Shellac is a gel nail polish that allows you to create a natural and neat, and most importantly, long-lasting manicure. It got its name from the CND Shellac brand, which first introduced this type of varnish to the market. Today, many campaigns and varnish manufacturers include this term in their products.
Accordingly, a shellac manicure is the execution of a manicure using a long-lasting gel polish that combines the best properties of a regular varnish and gel for nail extension.
How to distinguish real from fake shellac?
The first and foremost sign of a fake is a low price. When purchasing any cosmetic product, cheapness is a sign of savings on product components. So, for example, cheap gel polishes have fewer components that help protect the nail. They are more harmful as well as less durable.
Another indicator is smell. In almost all good cosmetics stores, a sample should be placed next to each product. Which needs to be studied not only for color, but also for smell. Real shellac shouldn't have a harsh, unpleasant chemical scent.
Further, using the same probe, it is necessary to study the consistency of the drug. Its density should be medium: not too liquid, but not thickened either. The first indicator will indicate that the gel polish has been diluted with acetone (or any other similar agent) to increase the batch size. The second will indicate an expired shelf life or an incorrect storage principle.
The most important thing when buying a gel polish is to use only professional stores and purchase exclusively familiar brands.
Otherwise, you can imaginary save time and money, but not achieve the desired result (loss of money), or even spoil the appearance of the nail (waste of a lot of time on recovery).
Pros and cons of shellac versus regular varnish
When creating shellac, the main goal was to create a nail coating that had durability (from gel) and color variety (varnish). It may seem to an inexperienced consumer that gel polish and ordinary varnish do not have significant differences: an identical application technique combined with the same appearance of materials.
However, upon closer examination, the following differences can be deduced:
- Regular varnish can dry in the fresh air, while gel varnish needs exposure to a special UV lamp. This technology has both positive and negative sides. The latter consists in the need to purchase a specialized lamp, the price of which can reach up to 7 thousand rubles, and in some cases even more.However, this equipment will save you from long minutes of waiting, fear of ruining the monolith of the work done with simple hand movements.
- Shellac is somewhat limited in color palette than regular varnish.
- Shellac costs more than conventional nail polishes.
- The main difference between these coatings is the wear period: shellac stays on the nail without visible damage for up to 3 weeks.
- To remove varnish, you just need to wipe the nail plate with a liquid to remove it. In the case of shellac, everything is not so simple: such a composition can be removed only by means of special mixtures.
Obviously, there must be differences between shellac and nail gel. Initially, the difference could be found in the presence or absence of color in the coating, but today gels with a color are produced. Thus, there is only one, but a very significant difference - the purpose of applying these compositions to the nails.
The gel is designed to build up the nail plate, which implies further manicure procedures. In this regard, the application techniques for shellac and gel are also different.
How does shellac affect nails?
Disputes about the dangers of shellac for the nail plate have been going on for a long time: many complain that after removing the coating, the nails do not look the best. Of course, any impact on the nails can negatively affect their condition, causing deformation, foliation and thinning. And the use of shellac is no exception.
However, by strictly following the technology of applying and removing the coating, you can avoid the consequences.
Therefore, it is so important to apply and remove shellac, for beginners at home, step by step and following simple rules:
- Before performing the procedure, you should make sure that your own nails are healthy. It is not recommended to hide the imperfections of the nail plate using the shellac procedure, since after removing the nails will become even more deplorable.
- Before applying and after removing the gel polish, the nails must be given proper assistance: apply moisturizing, nourishing and strengthening masks. The best results are obtained with products based on herbal herbs (nettle, chamomile, aloe), glycerin and keratin.
- Brittle nails and increased delamination indicate a lack of calcium, which must be replenished with both external and internal means. Cosmetologists recommend starting to lubricate the nail plate with special medicinal varnishes containing calcium and other elements 3 weeks before the procedure. It is also worth drinking a course of vitamin complexes, which must necessarily include calcium, vitamins D3 and B They should be consumed during the entire period of wearing shellac and for a certain period of time after.
- After removing the shellac, you must regularly use special nail baths. If the nail is severely delaminated, it is recommended to undergo a wax sealing procedure.
How often can shellac be applied?
You can often hear from manicurists that you can apply shellac an unlimited number of times. And this is not at all strange, because such procedures are their "bread", a way to make a living.
But responsible professionals who do not try to enrich themselves at the expense of their clients argue that: although in the hands of experts who know what they are doing, shellac cannot do much harm to the nails, but still it is worth giving rest to the nail plate.
