What Is Shellac Nail Polish?

In terms of deciding what to get to have lasting nails, you’re usually given two options: gel or Shellac nail polish. You might have heard a lot about gel but not really about Shellac. So, what is it really? It’s a product created by CND that’s a combination of gel and traditional nail polish.

Shellac polish is now one of the many favourites on the market because of its rich lacquer content and vibrant colour. To know more about this stunning nail polish, how long it lasts, its benefits and more, read the details of the product below!

What Is Shellac Nail Polish?

Shellac is similar to gel nail polish but only differs in formulation. It’s harder than traditional polish but softer and thinner than gel. You also need to cure the polish under a UV lamp like that of gel. Shellac polish has more than 100 colours available to give you plenty of options.

What Are the Benefits of Shellac Polish?

To help you determine whether Shellac nails are for you, allow us to discuss the benefits you can get from this product. First, it lasts longer than traditional nail polish without chipping or peeling.

Shellac polish is also versatile. It comes in different finishes, such as glitter, glossy and matte, allowing you to get a shade that matches your every outfit regardless of the occasion. Maintaining Shellac nails is also easy as you don’t need to buff them after you paint them. The polish has high resistance to smudging and scratching as well.

Moreover, you don’t need to wait for hours to dry your nails with Shellac as it almost immediately hardens when exposed to UV light. This benefit is perfect for people who have limited time visiting a salon. Lastly, the risk of damaging your nails is low as the application and removal procedures don’t require harsh chemicals.

How to Do a Shellac Manicure

1. Prep Your Nails

Regardless of the nail procedure, cleaning and preparing your nails are key. Without proper nail prep, polish application won’t be that smooth, and your Shellac nails won’t last long. Clean your nails by cutting and buffing them, pushing back your cuticles and removing excess skin.

2. Apply a Base Coat

Once your nails are ready, you can already apply a base coat to ensure your nail polish adheres to your nails. Paint a thin layer only to avoid smudges. Cure the base coat under UV light for 60 seconds.

3. Apply Your Shellac Nail Polish

This step is where you apply the colour of your choice. Again, apply a thin layer only and then cure your nails for 60 seconds. Add another layer of Shellac polish and then cure your nails. Make sure to cure between layers to ensure each layer dries completely.

4. Apply a Top Coat

Once all layers are dry, it’s time to seal your polish with a top coat. Apply a thin layer and then cure it for 60 seconds. Never forget to moisturise your nails after the entire procedure is finished.

How Long Does a Shellac Manicure Take?

On average, the entire Shellac manicure procedure takes around 45-60 minutes. It can take longer if you add enhancements, such as nail art or tiny jewellery. You’ll know the manicure is good when your nail tech spends more time prepping your nails than painting them. This means your nail tech ensures your nails have a good shape and your cuticles are positioned properly.

How Long Does Shellac Polish Last on Nails?

When applied properly and proper nail care is followed, Shellac nails last up to 3 weeks. Proper nail care includes wearing gloves when doing laundry or washing dishes. You’ll know when your nails need to be redone when you see gaps between your cuticles and the polish. Also, consider redoing your nails when the polish starts to lift.

How Much is a Nail Manicure with Shellac Polish in Australia?

There is no standard price for Shellac nails because nail service costs vary significantly on different factors, such as your location and the salon you’ll visit. Another factor that we should highlight is the additional services you may want to include when you’re in the salon. You may be thinking of doing a Shellac manicure only but have changed your mind and added a pedicure.

But on average, a Shellac manicure is around $30. A Shellac pedicure can cost around $65, and a Shellac manicure + a Shellac pedicure can be around $100.

Can You DIY a Shellac Manicure?

Yes, you can, but it’s not advised. A Shellac manicure was made by CND for nail techs to provide professional services. It is recommended to do the manicure in a salon by a nail tech. But if you want to do it at home, there are many Shellac products you can buy from the market, so you can experiment with the look you want on your nails.

