Every modern young lady strives to look perfect and pays attention to every centimeter of her body, even if these areas are not visible most of the time. Toenails are almost always hidden by shoes, tights or socks, but this does not mean that they do not need care and attention. If you perform a pedicure from time to time, your feet will not only thank you, but will always look attractive, which is especially important in the summer, when shoes, ballet flats and sneakers are replaced by elegant and feminine sandals or slippers. It is also worth thinking about the choice of coating and neat design of the nail plates. To ensure that their toenails remain well-groomed for a long time, fashionistas mostly use the already familiar gel polish. However, lately, among salon visitors there has been more and more talk about shellac, therefore, today we propose to talk specifically about this topic.
Features of shellac
Shellac is a more durable coating compared to regular varnish, when applied, a special product must be applied to the surface of the natural nail - a primer, which guarantees better adhesion to the nail plate. The increased durability of this material is ensured by the presence of polymers in the composition, which make the structure of the varnish more viscous and durable. This coating fits perfectly on the surface of the nail even in one layer and requires exposure to a UV lamp to dry completely.
The difference between shellac and gel polish
In fact, gel polish and shellac are the same coating, just called differently. There are differences between the compositions, but still not big.
If you delve into the history of the appearance of shellac, you can find information that the prototype was first created at the end of the 20th century. Companies such as NSI and OPI worked on its development. But at that time, shellac, as they say, “didn’t suit” fashionistas and all development of this project was closed.
FACT: In 2010, when the nail industry was in dire need of diversity, the founder of CND, a dental chemist by training, decided to continue the project of his colleagues and unexpectedly found himself at the pinnacle of success. The term “Shellac” is firmly attached to TM coatings from CND, which is why it is still called that way.
Shellac from CND
The quality of the material changes, other compositions and modifications appear, but in essence, shellac remains alone, and all other coatings of this type (for modeling and decorating nails) are just gel varnishes.
The main difference between shellac and gel polish is their composition. In addition, shellac does not necessarily require the use of a primer; it already fits well on the nails. Whereas for a manicure or pedicure with gel polish, a primer is required.
Shellac polish removal is also much easier to do than gel polish. This is much safer and more comfortable for many representatives of the fair sex.
I described in more detail in the article - https://www.ladywow.ru/chem-otlichaetsya-gel-lak-ot-shellaka.html
@alina.nail07 @inn_nail_khv @pedikurirk38
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive characteristics of shellac include, first of all, its ability to strengthen and protect the nail plates. The coating does not contain harmful substances and preservatives common to cosmetic products, helps prevent brittleness and delamination of nail plates, and can also be used by people who have allergic reactions to traditional materials. The structure of shellac is smooth and evenly distributed on the nail. To remove the coating, you can use any product with acetone and the whole process will take you no more than 15 minutes.
The disadvantages of shellac include the high cost of a pedicure and the mandatory availability of a full set of tools. You should also take into account the impact of the UV paw on the skin, the high risk of unprofessional removal of the coating and nail regrowth, which becomes noticeable a week after the procedure. Not all coatings are amenable to solvents, so the master sometimes has to additionally use a nail file, which, if handled incorrectly or carelessly, can damage the nails. In addition, to avoid drying out the nails, you should use a moisturizer as additional care.
How to do your own shellac pedicure
If you do a shellac pedicure yourself, you will need:
- Degreasing agent
- Primer. Shellac can be done without it, but if you have wet nails or your hands sweat a lot, then it’s better to stock up on it for a more lasting result.
- The base is what lies between the nail and the color coat.
- Colored shellac.
- Top coating.
Of course, you cannot do without consumables - nail files, napkins, brushes and a UV lamp.
Then the algorithm of actions will be like this:
Fact about pedicure
For the first time mass paid pedicure services were offered by David Lowe in 1780 in London. He removed calluses and corns that caused discomfort and interfered with normal movement.
- Treat your feet.
- Give your nails the desired shape.
- Sand and degrease the nail surface.
- Apply base coat and cure under UV lamp for 1 minute.
- Apply a thin layer of colored shellac and let it dry.
- Apply a second coat of shellac and dry as well.
- Cover your nails with top coat.
- Lubricate the cuticle with hand cream or oil and massage it.
The bottle of shellac should not be shaken before use, as bubbles may appear in it and it will not lie flat. Roll it in your hands to prepare for application.
French pedicure
This technique will be the most relevant solution for those who have decided to take a closer look at shellac coating, because French design is an immortal classic that is uniquely transformed, combined with different color palettes, and works wonderfully on nails with decor and other techniques. Today the trend is a wide variety of colors and all kinds of combinations. A French pedicure can be designed in a classic, discreet version or, conversely, demonstrate a wide variety of duets of shades. Burgundy and pink, beige and black, red and black, gray and lilac or white and blue are just a few examples of possible variations. At the request of the young lady, the French design can decorate only the nail plate of the thumb or be designed completely on all nails. Shiny decorative details in such an example of a pedicure are welcome.
What are the advantages of shellac coating?
