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.
I use shellac on my clients and they all love it! it stays for twoo weeks, my salon is Happy Nails in North Miami Beach, 305 9474488
Has anybody have trouble with nails breaking since using Shellac? I think my nails have gotten too hard. I have 2 “stubs” that broke below the white part of my nail. I’ve never had a problem with that before.
I bet they did. It does make your nails stronger which is generally a good thing. Ouch though.
I’ve been using the Shellac for a couple months now, and LOVE it. I just did a few blog posts of my last manicure, with pictures that show then entire process from application to removal. Check it out…
http://beyondblackbiz.blogspot.com/2010/08/best-14-day-chip-free-manicure-ever-get.html
I am SO DISAPPOINTED in Shellac! I had a manicure on Friday at a salon with Shellac, and just finished peeling off the entire polish from all 10 nails tonight (Sunday)- all of 4 days later! It lifted at the front of my nails- possibly technique related?- and I could not keep it on any longer. I did not even have to soak in acetone, it peeled right off. I would try it again at a different salon, but I’m not sure it’s all it’s marketed as. Anyone else with this problem?
So far I absolutely love Shellac. I was very skeptical and assumed that the polish would chip, dull, crack, break…you name it. The first weekend of wear I helped out in a kitchen preparing apricots for jam. This meant cutting, slicing, dicing, etc my nails did not discolor and when I would hit my nails with the knife they didnt scratch/break!
Two days later we were off to the mountains for a 5 day camping trip which meant lots of scraping around in the dirt. While loading and unloading our goods I would keep checking my nails to see if I had chipped them when I would accidentally hit them into something. NEVER a chip nor a crack–not so much as a blemish. I cannot believe this product lived up to its guarantee. I am on day 17 and other than the growth area my nails are perfect. I thought for sure that the 14 days with no chips would only apply to someone who wasnt putting in as much nail trauma time as I had been.
I need to go in and get the polish removed –that will be the final “test” to see if the final promise is met–that my nails are not damaged underneath the polish. This stuff rocks. I am anti salon but this is worth it!
The same thing happened to me, did you get any insight as to why it happened? Did they apply a base coat?
I use Halina’s European Day Spa and mine last for 6 weeks, I have been very very happy. I think the wrong technique was used on you….
I tried it and it was great for the first 4-5 days. Then it started to lift (by my cuticle) and snag on everything. I couldn’t stand it anymore and had it removed. I tried again at a different salon and the same thing happened but 6 days later. Both used Shellac.
Wendy, I’m so sorry to hear that you did not get the best experience with shellac. I do know that shellac relies on a very meticulous cuticle care and preparation before application of the product.
1. No finger soaking in a bowl of water because the nail plate will soak up water and moisture, and expand. When the product is put on it will take shape and size of the expanded nail plate, and when the nail dries up and goes back to size but the shellac had already set so it will chop off or peel.
2. Meticulous cuticle care, with cnd cuticle away (a product made for a dry manicure). The dead skin on the nail plate that is not pushed back properly will make shellac peel.
3. Proper cleansing of nail plate with a pH balancing agent so there its no oils and moistureon your nail plate.
4. Perfect polish application so that the product is not bleeding into the cuticle and is not all over the surrounding skin.
5. Curing lamps needs to have correct wattage.
6. Any oil or moisturizing application is done after shellac has been applied.
So if the service is done properly your shellac should stay on nicely.
P.s. Don’t peel shellac off. Alayer of the nail plate will be peeled of with it. The same goes for all other applications of polish, or artificial nails (gels/acrylics)
I hope this helps you and you find more success with shellac. All off my clients and I LOVE shellac!!!
It is a matter of technique.
I had the same problem. I had a manicure on Thursday and by Saturday I had 3 nails peel off — it is just a matter of time before the others follow suit. Mine also lifted on the front of my nail and peeled right off — so disappointed. I think too it may have been the technique used. So I will try another salon again just to see!
Sounds like they didn’t do a very good job prepping your nail bed and the shellac didn’t adhere, I would have went back and demanded a re-do free of charge!
