All about shellac - properties and comparison with other coatings, how to do a manicure

Today a shellac manicure can be done at any nail salon or from a professional working at home. The invention of super-resistant varnishes ten years ago literally blew up the nail industry, allowing fashionistas to renew the coating on their nails every 20-30 days. Shellac has become the calling card of stylish women who keep up with fashion trends.

Shellacs: a breakthrough in the nail industry

Damage-resistant gel polishes appeared about eleven years ago. She was a pioneer by introducing the Shellac product line. The name has become generic for this type of coating, even if they are manufactured by other companies. Among the most popular are the following manufacturers:

• Beautix, Kodi Professional;
• Jessica Geleration, OPI Gel Color;
• Luxio, UNO.

Shellac reviews

Reviews from manicurists about shellac are mostly positive, however, there are some nuances to its use.

Marina, 34 years old, Moscow

Marina, 34 years old, Moscow

I've been using shellac for a couple of years now, doing manicures and pedicures. Among the advantages I can note:

• beautiful shiny finish;
• wide range of products;
• durability of the coating.

Disadvantages, from my point of view:

• the cost is higher than the average price of other gel polishes;
• Before applying shellac, you should not do a hot manicure - the coating may peel off and break;
• Not suitable for all nails.

Christina, 23 years old, Barnaul

For a long time I didn’t understand the hype around Shellac from CND, I thought that the composition was no better than varnishes from other companies. I tried thermal varnish, was very pleased, after which I purchased about three dozen different colors and textures for work, I don’t regret it. One of the advantages I can note is that the coating does not chip, does not harm the nails, and looks beautiful. Shellacs with shimmer are my special love. I did not find any shortcomings, except that the shades are slightly different from the declared ones.

What to buy for a manicure: polish, gel polish or gel shellac?

When making a decision, you should focus on the properties of the coatings. Conventional varnishes are not durable. Their maximum lifespan is a week. Therefore, they are suitable for those girls who prefer to frequently update their design. If a lady is a supporter of exclusive, durable solutions, then her choice is gel polishes, including shellac products from the CND brand.

Hybrid funds

Gel polish is becoming increasingly popular and popular. This is a real breakthrough in the world of the nail industry. The hybrid of gel and varnish demonstrates amazing results, which captivates nail service professionals and their clients.

Manufacturers assure that by purchasing gel polish, you will receive:

• Convenience and ease of the coating application procedure.
• Fast polymerization under a lamp.
• Long-term color retention and coating integrity. The effect lasts quite a long time - 2-3 weeks.
• Intense shine all the time. The coating does not crack or chip.
• Safety of use. Hypoallergenicity of the materials used. Nail plate protection and naturalness.
• No need for correction.

However, if you look at the reviews, you will, unfortunately, find some inconsistencies with what was promised in the advertisement and what turned out to be the case. Already in the first days, the gel polish may begin to flake off and peel off at the edges. Most often, the problem lies in non-compliance with the application technique or subsequent operation, as well as existing contraindications. Therefore, those who provide the procedure need to know in detail the principles of the process, and clients should better not hide existing contraindications.

Experts say that one of the reasons why gel polish does not take root is increased sweating of the palms. It is not advisable to carry out the procedure during pregnancy or lactation. Stress, thyroid dysfunction, and even menstruation have a negative impact on the durability of the coating. Taking antibiotics or hormonal drugs has an effect.

Subsequent actions also play an important role. For example, gel polish is not recommended for prolonged contact with water and chemicals without gloves: be it washing dishes, staying at a seaside resort or frequent visits to the pool. Temperature changes are also dangerous for him, so don’t forget about mittens if you go outside in the winter. Too hot or cold water can also affect the condition of the coating.

Popular gel polishes: In'Garden So naturally, Color Couture from Entity One, Jessica Geleration, Axxium OPI, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac coating

Like any other material, products have their advantages and disadvantages.

pros

• Long service life.
• No formaldehyde, safe for health.
• Quick drying allows you to apply complex patterns.
• Supports the plates, preventing them from breaking.
• Large selection of colors and availability.
• Can be applied at home.

Minuses

• Dehydrated nails become dull and brittle.
• A long break is required to restore the plate.
• The need to strictly follow the technology when working with shellac.
• Do not apply to sick nails affected by fungus.

