Introducing CND Shellac Hybrid Nail Color
Exciting news Fanatics! On my last day in NYC I tweased (tweet teased) about a secret nail service I received. I randomly mentioned it here as well and now I can finally share it with you.
CND is launching a brand new product that will make you DIY manicurists seriously consider going back to the nail salon. It’s so amazingly different that if I didn’t write this blog I would be a regular customer and that’s saying a LOT. I’m proud to introduce you to Shellac™!
CND (Creative Nail Design), the leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty, is proud to introduce the first hybrid nail color after nearly five years of development in its state-of-the-art laboratory. Now you can say good-bye to chips, smudges, and dry time and say hello to Shellac™ Hybrid Nail Color! This revolutionary product applies like polish, wears flawlessly for 14 days of high gloss shine, and is removed in minutes.
If long lasting wear and polish-like application don’t draw you in, the removal certainly will. Check out my experience with Shellac™ and learn more about this revolutionary product after the jump!
So here’s my story. A few weeks ago I spotted a post on the Nails Magazine Blog about this “Top Secret Nail Color” from CND and because I’m the curious type I asked CND’s Co-Founder Jan Arnold about it the first chance I got. Much to my surprise and utter delight, Jan offered to arrange a preview of what she was calling the “magic secret.”
Throughout the week I heard little hints about this top secret product. Things like “no smell” “long-lasting wear” “will get women back in the salon” etc. Being a long time DIY girl you can imagine how the skeptic in me reacted to that last statement. I RARELY receive a salon manicure that wows me enough to go back, what could possible be so magical I’d even consider doing it on the regular?
Thoughts ran through my mind such as, “Is this just another soak-off gel polish?” I mean, big whoop! Been there, bitched about the removal. Besides, would Jan really be all secretive and excited over a product that’s already on the market? If not gel then what kind of traditional polish could guarantee long lasting wear? We’ve all heard those claims before. Could she be planning a rival to Minx that actually lasts? That doesn’t have a chemical smell. Well, when I finally got to the CND Suite to meet Roxanne Valinoti for my super secret magic service all my questions were put to bed.
Shellac™ truly is a hybrid of traditional nail polish and UV gel polish. Unlike soak-off gels it comes in a polish bottle and unlike traditional polish it cures/dries under a UV lamp. Though what I really liked is there is NO BUFFING. There is absolutely no damage to the natural nail in the process. So how does it work?
Shellac paints on like polish – base coat, color, top coat – and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. The colors are hypo-allergenic, and “3-Free” – no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. Shellac will launch in a range of 12 varieties of shades, from pretty French pinks and whites, to siren red and rich darks. The formula is thin and flexible like polish, so it not only looks natural, it provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during the most rigorous activities.
Just like your average manicure, Roxanne applied a base coat, two coats of polish and a top coat. The only difference is I placed my hands under a UV lamp in between coats. The polish dries completely in only two minutes. Say hello to winter pedicures that won’t leave your feet freezing or your polish wrecked. And because it’s so pigmented and applies like a traditional polish you’re not left with thick nails from coat after coat of gel.
I left the suite with a perfectly glossy, smudge and dent-free manicure in a fan fave from the old CND collection, Fedora. The initial set of shades will include top sellers from the old core line. To be honest, they’re a little bland for my wild color taste but I’ve been assured that more “me” shades are on the horizon.
I flew home the day of my Shellac-ing so I didn’t get a chance to take a pic on Day One but I couldn’t stop staring at my nails. I even ran into an editor backstage who complimented my color and it was hard to keep my trap shut. I wanted to gush about how great my nails looked. It is the BEST professional manicure I’ve ever received and I’ll swear on my polish stash about that!
Since I came home with the Fashion Week Flu (thanks NYC!) the first time I was mobile enough to photograph my nails was on Day 5. Will you look at that shine and flawless finish?
And because I wanted to swatch some polish, I ended up removing Shellac from three nails and just as Rox promised, the removal was a breeze. When they say it’s a 10 minute removal, that’s no joke! After just 10 minutes using the Shellac Remover Wraps the majority broke right off in pieces and what remained was easily pushed off with an orange wood stick.
