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While manicure trends come and go, a few tried-and-true techniques continue to be widely used, and Shellac is one among them. What exactly is Shellac, and why is it so popular? You’ve undoubtedly heard of it; perhaps your manicurist frequently asks if you want to try it.
According to a celebrity manicurist, nail technician, and owner of a nail salon in New York City, shellac nails are made using a unique in-salon gel nail paint that Creative Nail Design has devised and copyrighted (CND). So, if you’ve been incorrectly referring to all gel manicures as “shellac,” don’t worry; I did the same thing. To be clear, Shellac is the name of a particular brand of gel polish, not the general phrase for all gel nail paints. And Shellac gel also can do for both Manicures and Pedicures.
Gel vs. Shellac Manicures
According to a nail technician, “Shellac is a recipe exclusive to CND and includes more lacquer than other gel polishes.” Many other brands use a more significant concentration of gel, which hardens as it cures, lengthening the removal process and harming natural nails more. Because of the high degree of lacquer in Shellac, natural nails are not damaged in any way yet have a hard, high-gloss finish that resists chips, nicks, and smudges.
Since shellac nails don’t require as much scraping and acetone soaking as standard gel nails, your natural nail is less likely to be harmed during removal. They are more prone to chipping than gel, which is the price to pay. But they still have a two-week lifespan, which is far longer than regular nail paint. Your nails will feel thinner or lighter because a shellac manicure isn’t as thick or heavy as a gel manicure.
If you still need convincing about trying Shellac, Kandalec outlines all you need to know below. Maby you want to know What Is A No Chip Manicure?
How Are Shellac Manicures Applied?
Shellac manicures require multiple steps, like acrylic and other gel nail paints. A nail technician explains that a shellac manicure entails the application of a shellac color polish over a base coat made of Shellac, followed by one of many shellac topcoats. UV radiation treats and cures these layers, making them more durable, glossy, and resistant to chipping.
What Is The Time Required To Apply Shellac Manicures?
A shellac manicure can take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how quickly your nail technician works, but that’s not all. The drying time for the Shellac won’t take hours. The manicure is dried using a unique LED bulb designed just for Shellac. The shellac formula’s photoinitiator molecules are activated once the lamp’s ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths strike them; the formula then quickly hardens, dries, and binds the Shellac on natural nails.
What Is the Durability of Shellac Manicures?
According to a nail technician, if adequately applied, Shellac and American Manicures vs. French Manicures often last for at least two weeks. Wearing gloves when doing domestic tasks can help your Shellac last longer, but in general, the finish is quite resilient and hardly ever crumbles or peels.
If you notice a space between your cuticle and the polish or if the polish starts to lift, it’s time to renew your Shellac.
Could shellac harm your natural nails?
A nail technician claims that improper removal, over-curing, or under-curing of Shellac can all harm your nails. Shellac is less abrasive on natural nails than the materials and chemicals used for artificial nail extensions. However, it’s advisable to hold off on using Shellac if you have weak or broken nails and wait until they are strong.
After getting a gel or shellac manicure, you shouldn’t remove your nails at home. This may harm your nail bed. Going to a salon or carefully removing them by soaking them first is preferable.
Is it Safe to Use Shellac?
While there are no safety issues with Shellac, there are with the curing procedure. UV rays are emitted by the LED light lamps used to cure Shellac, and prolonged exposure to UV rays has been linked to skin cancer, age spots, and early skin aging.
Apply high-quality sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your hands before receiving Shellac to protect your skin from UV rays. Wear rubber gloves with the nail area cut out for the best defense.
How Do You Remove Shellac Manicures?
Regular acetone-free nail polish won’t work to remove Shellac. A nail technician claims that CND’s Offly Fast removal solution, which removes Shellac without drying the skin or nails, is lovely. “Instead of buffing off the topcoat as you would with other Shellac, soak some cotton with Offly Fast and wrap the nails in aluminum foil to remove Shellac. It will come off thoroughly in five to fifteen minutes, depending on the type of shellac topcoat applied.”
Can Shellac be removed at home?
It’s advisable to visit a salon and have a professional remove the Shellac and Classic Manicures to ensure your nails are left undamaged.
However, Offly Fast can be ordered online if you’re pressed for time and prefer to remove the Shellac. Another common removal technique involves placing cotton pads over the nails, covering them with foil for 15 minutes, and then removing them. The Shellac should come off the nail bed after 15 minutes. A nail technician advises “hydrating your nails before and after removing the shellac.” Additionally, ensure you use acetone in a well-ventilated space and away from painted surfaces and varnished wood. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.