Shellac Manicure Benefits

Shellac, created and sold by nail brand CND, appears like polish but is actually an UV light-cured photo polymer photo cure applied in layers to resist chipping and dullness. Available at many salons nationwide and lasting up to 14 days of wear time.

To extend the lifespan of your manicure, try alternating between daytime hand creams containing hydrating hyaluronic acid and nighttime cuticle oils designed to soften nails and moisturize cuticles.

Strengthens Nails

Nail trends come and go, but some tried-and-true techniques remain popular – including the Shellac manicure – a long-wearing polish with no drying time required.

Nail professionals typically start off a Shellac manicure by prepping the nails – this includes cleaning, shaping and pushing back cuticles – in order to create an ideal environment in which the polish adheres correctly without chipping easily. It is vitally important that this step occurs to ensure optimal adhesion between coats of polish.

Under an LED lamp, a base coat is applied and cured before selecting your color choice and applying two coats of polish for curing. Once finished curing is completed, any tacky residue will be wiped away with alcohol on a lint-free cloth to ensure an enjoyable experience!

Shellac manicures not only prevent chips and provide a seamless finish, they’re also believed to strengthen natural nails. According to DiLullo, this may be because Shellac polish allows moisture from cuticle oil seep through, aiding healthy nail growth.

Lasts Longer

Shellac nail polish can last up to three weeks without chipping or lifting, providing a hassle-free alternative to regular nail polish applications that requires frequent updates.

As part of their application process, nail technicians use LED lights to apply a base coat, two layers of color and topcoat before curing it using an LED light. The LED light emits ultraviolet rays which penetrate polish to strengthen it; plus this technology lowers risk to natural nails by being less abrasive than regular nail polish.

As with any manicure, Shellac requires proper nail care. Avoid using your nails as tools and wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes; cuticle oil will also keep nails healthy and hydrated and prolong its life span.

Comes in a Wide Range of Colors

Shellac nails are a hybrid between gel polish and regular nail polish, applying like traditional manicures but then curing under UV lights to harden and extend the color’s durability beyond that of regular polish.

Application is similar to regular gel manicure, with cleaning of nails followed by applying base coat. Two layers of Shellac color are then applied, each being cured under UV light for 30 seconds before curing in turn.

DiLullo notes that curing can also provide protection from damage to nails by creating breathable layers which allow moisture and hydration from sources like cuticle oil to still reach them.

Keep in mind, however, that Shellac nails may eventually chip or break, just like natural nails do. In such an instance, it is best to visit a nail salon so they can have them professionally removed as doing it yourself could damage natural nails by using harsh chemicals or peeling at them directly.

No Drying Time

Shellac, created by Creative Nail Design, is a hybrid polish composed of both gel and traditional nail polish that allows for quick drying times and longer wear time than regular options. Furthermore, this hybrid formulation makes removing Shellac easier than any of the long-wear options currently available on the market.

Your manicure technician will begin by applying a base coat, two layers of color, and then topcoat before curing your nails under an LED light to set their polish and harden it further.

Curing processes may be quick and safe, but they do expose your nails to UV rays which can potentially cause irreparable damage to both them and surrounding skin. To limit this exposure and its risk, try applying broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 protection rating prior to beginning.

Should your Shellac manicure start to lift, avoid picking at it as this can damage natural nails and lead to infections. Instead, have your nail tech remove the Shellac using an appropriate soaking procedure with acetone.