As amazing as Shellac is on, removal is just as satisfying! No soaking, drilling or filing is necessary. Nails are wrapped in individual Shellac Remover Wraps -integrated cotton pads that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail. Ten minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect color is all it takes. Say good-bye to manicure frustration and hello to pure manicure satisfaction.
Here we are on Day 7 which is when I made this discovery. I had to leave the house so I dug out my bottle of Fedora and was pleasantly surprised to find that Shellac Fedora actually matches Fedora. What a concept! Are you listening OPI Axxium?
Today is Day 14 of my Shellac manicure and with the exception of my natural nail growth and extremely minimal tip wear, the finish is as glossy and perfect as Day 1. Like you wouldn’t know I didn’t just get my nails done unless you held my free edge up to your face. There are no scratches, no nicks, no wrinkling from my nails bending. The flexibility and shine really do hold up. Color me impressed!
So I know you die hards are saying the only way you’ll go to a salon is kicking and screaming. That you love the concept but would rather do it at home. That you’ll never give up your hundreds (or thousands) of color choices. Hey, I hear ya! But for all those women who left the salon because their manicures chipped in a few days, Shellac will wow you. Current salon clients will rejoice to reduce their appointments to once every two weeks.
Is Shellac for everyone? No, but it’s truly unique and the best option for anyone who wants a long lasting manicure. Period! I fully intend to get Shellac pedicures once they’re available in my area and I would love to gift my mom a Shellac-ing since she sports chipped polish way too often.
Shellac™ by CND is a professional salon service launching globally in May 2010. Pricing will be determined by salons but I anticipate it falling somewhere between a traditional manicure and enhancements.
So what do we think? Anyone ready and willing to give Shellac a try? What colors would you like to see included in the Shellac lineup? Would you opt for a Shellac pedicure over a manicure?
***EDITED TO ADD – To find a Shellac salon near you, use the salon locator on the CND website.***
Disclosure: I was furnished with a service by CND for potential review. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
has anyone ever tried curing them in the sun? i mean, its uv, obviously.
Um…do NOT do this. UV lights to cure nails are the SAME UV lights used in tanning beds and are a huge, documented cause of melanoma. I’ve had it, and it aint fun. Do yourself a favor and watch this…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4jgUcxMezM&feature=share Ok…I’m done preaching.
D,
You need to do your homework. The UV lights in tanning beds are the same *type* as in the nail lamps but the intensity is much, much less and the exposure is very limited. The average salon tanning bed is 2400 to 12,000 watts, a nail lamp about 45. while tanning beds are a big risk, the science about the nail lamps indicates that they don’t constitute a risk.
As for curing the polish in the sun, you could probably do that since it is the same sort of UV light (I don’t know if the wavelength would be right though). In fact, the reason UV gel polishes come in non-translucent bottles is because exposure to sunlight will cure them right in the bottle. But curing your polish in the sun would probably require you to sit out in the sun for quite a while, exposing your whole body to a lot of sun, hence d’s concern. Plus, it would sort of undermine the whole, “cures in 2 mins” claim so important to gel polishes!
I am using led light to cure shellac since people have said they preffer not to be exposed to the uv lamp it seams faster.So far one month I have been testing and it is great, some darker colors,I think I need to leave hands in the lamp for 2 minutes. only problem LED lamps are costly.
LED lamps still are UV lamps. LED technology is an alternative method to generate the UV light, but it is still UV light just the same.
hi thanks for sharing, i was searching info about led lamp to cure shellac. will you tell us how long does led lamp to cure shellac for each layer?
thanks
I certainly have done my h.w. With a diagnosis of melanoma who wouldnt do their h.w ? Yeah…the choice word is “indicates” and “no evidence so far”. UV light is UV light regardless of the source, exposure and either way you look at it it’s a cancer. Just think people should know the facts. If more people were aware they would not do this….unless of course they hear what they want to hear from people like you and believe it….until they get a diagnosis they dont want to hear and then they believe it.
D,
My response was not meant in any way to demean your experience with melanoma. Clearly, you know the experience better than most, and certainly any unnecessary UV exposure is not an acceptable risk for you. However, that does not apply to everyone and your advice, while applicable to some, is not appropriate to all.