Shellac is the brainchild of English cosmetologists and technologists. This type of coating combines the properties of classic varnish and gel: ease of application, high aesthetic qualities, a rich color palette and durability . The thick coating film does not harm the nail plate.
Benefits of shellac:
- the coating lasts on the nails for up to 4 weeks,
- it does not contain formaldehyde,
- the color of the pedicure remains saturated even under the influence of sea water,
- shellac does not have an unpleasant odor like acrylic or regular varnish.
Shellac pedicure is suitable for those whose nails peel and break, do not hold regular polish well, who are allergic to other types of coatings, and for pregnant and lactating women.
Lunar manicure
The design of the lunar design in manicure and pedicure is no different and, thanks to the peculiarities of the technology and the wide selection of coating shades, can be done in different ways. As we have told more than once before, in this example it is not the smile at the tip of the nail that stands out, but the lunula at its base. To create a pedicure, you can use one or more shades and highlight the hole on one or all fingers. The lunula can be made in bright contrast, decorated with shiny shellac or glitter. The option of a transparent coating at the base will hide the overgrown part of the nails. To create a more impressive design, try combining a French and moon manicure on your nails, placing a smile line and a lunula on the nail at the same time.
Fashion trends and trends
Pedicures are available in both solid and colored finishes, with different designs to suit your taste. Pedicure shellac, like colored gel polish, allows the application of foil, rubbing and other elements over the coating.
@mirror_studio_rnd
Shellac is applied to the nails in the same way as gel polish is applied, only without using a base to adhere the nails and the coating, and then the nails are decorated with all sorts of ornaments.
@anitakorzun_nails
Fashion trends include holographic stickers and various mirror coatings that make the image truly bright and extravagant.
@vasilisa.nails.art
Design options in fashion trends do not depend on whether you have a trimmed pedicure, a European pedicure or a hardware pedicure.
The advantage of shellac is that it has a wide palette of shades, which means you can follow pedicure trends and create floral arrangements on your nails, which are so fashionable this season.
@personasalonkrasoty
Plain pedicure
A monochrome coating always looks very interesting and a little restrained, but if you wish, you can always decorate your nails with decor. A single-color coating can be bright or dark, light or laconic. The decorations in this example look more harmonious on the thumb nail. You should also consider the combination of shades of pedicure and manicure. In this case, it is better to carry out bright contrasts and experiments based on the opinion of an experienced master.
Color solutions
Fashionable colored coatings in bright shades will decorate any summer pedicure. Layers of colored shellac can be alternated in different shades to create a mysterious gradient. Color shades allow you to create unique floral compositions, or decorate your nails with geometric designs.
@xp_nails
When choosing classic shades, you can stick to the classic French or use them to create a lunar pedicure. Summer pedicure design can include both delicate, pastel and nude tones, as well as bright, eye-catching shades.
@repchenko_nails_spb
For summer French nail designs, use classic tones or highlight your smile with a bright color to highlight the shellac pedicure design.
@anya_kovtun_nail_art
Pedicure with a pattern
It's no secret that most fashionistas love nail designs. If such an idea is considered quite natural for fingernails, then why not create something similar on the feet? To create designs in pedicure, the same techniques and materials are used to create designs in manicure. Images can be applied using hand painting, stamping or ready-made stickers. One “but” that you should know about before getting a pedicure is the size of your nails. In manicure, the master is given the same length on all fingers. A pedicurist can only let his imagination run wild on the big toe nail. Therefore, we recommend applying the designs on it, and covering the other nails to match one of the shades used to create the design. The most popular designs include geometry, abstraction, floristry and other images.
Reasons for chipping and delamination in shellac
Of course, shellac lasts for several weeks, but it’s better not to overdo it. An overgrown colored nail does not look neat, as already mentioned, but there are other risks:
- An overgrown nail may break or become injured.
- Chips and delaminations may occur.
- An infection can get into the nail through the separation.
Where do these very chips and delaminations come from? The following reasons are possible:
- The technology is broken - here everything depends on the skill of the performer.
- The layers of varnish do not have time to dry well.
- The ends of the nails are not sealed or, on the contrary, they are sealed very abundantly. A thick roller at the edge will definitely chip.
- The nails are too thin, the tips bend, the free edge chips.
- The cuticle is poorly processed, the surface of the nail is not prepared.
- Low quality application material.
Do you want a pedicure that will make you happy for a long time? Contact only professionals.
Pedicure with decor
The use of different decor in a pedicure will diversify any design and complement the design with original accents. Shellac looks equally beautiful with sparkles in the form of glitter, kamifubuki or sequins. Glitter can be used to draw pictures, highlight the line of a French jacket or lunula. Using sequins and kamifubuki, you can lay out beautiful patterns. Rhinestones are a more voluminous decor, which should be kept in mind when using them. Such decorations look wonderful at the base of the nail plate and can serve as an accent in the form of a single stone on each finger. Also, the reflections of foil, the shimmer of the rub and many other ideas in shellac look no less impressive.