Did they paint the tips of the nails? I tried it for the first time recently – I used to get gels but didn’t like how think they were. They were very careful to paint the tips, as in the top edges, of the nails and mine are going strong, still shiny and pretty much perfect, though I usually wear very dark, almost black red and they only had bright red or brown. My nails have honestly never looked so gorgeous… if very bright red!
I LOVE SHELLAC…
I have been using it since it came out in May and have had great results with the product… I find that it lasts really well on my nails and I’m very hard on them…
WE HAVE ALL THE COLORS AND PLENTY OF SUPPLIES
RENA’S
OAKVILLE CT.
(860)274-7362
I was so disappointed to find out Shellac CND is a bust! I went to a Southern California salon listed on their website, but after just six days my nail polish began cracking and chipping off. Once 5 out of 10 nails were chipped, I could peel the rest off just like regular polish, without any damage to my nails. I called the manicurist to complain, but she did nothing. I am going back to getting my nails buffed. I should have known it was too good to be true!
Dawn, I’m not sure what happened to you, but my Shellac French manicure has given me the best results of any product I have ever tried. I’m at the end of my second week and my nails still look perfect! I honestly think that I could wait three weeks before having Shellac reapplied. Try a different salon. Shellac is the best EVER!!!
Honestly I wouldn’t go back to that salon. I DIY my nails with Shellac and get 2-3 perfect weeks. Just did a french on my mom and my daughter (who is 12 and active) a week and a half ago and both of theirs looks great.
Karen, where did you buy your polish and supplies at?
Amazon had it. If you live in the middle of nowhere it’s worth looking up. Nothing like the salon, but sometimes that doesn’t work out.
I had done mine twice first time it lasted 5 days, still this was impressive to me, as i have weak nail, went swimming, did laundry etc. My usual nail polish normally last 3-4 days with best care. The second time I went to a salon which belong to the distributor of cnd in Thailand, and wow the technician gave me much smoother cleaner finish and now I am on my 10th days, the rim started to wear out may be at most 12 days or 14 days would be my maximum.
During my first application I tried on some nail polish over the Shellac and remove with acetone based remover, that could also be the caused for it start peeling. I could peel all 10 fingers with little thin layer of my nail coming out with it. I suggest you go to a new salon if they apply really thin layer and non are touching your cuticle or side, and done the rim well, then they are likely better place.
Any complaints about this product HAS to be because the nail tech did not apply it correctly. Shellac nail products are the best for natural nails and last 2 weeks or longer. The only reason I have my nails done in 2 weeks is because of nail growth. I have had 3 manicures with this product and it is the best my nails have looked in 4 years since I stopped getting acrylic nails. I developed allergies to all acrylic nail products and have had NO reaction at all in 6 weeks to the Shellac.
My nails are long and grow beautifully now. No breaking!!
It is worth every penny to try this. All the complaints have to be due to improperly applied product by the technician. The manicure MUST be done DRY!!!
@ dawn, your nails must not of been prep properly. Shellac Rocks. I have been using Shellac in my Salon for 5 months and the only time I have a problem it is because the nails were not prep properly. Go to a different Salon or go back to where you had it done and insist on a new appt.
When applied properly, this product absolutely will last two weeks! Some clients can go even longer. I am in Plano, Tx at Parker/Custer–call for an appt. 214-924-9743 (holly w.)
Hey ! Could I come sit in an watch you apply Shellac ? Im in Mckinney and just now have been able to purchase Shellac !How do you do there manicure ? I offer Parffin manicures and use a scrub, would I just stop doing that to my shellac clients?
I haven’t heard of this product, but I’m so glad I found it! When we stay up in the mountains over Christmas break, I always feel like my nails chip in like three days! I would love to have something I can do myself that will (really) stay for two weeks! Can’t wait to try it, what a great review.
-Kenzie
We offer Shallac CND manicures at Molecule Salon located in 1800 m st nw Washington D.C 20036 call to book a appointment with Marcela at (202)822-1588 forget about chiped nails.