Your statement that these UV lamp lights are a “huge documented cause of melanoma” is simply not accurate. As you know, melanoma is the result of a confluence of risk factors, including genetics. The most manageable risk is exposure. UV light is not the same – wavelength matters greatly as does the area and timing of exposure. And all UV exposure does not equal cancer – in fact, sun/UV exposure is necessary for vitamin D production (a big problem now) and it is a prescribed medical cure remedy for certain illnesses. The exposure from these UV lamps is incredibly small, negligible compared to ordinary everyday exposure. There is good research on this available. The facts are out there and people ought to read the research. I think you’ll find that the evidence indicates that the lamps are safe. Of course, if the evidence is not acceptable to you, then don’t use the lamps – painted nails are not a necessity!
I’ve had the shellac manicure twice so far and I love it. I feel that I should protect myself as I do when I go to the beach or to a pool. I choose to use a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.
hi i love ur site! ive spent ages looking at all your posts! im really drawn by you post on CND shellac! im from the UK and shellac and gelish products are starting to cause a buzz over here now but not many people really now too much just yet. im a trained beauty therapist (beautician) and cant wait to get my hands on these products and have a go myself! ive had little play with some of the product already and love what im seeing so far but have the course booked for august
i found your post very interesting and just got me even more excited to go and learn it!!
It’s great to wear sunscreen and protect your skin, but remember the damaging uv lights go through your nails and melanoma under the nailbed is what you need to be worried about.
So then how would one protect themselves when going outside to the pool…or six flags…Ocean city…a picnic..etc??? Aren’t we all at the same risk when we walk outside??? It’s really a personal choice. I choose not to lay out in the sun or go tanning, not to drink alcohol or smoke or use drugs.
For me, the amount of time spent with my hands under the UV lamp is minimal compared to what I get from being outside. From all that I’ve read I haven’t seen anything referring to the nail-beds, only the skin on the hands. I guess I should stop cooking on a grill, using the microwave, deodorant, wearing make-up, eating prepackaged foods and artificial sweeteners, and of course using my cell, computer, watching TV and driving my car.
I recently got shellac in a French manicure. When I got it, I couldn’t stop looking at my nails and noticing how good they look, but here I am on day 6, and they are already chipped down to the middle of my nails! And I also got them re-painted where they had chipped! I also had no idea about the unique and more difficult way to remove the shellac. I probably won’t be getting shellac again. I think I’ll just stick to my acrylics.
Agreed, Shellac removal is an arduous process – but the speed of shellac application (curing time) makes up for the difficulty/duration of the removal process – overall I still find a shellac manicure is no faster or slower than a traditional manicure – I count on about an hour to remove and reapply shellac. As for duration of that “freshly manicured” look – for me, shellac lasts a week – no longer – my nails grow and/or chip – two weeks is currently not possible for me.
Emily:
some times people claim they are using shellac and when they come to me for removal they just dont want to come off thats how I know they are no using Shellac, because it is 5 minutes of removal and it is done.
Shellac is a new product in some salons and they dont have a lot of practice on application , do not give up find another nail tech, because it is my experience great product and easy renoval if you do not leave it more than 15 days.
Emily,
I did a normal Shellac polish many times and it worked out great. However, on the fifth time that I did the Shellac I chose the French manicure and within just a few days I broke two nails and had multiple chips. Since then, I’ve had four more Shellacs with normal polish and I haven’t had a problem. It may be just a coincidence, but I know that I’ll never get the Shellac French again.
I use the sheer pink shellac, which gives the look of a French because the white tips show through a bit.
Loved the look for my niece’s wedding. Hate that it only lasts about 9 to 10 days before peeling. I think I will be saving this service for special occasions. Good for those who are willling to visit the salon every 2 weeks. Not for me….
I agree,it can be costly but if you are a biter and want your nails to grow this is perfect. Get two treatments done and see the difference in the growth of your nails. Some salons have the Shellac card, you buy for $50.00 for 10 added shellac and pay $25.00 for your manicure each time you go. You don’t have to get the shellac everytime. Great idea don’t you think!
At Happy Nails by Betty all our clients that use Shellac love it, it looks glossy for 2 weeks. we are in North Miami Beach, 305 9474488
I have had mine now for 12 days and am still happy with them. No peeling, just nail growth and 1 nail has cracking but you’d have to look very carefully to see it. I’ll get them again in a heartbeat, just need to find the time, sigh.