No matter how wonderful and harmless this remedy is, but it still contains components that can deplete the nail, deprive it of essential trace elements and vitamins. So, for example, for the absorption of calcium, the nails need vitamin D, which is produced by the sun.
However, under the coating, the nails are unable to absorb the necessary dose of the vitamin.
Thus, the frequency of shellac application is not clearly limited.However, it is recommended to give your nails a rest for at least 14 days after each 3 procedure, and in winter periods the period increases to 3 weeks.
Don't miss the most popular column article: How to draw monograms on nails step by step for beginners. Instruction with photo.How long does it take to apply shellac on average?
With step-by-step instructions, any beginner can do a shellac manicure at home. However, for beginners it can take significantly longer than for professionals. Compared to conventional varnish application, the shellac coating procedure has many nuances, new fixtures, tools and materials.
Therefore, it is very difficult to voice a specific part of the time: it all depends on the dexterity and adaptability to the new conditions of the person who is going to perform the procedure. In addition, an important factor is the condition and quality of the nails themselves.
However, if we exclude the human factor and derive only the time of the procedures and the properties of the preparations (what and how long to keep, how much will it dry, etc.), then the whole process should not take more than 30-50 minutes.
Don't miss the most popular column article: How to build up your nails with gel polish. Instructions for nail extension for beginners. A photo.Tools needed to apply shellac
Most of the tools necessary for the step-by-step application of shellac at home can also be found in beginners, since are mandatory for every lady:
- manicure set (tongs, spatula, orange stick, files);
- brush for removing dust from the nail plate;
- ultraviolet lamp;
- lint-free napkins;
- foil with sponges.
Materials required for applying shellac
Materials include means and solutions, without which the procedure cannot do without:
- Cuticle remover;
- degreasing agent;
- base coating (basic);
- tonic coating;
- finish coating;
- a preparation for removing stickiness;
- shellac remover.
Preparing nails for applying shellac
The correct preparation of the nail will determine not only the appearance of the manicure, but also the duration of its wear.
At this stage, you need to perform the following steps:
- Nutrition of the nail plate... Hands must be steamed in a special bath, preferably based on medicinal herbs, such as aloe. This is necessary to keep the nail in good condition.
- Cuticle removal... Steaming also helps to soften the cuticle, which means its better removal. You should also apply a special cuticle remover to the cuticle. Then move it to the paradise of the nail with the "orange" stick and cut off with forceps. It is worth noting that this "island" of skin must be cut off as much as possible: the smaller the cuticle, the longer the plate regrowth is not noticeable.
- Shaping... To a large extent, a well-done manicure can be judged by the shape of the nail. It is worth remembering that after applying shellac, it will not be possible to correct the shape. That is why it is necessary to give the nail the most attractive contours from the very beginning by using a nail file.
- Polishing... In order for the gel polish to lay down evenly, without hollows and "incisors", the nails must be "smoothed" with a special polishing file.
- Cleansing... Clean the nail from the nail powder remaining after the previous 2 steps. This should be done with a brush: the usual "blowing" of dust in this case will not be effective enough.
- Removal of fatty components... The completion of the preparation of nails is their degreasing with a special tool. This is necessary for a good bond of the nail and shellac. After this procedure, you should not touch your nails with your hands and touch them with any other surfaces and objects.
Base coat application
This layer is designed to protect against the negative effects of the tinting layer, as well as improve its adhesion to the nail.
The application of each of the layers is divided into several points:
- Staining the left edge of the nail;
- Coloring the right edge;
- A finishing stroke in the center of the plate;
- Before proceeding with the rest of the steps, you must make sure that the edges of the nail are carefully sealed with a coating.
This technique allows you to evenly distribute the coating over the surface of the nail without clinging to the skin.
The entire application process includes the following steps:
- The jar of varnish must be scrolled several times along the base of the palms. This will allow the shellac to warm up and lay down evenly on the nail.
- Directly the very application of the base. The layer should not be thick, otherwise it will take longer to dry, which will lead to unwanted specks in the final result.
- Drying of the coating. It is necessary to dry it in a special lamp for about 3 seconds.
Shellac application
This layer is a tonic that gives the nails color and is applied according to the following instructions:
- Apply a thin layer of shellac. This does not require sealing the edges of the nail.
- Dry the coating in the lamp for about 3 minutes.
You can make shellac for beginners at home using step-by-step instructions from professionals. - Apply another coat of varnish. Moreover, you can use either the same color or a different one. When mixing two different shades, a very interesting and original version can be obtained.
- Keep nails under the lamp for another 3 minutes.