I loved this product. It kept my nails looking great for 2 weeks easily. Went mountain climbing with my husband and when I came back I didn’t even need to reapply lol
I was happy with my nails, at first, the Shellac did last over 2 weeks and stayed glossy. My problem was in removal. The salon that sold it to me didnt mention any special removal. When I was ready to have my nails redone I went to a different salon. One that apparently hadn’t heard of Shellac. They asssured me gel was only for acrylics and that the only way to get it off was with their electric file. Thinking I had been let astray by the other salon, I let them file it off. Now my usually nice natural nails are a mess. I went to the original shop who, of course, denied any wrong doing, only saying I should have come back to them. I would have if I’d been made aware. Now I’m going to have messed up nails for months. ):
Honestly, that’s not a problem with the product. The second salon didn’t know about the proper removal. I can’t say it’s their *fault* since it’s a pretty new thing, but it could have been removed properly at the first salon, it sounds like.
Will Shellac not work to its full potential if my nails are soft,cracked,or damaged?
the literature says it works best on healthy solid nails, but it does make mine stronger. It would be worth a try to find a salon.
I have extremely soft nails and any product damages my natural nail. Shellac is no exception because it is stronger than my nails, so it came off with the top layer(s)of my nail
I have my first Shellac manicure in West Chester, OH while there visiting family. It lasted beautifully for 3 weeks, with no chips, fading, peeling. I am from South Carolina so it took me a little while to find a salon near me, but I found Anna Gails Nails in Taylors and have had 2 manicures with Gail in the last 4 weeks. This is amazing polish. It lasts and lasts, doesn’t get dull, doesn’t hurt my natural nails. In fact, i haven’t broken, torn, or chipped a nail in months! What I love more than anything is leaving the salon with perfectly dry nails that stay as glossy on day 15 as they were on day 1.
I love Shellac, too…but as a nail tech I am furious that I can’t get the top coat to go with ALL the colors that I purchased. I did some research and IBD is coming out with their own line called “Gellac” or something similar to the Shellac.
This product will revolutionize the nail industry! It’s THAT good. If your product is peeling, your nail tech didn’t do the proper technique. Many are scarfing up the product without reading the directions and assuming it’s like any other gel application. It’s not. The timing under the lights is different for the basecoat, polish, and topcoats!
Keep your fingers crossed we can get more top coat soon!!
It peeled off right away and is too expensive to get it done all the time. Not many nail salons have it or know how to apply it, so it’s difficult to maintain when you’re on the move. They need more colors. I think it’s not the great find people are assuming. I’d probably only do it if I knew I was going someplace for a week or more and wouldn’t have the option of getting a regular mani/pedi where I’m going. Also, THE DARK COLORS STAIN WORSE THAN Regular polish
GELISH !! Has anyone tried this??
i have had on my nails for THREE weeks… and they have FORTY EIGHT colours with even more by the end of the year…
And an LED lamp that dries in seconds ???!!!!
AMAZING !!!
It’s week 3 for me- and I just got my first chip [I went swimming in a pool]. Sure you can see that my nails grew, but they still look shiny and sleek like a brand new car.
I’ve told all my coworkers “once you shellac… you’ll never go back.” Uh-huh.
I’ve been meaning to look- but can you mix shellac colors, since there is such a limited number of colors right now….
Gelish rocks! I offer both Shellac and Gelish at my studio in Plano TX–but to be honest, I end up doing Gelish more often! The 48 colors are beautiful, and the product itself is very durable. Don’t get me wrong, I love shellac too, but “more is more” in my opinion, and there’s room enough for two great products! Call for an appt–214-924-9743 (Holly)
ABSOLUTELY LOVE SHELLAC!!!!
I’m about the have a shellac attack!! I can’t believe its been 11 days I’ve moved boxes (serious retail store moving) and just got my first chip yesterday (you can BARELY tell) I dropped a weighted plate (from bodypump class) on my nail and it didn’t even break, just slight wear in the corner but after dropping a weighted plate on my middle finger and a moving and working out 4 to 5 days a week with weights (I’m really rough on my nails) I have found the solution! Shellac is definitely where it’s at! I’m going to get mine removed (only because I’m eager to try french and my manicurist is going on vacation) and I can’t believe that with all the abuse I’ve been doing to my nails they look just as perfect as day 1! (minus the dropped weight plate of course!)