Shellac pedicure can confidently be awarded the title of the most beautiful and lasting. It is practically no different from coatings made with gel polish, but it looks more elegant. We weigh the pros and cons, make a decision and sign up for the salon. Don't forget to take care of your toenails, because a neat pedicure will never go unnoticed.
How long does it take to complete?
Any pedicure procedure depends on the skills of the specialist you contact, or on your own skills if you do the pedicure yourself. Also, the time of the procedure depends on the design you choose. Accordingly, monochrome nail finishes are done faster than complex designs with a moon pedicure or any other chosen style.
@nail__obninsk
@beauty_dose_aa
Shellac pedicure includes:
- steaming the feet in a foot bath;
- processing and removal of old skin;
- adjusting the length and shape of nails;
- coating of nail plates with primer and shellac;
- design creation.
Based on these parameters, the shellac pedicure procedure takes on average from 2 to 3 hours. If the legs are well-groomed and do not require much time for treatment, the procedure can last up to 1 hour. The neglected condition of the feet and nails increases this time to 3 or more hours.
@_studio_anastasia.i
@anjik_rita
Application instructions
The color coating must be distributed thinly over the nails, preferably in two layers. Don't forget to seal the end. Depending on the lamp, each layer is dried for one or two minutes. With the help of a second layer, the color density usually increases, in addition, the strength of the coating is also supplemented.
To keep the coating on your feet as long as possible without losing its gloss, you need to use a top coat. It is distributed in a thicker layer. In this case, it is imperative to cover the entire nail surface that was covered with previous layers. Don't forget to seal the end. Drying of the top layer is carried out as standard.
Removal of the sticky layer is carried out only from the last - top coat, after the gel component has been polymerized. It's quite simple. Use a lint-free cloth and degreasing liquid for removal.
Only after this step can we consider that the pedicure is complete and the nails can now be touched. Before this, any touching is strictly prohibited, since human skin contains fat, which is one of the main enemies of gel polish.
When selecting a base, top and color coating, as well as a special degreasing liquid, it is best to give preference to products from the same company, as they are designed to be ideally combined with each other. However, a number of gel polish manufacturers offer to use their products with products from third-party manufacturers.
Most often, a pedicure for which gel polish was used takes one and a half to two hours. The total time will, of course, depend on the condition of your nails. At the same time, such a coating will provide a number of advantages.
Firstly, shellac is highly resistant to mechanical damage, which means it will remain on your nails until you decide to remove it. It is worth considering that the growth rate of nails on the feet is much lower, so shellac lasts for up to a month, and for some, longer.
Secondly, saturation allows you to make shellac of even the most unusual shades. Moreover, after a while, you will not be the owner of a pedicure that has lost its shine or original appearance.
Thirdly, gel polish is considered a more harmless product than a regular decorative coating. The fact is that manufacturers do not include a number of substances in the composition, for example, formaldehyde, which are very dangerous. Due to this, we can talk about the safety of this pedicure for girls.
Features of this type of pedicure
- Covering your nails with one shellac color looks very beautiful due to its glossy shine.
- The alternation of two or three shades in one pedicure looks very impressive and bright.
- You can make your pedicure bright and stylish with sparkles and sequins, which are applied under the finishing layer.
- Rhinestones of different sizes and colorful stones on your nails will attract attention and can highlight the details of your shoes or clothing.
- Stickers with ornaments and gold stripes for decoration will make your pedicure the highlight of your look.
- If you have artistic skills, then using thin brushes you can create various designs on your nails.
Decorating and painting nails is called nail art, which translated from English means: nails - “nails”, art - “art”.
Preparing the legs
There is no way to do without it. Before performing shellac on your feet, you need to carefully treat the skin of your feet and nails. To do this, it is recommended to take a relaxing or, conversely, tonic bath with sea salt and herbs. You should refrain from using any oil, as it will interfere with the good adhesion of the gel polish and the natural nail. Therefore, only sea salt and herbs are enough. Using a grater or foot file, the stratum corneum is removed, several times if necessary. The cuticle on the legs is pushed back with a pusher or orange sticks and then removed. This can be done using nippers, a pedicure machine, or a special product. However, it is worth remembering that you need to be careful when working with metal cutting tools. The cuticle is trimmed or “bitten off” only in the area that can easily be cut off. Using a file, nails are given a neat shape. It is recommended to first remove the length “under the root” with scissors, since the nail plate on the feet grows very quickly.
#4 Pedicure with sliders: bright design for every day
Is it worth placing a design on the legs using sliders, stamping, etc.? Will they look appropriate and beautiful? It's all about moderation; choose small but clear patterns for your pedicure. They should be clearly visible on the nails and not merge into one continuous spot.
These patterns include:
- floristry – one large flower on the thumb or sliders with small wildflowers look beautiful
- fruits - looks especially beautiful in combination with yellow, red, blue tones. Use sliders with a white base; they will look better on your nails than transparent ones.
- animal themes - leopard, tiger, zebra patterns are trending. The design looks great in light colors with animal accents on 1-2 fingers.
