You have certainly come across manicure and pedicure offers that involve shellac nail polish. Do you know what makes shellac different from traditional polish and whether you should choose such an opportunity? It promises a lot but does it deliver?
Shellac Nail Polish: History and Basics
Shellac nail polish is considered the only true and safe “power” option in the world of manicures. The technology enables for the polish to remain intact for at least 14 days. It will not chip or crack, regardless of lifestyle and household duties.
In its essence, shellac combines the appearance of polish with the sustainable qualities of gel. Creative Nail Design (CND) is the company responsible for the development of the product. According to CND representatives, shellac nail polish resulted from five years of brainstorming and technological advances.
How does shellac work? Before its appearance, gel-based polishes did exist. A layer of gel was applied first to the nail and then hardened with UV light. An electric file was used to sculpt the surface before color was applied to it. Many women were unhappy with the procedure because of the damage nails incurred during the filing process. Additionally, hands had to be soaked in acetone or another powerful solvent for the gel to come off.
Shellac nail polish addresses these issues. Gel and polish are combined in a single product. Initially, a layer of base coat has to be applied. Two coats of color are applied next. The manicure is cured under a UV lamp for 10 seconds before the application of every next layer.
Benefits of Shellac Nail Polish
Some of the shellac benefits are obvious. The first one is that you can enjoy your manicure for a very long period of time. The shellac will have to be removed and applied again to cover any nail growth. Other than that, the appearance of the manicure will not be damaged in the ways that traditional polish is.
Traditional manicure takes hours to dry. The usage of the UV lamp in the case of shellac application means that you will be ready to go in a matter of minutes.
Shellac comes with a wide range of shades and colors. Some ladies worry that they will be limited but the truth is that the variety of shellac nail polishes is tremendous. Apart from the different shades, CND has developed a base coat and a top coat for the most impeccable appearance of the nails.
Shellac can be easily removed at home, which is yet another advantage. The process itself is harmless and no damage will be caused. The CND shellac remover wraps are the easiest method of polish removal. There would be no need to soak hands in any solution, which is a prerequisite for healthy, strong nails.
Some Disadvantages to Consider
One of the most important disadvantages to keep in mind is that shellac can only be applied by a trained professional. Trying to do it at home will produce less than desirable results.
Shellac nail polish is unsuitable for people that have brittle nails and damaged nail beds. A nail that is peeling in layers will cause damage to the polish. It is always a good idea to undergo nail restoration procedures before getting a shellac manicure.
Some people worry about the safety of UV lamp usage. The debate is ongoing and you will come across many contradictory views on the topic. The UV light is used for a minimal amount of time and there is no information about any damage at the time being. If you are worried about it, you can apply sunscreen to your hands before going to get your nails done.
Finally, it is important to talk about the cost of a shellac nail polish manicure. The cost of getting shellac ranges anywhere between 20 and 35 dollars. Many ladies find the price completely reasonable, taking in consideration the longevity of the manicure.
Shellac nail polish is undoubtedly a revolutionary product. It combines the safety of traditional polish with the longevity of gel-based products. CND has managed to overcome the negative side effects connected to the usage of either group of polishes. Shellac is suitable for most ladies, excluding the ones that have very damaged nails. To figure out whether this is the right manicure option, you should definitely give shellac nail polish a try.