I got nervous when I got a frech manicure w/ shellac because the technician insisted I leave my opposit hand under the light while she painted the french manicure on one hand. It wasn’t a fast process and I think I was under the lights for over 15 mintes for each hand. My skin was irritated. Its lasted well over 3 weeks, but I just can’t get it off! The wraps are difficult to use and the pure (salon) acetone burns my skin. It takes me 10 min.s to paint my own french manicure win nail polish, so I’ll never put myself through this again. I have to say my nails didn’t break or chip, it just yellowed a bit and had flex lines in the white, but they still looked nice. Can I just paint over these until they grow out? I soaked for 20 min.s in acetone and it wont come off!!! Its scarey.
I suspect that you were not given a true Shellac manicure but a “gel manicure.” Shellac requires only 6.5 minutes under the light and would likely overcure with 15. And Shellac really does remove in just ten minutes – although overcure and long wear would cause a long removal.
you should never take them off yourself and if your Nail tech did it for you it show only take 10 mins to soak off, Don’t soak them, your nail tech will use the soakoff wraps cause they are safe and the pads are applied right on the nail. The shellac will not harm your nail if you get it taken off properly. True it again, you will love it.
My co-workers introduced me to shellac after hearing the cost and doing my homework I went on line and purchase everything i.e 36 watt lamp, base and top coat along with a few colors. Known like clock work me and my neighbor do our nails every two weeks. We love shellac nails, it truely stays on for 14 days or more. She does a lot of cleaning therefore, sometimes she will get 10 days instead of 14. Keep in mind if your hands are in water a lot of course its going to cause the polish to wear quickly causing it to peel. But this can also occur if the base coat is to thick. Never the less everyone should protect your investment by wearing dishwashing gloves when cleaning. In the long run your nails will thank you and look fabulous longer!
Does anyone know how hard this would be for a beginner to do at home. I am good with my nails and regular manicures. I have also done the at home acrylics, I was wondering how hard it would be to learn the technique. thanks
I am not good with nails, and I don’t think I can manage at home acrylics — and I have NO PROBLEM applying and removing shellacs at home. I do have the correct tools, and I know how to perform the soak off method described on the “soak off gel” page of this site. I do however find that removal is not 10 minutes. Since I am doing my own nails, I apply the cotton/foil to one hand, wait about 8 minutes, remove the shellac with a wooden stick, then apply the cotton/foil to the other hand, wait about 8 minutes, and remove the shellac with a wooden stick — I factor at least 25 minutes for removal — and at least 25 minutes for shellac application (again because when one hand is curing, I can not apply shellac to the other hand) — so overall, this is a 60 minute manicure for me — I find there is no time savings with this method — it takes the same amount of time as a traditional manicure — but wears much much better — traditional polish really only ever lasted me a few days — I can get 7 days out of my shellacs, potentially 10 days — but I can’t get 14 days.
thanks for your info. where do you buy the cnd shellac? how many watts is your uv lamp?
I purchased my equipment on line at extended lengths — there are other places, I think Amazon has some lamps. The soak off method is as follows:Soak a cotton pad in 100 acetone based remover, lay it on top of the nail and wrap the whole nail in foil, keeping the cotton pad in place. Repeat for all the nails on that hand, leave on for a few (5- 10) minutes (it doesn’t take long) and then, starting with the first nail you did, remove the foil and wipe the cotton pad across the nail– use a wooden cuticle pusher to push the shellac off the nail , removing all the polish. Continue untill you’ve removed everything you may need to buff a bit off.
Also, after curing the top coat (shellac) a sticky film will be on the nails, this needs to be removed with rubbing alcohol — extended lengths has a decent prep pack that includes most of the things you’ll need– though I don’t like the CND wraps (used in place of the cotton and foil). Best of luck
Shellac is not hard to apply or remove, although it has its unique little quirks and tricks. I recommend that you go online to the CND site and watch the CND application and removal videos first. Then look on YouTube and watch the videos there. That will give you a very good intro into using Shellac. There are also some good websites for Shellac DIYers. Read up, I think these websites offer a wealth of info for the DIYer.
