As we have already noted, the good thing about shellac is that its service life can be extended even up to 3 weeks with the correct application technique. How to achieve this? You should follow certain rules and buy only tried and true products.

From the material proposed, you will learn how to apply shellac correctly, how to remove shellac, and you will understand why such a manicure does not always last long. You will also find step-by-step photos and reviews of this CND product.

As for color, the CND varnish palette is updated every year. In addition, the manufacturer offers instructions for mixing this or that color to obtain new beautiful shades.

For shellac manicure, it is better to buy a ready-made set, which includes everything you need. Namely, a base + top coat, a lamp, three colored gel polishes in a red tone, a means for removing shellac and degreasing nails, and cuticle oil. Only for our readers there is a special 50% discount on the shellac starter kit. To take advantage of the promotional offer, follow the link.

Shellac is a unique superiority. Those who have ever had a shellac manicure come back to it again and again. Although it requires drying under a special lamp, you are rewarded with a long-lasting coating that is not afraid of external damaging factors and lasts for 14 days. For those with problem nails, Shellac is a real find.

So, what is shellac nail polish? Shellac was created by CND (Creative Nail Design) and is a hybrid of gel and polish. In addition, it is much easier to apply and remove than gel.

By the way, if you expect a truly long-term effect, use materials with the CND logo. The power of the CND YV lamp should be 36 W

The differences between gel and shellac are minor:

1. Shellac is easy to remove and has no analogues.
2. The technique of applying shellac does not require the use of a primer, but this is more a minus than a plus. After all, the trouble is that this approach to manicure leads to dry nails.

Let's go directly to the instructions and tell you how to make shellac with your own hands at home.

How to make shellac at home

First, let's look at what you need to apply shellac at home. Please note that we have included only the most necessary tools in the list.

We will need the following manicure supplies:

• A medium abrasive buff to remove gloss and a file to shape the nail.
• Degreaser or acetone.
• Base coat (foundation) is also called the base (for stronger adhesion of the nail and varnish.
• Colored gel polish. The palette is currently very diverse and depends on the manufacturer (see table below).
• Topcoat is a finishing varnish. It will seal the manicure.
• Liquid for removing the sticky layer.
• Napkins should only be lint-free.
• UV lamp (or LED).
• Liquid and special Shellac remover pads.

For those who are just learning how to do shellac manicure, it is better to buy ready-made sets.

If you have never tried to apply such a long-term product, and do not know how to make shellac at home, we suggest you follow the further instructions.

1. Preparing the nail plate for applying shellac. Namely, we give it shape, get rid of the cuticle, remove only the gloss from the nail, there is no need to diligently work on it with a buff. Degrease. It is especially important to degrease for those with oily skin. Use special wipes; cotton pads are contraindicated.
2. It's time for the primer. At this stage, apply the base using rubbing movements, maintaining a distance of 1-2 mm around the perimeter. In other words, we leave a gap between the skin and the base-treated surface. Direction: from cuticle to tip. Dry the primer layer under a UV lamp for 30 seconds.
3. How to properly apply shellac with colored pigment. We apply the first layer in the same way as in the previous step. Leave the perimeter 1-2 mm untouched. Dry for three minutes. Cover again. Now we close the perimeter but without touching the skin and cuticle, otherwise the shelf life will be significantly reduced. We seal the end. Again under the lamp. For design lovers, there is the opportunity to finish by drawing drawings, whatever you like, from simple lines to florals.
4. Finish coat time. Be careful, you should seal the manicure, including the end. Drying (3 min.).
5. Finally, use special napkins soaked in a cleanser (special liquid) to remove the sticky layer. You can use an alcohol solution (water 70% + alcohol 30%) instead of clinser.

Why doesn't shellac last?

Despite the declared strength, it is not always possible to go through two weeks and still keep a shellac manicure in perfect condition. Why doesn't shellac last well? The reasons can be very different.

Poor adhesion of shellac to the nail is often caused by incorrect application technique. This is, firstly, poor degreasing, and secondly, not sealing the end.

A common reason why gel polish does not last is splitting and flexibility of the nails. After all, when accidentally bent, the nail does not always break, but a crack in the coating may appear. As a result, the wear time of manicure is significantly reduced.

Individual intolerance to the components of gel polish is very rare.

How to quickly remove shellac from nails

We told you how to cover your nails with shellac, now all you have to do is find out at home. When carrying out the shellac removal procedure, adhere to the following rules.

• Soak a cotton swab or napkin in acetone;
• Place on nail;
• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil;
• Wait 10 minutes and clean the surface.

For convenience, we provide step-by-step photo instructions that show how to remove shellac yourself.

Watch the video: how to remove shellac at home using brand products:

Shellac price

Shellac has been and remains the leader among gel polishes. It follows that the price of a shellac manicure is quite high. But if you need really high-quality coverage, then price shouldn't be a barrier. The cheapest analogue is offered by the Bluesky brand, although this gel applies with flaws and lasts much less than the stated two weeks.

The approximate price of an economical set ranges from 4,500 rubles to 13,000 for a complete set. As you can see, you can get by with the economy option, the price of which is quite reasonable.

But before purchasing a set, we recommend trying out a shellac manicure in a salon. This way will allow you to see if this coating is suitable for you. And then learn to make it yourself, starting, of course, with economy kits. After all, the high price of a salon procedure on an ongoing basis can significantly hit your budget.

