Who else but you knows how chipped nail polish can totally ruin the day? Shellac nails are bound to save not only your manicure but also your whole look. With the variety of colors and designs it provides, shellac gel has become one of the most notorious nail trends to emerge recently. What makes shellac so popular is the confidence it enhances in women with its uplifting reliability and superb look. Have you already decided on the shellac manicure you’re going to sport next? If not, keep on reading.
What Is A Shellac Manicure?
As it partially resembles a polish, you cannot use it for nail extension. Yet, as it also has properties of a gel, it makes your nails stronger and more durable. On top of that, Shellac can be considered the least harmful coating compared to others when used for a long time. Not only does it not damage your nails, but it even eliminates their chipping.
What Are Pros And Cons Of Shellac Nails?
The biggest advantage of the Shellac mani includes a long-lasting effect. If you ask us, “How long do Shellac nails last?” we’ll probably surprise you with the answer – up to 14 days! In that case, you may also be wondering, “How long can I leave Shellac on my nails?” And here comes another answer to surprise you – up to three weeks, depending on the speed your nails usually grow. We do not recommend wearing the same coating longer than this period. The thing is that the longer you have Shellac on, the longer it will take your nail tech to remove it, as it does not stop hardening as you wear it.
Another great advantage of Shellac nails is that they are real time-savers, as you don’t have to wait long hours until your manicure is dry. With Shellac, you can do with your hands whatever you want as soon as you walk out of the salon’s door. Washing up without hand gloves is not a problem anymore, as Shellac nails don’t peel off or chip so simply. It does make harm to your hands though, so go easy on it. Yet, there are still some minor cons of the Shellac coating. As your nails grow, their base becomes too visible while cuticles start to rag. Another downside is caused by UV lights, which are used to cure the Shellac polish. So, is Shellac bad for your health? Well, as you’re exposed to the UV light so often, there’s a risk of skin damage, pigmentation, aging and even cancer. However, you can deal with it by applying sunscreen or switching to the salon that uses LED lights instead. Besides, the removal can be rather difficult and takes up to 15 minutes. Nevertheless, you don’t have to soak your fingers in acetone as you’d normally do with gel polish. Lastly, the Shellac system can cause damage to thin or brittle nails, so consider improving their health first.
Ultimate Hints And Tips On Shellac Manicure
Still hesitant of how do you maintain Shellac nails? Leave it to the professionals. If you’re not a certified nail technician, you can cause a lot of damage to your nails and skin trying to do Shellac at home. You’ll end up in a salon anyway, so why not save up yourself some time, money and health?
- Keep your hands and nails nourished and moisturized during the day. Use cuticle oil and hand cream at least twice a day.
- Leave it to the professionals. If you’re not a certified nail technician, you can cause a lot of damage to your nails and skin trying to do shellac at home. You’ll end up in a salon anyway, so why not to save up yourself some time, money and health?
- Don’t peel off the coating. Just don’t. You’ll remove the top layers of the nails along with the shellac, which obviously does no good to your nails.
- Don’t overuse the shellac polish. You need to take a break from it from time to time to allow your natural nails to refresh a bit.
What Is The Difference Between Gel And Shellac Nail Polish?
Wondering what is better for your nails acrylic gel or Shellac? To start with, the question should be not what is better but what result you want to achieve with them. Besides, do you know what is the difference between gel and Shellac nail polish? The main difference between them is that the gel nails include fake tips that are sited on your natural nails. The same concerns the comparison of shellac vs acrylic nails. Both gel and acrylic nails can either match your nail shape or extend it. Shellac instead only covers your natural nails with a colorful coating thus can’t be used to extend them. Ultimately, to contrast shellac nails vs gel and acrylic ones is rather unequal, as they all serve their purpose and definitely have the right to exist. Thus, if you want to extend your nails, then turn to acrylics. To strengthen your nails and ensure your manicure lasts long, opt for either Shellac or gel. In case you are only looking for a natural finish, then go for Shellac.
