Both Shellac and gel pedicures can last for over two weeks without chips, cracks or the need for extra costs. And the best part? A gel nails pedicure doesn't cost much more than your regular pedicure, but the outcome is ten times more effective. Treat yourself to a gel pedicure!
Even though shellac is considered by some to be the safest of all gels, it still has its downfalls—namely, that it can damage the nails. “Any product that is cured onto your nail has the potential of nail damage in the removal process,” Lippmann explains.
It is recommended to have a shellac manicure re done every two weeks but most of my clients gets three or more weeks out of shellac with no chips at all and even longer on toes.
The difference between Shellac and SNS nails is more about method than it is about results. Shellac, or gel nail polish, is painted on. SNS, or powder dip nails, is not painted on. Rather, you dip your fingers one-by-one into a little container of fine, coloured powder that sticks to your nails.
When done, SNS nails feel lighter, more durable, and healthier in the long-term than a gel or Shellac option. SNS nails could last around 2-4 weeks (depending on the level of care and the environment) before the next refill. A downside to having SNS is that we cannot not use the powder to create intricate nail art.
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.
You also need to be aware that if your shellac has lifted and it's not removed, moisture gets into the nail and this is this perfect environment for fungus to thrive.
On average, they last up to 2 weeks, with some lucky few getting a good 3 weeks in! However, it isn't uncommon to experience issues with how long these nails actually last, and there have been cases where Shellac nails start to peel after only a few days.
One drawback to shellac, Seney points out, is that because it has traditional polish mixed in the formula, gel nails last longer. Although shellac is a little bit more susceptible to chipping than gel, both still last much longer than regular polish.
Is Shellac Safe to Use? While there is nothing wrong with shellac itself, it's the curing process that raises safety concerns. LED light lamps used to cure shellac emit UV rays, and extended exposure to UV rays can have potential side effects, including premature aging of the skin, age spots, and skin cancer.
Bright Red, Coral Pink, Hot Pink, Turquoise, Cobalt blue, Navy, Emerald Green, Fuchsia, Black, and White in the brightest of brightest hues on your toes will marry back best of all.
Any remover with an acetone content of 60 per cent or more will work, but it's best to find one designed to remove shellac or gel polish – like this one – as it will be less harsh on your skin and nail beds.
Both Shellac and gel pedicures can last for over two weeks without chips, cracks or the need for extra costs. And the best part? A two week pedicure doesn't cost much more than your regular pedicure, but the outcome is ten times more effective.
After 14 to 18 days (depending on how fast your nails grow) you'll start to notice a bare nail area around your cuticles as your natural nails grow longer. At that point you should begin thinking about removing the shellac using the proper tools.
Shellac is a blend of gel and nail polish. Because it is like a polish, it can't be used to extend your nail. Because it is like a gel, however, it does add strength and durability. In the long term Shellac is much less damaging to nails than traditional Gels (or Acrylics).
Cuticle oil helps to hydrate both the skin and nails, preventing dryness and in turn warding off splitting, chipping and peeling. 'Massaging an oil into the cuticles also helps to stimulate the area which encourages nail growth and strength. I like using Dadi' oil daily to keep nails moisturised and hydrated. '
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.
Use a Cuticle Cream or Oil
Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage." Lippmann concurs: "Using a cuticle oil such as Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil ($22) softens and hydrates your cuticles. Every drop softens cuticles with jojoba and coconut oils while protecting them with vitamin E.
SNS dipping powders are easy to apply, once you master the skills. And the application is exceptionally strong and durable, with a lifetime of three weeks or more. Yet the feel of an SNS nail is even lighter and more natural. The removal process is also comparable to Shellac in speed and ease.
Gel manicures definitely last longer, and if you like that plush, ultra-glossy finish, it's the way to go. However, the removal process for Shellac is much gentler on the nails, which makes switching up your colors easier to do.
SNS is short for 'Signature Nail Systems' and is a manicure that requires repeated dipping into a powder that hardens on the nail. No LED or UV lamp is needed to set SNS, which is how it gets its connotation of being more healthy and natural for your nails.