These comments about the dangers of UV rays are bull. You would have to get 1000 Shellac treatments before you even get the amount of sun rays of one hour of tanning in a tanning bed. Please read up on The Shellac system before you comment on it. It is the best thing CND came up with. It is not harmful to your nails as long as you get the Shellac taken off by your esthetision, and it lasts up to 21 days. I love my Shellac manicures, and my nails have never been healthier. I love the fact that my nails can look great for up to three weeks. Love it, love it, love it. Please read up on the greatness of this product.
I have been using shellacs for about 3 months now. I noticed that my nails are starting to “yellow”. Does anyone know how to prevent the yellowing? Does anyone know if I can correct the yellowing?
I’ve had 4 Shellac polishes now – the last one was the best out of the 4. £20 to apply, £5 to remove. Could have paid for a lamp myself by now.
I’ve had the same problem I noticed this time – my mails aren’t as white as they were. Whilst the growth / not breaking until one broke this morning is great, they also seemed to have white patched on them, like the top layer of the nail in parts has lifted. They buffed them off.
Has anyone used shellac after taking off gel nails.
My nails are damaged and soft. will this help
with growing them out?
I just took off my gel nails today and got the shellac done today as well. I had no problems. I’m anxious to see how well it works.
I to have just had the gel shellac put on. I have worn fake nails of on kind or onother for over 31 years. This is do to my nails split straight up the bed . Which can be very painful. And ofcours my nails will not grow. I have to keep them cut back a short as possibe. So I am very interested to know if this will help strenthen my nail and help with the splititing. Thank uou for your time.
I too had gel nails because of my nail were always too weak to grow. This will not strenthen the nail it will protect the nail you have from splitting…when you nails are short its hard from them to cap them off so it will take a few for your nails to start growing and when they do you will see that they will hold up better….I bought everything I need to do them myself and I do much better job then where I was going….much cheaper.
Thanks for the post about shellac. We are also doing our best to spread the word. Although it seems that the word has already spread. We are just in love with shellac. If you are a salon that offers shellac let us know. We are always looking for professional salons!
ive been told that smokers find that shellac stains easily. is this true? if so, is ther anything that can be used instead that doesnt stain?
The problem with Shellac and smokers is that Shellac is permeable – it allows substances to permeate to surface of the gel through to the nail surface. That’s why it is able to be soaked off easily rather than filed off. That same attribute means that the tars and nicotine from cigarettes (as well as other substances) can permeate the shellac. Some gel polishes (Shellac, Gelish, Gelac, Geleration, etc.) are more or less permeable, but as long as it is a soak off, it can stain.
thanks, that was really helpful x
I have heard of this here in Baltimore,MD but have never taken the time to learn anything about it. Now that I have I have just one question. Dosen’t this remind anyone of the original UV gel overlay that is offered at small-time nails salons across the country. Don’t get me wrong I love anything new and exciting in the world of beauty and fashion but this just seems like an enhancement of an idea that is already out there. It last two weeks just like any other nail implication(UV gel overlay, tips, fiber overlay, acrylic overlay…blah,blah, blah). Show me something that will last a whole month and then I’ll be impressed! But any way it’s a nice concept but unless someone offers me this service for free I do not think I’ll be getting it anytime soon.
A month ??? Your nails must not grow very quickly — shellacs last me about 10 days — and by then they need to be removed/reapplied anyhow, because my nails have grown so much that the manicure looks “grown out”.
Not that Shellac needs any defense, but I think that you’re kind of missing the point. While the concept of some sort of overlay has been out there for decades, gel polish does bring something new to the table. It is a permeable, thin overlay that eliminates drying time and extends wear. Because it is permeable, it does not cause the damage that other overlays cause (by trapping moisture under it, for example). Gel polishes are thin and don’t have the thick, fake look that other enhancements often do. And gel polishes like Shellac are primarily for natural nails. It is essentially impossible for polish to last a month because of the new growth showing, but many gel polish users get a month of wear.
Perhaps the best way to really get what this is about is go over to tPF and see what users say about it or try it yourself. I think that Shellac and the other gel polishes are a major advance – and I think that the industry recognizes this as more and more companies are coming out with their own lines – Orly and OPI will be coming out with theirs this year.
I bought all the stuff plus a table and have my basement set up for doing my nails. The time I spend down there doing my nails is really nice quiet time to my self. I just wish I could do the french on my own nails, i tried it and i just can’t get the white quite right.
