gorgeous option that can easily fit into your self-care routine.
If you’re harder on your hands (think lots of typing, lifting, cleaning, or manual work), you might find you need a service that offers more support.
Why Does Gel Polish Sometimes Chip?
Your nails are flexible by nature. Every tap, knock, or press creates micro-movements.
Without any added structure underneath, gel polish can chip when the nail flexes, especially at the free edge (tip).
Common causes of early chipping:
Using nails to open things 📦
Typing or texting consistently ⌨️📱
Cleaning without gloves 🧽
Regular exposure to water, chemicals, or knocks
Even the healthiest nails are exposed to daily wear — it’s normal!
Want More Support? Here’s How
If you want your nails to feel supported, protected, and last longer without chipping, it might be time to explore BIAB (Flexigel) or a Structured Manicure.
✨ BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is perfect for shorter natural nails that need extra strength and flexibility to last up to 4 weeks.
It adds a supportive layer that helps minimise everyday wear and keeps nails looking and feeling beautiful.
✨ Structured Manicure is ideal for longer nails that naturally need more architectural support.
It focuses on building strength into the apex (stress point) of the nail to prevent bending, cracks, and breakage.
Neither service makes your nails indestructible — but both offer greater support, better wear, and a noticeable difference compared to standard gel polish alone.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Gel Polish (“Shellac”) | BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) | Structured Manicure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Strong natural nails | Shorter natural nails needing support | Longer nails needing structural reinforcement |
| Main Benefit | Colour and gloss | Flexibility and strength | Apex support and strength |
| Lifestyle Fit | Gentle, low-impact routines | Active hands, daily wear | Longer nails, prone to pressure and knocks |
| Look & Feel | Natural, thin, glossy | Natural, slightly thicker, supportive | Sculpted, sleek, highly supportive |
So… Is Gel Polish a Bad Choice?
Absolutely not!
Gel polish (“shellac”) is perfect when matched correctly to the right nails and lifestyle.
If your nails are naturally strong and you’re gentle on your hands, gel polish can perform beautifully and give you weeks of glossy colour and shine.
If you live a more hands-on lifestyle (or love a bit more length and drama), you’ll likely benefit from upgrading to a structured service.
Final Thoughts
At Sassy Minx, we’re all about helping you choose the right service — so your nails don’t just look incredible, they feel strong, supported, and fit your life.
✨ Gel polish = fast beauty and colour for strong natural nails
✨ BIAB (Flexigel) and Structured Manicures = strength, support, and confidence for busy hands and longer nails
Your nails deserve to feel as good as they look — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 💖
Got questions? Ready to glow up differently?
Let’s chat!
Ready to book or upgrade?
Manage your appointments here:
👉 https://sassyminx.book.app/customer/login
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