Gel Overlay vs Gel Polish This makes gel overlay perfect for short, brittle nails, so the nails can grow long and healthy. Gel polish, on the other hand, doesn’t protect or lengthen your nails. And while it can add a touch of beauty and style for a couple of weeks, the overlay lasts longer and won’t come off as fast.Click to see full answer. Also, is gel polish the same as gel nails?Gel nails are an artificial nail enhancement that can be applied over the natural nail, a nail tip or used to sculpt extensions. Artificial Gel Nail Enhancements require regular maintenance fills. Gels are called gels because the product is in a gel form.One may also ask, how long does gel overlay last? When applied correctly, gel extensions should last between 2-4 weeks (or more depending on how much you hate the grown-out look). But to preserve the health and strength of your natural nail, the removal process is crucial. Keeping this in view, what is a gel overlay? Shellac is a blend of nail polish and gel. Whilst gel overlays involve the application of the gel directly to the natural nail, gel nail extensions involve applying an artificial tip to the end of the nail to add length, Overlays can also be applied to toenails.Is gel overlay good for your nails?Overlays skip the extension step with acrylic or gel being applied directly onto your natural nails and shaped by hand or by using ‘forms’, before being buffed to create that glossy effect. Great for anyone with nails lacking in natural wow factor. Gels also cause much less damage to your natural nails than extensions.