All the other colors are great, I find it easy to apply, but a little more difficult to remove from my own nails. Doing someone else’s nails is a lot easier for me.
Hello, I live in West Hartford CT; I’ve been doing a lot of reading up on the shellac nail gel. I went to get the shellac done on my nails and im very unhappy with how my nail salon did them not such a good job it didn’t last but two days and it started to chip off. I went back to have them fix and now it’s still chipping off. I started to read upon how it’s applied the do’s and don’ts of how to apply it correctly. I’ve called several salons after I found out how it is suppose to be applied and asked them to explain to me how they do it. No one I’ve called as of yet does it properly. It upsets me that we have salons out doing this type of service and also charging people 20-35 dollars and they are cutting corners!!!! Wish I could find the proper salon to help me out!
Wondering if using sunscreen after having a shellac would cause them to peel?
Will using sunscreen after having my nails shellacked cause them to peel?
I bought the equipment and 4 colours (2 for french) and have done my nails 3 times now – the latest is a french polish, which, if I say so myself, looks really professional! The manicures have all lasted a good 2 weeks and I’ve just ordered 2 of the new Shellac colours so will be layering to my heart’s content!!
My main reason for responding is that no-one has mentioned on any blogs I’ve read, the difficulty with ‘normal’ polish going sticky with insect repellant (deet) whilst on holiday. I’ve discovered that Shellac seems to robustly withstand the chemicals in both the sun-tan lotion and repellant. I wash my hands immediately I’ve used the deet products and manage to return after 2 weeks in the sun with a perfect manicure thanks to Shellac. I love the stuff!!!
People are continually going on about exposiour to the UV lamp. it has been proven by scientists all over the world that you are not under the lapt long enough to cause any type of damage.
so people saying “do your research” may need to research further. as my nail tech teacher, is actually a CND ambassitor.
What about if people have poor… short nails etc Do I gather you can’t extend the nail with this method??
Shellac itself cannot be used to extend the nail. Shellac, and all the gel polishes, are designed for natural nails although it is possible (but not advisable) to use them over enhancements. What I have found is that Shellac provides enough protection to my nails that they are able to grow long on their own and I don’t need enhancements any more. This has happened to many Shellac users.
Personally, I’m SO pleased with my Soak off Gel Nails. I’ve been getting them done by the same manicurist in Scottsdale Arizona at 2 Dolls Salon for 3+ years now. She is incredibly experienced and uses both Shellac and Gelish brands. I’ve had very few chips (mostly my fault) and no natural nail damage. Bottom line, do your research and find a qualified, experienced manicurist. And, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Expect to spend a few extra well deserved dollars. You wont be disappointed.
I would caution you against applying a rigid standard of steps to this. Although ideally every salon would follow CND’s instructions to the letter, and the product would work flawlessly, the reality is somewhat different. Like most new products, there is a shake-out period and people are experimenting with customizing the product and its application to best serve their clients. My nail tech does most of the CND steps but has adjusted them a bit and my manis last 2+ weeks every time. I think the difference is between cutting corners to save the salon time and money versus making adjustments to enhance product performance for the client.
It is really amazing product! Cannot wait to try them out. An alternative way to have beauty nails without going to salon is to use nail tips. I usually buy from a store which is selling handmade Japanese nails. They are awesome!! check it out: http://www.tananail.com
A bit out of the loop here, but isn’t this the same as the other brand Gellish (or something)?
Okay, after 4 shellac manicures by 4 people, here’s my take: Love it (BUT!!). It lasted a full 2 weks–and would definitely go longer except cuticle grow out too obvious. BUT: 3 of the 4 salons buffed the heck out of my *healthy* nails beforehand though I said I thought the point was that they don’t have to be buffed. The 2nd one didn’t buff & they lasted 14+ days. 4th place didn’t seal the edge & they were liftng & breaking by the very next day. I took them CND’s application instructions that said don’t buff & seal every coat, but the salon owner said ; said she was CND Shellac trained that if they didn’t buff they would have to use bonder(they used the black COARSE one too). I removed it myself–piece of cake.(1st one removed it with BOILING acetone!)Now my nails are very thin & splitting due to all the buffing. Just ordered polish, top/base coats & manicure UV light from Amazon & will do it myself because it’s FABULOUS when done right. I think CND’s Shellac reputation is in trouble if they don’t do some follow up on complaints like this. CND, are you listening?