J’adore Shellac!!!
I like that, “Once you Shellac, You’ll never go back!” And it’s true as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had Great experience with Shellac. But I am concerned about a couple of things. One: I’ve heard that the LED light for curing is being questioned as far as safety, whichever safety they are questioning and may remove from the market. So how safe is that lamp on your skin and nails. Two: How safe is the Shellac to you nails? Any long lasting damage like acrylic nails and such? Third: My nail salon is out of some of the major products like the top coat and won’t get it until November. What is that all about? How can that happen? Any reason and comments on that? The company who makes this product should be prepared and well stocked and should offer a discount for this happening. That’s it! I’ll be looking forward to a response. Thank you and have a Safe Labor Day!
I get emails from CND almost weekly apologizing for the shortage in the top coat. They were just overwhelmed in demand and are working at trying to fill all orders.
I’ve become an instant Shellac fan! I have great nails & they look great when polished, but with 2 kids, a career and a generally busy NYC life — manicures weren’t happening too often (even though I do a pretty good job AND in NY we have a nail salon on almost every corner). Inevitably, something in my real life ruined the manicure.
On August 20th, the day before our vacation — I treated myself to a Shellac manicure.
Amazing. Although I didn’t mean it to be a test — in retrospect, it was and Shellac passed with flying colors. The manicure stayed great looking (and no nails broke) while I:
1. Shopped at Costco (by myself);
2. Loaded 4 bicycles onto our car bicycle rack;
3. Packed & Loaded & Unloaded the car (several times);
4. Took a family sailing lesson (including rigging the boats & pulling them in and out of the water);
5. Kayaked (same deal with kayaks in and out of the water);
6. Cracked lobsters, opened mussels and clams (we were in Maine);
7. Pried open scrapbooking brads (small metal tacks) — I actually used my nails to pry the 2 small metal fastener prongs apart!;
8. Glued all kinds of scrapbooking items (and cleaned up messy gluework with my nails);
9. Played family games in pools & lakes, including water slides; and
10. Worked out at the gym, including lifting weights.
Only “problems”:
– At some point, more than a week into the manicure — something I did scratched the Shellac, so I have a small scratch in one nail (it might have been a lobster shell. . .)
– A couple days ago, I developed a small chip on the side of my right thumb (I think I did something that chipped the nail under the Shellac).
For me, that’s pretty amazing. I put my hands through a really tough 2+ weeks. I think Shellac kept some nails from breaking. There were moments I looked at my nails and couldn’t believe my nails hadn’t broken (and still looked great).
In short, I used my hands without a thought for the manicure. Today, the manicure still looks shiny & great (although a little outgrown) and my nails are longer and ready for a back-to-work polish.
I highly recommend Michelle at Oasis Spa in Dobbs Ferry, NY. I think the salon/manicurist must matter.
My current dilemma – it’s Labor Day and I want my old manicure taken off today and I don’t know of a neighborhood place that does this. It’s not a big dilemma, b/c my nails look fine and can wait until I get back to Dobbs Ferry or to a mid-town salon.
Supply may be an issue. They were out of a French manicure color, so I opted for a solid color.
I don’t know whether health is a concern. I’ll read up.
I tried it once and it IS the most incredible manicure I’ve ever had. I’m not a nail fanatic, but I was so impressed I wanted to share my excellent experience with others.
Try it once and put it through the works.
come visit us
Nail by Young
165 w 72nd st 2fl
New York. Ny 10023
We do offer shellac manicure for $35 and shellac pedicure for $45. If you get mani and pedi together we charge $75 for both.
I just got Shellac yesterday, and am so far very impressed with the results. *However* the manicurist I had wasn’t very good, so on some nails the polish is bubbly at the end and unevenly applied (not terribly, but I notice it and it kinda pisses me off given the amount I paid (which i think was overpriced – i’ve heard of Shellac manicures being at least $10-15 cheaper than at this salon). The awesomeness of Shellac does not make up for a crappy manicurist. if you get a manicurist who doesn’t care to apply a perfect polish then the results aren’t as good. I think the Shellac product is *amazing* , but will definitely going to another salon!
definitely *be* going to another salon, i meant
Has anyone tried the Axxim brand (that is similar to Shellac i’ve heard)? What was your experience with it? Do you prefer Shellac?