Why do you need a primer and how to use it?

Primer is the secret to a long lasting manicure. It is a watery or gel mass without color or odor with an acidic or acid-free formula. Acid-free compositions do not have an aggressive effect on nails and are acceptable for use on thin, brittle plates, but are not particularly effective. Find out what are the benefits of L'Oreal highlighting powder here.

Step-by-step instruction

A primer based on methacrylic acid provides reliable “adhesion” to shellac, and the product is approved for use only on healthy nails. The product is toxic; if it comes into contact with areas of skin adjacent to the plate, it can cause the formation of painful blisters, severe burning, and redness, and therefore requires very careful use. It does not penetrate into the deep layers of the nail and does not harm their structure at all when used. Taking care of curls and bright colors – Farmavita hair dye.

Be sure to explain to the client how shellac “behaves” during pregnancy and what risks there may be. Women in this position need to be additionally protected and better reassured once again. Moreover, some means are very “aggressive”.

The product performs several important functions:

1. Degreases and dries the nail surface.
2. Disinfects, preventing the penetration of fungal infection and its development.
3. Prevents plate deformation, delamination, formation of microcracks, etc.
4. Fixes the coating.

Lasting transformation – Tseko hair dye.

Acid primer does not work well with clear shellac due to the white residue that remains after the product dries.

How to apply shellac at home

Stages of work:

• processing of plates, cuticles and side ridges in any way;
• forming and trimming plates, buffing;
• degreasing with nail polish remover or antiseptic;
• applying a base layer with mandatory sealing of the ends;
• dry for one minute;
• Roll the container with gel polish in your palms, but do not shake it;
• apply a thin layer of the chosen color, dry for 2 minutes, repeat;
• Cover the top with a layer of top coat for gel polishes and dry.

Remove the sticky layer with a cloth soaked in alcohol or acetone nail polish remover. Apply nourishing oil to the cuticles and massage your fingers. All is ready!

Three phase system

The three-phase gel polish application system is the most difficult to perform. However, she is also the most persistent.

The first phase is applying the base. The base coat minimizes the appearance of flaking and chipping. The base also allows you to level and hide imperfections of the nail plate. In this case, the final result will be more accurate and will be pleasing to the eye.

The second phase is applying gel polish. If you are not satisfied with the result after the first application or want to try the craquelure effect, you can do two layers.

The third phase is applying the top coat. The top serves to protect the manicure from minor mechanical damage, chips, and scratches. It also adds shine and can smooth out uneven nails.

Two-phase system

This system is somewhat simpler. Here there is no need to apply a foundation (base). All that remains is gel polish and top coat. Otherwise everything is the same. But this system has not gained much popularity in our country.

Single phase system

In this case, gel polish combines three products at once: the gel polish itself, the base and top coat. We simply apply the three-in-one product to our nails and get a good manicure.

But do not forget that it is somewhat less durable compared to the three-phase method of applying gel polish. On the other hand, the clear advantage of the last two systems is the time that you will need to spend to get the result.

We fix each layer in any of the three systems by drying it in a lamp!

Shellac solutions for short nails

Short length is a wise choice for active, active ladies, young mothers caring for babies. Small nails look elegant and discreet, perfect for any look. Here are the most popular destinations this season:

• bright longitudinal stripes;
• delicate nude and translucent shades;
• any rich dark tones - chocolate, burgundy, blue, emerald;
• red palette;
• lunar design, French and reverse French;
• minimalism and abstraction.

To apply shellac, you need to choose the right lamp

To be sure that the drying lamp is suitable for performing manicure, you need to make sure that the wavelength is sufficient to start the polymerization process of the decorative coating. There should be special markings on the shellac packaging indicating what type of lamp should be used:

1. UV/LED - this label indicates that this is a universal varnish that can be applied with any drying lamp.
2. UV – a lamp with short or mid-range ultraviolet waves must be used. To apply Shellac, devices with wavelengths from 280 to 370 nm, fluorescent or CCFL type, are suitable.
3. LED – this mark indicates that you need to use an LED lamp with a wavelength of 380-400 nm. You can use other types of devices, but in this case, shellac polymerization will take much longer.

