Shellac polishes mix two types of nail coating: gel (for durability and nail protection) and traditional nail polish (for color and shine). Shellac is thinner and softer than gel polish, but harder than traditional varnish.
Shellac Pedicures
Shellac polish can also be used on the toes which can be nice in the winter, shoes can be put back on and there are no worries of smudging etc. It has to be removed the same way as the nails so it can be a process that isn't as necessary for the toes which hold polish much longer than fingers.
From the outside, it may look like regular polish, but Shellac requires a 'curing' or hardening process under an ultraviolet (UV) light. Shellac polish is a mixture of methacrylate monomers and radical initiators. The UV curing process refers to the chemical process when these two ingredients are exposed to UV light.
Your shellac nails should remain shiny and chip-free for 14 to 21 days if you take care of them responsibly. Don't worry about your day to day activities: taking out keys, working on the computer and (light) cooking are no match for shellac.
Shellac is simply gel polish mixed with regular polish. In short, shellac has taken the best of gel (no-chips and colour) and added the benefits of traditional polish (shine and ease).
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.
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.
Adverse Reactions
Several cases of allergic contact dermatitis of the eyelids due to shellac in mascara, cheilitis due to shellac in lip products, allergic dermatitis due to shellac in a hairspray, and allergic dermatitis in black ink most likely containing shellac for tattooing have been reported.
Because shellac nails use traditional nail polish, in addition to a gel layer, they're a little more prone to chipping than methods like the gel application, which means you may need touch-ups more than with other types of 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.
If you have strong natural nails, shellac is a top option that will be kind to your nails on removal, with a beautiful natural finish. If you're looking for something that will last for a longer period, say a honeymoon or holiday – go for gel. If you have weak nails, or want some drama – go for acrylics.
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.
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. Pure acetone is also very effective, but it can also be drying to your skin and nail beds.
It gets applied like regular nail polish but dries like gel. Shellac gives your manicure a little more stability than the usual manicure, allowing longer lasting results. These manicures take slightly more time than the regular because of the UV curing process between each coat.
Shellac is much less damaging to nails than traditional gels (or acrylics), and if your goal isn't to make your nails longer, then they're a great choice. Shellac looks like a thick glossy gel polish, and the main benefit is that it reduces chipping.
PICKING OFF YOUR CND™ SHELLAC™ – This is one of the biggest causes of natural nail damage. CND™ Shellac™ bonds to the natural nail which means that if you pick it off, it will take a thin layer of your natural nail too. This will make your natural nails much weaker and thinner, causing them to break.
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.
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.
When in doubt, black is always the answer. Yep, even on your toes! It's unexpected and the superior color choice if you're looking to hide sand or any other inevitable damage your pedicure might accrue once you're outside more.
Depending on the speed of your nail professional, a shellac manicure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour — but that's not all. You won't have to sit around for hours waiting for the shellac to dry. The manicure is cured with a special LED lamp made exclusively for shellac.
Shellac pedicure: If you want a Shellac pedicure service, which includes pedicure and then fixing Shellac nails on the toe nails, you will be expected to pay around $40.