I agree that many techs, even CND trained ones, don’t do Shellac properly. CND is getting lots of complaints. I hear that CND is implementing a Shellac certification program that requires that techs do the service properly. I hope it will make a difference. It will focus on nine major points including:
*Salon uses CND Shellac Base Coat, Color Coat and Top Coat for all CND Shellac services.
*Salon uses the Brisa™ or CND UV Lamp for all CND Shellac services.
*Salon does not mix or pair CND Shellac with ANY non-CND shellac products such as base coats, top coats or color coats.
*Salon does not file the natural nail surface during application or removal of CND Shellac.
*Salon does not soak client’s nails in a bowl of acetone to remove CND Shellac.
*Salon performs a manicure using ScrubFresh™ to P.E.P. (Perform the manicure, Eliminate surface contaminants and Purify the nail plate layers) the natural nail prior to a CND Shellac application.
*Salon uses D.Sperse (or 99% IPA) to remove the tacky layer at the end of a CND Shellac service.
*Salon uses SolarOil™ to condition the nail and cuticle area.
*Salon uses D.Solve or pure acetone and CND Shellac Remover Wraps (or foil & cotton removal method) for removal of CND Shellac.
I am going to print this out and take it with me and see how many salons around here do this!! The problem is, a lot of salons have non-english speaking employees and when you ask them, they don’t “understand” what you are saying. All they want is a quick buck! THANKS!!!!!
Does shellac contain paraben?
I don’t know the exact ingredients. I would suggest contacting CND.
I tried shellac before going to Mexico, it lasted over a week because of all the use and abuse while traveling. I loved it! I bought 3 colors and base & top coat. Now I need to get the lamp, could someone tell me if the CND lamp is absolutely necessary, or is there a different lamp that can be used?
I have been doing Shellac manicures at my spa for 2 months now, bought 2 lamps from my supplier called Lina, they are big enough for hands or feet, the voltage says 100-120 on it. Has been working really well! I always cure them for another 1/2 minute or so before when they are all finished, just incase I have polished it a little bit thicker on a couple nails. Loving the Shellac, hoping the product cost goes down a bit though, just so expensive, 3 times more than my regular opi polish purchases.
Although CND says only the CND lamp will work, lots of people use other lamps to cure Shellac. I think it is useful to use the CND lamp. Although it is more expensive, it is a superior lamp that does a thorough and consistent five-finger cure.
I bought the cheaper uv lamp 5 months ago and it works great.
I had never heard of Shellac until my brother’s wedding in July. I had them applied in La and after 3 weeks I had them reapplied in TX and the tech soaked my nails just like you would for regular acryllic nails. I soaked for about 15 minutes, then she proceeded to take a tool and scrape the residue off and I did NOT like that!! I thought that after a brief soaking the polish would slide off or peel off! NOT HAVE TO BE SCRAPED OFF!! I haven’t had them in about 3 months because my nails are “healing”. They grow long on their own, but I just wanted them to stop breaking and chipping. I’ll never get them done like that again!
I purchased a 36 W UV light from Sally’s and specifically to cure the Shellac Polish. It works great. I chose this because the CND UV light is the same wattage. Before I begin I put rub suncreen on my hands and then remove it from my nails with a brush and soap.
