If you just allow your gel nails to grow out, they can become weak and brittle as a result of being exposed to water and air, which could potentially damage your natural nails.
Shellac nails are suuuper long-lasting, and you can probably get anywhere from 10 to 14 days out of 'em. You don't want to keep them on longer than two weeks though—by this time, your real nail will have started to grow out, and it's not the cutest look.
Since gel nail polish can be worn for weeks on end without even the tiniest chip, stretching the life of your manicure is tempting. However, Hadley suggests removing a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles.
Unfortunately, leaving your CND™ Shellac™ manicure on for too long can result in service breakdown; lifting, chipping, discolouration etc.
Take a break between Shellac manicures. It's as simple as that. “We always recommend our clients give their nails a break from Shellac, especially if they have had multiple Shellac manicures in a row,” Dunne says. “It gives your nails a chance to re-strengthen.”
Shellac was the first hybrid polish, produced by CND, and you can expect manicures to last about two weeks. Some may find that the chip-free finish lasts longer than this, but it's recommended that you get them removed after 14 days as by this time your own nail will have started to grow out.
Nails don't need surface access to air because they get oxygen and nutrients from your blood. Keeping nails hydrated is important if yours are prone to breakage, and a pause in polishing to moisturize would help.
As many of us know, Shellac nail polish is the way to go when looking for one of the more durable options of nail polish around. On average, they last up to 2 weeks, with some lucky few getting a good 3 weeks in!
The simple answer is your nails are dry causing peeling and brittle nails. Shellac cannot damage or weaken your nails once applied and removed correctly.
Gel manicures benefit those with weaker nails and lasts just that little bit longer than Shellac. However, the removal process is quite lengthy. Shellac is a thinner polish, so if you want to give your nails more space to “breathe' and have sturdy natural nail beds, this one's for you.
Unlike other artificial nails, you cannot use Shellac to strengthen or lengthen your nails. Shellac is only sold to licensed professionals and requires a special removal process. You cannot apply Shellac, repair a break or even remove it at home.
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Gel Nails Are The Way to Go
There is a reason why gel polish is the way to go, and it's because not only do they look great, but they last longer than traditional polish. In fact, they can last up to 14 days without noticeable wear and tear, and that makes them even more noteworthy and a nail salon favorite.
Step 1: Give Your Nails a Break
Most nail technicians suggest giving your nails at least a week-long break every eight weeks. Shellac, gel, dip dye, and acrylics require buffing the nails beforehand, and the harsh acetone for used removal compromises the top layer of the nail.
This is rule number one for shellac nails – DO NOT peel them off. Peeling off the shellac nails yourself can damage your natural nails by peeling off the stronger layers of your nails leaving the weaker nails exposed.
In our experience, SNS can last up to one week longer than Shellac nails without chipping, and SNS also creates a thicker-looking nail from all that powder getting added on. But we've found Shellac to be a little less damaging to our nails long-term than SNS nails.
This is why heading to a professional to remove shellac nails is a good idea. A liquid solvent used to remove stubborn polish. Like traditional nail varnish remover, but seriously strong (I'm talking removing Sharpie strong). Cotton pads will be soaked in acetone, and wrapped around each nail, to dissolve the polish.
For gel nails, take a break for a week at least once every eight weeks to allow the nails to rehydrate and to allow repair of the underlying structures. “An emollient applied directly to the nail and cuticle oil will also aid recovery,” said Batra.
No, it is not normal for gel nails to come off in such a short amount of time. A set of gels should last you around 2-3 weeks. They may have lifted prematurely as the nail plate may not have been prepared correctly before the gel application, or they may not have been capped/sealed at the free edge.
Shellac manicure starts peeling within a day or 2:
Your tech may have not dehydrated your nail bed well enough. You don't always need to rough up the nail but the natural shine should be buffed down first (unless you are using Shellac brand gel polish they require no buffing). The polish might be older.
A Gel manicure typically lasts anywhere from 3 weeks to a month and there is a very low chance of a Gel manicure chipping. In comparison, a Shellac manicure typically last about 2 weeks if it is taken care of properly and has a higher chance of chipping after a few weeks go by.
Nails receive their nutrients and oxygen through your blood. While wearing nail polish all the time won't stop your nails from growing, it does damage your nail integrity. Even with blood supply, nails do still need air to “breathe”. That's why a break from nail polish every few weeks is a must.