What Is Nail Lacquer & Is It Different From Nail Polish?
What exactly is nail lacquer? And is it different from nail polish?
These are some common questions that you might have, especially if you have heard the terms nail lacquer and nail polish used interchangeably before.
Nail lacquer and nail polish are nail products that are commonly used for painting fingernails and toenails with temporary color add adding a glossy shine.
Here’s what you need to know about nail lacquer, and how it differs (or doesn’t differ) from nail polish.
What Is Nail Lacquer?
Nail lacquer is a nail product that is applied to the surface of the nail plate to provide temporary color and shine. Yes, in essence, nail lacquer is the same thing as nail polish.
There used to be a subtle difference between the two products. Nail lacquer was thicker and made of a different formula, and it got its name from the French word lacre, which is a type of sealing wax.
However, the two terms are used interchangeably today, along with nail varnish, nail enamel, nail paints, and other names for nail polish.
Nail Polish Vs. Nail Lacquer
What is the difference between nail polish and nail lacquer?
Not much! Once upon a time, nail polish was totally different in that it had to be rubbed onto the nails using an abrasive material in order to provide color to the nails.
But these days, nail lacquer and nail polish are both made from the same thing: nitrocellulose, which is dissolved in a solvent, typically ethyl acetate or butyl acetate.
So there is really no meaningful difference between nail polish and nail lacquer. Nail lacquer is a type of nail polish.
What Are The Origins Of Nail Polish?
Nail polish originated in ancient China as early as 3,000 B.C. The earliest ingredients for nail polish were beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and vegetable dyes.
The ancient Egyptians also used nail polish, and a red manicure was actually a status symbol and signified that you were part of high society!
The birth of modern nail polish occurred in 1916, around when nitrocellulose was discovered. It was first used to make automobile paint, but quickly became the key ingredient in nail polish too.
Is Nail Lacquer The Same As Top Coat?
When getting a professional manicure, the nail technician will typically apply several layers of polish to your nails including a base coat and a top coat.
Nail lacquer is typically considered to be a base coat because it is thicker and more durable, offering a protective layer and making it easier for the top coat to adhere.
Top coats are lighter and give your nails that glossy finish. For best results during a manicure, it’s important to apply both a base coat and a top coat.
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Is Nail Lacquer The Same As Nail Gel?
Nail lacquer is not the same thing as nail gel polish.
Gel nails have become popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are totally different from manicures done with regular nail polish or nail lacquer and typically last quite a bit longer.
Gel nail polish is made from methacrylate and photoinitiator compounds such as benzoyl peroxide. Unlike regular nail polishes, gel polish does not dry but instead sticks to the nail when exposed to UV light.
So when you go to get a gel manicure or pedicure, there is no dry time like with normal nail polish. Instead, you’ll stick your hands or feet under a UV light machine to get the gel polish to adhere to your nails.
Gel polish is the same as nail lacquer in that it can be applied to natural nails.
Matte Vs. Glossy Nail Lacquer
Nail lacquer comes in a wide range of colors and you can choose different colors to showcase your own personal style and taste. From vibrant colors and unique shades to more subtle hues, there are many options.
Most nail lacquer is glossy, but it’s also possible to get matte nail lacquer.
Glossy nail lacquer gives your nails that typical pearlescent, shiny effect, but matte lacquer has no shine to it. Instead, it gives more of a “flat” look to your nails.
Any nail color can be matte, but you’ll most commonly find dark-colored matte polish.
How Long Does Nail Lacquer Take To Dry?
Nail lacquer does not take too long to dry, and the drying process can be accelerated in various ways.
Typically, it takes between 15 minutes and one hour for the proper application of nail lacquer, depending on how many layers were applied and if a thick coating was applied.
If you go to a nail salon, they may have fan dryers with UV lights which provide a quick drying time.
While allowing nail lacquer to dry on your fingers or toenails, it’s important to keep still and not touch anything so that your polish doesn’t smear or smudge before it’s fully dry.
How Long Does Nail Lacquer Last?
A manicure done with regular nail lacquer typically lasts for 7 to 14 days of wear, depending on how well you take care of your nails and what they are exposed to.
A pedicure can last a little longer, usually 14 to 21 days.
When it comes to unopened bottles of nail lacquer, you can expect them to last 18 to 24 months if stored properly in a dry place that is not too hot or too warm.
How Do You Remove Nail Lacquer?
While nail polish can last for a week or two on your nails, you may want to remove it when it starts chipping or in order to apply a different color to your nails.
The easiest way to remove nail lacquer is with regular nail polish remover.
Nail polish remover is made from an acetone solvent that breaks about the nail lacquer and strips it from the surface of the nails.
You can also use isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, for getting rid of the last bits of nail lacquer residue in the corners of the nails and around the nail bed.
Just apply some isopropyl alcohol to a cotton ball and rub it around the affected areas.
Difference Between Nail Lacquer And Nail Polish
Nail lacquer and nail polish are two terms that can be used interchangeably. Although there may have been subtle differences between the two products at one time, they are the same now.
Nail polish is produced by various brands including Essie, OPI, Sally Hansen, and more.
You can find nail lacquer in hundreds of different colors, as well as clear transparent nail polish.
While most nail polish has a glossy finish that gives a shiny coating to your nails, you can also get matte finish polish for your nails.
These days, nail lacquers are designed to be chip resistant so they keep your nails looking fresh for as long as possible.
