The four types of nail polish are: regular nail polish, gel, shellac, and acrylic. Regular nail polish is the type of polish you probably first started using when you were younger. It’s easy to apply and remove at home, and typically lasts around a week before it starts to chip. Gel is a long-lasting polish that can be applied at home or in the salon and can be used to extend your nail length; it cures under UV light and lasts for 2-3 weeks. Shellac is a patented brand by Creative Nail Design (CND); it’s part gel, part regular nail polish, cures under UV light and lasts 2-3 weeks. Acrylic nails are part liquid, part powder, and can also be used to extend your nail length. Acrylic starts to cure as soon as it’s exposed to air, and lasts for 6-8 weeks.