I definitely prefer Shellac even though I LOVE OPI. The Axxium is put on with a separate brush so there is more mess and more waste. BUT the main/best difference is on the soak off time. I think you’ll hear lots of woman say that the soak off with Axxium is 45 min plus and you still end up grinding some off and damaging your natural nails. 15 really will get all of the Shellac off.
I would go back and get yours fixed. I know, more time. ug.
Axxium lifted terribly for me. After 4 tries. It is hard to soak off and my nails were damaged after the nexxium was removed like they were after my acrylic nails were soaked off. The SHELLAC is where it is AT! Terrific product…. just get a great nail tech and you will have great nails. Most salons over price the shellac though… I found a shop that is very fair.
The nail tech charges for a basic manicure and adds 5.00 extra for the Shellac.All three times my nails came out perfact and lasted a long time.
I have tried Shellac twice now and both times disappointed.
First time I did it on a Saturday and it started coming off by the Wednesday.
Secondary time, same day I could see cracks in the white polish of the french manicure and I new this would not last again. By Wednesday the majority of the nails started peeling.
Very disappointed.
I went and had my nails done at VIP Salon and Spa in Riverview Michigan with Shellac and the results were simply amazing, the staff knew exactly what they were doing. Thanks so much VIP Salon And Spa
I had my nails done with Shellac last Thursday. Cost $56. Cdn$. Plus tip. By Monday they were starting to lift off and I ended up pulling them all off. Complete waste of money. I will go back to gels with extensions. They last up to a month.
No – I didn’t go swimming or do anything unusual with my hands over the weekend.
bad prep. This stuff is the bomb diggety. I’m sorry you paid so much for a lousy experience, but I’d bet money it was bad prep and not the product.
I think that if you have been used to the strength of acrylic then you may be used to using your hands in a heavier manner. Shellac does not claim to be as strong as acrylic and therefore you need to respect your nails when Shellac has been applied. If you care for your nails i.e. apply oil daily, wear rubber gloves and don’t use them as tools then Shellac lives up to its great reputation. In my opinion if you pull product off your nails then perhaps the gel extensions you had last time were also pulled off leaving your nails in a weak condition. If any of the above apply then that will be your answer.
I’ve never had acrylics, I’m terribly hard on my hands, and I loved my (not incredibly well-applied, I think – a little streaky in spots, not applied all the way to the cuticle, and after soaking my hands) Shellac manicure just before Christmas. It lasted about 10 rough days, even on me, the non-glove-wearing, cuticle-oil-forgetting, bathroom-cleaning, nails-are-nature’s-tools-philosophizing nail ogre. I’m definitely going to use this method (from a different salon from the one I went to the first time) whenever I need a manicure that’s got to LAST.
My usual salon manicures might make it to the car. Sometimes not even that far. So I stopped going to salons and started DYI’ing. But that pre-Christmas Shellac manicure was pretty much everything I’d hoped it’d be.
Halina Day Spa in Round Rock knows how to do this! I’ve had it put on twice and love it. The cost is about $40 plus tip.
Adding my voice to Shellac converts. L-O-V-E it! The first manicure lasted 2 weeks beautifully. One tiny chip on the inside corner of my left thumbnail because the nail caught and broke. But that’s it. Today, had a fresh Shellac done in a dark cocoa brown (perfect for autumn).
I want to offer 1 suggestion: when you put your hands under the UV light to cure, make sure your fingers are positioned nice and straight for the most surface exposure to the light. If you tilt or angle your fingers at all, the edge of your nails (particularly the pinky nail) may not cure properly. I speak from experience on this – happened to me today. My manicurist had to re-do my right hand pinky nail.
Oh, one more suggestion, since the thumb is hard to get under the light with the other four – try putting opposite thumb & fingers under the light together. That works well.
