Help!! Gel, Acrylic, shellac... what's the difference??

[MessyMummy15]

Heya!!
First time poster here so be nice. ☺️
Off on holiday with my OH and DC and his family for three weeks in the sun and I've been invited to go with my SIL to get my nails done right before we go...
Question being... what do I get done? I've never tried any kind of shellac, gel acrylic or anything like that.
Been trying to see which one would be best for me but getting very conflicting results.
I want something that's NOT going to damage my nails and will hopefully last as long as possible on a three week beach holiday. Does sea water damage nail polish?
Generally a bit lost. Anyone know the differences and which one would be best for me?
T.I.A

Acrylics are fake nails, last ages but can damage nails, look nice though.
Gel acrylics are similar I think but not as bad for nails, bit more natural & flexible.
Gel/shellac is a gel/nail varnish mix that doesn’t damage nails, it’s not an extension like the other two but doesn’t last as long.
I think that is right, have a lovely holiday!

Most acrylic nails will fuck up your actual nails over time. Gel extensions/gel acrylic is painted on like nail polish I believe over the fake nails to make them less damaging to the natural nails and more natural looking than acrylics (my sister gets them so I'm not too sure!) Should definitely last 2/3 weeks though. Shellac is like a super tough/strong nail polish that is nice to your natural nails, and doesn't smudge or chip as easily as normal polish. I've had shellac last 3/4 weeks, your nails grow out at the bottom but it still looks nice.

Shellac and gel acrylics are a pain to remove without damaging your nails though, it can be done at home but takes time and patience so I would book back into the salon when you get back for them to take it off if that's possible/affordable for you!

I found the acrylics themselves don't damage the nail, it's when more removing them.
Shellac wouldn't last long in my opinion. I've found it great for daily life but wouldn't last on a holiday.
I'd go for acrylics, especially if you want them to last. You can pay for them to be remove or soak them off(takes hours for me)

@downinthejunglee I'm probably prejudiced against acrylics because of my love of cheap tacky Primark etc. ones when I was younger - proper nice ones from a salon probably aren't bad for your nails at all, especially not just for a few weeks special treat.

Shellac (actually I have OPI gel) lasts fine on a holiday. No problems with sunscreen, sand, sea etc. I always have a gel mani pedi before I go.

I have OPI gel manis, another brand name for a shellac. They easily last two weeks of sun, sea and sand. Three weeks should be ok, you might get the odd chip but nothing too bad. I have had them non stop for two years now and my nails are strong and healthy.

The only exception to this is very, very occasionally you might get a whole nails varnish might lift and peel off. It has only happened to me once but it’s happened to my DD several times.