Nail Polish Vs. Nail Lacquer
Keeping your nails shiny and chip-free is an important part of any manicure, whether it is done at home or in the salon. Part of keeping your nails glossy and free of flakes is choosing the right products to use for coloring your nails.
While it may seem like nail polish, gel polish, or acrylics are the only options, there are variations within each category that can provide you with the specific manicure results you are looking for.
Within the nail polish category, you can often find products labeled as polish or lacquer. Although there are many similarities between the two, slight formula variations can offer you different results.
Nail polish is the most common nail color to use and is often the go-to choice for many at-home manicures.
So, nail polish vs. nail lacquer – what’s the difference?
While often used to refer to the same product, there are a few slight differences between nail polishes and nail lacquers. With a thicker consistency and a longer-lasting wear, nail
Below, we’ll discuss the differences between nail polish and nail lacquer, the benefits of each formula, and how to choose which option is the best one for your nails.
Is There A Difference Between Nail Lacquer And Nail Polish?
Although they are similar, there is a difference between nail lacquer and nail polish. Both formulas coat the nails evenly to add color and are offered in a variety of shades and finishes.
There is a slight difference in the formula, which contributes to how each performs on the nails. Neither requires a UV light to cure, and both can be applied directly to the natural nail.
While all nail color is a form of lacquer, actual nail lacquers are typically more durable than regular polish. They have a thicker consistency and are more resistant to. chipping and peeling.
Nail Polish Benefits
Nail polish is the most commonly used nail product, essentially a varnish that adds color to the nails while also providing shine.
It is available in a wide array of colors and finishes to suit whatever style, trend, or look you are going for. Nail polish adds a high shine to the nails, keeping them looking healthy.
Nail polish also offers some protection to the natural nails by coating the nail bed with a layer of product.
It does not require any additional lamps or special processing to dry the product after application. Nail polish is often a thin formula, allowing you to add multiple layers to achieve the desired color and opacity.
The process for removing nail polish is easy and mess-free, requiring only an acetone-based remover to remove the color from the nails. It dries quickly and can last for several days before it begins to chip or flake.
Nail Lacquer Benefits
Unlike the thin consistency of nail polish, nail lacquer typically has a thicker consistency. The texture will provide more protection to the natural nail, keeping the nails feeling strong and healthy. The thicker consistency also means the colour is more durable and less likely to chip or flake during wear.
Nail lacquer is also longer-lasting than typical nail polish. It is also meant to provide a high shine to the nails and is available in a wide variety of colours and finishes. Similar to nail polish, it dries without needing any additional lamps or products for a smooth finish.
The removal process for nail lacquer is also easy and mess-free. It can be thoroughly removed by an acetone remover. The formula for nail lacquer is also solvent-based, and it contains various thickeners and resins to ensure the product distributes evenly and maintains a consistent consistency across the nail bed.
It can often be considered a 2-in-1 product, as the high shine and durability of the product offer similar protection and wear to that of a topcoat, without requiring an extra step.
Differences Between Nail Polish and Nail Lacquer
While they share many similarities, there are a few key differences between nail polish and nail lacquer that can help determine which type of product works best for you and your nails. Often, a nail color will include both “polish” and “lacquer” in its name, and sometimes also includes “varnish.”
Nail polish is thinner, so it is more likely to chip easily. Nail lacquer, on the other hand, is thicker, which means the product can last longer without chipping. Along with being thicker, though, it can mean that a nail lacquer takes longer to completely dry than a thinner nail polish.
Both are offered in a variety of shades, but nail polish may have a larger selection as it is the more common nail color choice. It can also include different bold and trendy shades, not available with a lacquer.
With nail lacquer serving as a 2-in-1 topcoat, you do not always need to take additional steps to protect the nail and extend the color wear time, unlike with thin nail polish.
Best Application Techniques For Nail Polish or Lacquer
For the best application method, to create salon-worthy results at home, ensure the nail beds are free of any extra color or debris. Start by applying a base coat to the nail as the first layer of product.
The base coat will smooth out the nail beds and prepare them for the polish to be applied on top. It will also help the polish stick to your nails, while also preventing the color from staining your natural nail bed.
After the base coat is applied, you can paint on the first layer of nail color. With nail polishes, a thinner consistency can require several coats to achieve opacity and evenness, especially with lighter shades.
At least two layers are recommended to provide a streak-free and solid finish. With the thicker consistency of the nail lacquer, you may find one coat of color is enough, especially with darker colors.
Once you have achieved the desired opacity and color of your nail treatment, finish it off by applying a top coat. This will seal in the color and provide an additional shine to the nail.
A topcoat works to protect the nail color and helps to prevent chipping. It also helps extend the wear time of the nail color and keeps the nails looking glossy until the polish is removed.
When applying the various steps of your manicure, it helps to let the coats dry in between layers to avoid the polish becoming clumpy.
To achieve a salon-worthy application, apply the color with a strip of polish going down the middle of the nail first, starting at the base and working upwards in a single stroke. Then apply a stripe of color on each side, starting from the base and working up.
It is important to wait until the nail color is completely dry before resuming your regular activities, to avoid chips, smudges, and streaks from appearing in the polish.
Here’s a great tutorial from O.P.I. themselves on YouTube!
Which One Is Best For You?
Nail polish and nail lacquer are both similar and are often used interchangeably. The color you choose will depend on what you are looking for and how you want your nails to look. If your nails are prone to chipping, a lacquer may be a better option.
Additionally, if you find that your nail beds are on the thinner side or are sensitive due to frequent gel or acrylic manicures, a nail lacquer will provide added protection to your delicate nails.
If you like to switch your nail colour often, a nail polish with a variety of colours and an easy removal process will allow you to frequently change the colours or design.
A nail polish also has a thinner consistency, if you find that adding colour to your nails often looks heavy. If you want to use as minimal steps as possible when painting your nails, a nail lacquer instead may be the best option.
Conclusion
Although both products appear similar, the subtle differences between the formulas are significant enough to yield different results for your manicures. Nail lacquers offer a thicker, more opaque colour payoff with a durable quality that can protect sensitive nails.
While nail polish also offers some protection, its thinner formula often requires multiple coats to achieve the desired colour. Within each of these categories, a wide variety of colours and finishes are available to help you achieve your desired nail colour.
Being the most popular type of nail color, nail polish often offers a wider range of options and is more readily available. However, both products provide an easy, at-home option for protected and colorful nails.
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