How long does shellac last?

The main advantage of this type of coating is its incredible durability. If the nail plates are healthy and do not peel or break, shellac will last from two to four weeks. The only negative is that by the end of the month the nails grow and their base becomes visible.

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Removing shellac manicure

Super-resistant gel polish must be removed correctly. While an experienced nail technician does this in a beauty salon, it’s easy to ruin your nails at home. Therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rules for removing Shellac.

• Cut five cotton pads in half and moisten them with acetone for gel polish remover.
• Place the cotton wool on the covering and wrap it in foil.
• After 25 min. Remove the foil and cotton wool.
• Remove the softened layer of material with an orange stick.
• Use a buff to polish the plates.

Amazing nail design possibilities

Shellac is the best tool for creative experiments and painting on nails. Leading designers suggest paying attention to three universal techniques that can be changed and supplemented as you please.

• French. Exquisitely sophisticated, charming in its simplicity, French design is beautiful in any design. The edges of the marigolds are highlighted with traditional black or white paint and painted with all the colors of the rainbow. Images, rhinestones and sparkles, foil elements, and modeling are used as decoration.

• Gradient color tints are more relevant than ever. For summer onions, bright, neon colors are used. If you want tenderness, then choose a discreetly romantic pastel palette. The transitional gradient from the little finger to the thumb in combination with the “different hands” technique is especially popular.

• Negative space allows you to make even a dull monochrome finish unique. Intricate patterns or laconic geometry on a transparent surface, interesting and funny designs allow you to create a design with your own character.

French: a classic in a new way

French manicure has maintained its leading position in the world of beauty and style for several years in a row. This is due to its versatility, naturalness and ease of implementation. However, in 2019, many variations on the theme have appeared. The nail plate can be painted not only beige, but the smile can be decorated in different ways.

French manicure has maintained its leading position in the world of beauty and style for several years in a row.

The nail plate can be painted not only beige, but the smile can be decorated in different ways.

Nude base and bright blue tips

Gradient French manicure, unusual designs as decoration, glitter, stones and double French are popular today. The combination of bright colors takes this type of manicure to a new level.

The most fashionable option is royal French manicure VS shocking. It is divided into two types: using nude translucent tones and with bright coatings, decorated with rhinestones and other decorative elements.

In 2022, it is important to change the shape of the tip color. The classic white stripe is often replaced with triangles.

If a French manicure is performed with shellac, it is considered one of the most difficult. Therefore, you first need to learn the basic techniques, because a perfectly even smile of the same size may not work out the first time.

If a French manicure is performed with shellac, it is considered one of the most difficult. Therefore, you first need to learn the basic techniques, because a perfectly even smile of the same size may not work out the first time.

French decorated with stones

Advice! When performing a French manicure with shellac, you should remember the texture of the varnish. To avoid sloppy gaps or streaks, it is recommended to apply the coating in several layers, remembering to dry each one.

Trendy shellac colors in 2021-22

Today, fashionistas have a huge selection of Shellac varnish colors to choose from, and their range is regularly updated. This year, special attention is paid to the following tones:

• nude – cream, beige, natural flesh, dusty pinkish. They wonderfully emphasize the femininity and elegance of a lady and are suitable for all shapes and sizes of plates;

• red for temperamental people who know their worth. The Wildfire and Hollywood tones from ; as well as Tango, Formidable, Distraction from Luxio; Royal Red, Jessica brand Roadster;

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• deep, mysterious black color is a classic nail design. Looks equally stylish in glossy or matte finishes and is perfect for short and long plates. This is an excellent background for exclusive experiments with vignettes, drawings, and inlays. You can combine any shades, transparent coatings and all known techniques with black.

New shellac ideas from leading designers

Each new season has its own fashion trends, innovative ideas from the previous year are developed, and some become a thing of the past. 2022 was no exception.

Minimalism style

For several seasons in a row, minimalist designs have been breaking all popularity records. Laconic pictures on a plain neutral background look both modest and stylish. They perfectly express the mood of the owner, her hobbies or life position. They go perfectly with different textures, negative space, and two-color duets.