Guide to creating a color palette

Many people complain about the small amount of color in gel polishes, but today, thanks to step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to create a huge number of different shades.

1. Apply base coat, wait 10 seconds.
2. Then cover with the first color from the pair you like. Dry for 2 minutes.
3. Next, according to the photo instructions, select the second color. Dry for 2 minutes.
4. Cover with a finishing layer. Again under the lamp for a couple of minutes.
5. Remove stickiness.

That's all, you will be surprised how easily and simply you can create a wide variety of colors using several shades of shellac.

What is better shellac or gel polish?

First, let's reveal a terrible secret, shellac is the same gel polish, it's just that this name is assigned to all gel polishes. This is because CND was the first to produce a product called shellac. Therefore, the price of this nail coating is the highest.

In the hope of saving money, we try to find cheaper options, fortunately there are more than enough of them. But CND still remains the leader, this fact is indicated by reviews from both the manicurists themselves and their clients. In addition, it still does not have equivalent analogues. Plus, shellac manicure does not require prior application of primer. However, this technique is fraught with drying out the nail plate.

As mentioned earlier, shellac is a hybrid of a plastic gel and a varnish that requires drying under a UV lamp. It is simply irreplaceable for those who value their time and are willing to devote no more than 30 minutes to creating a manicure once every two weeks.

So which is better? Opinions and reviews from customers vary. Some people think that shellac is much better than other similar analogues. But there are also those who are delighted with the cheaper Gelish and Bluesky. Apparently, many are scared by the price of CND sets.

But if we put all the reviews together, we can conclude that shellac is better than others due to a fairly simple removal procedure. Although its colors are not so varied, and it lasts only two weeks versus 20 days for InGarden brand gel polish, provided that the application technique is followed. Ultimately, Shellac and Gelish Harmony received the highest scores among users.

To understand which gel polish looks better than others on nails, see the photo gallery at the end of the article. But don’t forget: a lot depends on the application technique and the level of professionalism of the manicurist.

How to spot fake shellac

Most counterfeits may have slight visual differences, but the easiest way to distinguish the original from a cheap copy is to pay attention to the batch number. You need to pay attention to the presence of the batch number when purchasing absolutely any product. The batch number is not printed on the packaging and is duplicated on the bottom of the varnish.

• So, the first thing that should alert you is the low price.
• The serial number printed on the bottom of the product must match the number on the packaging.
• Another distinctive feature is the smooth bottom of the original and the ribbed edge of the fake.

If you have caught the purchased shellac as a counterfeit, then do not use it under any circumstances. Fake shellac can cause nail damage or worse: severe allergic reactions.

Pivot table

	Shellac cnd	InGarden	Bluesky	Gelish Harmony
Manufacturer	USA	USA	China	USA
Bottle volume	7.3 ml	11 ml	10 ml	15 ml
Difficulty or ease of application	Apply like regular varnish, requires UV drying	The brush is inconvenient, it requires skill to get the coating neat, it doesn’t spread	Poor quality of the brush and the gel polish itself, paints unevenly	Liquid consistency, consumed quickly
Drying speed	36 W UV lamp (2 minutes) or LED lamp (30-60 seconds)			drying time should be increased by 1.5 and even 2 times
How many layers will be required?	One two	One -Two, some shades will have to be applied in Three and Four layers	Three-Five	Three
Color palette	61 shades, it is possible to combine different colors for a wider palette	Very extensive, new shades are added every year		141 colors
Preliminary cleaning of the nail and application of primer	Not required (just degrease is enough)	Requires sanding with a buffer and applying a bonder - an adhesive coating	Required	Requires sanding with a buffer, treatment with a dehydrator and application of a bonder.
Effect on nails	The coating makes nails stronger	Does not spoil, strengthens	Recovery courses are required; in some cases, drug treatment of the nail plate will be required.	For problem nails, the manufacturer suggests using medicinal bases
Durability of the coating	2 weeks	Up to 3 weeks	10-14 days, easy to chip	14 days, first of all the cuticle begins to peel off
Removal	Product Remover (10-15 minutes), removed in pieces	Artificial Nail Remover (15 minutes), easy to remove with film	does not soften completely, you have to cut it down	Removal time takes 15 minutes, must first be dissolved under foil with Harmony Gelish liquid
Hypoallergenic	Eat	Eat	Possible allergic reactions	Eat
Unpleasant chemical smell	Absent	Absent	The smell is not strong	Absent
Formaldehyde resins	None	None, + added caring ingredients	Contains hazardous substances	None
Cost price	Low if application technique is followed	Average		High
Cost, rub.	900-1500	500-600	300-450	In sets up to 3000
User rating	4.5-5 points	4-4,5	3-3,5	4.5-5 points

Shellac is a gel nail polish that allows you to create a natural, neat, and most importantly durable manicure. It got its name thanks to 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 a manicure performed using long-lasting gel polish that combines the best properties of regular polish and gel for nail extensions.

The first and main sign of a fake is the low price. When purchasing any cosmetic product, cheapness is a sign of savings on product components. For example, cheap gel polishes have fewer components that help protect the nail. They are more harmful and also less durable.

Another indicator is smell. Almost all good cosmetics stores should have a sample next to each product. Which needs to be examined not only for color, but also for smell. Real shellac should not emit a sharp, unpleasant chemical aroma.

Next, using the same probe, you need to study the consistency of the drug. Its density should be medium: not too liquid, but not thick either. The first indicator will indicate that the gel polish was diluted with acetone (or any other similar product) to increase the volume of the batch. The second will indicate an expired expiration date or incorrect storage principle.

The most important thing when buying gel polish is to use only professional stores and purchase exclusively familiar brands.

Otherwise, you can allegedly save time and money, but not achieve the desired result (loss of money), or even ruin the appearance of the nail (wasting a lot of time on restoration).

Pros and cons of shellac compared to regular varnish

When creating shellac, the main goal was to create a nail coating that had durability (from gel) and color variety (varnish). To an inexperienced consumer, it may seem that gel polish and regular polish do not have significant differences: an identical application technique combined with the same appearance of the materials.

However, upon closer examination, the following differences can be deduced:

• Regular polish can dry in the fresh air, while gel polish requires exposure to a special lamp with ultraviolet rays. This technology has both positive and negative sides. The latter involves the need to purchase a specialized lamp, the price of which can reach up to 7 thousand rubles, and in some cases more. However, this equipment will eliminate long minutes of waiting and the fear of ruining the monolith of work done with simple hand movements.
• Shellac is somewhat limited in color palette than regular varnish.
• The cost of shellac is higher than the price of regular nail polish.
• The main difference between these coatings is the wear time: shellac stays on the nail without visible damage for up to 3 weeks.
• To remove nail polish, you just need to wipe the nail plate with nail polish remover. In the case of shellac, everything is not so simple: such a composition can only be removed using special mixtures.

Obviously, there should 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 color are produced. Thus, there remains only one, but very significant difference - the purpose of applying these compositions to the nails.

The gel is intended for extension of 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?

The debate about the dangers of shellac for the nail plate has been going on for a long time: many complain that after removing the coating, their nails do not look their best. Of course, any impact on the nails can negatively affect their condition, causing deformation, layering 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.

That’s why it’s so important to apply and remove shellac, for beginners, at home, step by step and following simple rules:

How often can shellac be applied?

You can often hear from manicurists that shellac can be applied 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 are not trying to get rich at the expense of their clients argue that: although in the hands of experts who know what they are doing, shellac cannot cause much harm to the nails, it is still worth giving the nail plate a rest.

No matter how wonderful and harmless this remedy may be, it still contains components that can deplete the nail, deprive it of essential microelements and vitamins. For example, to absorb calcium, nails need vitamin D, which is produced by the sun.

However, under the coating layer, the nails are unable to absorb the required dose of the vitamin.

Thus, the frequency of applying shellac has no clear restrictions. However, it is recommended that after each 3 procedure you give your nails a rest for at least 14 days, and in winter the period increases to 3 weeks.

How long does it take on average to apply shellac?

If you have step-by-step instructions, any beginner can do a shellac manicure at home. However, for beginners this may take significantly longer than for professionals. Compared to applying conventional varnish, the shellac coating procedure has many nuances, new devices, tools and materials.

Therefore, it is very difficult to voice a specific part of the time: everything depends on the dexterity and adaptability to 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 determine only the time of the procedures and the properties of the preparations (what to hold for how long, how long it will take to dry, etc.), then the whole process should not take more than 30-50 minutes.

Tools needed to apply shellac

Most of the tools needed for step-by-step application of shellac at home will also be available to beginners, since are mandatory for every lady:

Materials required for applying shellac

Materials include products and solutions that the procedure cannot do without:

• Cuticle remover;
• degreaser;
• base coating (base);
• tonic coating;
• finishing coating;
• de-sticking agent;
• shellac remover.

Preparing nails for shellac application

Not only the appearance of the manicure, but also the duration of its wear will depend on the correct preparation of the nail.

At this stage, you need to complete the following steps:

Applying the base layer

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 layer is divided into several points:

1. Painting the left edge of the nail;
2. Coloring the right edge;
3. The final stroke in the center of the plate;
4. Before performing the remaining steps, you need to make sure that the edges of the nail are thoroughly 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:

1. The jar of varnish must be scrolled several times along the base of the palms. This will allow the shellac to warm up and settle evenly on the nail.
2. Directly applying the foundation itself. The layer should not be thick, otherwise it will take longer to dry, which will lead to unwanted spots in the final result.
3. Drying the coating. You need to dry it in a special lamp for about 13 seconds.

Applying shellac

This tonic layer gives the nails color and is applied according to the following instructions:

It is worth considering that the layers should be incredibly thin, almost transparent. Otherwise, the varnish may swell and form unpleasant bubbles.

Before applying the varnish, you need to check its condition: it should not be too thick. Damage to the coating can occur due to improper storage or purchasing a low-quality product, which will have a bad effect on the condition of the nails. It must be stored with the cap tightly screwed on and at room temperature. Also, do not leave it in areas exposed to sunlight.

Applying decor

The scheme and technology for decorating nails with shellac is practically no different from decorating with regular varnish, however, here after decorating the nails you need to apply another layer of varnish.

Decor can be done using:

• Ribbons and strips;
• drawings;
• patterns;
• pictures;
• coloring technique, using multiple colors;
• sequins and rhinestones, etc.

Applying top coat

Finishing painting consists of only 3 steps:

1. Direct application of the mixture, which has several nuances:

• it should be applied in a fairly thick layer;
• Using this coating, it is necessary to seal all the free edges of the nail (thus the colored base will remain, as it were, in an entomological vessel).

1. Drying. The exposure time of hands under the lamp is no more than 130 seconds.
2. Removing the sticky layer using a special product in which you need to moisten a lint-free cloth. It costs quite a lot, so in extreme cases you can use acetone or alcohol. However, these substances can slightly damage the manicure, so they should be used with caution.

How to make French shellac yourself?

French shellac, for beginners at home, can be done step by step quite simply, The main thing is to follow the following technology:

How to remove shellac correctly?

Instructions for removing shellac, for beginners at home, step by step are as follows:

Nail care after shellac removal

To restore nails and protect them from further damage, it is necessary to carry out cosmetic procedures.

These include:

If the nails are excessively weakened and peeling, more complex cosmetic procedures should be performed:

• Sealing a nail with wax in a 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 medicinal varnish at any pharmacy. The base of such a varnish must include calcium, many vitamins, and keratin. With regular use, the polish will heal your nails, making them stronger. And from the very first use, making the nails thicker due to the coating, the varnish will relieve discomfort and the fear of breaking the nail.

Applying shellac at home is quite simple even for beginners, especially if you use step-by-step instructions. However, so that the beautiful appearance of your 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, watch the video:

Basic set for shellac:

A good and beautiful manicure is an important component of a woman’s image. When doing a manicure, the fair sex hopes that it will last a long time on their nails and will not spoil an important event or vacation.

Beauty industry specialists solved the problem and invented a manicure product called shellac. For several years now it has been preferred over extensions.

Shellac is a special coating for nails that combines the properties of varnish (ease of application to the nail plate, attractiveness) and gel, which makes the manicure durable and protects the nail from exposure to water. The main difference between shellac and gel polish is that it lays on the nail with a light, weightless layer, does not damage its structure and protects the nail from mechanical damage. Unlike gel polish, shellac can only be removed with liquid.

Benefits of manicure with shellac

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One of the main advantages of creating a manicure with shellac is the simplicity and convenience of its application. It is enough to purchase a special UV lamp for drying nails, after which you can start experimenting and creating a beautiful, neat and durable manicure at home.

But, of course, there is also a number of other benefits of shellac manicure:

• Shellac does not contain harmful substances such as toluene and formaldehyde. This means that the product can be used by pregnant women and people suffering from allergies;
• The product lasts a long time;
• Attractive appearance of manicure: rich tone and natural shine;
• Shellac is easily removed and does not damage the nail plate;
• Resistance to damage to manicure;
• Large color palette - about 61 colors;

In order for shellac to stick well to your nails, it is enough to treat it only with a degreaser. There is no need to file the nail or remove the top layer.

Interesting fact: shellac is a waste product of insects living on tropical trees. This unique composition of the product helps protect and strengthen the nail plate.

So, in order to create a manicure with shellac at home, you need to prepare special tools and materials, which will be discussed further.

Preparation of tools and materials

There is a basic a set of necessary tools and materials, which will allow you to easily create a beautiful manicure with shellac at home. It includes:

• Ultraviolet lamp with a power of 36 W. If you purchase a UV lamp with a lower power, there is a chance that the layers of varnish will not “set”. In this case, a manicure will not work;
• Nail degreaser. Often it is purchased in the same place as the Shellac manicure kit. In extreme cases, you can use regular medical alcohol;
• Base or base coat;
• Colored shellac;
• Top coating (finish);
• Nail file or polishing buff;
• Orange stick;
• Lint-free wipes (lint will ruin the manicure, and you will have to remove the shellac and reapply it). Necessary for removing the sticky layer at the final stage;
• Shellac remover.

We recommend purchasing a base, finish and color varnish CND brand. This is due to the fact that only the official manufacturer provides a quality guarantee. You can, of course, buy cheaper analogues. But you won’t get a quality manicure with them. By saving, you will not get the desired result - a neat, long-lasting and beautiful manicure.

Step-by-step instructions for applying shellac

If you don’t have the desire, time or money to contact a specialist, you can cover your nails with shellac at home. The task is not easy, but you can learn.

Before we describe step by step instructions for applying shellac, pay attention to A number of tips to follow:

• Prepare everything you need: decide on the color of the varnish, connect the UV lamp, treat the surface of the nails;
• Shellac is attached to the nail and hardens only under UV light. Therefore, after applying shellac to the nail, each finger should be held under a lamp;
• In order for the manicure to look neat for up to 3 weeks, it is necessary to prepare the nail plate: disinfect, sand if necessary, treat. It is imperative to monitor the condition of the cuticle; this will help the nail breathe and receive the necessary nutrition.

Due to its structure, gel polish does not roll off like regular polish. This means that you can create a variety of designs on your nails.

Processing the nail plate

Step 1: We process the nail plate with a file, and also remove the cuticle before applying shellac. The nail needs preparation, so it is important to soften and remove the cuticle.

Decide on the shape of the nail, its length and polish the surface. This is necessary to eliminate the glossy shine, and not to thin the nail. So don't overdo it.

Clean your nails from existing dust and dirt, this will allow you to wear your manicure longer.

Having completed the grinding using a special file or buff, removing all microcracks from the nail, you should proceed to the next stage.

Step 2: degreasing the nail plate. The material should adhere to the surface and lie evenly on the nail. To do this, degrease the nail: using a smooth cotton pad, wipe the nail with a special product or regular medical alcohol. After this, a primer is applied and allowed to dry naturally.

It is necessary to degrease your nails immediately before applying shellac. It is very important not to touch them again, as the greasy stains will appear again.

Apply base coat

Step 3: apply the base layer. This stage is similar to applying regular decorative varnish. Apply a base layer from the base of the nail to the tip. It is very important to leave a gap of 2 mm between the skin and the coating.

Don't forget that the base layer must be sealed. This is done by coating the end of the nail.

Once the base coat is applied, place your finger in the UV lamp for 10 seconds. The time varies depending on sensitivity and individual tolerance, as well as the power of the lamp.

Step 4: start covering your nails with colored shellac. Try to apply polish closer to the cuticle to make your manicure look neater. Having previously chosen the color of shellac, apply the first layer, then put it in an ultraviolet lamp for 2 minutes.

Apply the second layer in the same way and dry it in a UV lamp. It all depends on your preferences, but practice shows that if you leave one layer of varnish, the tone will turn out translucent.

Apply top coat

Step 5: we consolidate the work. The last layer should be the densest; apply it to the entire surface of the nail and seal it. Place your fingers in an ultraviolet lamp for 2 minutes. Be careful to avoid streaks and unevenness. If you are careless at this stage, you will have to redo the manicure and reapply shellac.

A manicure with shellac at home is considered almost complete at this stage. All that remains is to remove the sticky layer. This is done using a degreaser and a lint-free cotton pad.

By following all the steps described above correctly, you will get a beautiful, uniform manicure. It will not wrinkle, will not burst and will delight you for at least 3 weeks.

How to attach rhinestones?

Manicure with shellac and rhinestones is an extravagant trend in the field of nail art. It is recommended to decorate one or two nails with rhinestones, carefully choosing the colors. The marigolds will acquire a neat and elegant look without making the image vulgar.

Adhesive rhinestones are imitation stones of different sizes. One side is flat, the other is embossed. The decoration is attached to the nails with a smooth surface. You need to attach rhinestones to shellac correctly, otherwise there is a risk that they will fall off very quickly.

Technology for applying rhinestones to shellac step by step:

• Step 1: coat your nails with shellac, cure the layer in an ultraviolet lamp. The coating must be sufficiently hardened. Only in this way will the fastening of the stones be strong and the design will not be smeared;
• Step 2: onto the design created and thought out in advance, apply “stones” with tweezers or a toothpick. You can use a sharp stick, then dip it in water or varnish;
• Step 3: Wait for the glue to dry so that the crystals are well attached. Remember that rhinestones are applied to the top coat after the main manicure has already been completed;
• Step 4: fix the work by applying a topcoat without a sticky layer and dry it in a UV lamp for 2 minutes.

When applying rhinestones, use special glue or gel. As a last resort, you can use clear varnish and a fixative, but such products make the rhinestones less shiny.

How to make a design on your nails?

Plain shellac coating can quickly become boring. If you are a lover of bright and original nail designs, then you can diversify your manicure. For this purpose the following is used:

• Drawings - prepared, or drawing with a thin brush;
• A combination of shellac of different colors;
• Using figures, stickers, glitter, stripes.

Today, two techniques for creating designs on nails are especially popular: casting and dotting.

A beautiful design with shellac on nails can be done in an unusual, but very popular casting technique. To do this, you will need to purchase transfer foil, black gel paint and a thin brush.

The design is made with a thin brush and then dried in an ultraviolet lamp. Next, a shiny layer of foil is printed onto the sticky layer of gel paint. You can decorate your nails this way on both a matte and glossy finish.

When performing a manicure using the casting technique, you should adhere to a number of tips:

• When imprinting the foil, you need to press it smoothly and firmly, then tear it away from the nail with a sharp movement. Repeat the movements until you get the desired result;
• Dark paint should be used as a base for casting. This will add depth to the color;
• Cover the molded nails with a topcoat or clear varnish to protect the design from abrasion.

You can diversify a plain manicure with shellac using dots.

Dots(from the English dots - dots) is a double-sided tool with two balls at the ends, the size of which can be very different. Using dots you can create drawings in the form of:

• Peas;
• Dots;
• Stripes;
• Commas.

If you don't have a professional tool, you can replace it with a hairpin, pen, orange manicure stick or toothpick.

One of the easiest ways to use dots at home is to draw dots. To do this, apply a few drops of varnish with a brush to the palette. Dip the tip of the tool into the varnish and lightly transfer the varnish to the nail plate. You will receive different sized circles.

With dots you can draw straight lines or curls. To do this, also dip the tip of the tool into the varnish and draw on the nail, drawing the pattern into the required shapes and lines. Draw smoothly, stretching a drop of varnish into the desired pattern.

The main mistakes when applying shellac

In order for a manicure with shellac to last longer on your nails, you must follow the instructions for applying it. By performing all the steps consistently, you will ensure a long-lasting and beautiful manicure for at least 3 weeks.

So, don't allow the following mistakes when applying shellac:

• Don't forget to lubricate the cuticle with softening oil. This will help keep your manicure neat and tidy for a longer period.
• Do not mix varnishes from different companies. Nail coatings from different manufacturers differ in composition and structure. The stages of applying and removing shellac complement each other to create an even and durable finish. If you experiment with different manufacturers, the products may “come into conflict.” For example, the primer may not work, and then the coating will not adhere to the nail. The result is that the shellac will peel off within a few days.
• Do not remove your hands from the UV lamp before a special signal sounds. The timer is set to ensure that the coating dries to the required degree.
• Do not remove shellac yourself. Without knowing all the subtleties, you can damage your nail plate. If you are going to remove shellac at home, use a special remover.
• Do not tear off any peeling edges. If you see that the gel polish has peeled off somewhere, do not bite your nails or remove the shellac. You may damage the top layer of the nail plate. It is better to correct this nail at home.

Shellac coating is a relatively new type of nail decoration, but due to its ease of application and variety of colors and shades, it is becoming increasingly popular.

Previously, shellac could only be made in a beauty salon, but today cosmetics manufacturers have made sure that you can create such a stylish coating at home.

In fact, shellac is a fairly simple nail decoration process, but the main condition for success is to accurately follow the instructions on how to do shellac correctly. If you prepare correctly and strictly follow all stages of the nail coating process, then you can get a beautiful, stylish and, most importantly, durable manicure that will last on your nails for two weeks. Moreover, you can also use extensions or apply varnish to your nails.

You can find detailed photos and video materials on this topic on the Internet, where professional specialists and masters post them, and you can easily and simply do a manicure at home. Shellac is a high-quality varnish and gel in one bottle, which are designed in such a way that you get not only a beautiful and shiny design, but also a very durable coating. The advantage of this product is its exceptional strength, which will allow your manicure to remain strong, fresh and shiny for a long time.

Shellac is distinguished by a very high degree of saturation, which was previously characteristic only of very expensive decorative varnishes. In some cases, when you get a shellac manicure, you even need just one coat of polish to get a vibrant, deep-colored nail design. Of course, in order to give yourself such a manicure, you will have to use not only one gel polish, but also other products, without which the coating will not have such properties as strength and shine.

And drying with an ultraviolet lamp is one of the conditions for a quality manicure. But the game is worth the candle, and in the end, in literally 30 minutes you will get a very stylish and luxurious manicure that emphasizes the natural beauty of your hands. Original and high-quality shellac has a thick texture, a not too pronounced odor, and it dries quickly even under natural conditions without the use of an ultraviolet lamp.

But shellac fakes will spread over the entire surface of the nail plate, and even after drying under ultraviolet light, the coating cannot boast of durability. Note that the varnish produced by well-known brands is safe and does not harm the nails and their structure, the nail plate does not turn yellow, does not dry out, and the nail does not flake.

When you use cheap fakes for manicure, you risk creating problems with the condition of the nail plate and will have to spend a lot of time to restore their structure. Therefore, you should not save on your beauty and buy products from unknown manufacturers. Even with the high cost of real shellac, you save, because the decorative coating lasts on your nails for a long time, and you are less likely to have a fresh manicure.

In order to understand how to make shellac correctly and step by step, you should prepare a set of materials and tools:

• ultraviolet lamp - dries the coating;
• manicure set;
• shellac;
• base coat;
• special degreaser;
• top coating;
• napkins;
• nail polish remover.

Today, cosmetic stores sell special kits for professional shellac, which include all the products necessary for a manicure. This will allow you to get a high-quality and proper manicure; you won’t have to look for each product separately and use products from different brands, which are not always compatible with each other.

In some cases, shellac may not hold on and quickly peels off, losing its shine and freshness. There may be several reasons for this, first of all - you bought a cheap product that does not contain the substances necessary for strength. The second reason is failure to follow the shellac application technique and insufficient drying time under an ultraviolet lamp.

It is possible that you decided to save money and did not buy a degreaser. In the shellac procedure, this product is necessary in order not only to degrease the nail plate, but also to ensure the strength of adhesion of the varnish layer to the nail. Using nail polish remover for this purpose does not give the desired result, and you cause a lot of damage to your nails with acetone.

The price of shellac from well-known manufacturers starts from 1000 rubles, but, as we have already noted, you still save, because the coating is applied much less frequently than when using conventional decorative varnish.

Shellac application technology and shellac base application

Modern technology for applying shellac begins with routine nail care and preparation for manicure.

After you have tidied up your nails, given them the desired shape and thoroughly polished the surface of the nail plate, proceed to the shellac application technique:

1. Degrease your nails with a special product to improve the adhesion of the coating to the nail.
2. Now a transparent shellac base is applied and dried for 10 seconds under ultraviolet light.
3. Apply the thinnest layer of shellac and dry it under the lamp for 2 minutes. A thin layer is necessary because a thick one can swell during drying and you will have to remove it and repeat the procedure when the nail is degreased, a transparent shellac base is applied and a decorative varnish is applied.
4. Now apply a second coat of varnish, which may be slightly thicker than the first, but not much. The second layer allows you to obtain very deep and rich shades, increasing the strength of the manicure. Drying under the lamp lasts 2 minutes.
5. Apply top coat, clear coat, which dries in 1 minute.
6. Using a lint-free cloth and a special product, remove the sticky layer from the manicure.

As you can see, the technique for applying durable and beautiful shellac is quite simple, but you must follow each step of the process to get the desired result.

If previously only a specialist in a beauty salon could offer you extensions and shellac, today, thanks to the availability of shellac products in stores, you can cope with the task yourself, simply by purchasing the necessary material in an online store.

Manufacturers offer a very wide and varied range of shellac colors and you can choose varnishes for a single-color design or for multi-color, ombre, etc.

Of course, the greatest demand is for bright and rich, very vibrant shades: red, cherry, black, blue, purple and a host of other tones. The brightest and most unusual shades are offered to you by brands such as Bluesky, CND, the first of the manufacturers to offer girls and women such a durable coating.

The standard professional shellac set includes:

• degreaser;
• shellac base;
• the coating itself;
• top coating;
• sticky layer remover;
• ultraviolet lamp;
• shellac remover;
• orange wood cuticle sticks.

If you want to save on some of the products included in such a standard set, then the economy option, which includes degreasers, base, varnish, top coat and alcohol, is also suitable for you. Some manufacturers offer kits that contain only a base and top coat, as well as an ultraviolet lamp. You will have to buy decorative coating separately.

Many girls often wonder what is better - shellac or gel polish. The difference between these two products is that with shellac technology there is no need to use a primer - a product that provides very strong adhesion of the nail plate and gel polish, and the procedure for removing shellac is less than when removing gel polish with nails

Let's look at applying shellac step by step on different nail designs, for example, we use a classic French one.

French is applied in the same way as with a regular, classic French manicure, but the process also includes drying the coating with an ultraviolet lamp, a base coat and removing the sticky layer using a special product and a lint-free cloth.

The only thing you shouldn't use when using Shellac is- these are special stencils that can stick to the coating and ruin it, since you will have difficulty removing these accessories. Therefore, applying French shellac step by step is carried out only by hand, without any stencils, just try to do everything carefully.

We have already dealt with the question of how to properly paint nails with shellac, now let’s talk about how to remove the coating from the nail plate without damaging it. To properly remove shellac from nails, you can go in two ways: use a special kit or select all the necessary products and tools yourself.

The professional shellac remover kit includes:

• shellac remover;
• special sponges in the form of pockets with Velcro, which provide protection from air and increase the efficiency of the coating removal procedure;
• orange (wooden or glass) sticks.

You can buy all these products and tools separately for your own shellac removal kit, since today they are freely available. Sponges in the form of pockets can be replaced with food foil for baking in the oven or medical fingertips, which also fit tightly to the nail plate.

You will also need a cream to moisturize the area around the nails to minimize the effect of the shellac remover, which contains acetone. Wet the sponges generously with shellac remover and press them onto each finger, wrap your nails in foil and wait 10 minutes. When you remove such a “compress”, you will see that the top layer of shellac has become soft and can be removed from the nail plate with a stick.

Remove what is already softened and, if necessary, repeat the procedure by applying a sponge with liquid and wrapping it in foil. After you completely get rid of the old coating, put your nails in order, polish the nail plate, apply nourishing cream or natural oil to restore the nail structure and moisturize it. Now you can start creating a new stylish shellac manicure.

With sufficient knowledge of how to properly and effectively paint your nails with shellac, you can create a variety of designs on your nails, apply various techniques and painting to get a long-lasting and perfect manicure.

Shellac is considered one of the most durable nail coatings. Correctly unapplied composition allows you not to renew your nails for two or even three weeks. If you are tired of spending money on a nail salon and you decide to get a home nail corner, we will teach you how to properly apply shellac at home. Step-by-step instructions will not let you get confused in the technology of creating a durable and beautiful manicure.

What is Shellac

Shellac– a modern material for a perfect manicure. It consists of safe components and has no contraindications: it is allowed during pregnancy and lactation. Does not cause allergies, which pleases women susceptible to seasonal and chronic allergic manifestations.

easily removable: using a special file prevents damage to the nails. The nail plates grow under a reliable coating during the entire wear.

What you need to make shellac at home

To make long-term coating at home, you need to acquire a whole supply of consumables. Below we list, what you need to buy, for personal use:

• Buff and file. A buff is needed to remove the glossy layer from the nail plates, a file is needed to trim the nail plates.
• Nail surface degreaser. To save money, you can replace it with acetone solvent.
• Base coat, which serves as the basis for the adhesion of the nail surface and shellac.
• Decorative varnish. It can be selected taking into account individual preferences or current trends.
• Finish coating topcoat for sealing manicure.
• Lint-free wipes and liquid for removing sticky fragments from the nail.
• LED lamp
• Special pads to remove the coating.
• Solution for removing stubborn coating from nails.

How to make Shellac

If you are new to applying long-lasting manicures, read the instructions to help you properly carry out the procedure without being disappointed with the result.

1. Start the procedure from the preparatory stage: clean your nails of the old coating, do a regular hygienic manicure. If you accompanied your manicure with water treatments, wait a few hours before applying a permanent coating.
2. Treat the surface of the nail plates with a buff: Peel off the top glossy layer for better adhesion.
3. Degrease your nails lint-free cloth. Do not use cotton pads for this purpose: remaining cotton fibers will make applying shellac uncomfortable. In addition, stuck particles form air pockets, which will significantly shorten the life of a beautiful manicure.
4. Prime the keratinized plates. To do this, apply the base layer using pressing movements, from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Be sure to leave a gap of at least 2 millimeters between the skin and the nail plate.
5. Dry primed nails in a lamp. Exposure time – 30 seconds.
6. Apply colored varnish, leaving, as in the case of priming, a few millimeters of gaps. Dry for 180 seconds under the lamp.
7. Apply a second coat colored decorative coating: paint the nail completely, avoiding contact of the shellac with the cuticle. Touching the skin of your finger will shorten the life of your manicure.
8. Seal free edge of the nail. Dry under the lamp for 120 seconds.
9. Apply drawings or apply stickers if this is included in the manicure design.
10. Use a topcoat to complete your manicure. Apply it carefully along the surface of the nail plate and from the end of the nail. Dry in a UV lamp for 180 seconds.
11. Wet lint-free wipes in liquid to remove the sticky layer. Rub all over your nails to complete your manicure. If you do not have the specified liquid on hand, use a mixture of water and alcohol in a ratio of 70:30 percent.

Reasons for the impossibility of applying and wearing Shellac

At this point, we are unlikely to tell you anything new for those who have already read the article about the durability of gel polish. If suddenly you missed this information, you can find it

In anticipation of questions, we note - causes The reasons why shellac is susceptible to delamination are identical to the reasons inherent in gel polishes. That is why consider all points, which you will study in the next tab.

Apply shellac- half the battle. The second half is to competently and correctly remove the resistant coating without damaging the nail plates. How to do it find out below:

1. Prepare all the necessary materials at once, so that during the process of removing the coating there is no need to be distracted.
2. Take regular cotton swab: When removing a manicure, the type of napkins or cotton pads used does not matter. Generously bathe the tampon in a container of acetone.
3. Place cotton swabs on your nails, adjusting them according to size. . Acetone should not affect the skin of your hands, so do not wrap the tampon around your fingers.
4. Secure with special clothespins for manicure or wrap with regular food foil. Leave the composition act on the durable coating for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the foil. You will see that several layers of shellac have bulged as they move away from the nail.
6. Remove the product finally remove from nails using an orange stick. She will quickly and painlessly remove unnecessary crusts.

Where and how much to buy

Before you give in to your emotions and spend your hard-earned money on a shellac kit, meet me with this coating closer. This can be done by visiting a salon: three to four procedures performed by an experienced specialist, will allow us to understand, is this coverage suitable for you?

Buy tools and materials for shellac can be used together or separately. If you want to buy an inexpensive UV lamp for your first workouts, take a look at it on Aliexpress. The price of an inexpensive device varies from 800 to 1300 rubles. For this price you will receive a lamp of acceptable quality, which is ideal for personal use. If you decide to do manicure professionally, consider lamps from 3000 rubles.

Purchase full set materials in various nail stores will cost from 4,000 to 15 thousand rubles. The price difference is due to brand differences and quality characteristics. For the first training it is more logical to purchase Consumables in disassembled form: experiment with cheap and expensive base and topcoats, choosing the option that suits you personally.

Is there fake Shellac?

From the joy of shopping, you may not immediately notice what you have purchased fake product. To prevent this from happening, follow a few rules and please pay attention attention to detail:

• A quality certified product cannot cost cheap: There are lower and upper limits to the cost of shellac, but none of the limits can be called low.
• Be sure to pay attention to availability of batch number: Without this, the product cannot be considered real. The batch number is printed on the bottom of the bottle: the method of application is not typographical and repeats the material of the bottle.
• Once you have verified that the lot number is present, compare it with the same number on the barcode. They should be the same.
• Take a closer look at the bottom: with original varnishes it is completely smooth. If you notice that the bottom of the varnish is ribbed, put it back - it's a fake.

When choosing varnishes for long-term coverage, always request certificates of conformity from the seller. This way you can protect yourself from possible counterfeiting of the product.

How to make a new shellac color

Despite the fact that the shellac palette is quite diverse, the soul requires constant creativity and hitherto unseen shades. To get them, you don’t need to be a sorceress; you just need to watch a video in which master manicurists explain the correct sequence of actions.

UPD: reviews about applying shellac

We often receive feedback from women on beauty issues. With their permission, we will publish comments about the amazing shellac coating for women's nails.

Anna, 22 years old, Vladikavkaz

I've been wearing shellac for several years. At first I made it from a private master, then my friends gave me a simple lamp, I bought a cheap base and finish, and off I went. To say that I learned how to make a coating right away would be a lie: the path was long and painful, and I constantly forgot the sequence of actions. But now I know absolutely all the reasons why the varnish delaminates, and most often they are due to the master’s mistake. Now I’ve switched to expensive equipment, I’m buyingshellac in foreign online stores, and sometimes I do paid application. I'm very glad that I learned.

Ekaterina, 31 years old, Ekaterinburg

It's scary to imagine how much money I wasted on cheap fakes! Girls! The nails were completely destroyed due to the poor quality of the composition. This article caught my eye, and for the first time I learned how to distinguish a fake from real shellac. I regret that I didn’t see the article earlier. I will treat my nails and then buy an expensive nail product.

Alexandra, 26 years old, Moscow

Thanks for the informative article. I bought a lamp on Aliexpress, and all the other accessories were in a store near my house. It turned out to be about 6,000 rubles. I've already done a manicure twice: the first time I ruined everything, the second time it turned out more or less tolerable. I’m not going to stop: a manicure is still cheaper than in a salon.

Zhanna, 23 years old, Moscow

Very cool article! Thank you! I haven’t tried doing a manicure myself yet, but now at least I can imagine how it’s done. Interesting video about mixing varnishes. I didn't know that shellac could be mixed to create the feeling of real color. As for me, I do the coveringshellac for a long time: I only found out now that shellac can be made at home. That's how outdated I am)

You can make a durable shellac coating at home, but you need to be prepared for a high initial investment. Also keep in mind: the higher the level of skill, the more requests there will be for the quality of materials. The costs will pay off if you take the path of a professional manicurist; otherwise, shellac at home will simply become an expensive entertainment. Whatever you do next, it is important that now you know how to properly apply shellac at home, and the step-by-step instructions stored in your head will allow you to perform the procedure efficiently.