How You Can Remove Shellac Nails At Home
There are several methods to remove Shellac nails, with the help of acetone, vinegar and some others. The most popular one is using acetone. Even though we highly recommend googling for “shellac nails near me” and going to the salon, you may wonder how to remove shellac nails yourself. So, here is how you can do it using the wrapping method:
- Cut cotton pads in squares to cover your nail beds.
- Trim aluminum foil squares to wrap around your fingertips.
- Protect your cuticles with cuticle oil.
- Soak the cotton patches in acetone.
- Cover each of your nail beds with the acetone-soaked cotton.
- Wrap the tinfoil squares around your fingertips.
- Leave it to work for 2 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the peeled off shellac with a manicure tool or orange stick.
- Wipe any residue away using a soft buffer.
- Wash the hands.
- Apply a hand lotion and cuticle oil.
Are you also interested in how do you get Shellac off nails without acetone? The technique is pretty much the same as in the acetone-based method. Yet, you should scuff your nail surface using a coarse nail file beforehand and soak cotton pads in an acetone-free nail polish remover. The rest of the steps will be the same.
Alternatively, want to find out how do you remove Shellac nail polish with vinegar? To do this, you need to prepare the solution that consists of 1 portion of vinegar and 1 portion of lemon juice. Yet again, the rest of the steps are the same as in the method where you use acetone.
Inspirational Ideas For Shellac Nails
Now, when you’re all soaked with the relevant information on shellac nails, namely what are shellac nails and how to remove shellac nails at home, it’s time to choose the design and shellac nails colors you’re going to ask your nail technician for on your next journey to the salon.
Two-Сolor Ombre Manicure
Monochrome nails can be found a bit boring and dull, so why don’t you opt for some nice ombre design? There’s arguably no more plausible thing to do than watching how two or maybe more your favorite colors gradually melt into each other.
Reverse Half-Moon Shellac Nails
If the length of your nail beds allows, you can try out a ruffian manicure, which is sometimes called a reverse French or half-moon manicure. It’s usually created with two colors layered on each other with a small shift at the nail base so that it appears like there’s a half-moon along your cuticle. As the base, it’s better to use some metallic colors, like gold or silver, because they match perfectly to any shade. We don’t recommend trying this shellac on short nails though, as it can make them look even shorter.
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Geometric Striped Designs
If you’re into a geometrically defined manicure, you’d definitely appreciate these colorful stripe accents. For added contrast, stick to some neutral base colors, like marshmallow pink or beige nude.
Minimalist Glitter Accents
For the ladies with a minimalist approach to a manicure, there’s this discreet glitter design. Ask your nail technician for some low-key accents on random or all of the nails. Simple, elegant and twinkly.
Low-Key Rhinestone Designs
In case you feel like going more glitzy, rhinestones are the number one choice for you. Not to make it kitsch though, accentuate only several fingernails. Pastes look enhancing themselves, so don’t go too wild with the design.
Two-Tone Manicure With Bold Accents
If you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated manicure, you’re welcome to go with a two shades combination. To give it even more daring touch, accentuate some nails with an elaborate design.
Glam Textured Foil Designs
Another excellent way to add a glamorous accent to your mani is a foil design. Looking unusual and unique, it can also be placed only on random, not all the nails. If your technician is skilled enough, he or she can even create an ombre effect with it.
Beautiful Matte Nail Designs
To instantly spruce up your mani and give it a trendy touch, add a matte top coat over it. This will provide your nails with a velvety finish and a more unusual look of your nail art. Thus, do not limit your imagination when it comes to nail design and color play
Animal Print Designs For Shellac Nails
The trend on the animalistic print will arguably never go out of fashion. It only becomes popular more or less but never leaves the fashion world completely. Of course, you can choose not only clothes and accessories with the animal print but also nail design. From leopard and cheetah to zebra and giraffe, there is a wide range of patterns to choose from.
Shellac nails are an ongoing manicure trend that’s definitely worth the hype. Along with a wide versatility, it offers a plethora of other benefits that overweight any potential downsides. Have you already decided on the shellac design you’re going to ask your nail tech for when you next visit the salon?
Main photo by Id_nails_space
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