I had Shellac applied in San Jose just over a week ago, it is really wearing well. I have done all the normal household duties during the week and it is still as good as when it was first applied. I also bathed four dogs today and it’s still looking good. I am a total convert and will look into buying a Shellac DIY kit
Does anyone have clients whose CND Shellac just won’t stay on for more than a few days? I have several clients who can go up to 3 weeks without a chip, crack or peeling and just a few who can’t keep it on more than 5-6 days without it looking horrible. A longtime client has recently gone to another salon on several occasions when she is unable to make her standing appt with me. On one visit back in April, just before my salon got Shellac, she had gone in to have her nails done and they applied what she thought was Shellac,she didn’t ask specifically for that just that she wanted gel, she had heard about it from her sister and was curious about it. When she came to me 2 weeks later and said she had Shellac put on the “gel” still looked perfect but was almost impossible to get off. I asked her what they used because the real Shellac comes off in minutes. She assumed it was Shellac but really had no idea since she really didn’t pay any attention. I told her they most likely used traditional gel and that was why it wouldn’t soak off. I then applied a Shellac French Manicure and it lasted about 10 days. At her next appt we soaked off the shellac without a problem and reapplied. Upon her next couple of visits to the other salon( I asked her to please ask what they were using) they used Axxium on one visit and I believe Perfect Match brand on another visit. They both lasted much longer than the shellac did. I can’t seem to find what the major difference in ingredients or application are and am at a loss as to why these products last longer. Could it be that the first application of any new product wears better? Or is the fact that too many different products have been applied intermittently and there is no consistent Shellac applicaton and removal process being done? The soak off procedure for those brands took much longer(30min) and I had to do about the same amount of “scraping”,for lack of a better word,when it finally did soften and start to flake, with an orange wood stick as you would with the Shellac. Any coments or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I think Axxium is supposed to last slightly longer but is also more difficult to remove. We use Shellac in our salon. I had one client whose Shellac mani lasted for 5 weeks! Another regular client came in every 2 weeks and had had no problem until recently and started having individual nails peel entirely off. I asked her about her routine – if anything had changed – for example, using a different household chemical/cleaner, etc. – and no nothing. She did say she takes a water aerobics class. I read elsewhere that chlorine can be a problem for Shellac, so maybe the chlorine levels have been higher recently. Ask your clients about their routines, if they have any exposure to different chemicals and then check on the CND website – professional side – to reference/advice. Always as good idea to remind clients to wear gloves when working with any chemicals/cleaners. Unfortunately, can’t do that for swimming
LOVE, LOVE Shellac! I wore acrylic or gel on my nails for 23 years and could never get away from it because my nails were hammered. I finally got a Shellac mani and two months later my natural nails are strong, my free edge is white and my nail beds are pink and healthy again. FANTASTIC! If you haven’t tried it yet, do it!
I had 2 salon shellacs. Figured I could do it my self Got the UV light and CND top and base coat and Gelish color. I used them together nd had no problems Always swipe along tip to prevent splitting Removes well Use crazy glue to glue splits below nailbed and the the th shellac over. I also about a week or ten days later do another coat of color and a topcoat to make it last and cover the nail bed growth Got everything on Amazon for about $ 100.00 so now aftwer 4 manicures they are all free I also found that you can put a regulal nail polish over it for a one night party and it stays on without chipping as well but the color does wear after a few days
Me and My 9 year old daughter can’t live without my CND Shellac Gel Nails. I’ve been getting Gel nails for about 7 months now and I’ve tried OPI Gel, Gelish and CND Shellac is the best. We can’t go back to regular polish again.
Where in Michigan can I take a class to learn how?
Thanks
Hi!
I got the Gelish (my salon did not have shellac) nails today after I took off my acrylics. I want to let my natural nails grow and start getting shellac. So my nails are very weak know, and short to skin after acrylics were removed. But I noticed the gel is kinds of soft and very flexible..
I was hoping the surface will be harder so it will protect my nails when they are longer so they do not break or bend. Any of you use shellac on natural long nails? Is it the Gelish brand only that seems to be soft, or shellac is that way as well? Are they going to bend when I type on keyboard? I work typing so it is my concern.. I will appreciate all comments. Thank you ladies!
Hi, can I just say I love the site! I am a qualified nail tech and beauty therapist. I trained with shellac as i’m always looking for treatments to suite everyone. I am now so excited to introduce my clients to Shellac. I tried everything to grow my nails, since biting them since a child, they grow slow and very weak, I could litrelly bend and peel the free edge away. Now using shellac they have grown very fast and have the strength not to bend or break. I find the colours and very bold and shiny compared to other polish. My clients are equally impressed as shellac seems to have a positive effect on the natural nail as well as looking great.
WOULD RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE !!!
I do not get my nails done often, only for special events. I usually paint my toenails because of rules with nail polish at school. They’re really weird rules that let you wear some hand nail polish but not others.
So I was interested in Shellac, perhaps in the summer? Will it last 14 days if I go swimming a lot, which I am planning to do? And do you have to go back to the salon for removal?
Thanks!
Ok, so I can be clear on this, there are a few different brands of gel nail polish; Shellac, Gelish and OPI. Is that correct? And what are the differences and which is best?