It should be borne in mind that the layers should be incredibly thin, almost transparent. Otherwise, the varnish may swell and form unpleasant bubbles.
Before applying the varnish, it is necessary to check its condition: it should not be too thick. Damage to the coating can occur due to improper storage or the purchase of low-quality goods, which will adversely affect the condition of the nails. It must be stored with a tightly screwed cap and at room temperature. Also, do not leave it in places where sunlight penetrates.
Decor application
The scheme and technology for decorating nails on shellac is practically no different from decorating with ordinary varnish, but here, after decorating, it is necessary to apply another layer of varnish on the nails.
The decor can be done using:
- Tapes and strips;
- drawings;
- patterns;
- pictures;
- dyeing technique, using several colors;
- sequins and rhinestones, etc.
Top coat application
The finishing coat consists of only 3 steps:
- Direct application of the mixture, which has several nuances:
- it should be applied with a sufficiently thick layer;
- with the help of this coating, it is necessary to seal all free edges of the nail (in this way the colored base will remain, as it were, in the entomological vessel).
- Drying. Exposure time of hands under the lamp is not more than 130 sec.
- Removing the sticky layer with a special tool in which it is necessary to moisten a lint-free napkin. It costs a lot, so as a last resort you can use acetone or alcohol. However, these substances can slightly damage the manicure, so use them with caution.
How to make a French shellac yourself?
French shellac, for beginners at home, can be done step by step quite simply, the main thing is to observe the following technology:
- The initial stage is the stage of nail preparation: the removal of the cuticle, shaping, polishing and elimination of sebum.
- Then you need to apply a primer and leave for a while. When the nail has acquired a whitish hue, you can proceed to the next stage.
- Apply the base coat (left edge, right edge, middle, sealing the edges of the nail) in a small layer.
- Dry the plate under a specialized lamp for a few seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the varnish.
- Remove the sticky layer formed after drying using a special product and a napkin.
- Gently attach the template without going over the top edge.
- Paint the upper part of the marigold in the desired color, and with as thin a layer as possible.
- After holding your nails against the lamp, remove the adhesive layer.
- Remove the template, taking care not to damage the applied varnish layer.
- Paint the plate with a shellac finish, dry for a few seconds.
- Remove the adhesive layer.
How to remove shellac correctly?
Instructions for removing shellac, for beginners at home, step by step are as follows:
- Divide the cotton wool and foil in portions for each nail.
- Rinse hands and nails thoroughly with detergent.
- Soak one piece of cotton wool with shellac remover.
- Apply to the nail in such a way that the product does not come into contact with the skin. This mixture has some components that, with prolonged exposure to the epidermis, can damage it.
- Gently wrap with foil so that the cotton wool does not slip.
- Repeat steps 3-5 with each finger.
- The exposure time is approximately equal to 13 minutes, during which the foil on the nail must be slightly “fiddled with”.
- After the expiration of time, remove the foil from each finger separately, and then the cotton wool.
- Remove the soaked layers of manicure by hand or (if not removed) with an orange stick.
- Finally, rinse your hands with soap.
Nail care after removing shellac
To restore nails and protect them from further damage, it is necessary to carry out cosmetic procedures.
These include:
- Olive oil bath... Heat a small amount in water. Keep fingers in the bath for about 3 minutes, daily for 3 weeks.
- Lemon juice mask... Sprinkle fresh citrus juice on each nail, and then rub in with gentle movements. Keep for about 3 minutes, then rinse with running water.
- Sour Berry Mask... Mash any sour berries (for example, viburnum or lingonberry) into gruel. Apply to the plate and, wrapped in foil, leave for 13 min.
- Cuticles will also need to be cared for no less than nails. They are needed daily saturate with any essential oil... It does not need to be washed off, so the amount of oil should be kept to a minimum.
If the nails are excessively weakened and exfoliate, more complex cosmetic procedures should be performed:
- Sealing the nail with wax in the salon. With its help, the nails, covered with a thin film, will be protected from further damage, and will also acquire a healthier appearance.
- You can buy a special healing varnish at any pharmacy. The basis of such a varnish must necessarily include calcium, many vitamins, and keratin. With regular use, the polish will heal your nails, making them stronger. And from the very first application, by making the nails thicker due to the coating, the varnish will relieve discomfort and fear of breaking the nail.
Applying shellac at home is easy enough even for beginners, especially with step-by-step instructions. However, so that the beautiful appearance of the nails does not become a fleeting pleasure, the plates must be looked after both before and after the procedure.
Video on how to make shellac for beginners at home step by step
How to make shellac at home, see the video:
Basic set for shellac: