8 Types of Nail Polish You Should Know

Whether you’re headed to the salon or giving yourself an at-home manicure, you may have noticed that there is no shortage of options when it comes to types of nail polish. Aside from the traditional formula you’ve likely been using since you were a child, there are newer options like gel, builder gel, and dip powder that each have their own unique benefits.

Since understanding the difference between all the nail polish varieties can be a little difficult (don’t even get us started on picking a color), we’ve outlined the difference between eight of the most common types of nail varnish that you can find at the salon—and on social media. Plus, we’ll break down the details on other nail essentials, like base and top coat. Read on for the full scoop.

1. Traditional Nail Polish

Let’s start with the basics: Traditional nail polish is the kind that has to dry—and it’s what many of us think of when we picture nail polish. It’s offered in a variety of finishes, from shiny to matte to shimmery, and this type of nail polish doesn’t require other equipment like UV or LED lights.

It’s not the most long-lasting option—you can expect to make it about a week (sometimes less) before becoming victim to a chipped mani. However, it’s quick to apply, it doesn’t require expert skills to use, and it’s the best option if you can’t commit to the same color for too long.

2. Gel Nail Polish

Gel nail polish is a super popular polish at the salon and—in recent years—at home, too. Your nail technician (or you, if you’ve mastered an at-home gel manicure) will paint the gel polish onto your nail before using an LED or UV light to cure it for 30 to 60 seconds. The curing process will immediately harden the polish, so you don’t have to worry about accidental smudges. Your end result will be a glossy manicure that you can expect to last for around two weeks.

This type of polish can be used on your natural nails or on top of lengthening nail services like acrylics, press-on nails, and gel extensions. Gel nail polish, like traditional nail polish, is available in tons of different finishes like cream, matte, glitter, holographic, and cat-eye.

Editor’s tip: If you’re using any kind of nail polish that needs to be cured under a light, wear sunscreen to help protect your hands. We love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, which has an invisible, lightweight, and non-greasy texture.

3. Acrylics

Acrylic doesn’t come in a bottle like traditional or gel nail polish. Instead, it’s a powder that’s mixed with a specialized liquid known as monomer or “nail liquid” to create a gummy paste that hardens. It can be used to strengthen your natural nails or on top of tips to add length. It’s applied with a brush and as the acrylic hardens, it can be filed to your desired shape. Acrylic nails last around two to three weeks and can be filled once or twice before an entirely new set is required.

4. Breathable Nail Polish

Your nails don’t actually need to breathe, but you just might want to try breathable nail polish anyway. This type of nail paint doesn’t create a barrier over your nails; rather, oxygen and water can pass through the polish and to your nails. This can help minimize chipping for a longer-lasting mani. Some also say breathable polish allows you to keep your nails better hydrated since it doesn’t completely block out oils and moisture.

You can expect your breathable nail polish to last for about a week to 10 days. If your traditional polish always chips within a couple of days, this could be a good alternative.

5. Polygel

Think of polygel as a hybrid between acrylic and gel nail polish. This nail treatment comes in a tube, has a gel-like consistency, and is applied on top of your bare nails or nail extensions with a brush. It can be used to sculpt, shape, fill in, and lengthen your nails, and it’s cured with an LED or UV light.

Many people love polygel because it’s ultra-durable but still feels like your natural nails. It’s also one of the longest wearing polish options, lasting up to three weeks. And, in comparison to acrylic, it’s odor-free.

6. Dip Powder

Dip powder is another type of nail enhancement service known for its long-wearing formula. It’s durable and can last around three weeks to a month, which is one reason so many people consider themselves fans. Whether you head to the salon for your dip manicure or do it yourself at home, the process is simple and quick.

A base coat is applied to your nails, and then the powder is applied on top. This process is repeated, with the excess powder being brushed off so your manicure isn’t chunky, until you’re left with an opaque layer of polish. To finish your dip manicure, a layer of clear powder and a sealant are applied to create a shiny overlay, similar to a top coat. Like gel polish, there’s no long wait time for dip powder nails to dry, but a big difference is this technique doesn’t require an LED light.

7. Builder Gel

If you swear by a gel manicure, you may have heard of builder gel (also known as BIAB or builder gel in a bottle). It’s a variety of gel polish with a stronger, less pliable finish than normal gel. This type can be used as an overlay treatment, as a medium to lengthen your nail shape, and with gel extensions to bond the nail tips to your natural nails.

Builder gel and regular gel polish have quite a few similarities: Both tend to come in a bottle, are cured with an LED light, and can be soaked off with acetone. If you opt for BIAB nails, on average, you can expect them to last three to four weeks.

8. Hard Gel Nail Polish

Hard gel nail polish is stronger and more rigid on the nails than your standard gel nail polish, but it’s not as strong as builder gel. It’s typically used to strengthen your natural nails or as a way to extend the shape of your nails.

Like the other gel nail polish categories we’ve covered, hard gel comes in a bottle and is cured with an LED light—but unlike those varieties, it can’t be soaked off with acetone. Hard gel is more resilient to chemicals, so it has to be removed by filing it off. If you aren’t ready for a new set, it can also be filled as needed. Speaking of which, this type of gel can last up to four weeks before needing a refill.

Nail Care and Treatment Polishes

Just like you have to wash away your makeup and do your skincare routine, you also have to do some nail-centric self-care from time to time. This is especially true if you’re trying a whole host of different kinds of nail polish. Beyond your actual nail polish, a good nail routine typically features a base coat, top coat, and nail strengthener. Learn more about each below.

Base coat

• Acts as barrier between your nail and the polish to protect against staining
• Provides a smooth surface for polish application
• Usually clear, but can come in different shades for color-correction
• May contain strengthening ingredients

Top coat

• Seals the color in
• Adds shine or a matte finish, depending on the product
• Protects polish from chipping or damage and extends wear-time
• Some top coats make your polish dry quicker

Nail strengtheners

• Nourishes and hydrates nail beds
• Helps strengthen brittle or weak nails
• Helps prevent damage or breakage to nails
• Formulated with proteins, vitamins, and minerals

Next Up: How to Get a 2-in-1 Mani With Color-Changing Nail Polish

Photo Credit: Carrie Bohan, IG/@nailsbycarriex