Shellac Manicure Benefits
Shellac makes nail polish drying time obsolete! The LED light used to cure its product solidifies it instantly, so that you can leave the salon with beautiful shiny nails.
Even though Shellac and gel manicures are generally considered safer than acrylics, any product applied directly onto nails may cause damage when removed from them. To minimize this risk, always visit a professional for application or removal and use cuticle oil during soak off to safely soak off.
Long-Lasting
Shellac and gel manicures are known for their long-wearing finish, meaning your nails remain flawless for weeks or even months without chipping or peeling – an ideal solution for busy women who don’t have time to touch up their manicure regularly.
Removing a manicure incorrectly can cause lasting damage; only trained nail professionals should attempt removal themselves, cautions Seney. Self-removing your nails risks ruining their natural nails underneath as you might end up ripping off layers, leading to weak and vulnerable nails that are susceptible to infection.
To extend the life of your nails, Seney suggests trying a cuticle oil such as CND’s Solaroil ($10) which contains jojoba and vitamin E for nourishment. She also suggests wearing gloves when performing manual labor such as cleaning dishes to protect the polish from chipping. Finally, Seney suggests moisturizing hands throughout the day using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream ($8.79) while indulging at nighttime in essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Conditioning Care Oil ($11).
Natural-Looking
Shellac nail polish was specifically created to recreate the natural appearance of nails without leaving them feeling dry and brittle, providing a high-shine finish with up to two weeks before needing touchups.
Your manicure will begin with an experienced nail technician applying a base coat, two layers of the Shellac color you chose and a top coat cured under UV/LED lights, to make the manicure durable without drying time.
Arnold believes Shellac manicures, when properly applied and removed, are less damaging to nails than long-lasting gel manicures such as acrylics. Still, nails may still become damaged without proper care being provided – try applying hand moisturizer with hydrating hyaluronic acid during the daytime and supplemented by using an oil rich with essential nutriments such as Essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Conditioning Care Oil in the evening for maximum strength in keeping nails strong!
Easy to Apply
Shellac nail polish is an innovative hybrid between gel and regular polish that may be less damaging than pure gel nails. While traditional gel manicures require extensive scraping and filing to remove, with Shellac manicures often only needing to be soaked off — similar to normal nail polish removal according to Seney.
With its easier removal process comes more freedom to experiment with different looks without fear of chipping or damaging natural nails. Just remember to take breaks between manicures to hydrate with hand cream containing hydrating hyaluronic acid like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream from CVS ($8.79) during the daytime and apply nutrient-rich cuticle oil like Essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Conditioning Care Oil from Ulta ($11) at nighttime in order to maintain strong and healthy nails!
As with any nail service, to extend the lifespan of your manicure try to limit activities such as dish scrubbing and gardening if at all possible; otherwise be sure to wear gloves!
Easy to Remove
Shellac nail polish removal is much easier than its gel counterparts; simply soak off easily using an acetone remover similar to what’s found in regular nail polish remover. No harsh scraping or scrubbing are needed – which could potentially damage natural nails in the process!
Kandalec reports that Shellac can last up to two weeks, being extremely durable and resistant to chipping or peeling. She advises reapplying it whenever there are gaps between cuticles or when polish starts lifting from its base coat.
Between manicures, it is important to give your nails time to breathe, while moisturizing with cuticle oil to promote nail health and strength. Also remember to wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or performing other household tasks to protect them from harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure; these steps will extend and improve the life of your Shellac manicure!