Is Shellac Polish Safe?

There’s nothing wrong with Shellac polish, and it’s generally safe to use by individuals. The only concern associated with it is the involvement of UV light during curing. It is known that extended exposure to this light can damage your skin. Also, if your nails are not healthy, it is not good to do a Shellac manicure or any type of manicure at all. Just make sure to apply sunscreen or wear gloves to protect your skin during a Shellac manicure.

Things to Avoid with a Shellac Manicure

The following activities should be avoided to ensure nail longevity and prevent nail damage:

Using Acetone to Remove Nail Polish at Home

This solvent is a little bit strong and can quickly damage the polish when applied incorrectly. The dryness it leaves may potentially weaken your nails and cause them to become brittle. Allow a professional nail tech to remove the polish as much as possible.

Exposing to Hot Water for Long Periods

Extended exposure to hot water can chip or lift your Shellac nails. Wear gloves when exposing your hands to hot water as much as possible.

Buffing or Cutting Your Nails

Doing so at home can damage your nails. It may be tempting to do these simple nail activities, but we highly discourage you from doing them. Let your nail tech do the shaping and trimming of your Shellac manicure as they are highly trained and skilled in keeping your nails secure and safe in any nail procedure or activity.

Engaging in Rough Tasks

Playing sports and gardening are two best examples of activities that can potentially damage your nails. These activities can cause chipping or damage to the Shellac polish. As much as possible, don’t engage in activities that can easily cause chipping to your manicure.

Peeling It Off

Once the polish starts to peel off, never lift it off as this can damage the natural nails. When this happens, bacteria can easily enter the nails and cause infection. Visit a salon once your polish starts to peel off.

Not Applying a Top or Base Coat

Every layer of your polish including the base and top coats has a purpose. For the base coat, it lets the layers of the nail polish stick to the natural nails firmly. For the top coat, it seals the layers of polish to prevent damage to the manicure. That’s why it’s important to ensure you don’t skip these steps.

Not Using a UV Lamp

There may be other ways to dry Shellac polish without using a UV light, but we always encourage you to use the device. Shellac includes gel in its formulation, and gel only dries properly when exposed to UV light. You can also save time in drying your polish if you use the lamp as the device makes the polish dry quickly.

Using Longer Strokes During Application

Avoid using longer strokes when painting your nails as the polish gets under your nails, sidewalls and even under your cuticles, which can be problematic. This method of application may also leave an uneven application. Use an average-sized stroke only and be consistent with it throughout the application.

Letting the Shellac Polish Stay on Your Skin for Too Long

Make sure to clean the polish that contacts your skin around the nails to prevent any allergic reactions. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. Use a Q-tip dipped in acetone to remove the stains carefully. Also, if the polish has already dried, you can use petroleum jelly to loosen the polish and then wash your hands afterwards to remove it completely.

Not Capping Your Nails’ Smile Line

Always make sure to include your nails’ smile line or the free edges when painting your nails. This step is extremely important because it helps prevent your polish to not lift. Do this once you’ve applied the top coat, extending to the free edges.

Waiting Too Long to Get the Manicure Removed

Shellac may last up to 3 weeks, and it can be tempting to wait and see when your manicure really starts to lift. But we don’t recommend waiting longer than that for the manicure to be removed. Otherwise, your natural nails may weaken and moisture may start to build under the Shellac polish, leading to bacterial growth.

Not Taking Breaks Between Manicures

Take a break at least 1 week before your next manicure appointment. This allows your nails to breathe and take a break from exposure to chemicals. Do this not just for Shellac manicures but also for other types of manicures. Moisturise your nails with cuticle oil during break times to replenish their hydration.

Final Words

Wearing Shellac nail polish is an excellent option if you want a manicure that’s softer than gel but can last longer than traditional polish. You can do the application at home, but be sure to follow the right procedure for best results. Don’t hesitate to ask for a nail tech’s help in case you messed up during the process.