Geometric figures

This year in fashion:

• monochrome and multi-color solutions;
• single-color and multi-colored stripes, parallel and intersecting lines;
• diagonal, horizontal and vertical stripes, dots and polka dots;
• triangles, complex shapes filled with color and glitter;
• active use of “negative space”, French, lunar techniques.

It is possible to creatively combine a variety of solutions and elements that will appeal to the fashionista. Rhinestones and pearls, kamifubuki, and different types of foil will help decorate your nails.

Sequins

Glitter powder and glitter are an excellent choice for creating an unusual, expressive manicure. It is not only suitable for holidays. With a little glitter, bright spring-summer nails will sparkle with refreshing colors. And soft pastel colors will reveal new, unexpected facets. Glitter can be applied to the entire surface or partially. Stretching or emphasizing drawings made by hand or using stickers.

Revolution on the catwalks

It is impossible to build a business on one formula for decades - this idea came to the founders in time, and they decided to bring something new to the fashion industry, immortalizing their name in history once again. Just imagine: before you is the 1990s - the era of supermodels, who always had impeccable hair and makeup, and no one remembered about manicures. “We realized we had to change that,” Jen decided and called up-and-coming designer Cynthia Rowley. To the question: “Can we do manicures for the models at your show?” - followed the obvious answer question for that time: “Why?” Thus, in 1996, another significant event occurred. The models' manicure allowed them to take a fresh look at the designer's collection and also interested other fashion designers.

How to dry such shellac coating

Many girls and women prefer to take care of their hands and nails at home, developing and implementing their own designs. To successfully apply Shellac to records, you will need a special lamp.

The compact tabletop device has built-in ultraviolet, cathode or LED light sources. Under the influence of light rays, the coating layer hardens in 1-2 minutes, as the polymerization process occurs. The dried composition firmly adheres to the surface of the nails and retains its flawless appearance for three weeks.

The beauty and durability of the manicure depends on the quality of the device, and it lasts for years. Therefore, you should not purchase cheap analogues from dubious sellers. Experienced professionals recommend products from the following brands:

• "OPI", "Harmony";

• "CND", "Gelish".

Shellac for long nails

Is it possible for pregnant women to do shellac?

Manicure on long nails looks elegant. The peculiarity is that it is easy to choose delicate shades and create thematic patterns. You can use milk shellac as a base. Patterns - snowflakes, leaves, butterflies or leaves. For autumn options, bright shades are suitable: red, orange, yellow, black. The paint can be mixed to create a custom design. A variety of design additions are suitable for winter manicure: stickers, rhinestones. The techniques of “broken glass” or mirror shine are interesting. Shiny silver shellac will look great on nails, especially during the winter holidays.

Using standard varnish options is not always beneficial - they do not last long. Under domestic conditions, the pattern or integrity of the applied layer will be damaged within 1-2 days. Shellac, especially after additional fixing using special. compositions (fixers), lasts several times longer. The shades of varnish for an unusual, bright or festive manicure should be contrasting. Non-standard and unusual types of shellac manicure:

• using drawings;
• using hearts or flowers (small types of stickers);
• image of flowers;
• drawings of foliage and grass (for summer and spring coverings);
• knitting pattern.

Water effects are also popular. A new fashionable option is images with real stones. Gold and platinum patterns are in demand. The advantages of this option are the protection and durability of the coating. Correctly selected designs will be appropriate throughout the year.

It’s not difficult to choose which shellac is better. It is recommended to take into account that natural or light shades always remain fashionable. If desired, shellac on short oval nails can be dark. In this case, it is better to use brown or cherry shades. You can also combine colors to achieve non-standard variations.

Various designs look good on nails

A master can easily select shellac for round nails or for a long holiday manicure. It will help strengthen your nails and tell you which coating option is most beneficial in a particular case. For office style or use at work, it is recommended to give preference to pastel colors that are close to natural shades. A high-quality composition allows you to strengthen the plate (it’s better not to buy cheap ones). Transparent coatings are recommended to be used as a base for the main decorative layer. Transparent shades are used on their own if the nails are not damaged. The best and high-quality shellacs stay on your nails for a long time. You need to remove the coating in a beauty salon to avoid damaging your nails. Special extensions are not carried out before coating the nail plate with shellac.