Yahoo Lifestyle Everything you need to know about getting Shellac nails
What's worse: waiting forever for your gel nails to soak off, or waiting forever for paint to (literally) dry with a regular manicure? Yeah, I don't know either. But what if I told you that you don't have to play an annoying game of 'would you rather' every time you want to get your nails done? If you have yet to try Shellac nails, let me introduce you to the polish-gel nail hybrid that will change your life — or, at the very least, prevent you from ever having to ask your nail tech to dig through your purse for your wallet because of your wet fingernails (IYKYK).
Below, celebrity nail artist Trenna Seney — who works with the likes of Keke Palmer and Cardi B, to name a few — shares everything to know about Shellac (read: the key to a long-lasting, super-glossy mani without the time commitment).
What are Shellac nails?
Shellac nails are created with a special in-salon nail polish that was developed and patented by the nail polish brand Creative Nail Design (CND). Half-gel and half-regular polish, Shellac combines the benefits of both, like no dry time, long-lasting results, shine, colour and easy removal. The formulas bind together when the teeny molecules (called monomers) and larger molecules (called polymers) in the formula are exposed to LED light, creating a 'shellac effect' — hence the term: Shellac nails.
What is the difference between Shellac and gel nails?
Think of shellac nails and gel nails as siblings — they're in the same family, but it's annoying when people get them confused. Here are a few key differences worth noting:
They’re formulated differently
Gel nails are made with a liquid gel formula that's a mix of acrylic monomers that harden under UV light, creating that smooth, glossy finish. The formula used for Shellac nails, however, is a combination of gel polish and traditional polish. As a result, Trenna says Shellac nails are thinner than gel nails and not as heavy.
Gel nails do last a little bit longer
One drawback to Shellac, Trenna points out, is that because it has traditional polish mixed in the formula, they don't last as long as gels. Although Shellac is a little bit more susceptible to chipping than gel, both still last much longer than regular polish.
Gel nails are harder to remove
A trained nail tech can remove both without damage, but generally speaking, removing gel polish requires a lot of scraping and filing down, which is annoying, time-consuming and can be a little rougher on the nails. Shellac, on the other hand, is much easier to take off (and, thus, less prone to damaging your nails).
There are more colour options for gel polish
Because so many brands offer gel polishes, there are a bajillion shades to choose from, whether you're at a salon or you're buying them to DIY at home. But for Shellac, the choices are much more limited since CND is virtually the only brand with the technology (there are some off brands, but a lot of salons don't carry them).
What is healthier for nails: Shellac or gel?
Because Shellac is a mix of gel polish and regular polish, it technically can be a bit less damaging on your natural nail than typical gel polish. This is because it doesn't require as intense of a removal process (AKA the filing and scraping). But this doesn't mean that Shellac is necessarily healthy for your nails, since it does require some soaking to remove that can dry out your nails.
How are Shellac nails done?
As Trenna explains it, the application process is very similar to a gel polish manicure, starting with cleaning the nail, followed by a base coat, two coats of colour and a topcoat. In between each layer of polish, your nail tech will cure your nails under an LED light (yup, Shellac nails need a UV light, just like gels). The result? A shiny, long-lasting finish that requires no dry time.
How long do Shellac nails last?
Shellac nails are suuuper long-lasting, and you can probably get anywhere from 10 to 14 days out of 'em. You don't want to keep them on longer than two weeks though — by this time, your real nail will have started to grow out.
Can you remove Shellac at home?
The absolute easiest way to remove Shellac nails is to go to a salon to get your Shellac nails removed, and if you're wanting a polish change, why not knock 'em both out at once?! FYI Shellac requires no downtime between applications.
Trenna says the removal process only requires filing and soaking, so it's super quick (15 minutes max) and won't add much time to your manicure appointment. Not only does Shellac have its own specific remover, but the unique formula of the polish also allows the acetone to better penetrate the polish so that it loosens from the nail much easier. In other words, no scraping necessary.
If you are in a pinch and can't pop into a salon, follow these steps to get rid of your manicure at home:
Lightly file off some of the polish
Place a cotton pad soaked with acetone on each nail
Wrap the cotton around your nail with a piece of aluminium foil
Wait 10 minutes, then twist off the aluminium foil and cotton pads
Wipe your nails down again with the remover, and you're good to go
What does Shellac do to your nails?
If you go to a salon to get your Shellac nails applied and removed by a trained nail tech, Trenna says you typically won't leave with damaged nails. But if you decide to pick at and peel off your nails at home, it can also take off the top layers of your nail's surface (ouch!), making it weak and brittle. Moral of the story: Whether you're removing them in salon or at home, take the time to remove them properly. Don't. Just. Peel. Them. Off.
If you have indulged in a bit of at-home peeling (we've all been there), it's definitely a good idea to invest in some cuticle oil to help remedy the situ.
Are Shellac manicures safe?
Okay, so we all know that UV exposure isn't good for you, and UV lamps are needed in the Shellac manicure process to harden your nails. However, a recent study found that the risk from the UV lamps on your hands is minimal, so you don't have to give up your salon trips. If it makes you feel better, though, you can smooth on a sunscreen before you get your nails done to have peace of mind.
The verdict on Shellac nails
If you're trying to switch up your manicure, Shellac nails are definitely worth a try. They're long-lasting, cute and easy, and as long as you get them removed properly, they won't cause any major damage. What's not to love?
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