[...] Read the full report at the nail addict’s blog, All Lacquered Up. [...]
I have my first appointment to have my nails Shellaced in a couple of weeks… I currently have acrylic on my nails and intend to soak the acrylic off at my appointment. Where the nails need to be DRY…is this a good idea? Should I anticipate the Shellac product to “peel off”?
Cathy, Don’t soak your nails off. WE file the Acrylics down, thin & shorten the nails. We then apply Shellac to grow out the acrylic nails. It seems to be the best way without trashing the nails. Good Luck
super super good advice Sandi. I will use that myself.
Luv Shellac!! As a nail tech I Shellac myself, it lasts at least 2 weeks on me, even with me providing other hands on nail services(acrylics, manis, pedis, filing, drilling, etc)!! Can’t stand Axxiom! Come & get Shellac-ed with me at: Hair Cafe 3964 Mayfield Rd Cleveland Heights, Oh 44121, 216.355.8989!!!
I love Shellac. I have been using for about 4 months now. I had Shellac french manicure done the first 2 times and now have used 3 colors. I only go back every 3 weeks because it lasts that long. The right application will keep it on longer. And remember when washing dishes to use gloves. It really helps to keep it on. My nails are stronger and are longer than they have been in years. I really think the extra cost is worth it. Regular manicures start coming off in a few days. But 3 weeks with Shellac. It’s amazing.
hi, i have worked with the axxium color gels ,although they stay great….they are a pain to get off ! I feel they destroy the nail ! Is this shellac product easily removed for the next applicatiom ? What is the best way to remove it, for thje next application ?
I’m confused as to exactly what Shellac is, exactly. Is it merely a polish that lasts a long time, or is it more of a gel-type nail? I wore acrylics for years, and now I have extremely weak, brittle nails that break if you breathe on them. Will Shellac be a good product for me?
It’s a polish-gel hybrid, from what I understand. There’s no filing of the nail for removal of the product (they use pads soaked with acetone and in ten minutes the product comes off), so it’s so much better for your nails.
The only nails that don’t do well with the product (from what I’ve heard) are nails that peel. If your regular nails peel, you may have issues. Mine are weak as can be, and used to break all the time, but with the Shellac they seem a lot stronger.
Just got my first shellac manicure super excited! i’m a nurse and wash my hands alot hoping to get 3 weeks out of this…I went to Refresh Salon in Escondido CA cost was $30
LUCKY. I’m from SoCal and when I’m there I love getting mani pedi for me and my daugther. HALF of what I pay out here in middle of nowhere. ENJOY! I bet it will work out for you and you will LOVE having painted nails again.
So FEDORA! I have waited to use this, and today I put it on and experienced the “wrinkle” effect others have talked about. Is it the heavily pigmented colors like white that you need to look out for? No harm done, soaked it off like a dream and redid those fingers. Just curious because I haven’t had this happen to me yet.
This is because you are applying the shellac too thick. You need to apply it thin “think thin to win”. All the colours will wrinkle if applied incorrectly not just Fedora. Hope this helps
what different between Jessica gel and Shellac.Has anyone tried Jessica gel?
My client tested both Shellac and Gelish. She preferred Shellac because it stays put better than Gelish. I thought that Gelish had more of a gel look and a bit see through whereas Shellac looks like varnish and is not transparant. Soaking off Gelish is not easy it took me twice as long as Shellac because I think you need to remove/score the top coat prior to soak off whereas with Shellac you don’t.
Ive been a nail tech for 18 yrs and and stopped doing nails 2 yrs ago (kids) i just got my first shellac manicure 9 days ago took my acrylics off and my nails look perfect!!! I have 2 boys so i do laundry wash dishes give baths etc!!!!! Im hooked the only sign is the grow out i love this stuff!!!!
I just took my acrylics off and I cant wait to try the Shellac, how long did you have to wait to get shellac done after taking off your acrylics?
The first time I had my nails done, I was daring and had a French. I never do that because it doesn’t last, however this lasted 14 days and I did everything and anything I needed to . The next time I went red very different for me. I love this product and would never go back to a regular manicure. I also had it done in two different salons. This is the best thing to come along for nails in a long time.!!!!!!
Love the Shellac! Last 16 days and looked amazing! I definitely want to do it again BUT I hated the removal! It left my nails feeling rough and the tech needed to buff them after all to smooth them out. Seemed like a lot of scraping and damage to the nail plate even after soaking with the pads for about 15 minutes.
Is there a better way to remove it?
For all of you that have had a bad experience it is because of the prep and probably the application was done wrong. I’m surprised nobody has mentioned that you have to cap the freeedge of the nail. That is one of the most important steps it seals the shellac in. Those of you that had it chip or crack from the front this may be your problem. It’s not fair to rate a perfectly good product bad when the blame should be directed at your nail tech. It’s a newer product and it will take time for everybody to get used to applying it. Only down fall right now is the small variety of colors CND needs to step it up because it’s compititors like GELISH and GELERATION offer 36 colors plus. It’s suck that my salon is contracted through cnd so we can’t buy other gel/polish hybrids.
just did my nails in Wildfire, and agree about the selection. I looked at the limited colors and got a little depressed. I am in LOOOOVE with this stuff, but for a junky like me to be so limited………sigh
Shellac is the best!!!! I work at Hair Industry in Hollywood, FL. (954) 920-8220. We have all the colors, base/top coat and the Shellac Lamp. All issues are because of use of other lamps, not prepping nail properly and how it is applied. We have clients going from 2 to 3 wks or longer! Only down fall is not enough colors to choose from at the moment. Hopefully CND will step it up soon!!!!!
I am a nail tech and have been for eleven years. This product is good if done correctly, but the client needs to allow the tech to do the job. Had a lady come in and refused to allow the tech to do all the steps. She said she read about it online and new how the process was done. The tech was new and did not stand up for herself or the product. The polish did not stay on.
Our salon just get Shellac!I LOVE IT! 754 234 1334
I tried shillac and after I cured my nails they were sticky any suggestions
The nails have to be wiped with alcohol after the top coat is cured. If your nail tech doesn’t know that she hasn’t been properly trained.
I AM MADLY in LOVE with SHELLAC!! Not only as a nail tech but as a client (Im wearing two layers of negligee)! All our clients love it and not having to etch the nail leads to healthier nails!! I work at Leidan Mitchell Salon and Spa in Chandler AZ Call or Text for appts or any info 4803980537
my mom is a nail technician and she put the shellac on me because i was her test dummy to she if she could do it and we both ended up loving it. also my mom layered her own color that u did not have on your list and it looks great it is the mixture of fedora and red baroness.
I’m a nail tech n just hearing about Shellac. I’m just wondering if my clients wearing acrylic nails can take them off and put on Shellac all on the same day?
I had my first Shellacing 11 days ago and still LOVING it. Except for nail growth (mine grow like weeds) it looks perfect. I think if you are having problems, the tech is not doing it properly. Mine said you cannot have one iota of skin/nail dust, ect. on the nail or it will life and that coats have to be thinner than with regular polish. It takes some technique.
I have had 2 salon Shellac manicures and absolutely loved it. I then decided to DIY and am disappointed as my nails finished off sticky. Does anyone know what could have happened? Was it preparation or maybe the UV lamp not strong enough. Do I need a special Shellac lamp?
I work at a salon where we offer shellac and I see that a lot of people are having “peeling” and “chipping” problems. I don’t think that the techs are applying the polish right, and maybe having you soak in manicure bowls like a normal manicure, when your not suppose to. It is a red flag if they have you do that. Also they could be using the wrong lamps. Shellac is an amazing product and should last you 2+ weeks! Good luck everyone with shellac!
I am a piano teacher and have NEVER found a polish that would last on my nails. Even with them being short, the polish would chip after one day of playing. I got my nails done with Shellac over 2 weeks ago, and I have yet to even see a chip. I also have an 18 month old at home, so my hands are constantly changing diapers, being washed, wear and tear from toys. I gardened for an hour today, with no gloves…NOT one scratch, chip, or flake.