Long durability, easy application and exclusive color brilliance are the plus points of the popular Shellac . This initially looks like a standard nail polish and is offered in similar bottles with an applicator brush. The special thing: Shellac hardens under a UV lamp , so that the nails look flawlessly painted for two weeks or longer and the powerful color is characterized by a high level of durability. Although it is a gel polish, applying the Shellac is comparatively easy and the result can hardly be distinguished from nail polish.
Long-lasting & colorful: Advantages of Shellac ✅
Washing up, changing a child, grooming a horse, walking the dog or opening a can of Coke – these everyday stress tests are no problem for Shellac . The gel varnish is characterized by its impact and scratch resistance. Due to the three layers in which it is applied, it gives the natural nail more hardness and rarely chips. Shellac also has a longer shelf life than ordinary nail polish, as gel polish generally lasts around two weeks or longer. After a manicure, Shellac is applied immediately; roughening the nail, for example in preparation for gel modeling, is not necessary and in this way protects the natural nail. Once Shellac has been applied and cured under the UV lamp for a few seconds, it is immediately dry and ready for use. If Shellac is done in a nail salon, gel polish is often the cheaper option compared to gel modeling and, thanks to the thin layers, looks like a conventional painted natural nail, says nail expert Stefanie.
• Shock and scratch resistant
• Long durability
• Nail does not need to be roughened
• Dries quickly & is ready for immediate use
• Cheaper than gel modeling
6 steps: Apply Shellac correctly 💅
For a durable and long-lasting result, three different products are used in this nail design. After a careful manicure, in which the cuticles should be carefully removed, the base coat is applied. It forms the adhesive basis between the other layers and the natural nail. After application, the basecoat is cured under the UV lamp for a few seconds and is then already scratch-resistant. After drying, the color layer is applied and also cured under the UV lamp . As a final layer, the Shellac receives a topcoat that protects and seals the color so that the attractive shine is retained for as long as possible in everyday life. Finally, this is also dried under the UV lamp .
1. Careful manicure
The basis for the Shellac is a well-prepared nail. This should already be filed into shape; tips cannot be used for nail extensions with Shellac .
2. Remove cuticles
It is particularly important to carefully remove the cuticles, otherwise the Shellac may lose its durability.
3. Cleaning & degreasing
With Cleaner , the natural nail is cleaned and degreased so that the different layers of Shellac have an optimal hold.
4. Apply basecoat and cure
This base ensures long durability and adhesion.
5. Apply a layer of color and cure
This layer gives the nail the color of your choice.
6. Seal with topcoat & cure
The topcoat protects and seals the nail for long durability, impact resistance and color brilliance.
3 tips from our nail designer 📣:
Nail designer Stefanie has three tips for you that will help you get an even and durable nail design with Shellac.
1. Double layer of paint
For an even result, apply the color layer twice and cure each layer well individually.
2. Apply thinly
For optimal hold, always apply the Shellac thinly and cure immediately.
3. Seal carefully
Apply the topcoat carefully to the edges and edges, especially at the tip and all transitions - this increases durability!
Apply Shellac at home 🏠
The durable Shellac is ideal for applying at home. Of course, it takes some practice until the individual steps are perfect, but the effort is worth it because of the attractive results. However, it is important to remember that to remove the Shellac you will have to work with solvents that contain acetone and can dry out the nail. It may also be necessary to file off any remaining paint or scrape it off with a spatula , which can also damage the nail. That's why you should care for your nails with a nail serum, such as biotin, after a Shellac treatment. If you don't have dry nails, your nails don't need a long regeneration break between individual Shellac applications, explains nail designer Stefanie.
Make Shellac yourself: You need this equipment: ❗
• Base coat
• Color(s) of your choice
• UV lamp
• Acetone solvent for removal
Remove Shellac : Here's how! Instructions from nail designer Stefanie 🧼
At the beginning of the treatment, the cuticles are generously oiled to protect them, as they should not come into contact with the solvents, explains nail expert Stefanie. She uses classic cotton pads, which she quarters like a cake with scissors and soaks with a remover containing acetone (available specifically for Shellac ). The moist cotton quarter is placed on the nail - not on the skin, warns the expert. The entire nail should be covered by the pad. Small strips of aluminum foil are then cut out and wrapped around the fingertip to hold the pad in place for a while. The acetone needs some time to work and dissolve the shellac . After 10-15 minutes (note the exposure time specified by the respective manufacturer), the aluminum foil can be removed again. The paint should then look cracked. The crumbled Shellac is gently pushed off the nail with a rosewood stick . It may be necessary to rework a few smaller areas with the remover. Finally, your hands should be washed properly and cared for with nail oil and serums, otherwise the skin and nails will dry out too much, says nail designer Stefanie.
1. Oil cuticles
2. Quarter the cotton pad
3. Soak cotton pad quarters in Shellac remover
4. Place a damp pad on the nail
5. Fix with aluminum strips
6. Wait 10-15 minutes depending on the product
7. Remove aluminum strips and cotton pad
8. Slide down the varnish with rosewood
9. If necessary, rework with remover until the nail is free
10. Wash hands thoroughly
11. Use nail oil, hand cream and serum
When you shouldn't use Shellac: 🚫
Shellac is not right for you if you suffer from very dry, brittle, and splintering nails. Although the nail is protected when Shellac is applied because it is not roughened, removal is only possible with strong solvents, which dry out the nail. For this reason, nails that are already very brittle should not be treated with Shellac or must be cared for very well to avoid further damage. Shellac can also be difficult on natural nails that are too long because, unlike gel or acrylic , it sometimes does not give them enough stability, says nail expert Stefanie.
Implement nail art trends with Shellac 💁♀️
The range of Shellac varnishes is broad - there is the right product for every style. Current trends such as neon yellow, neon pink and neon orange can be found as well as soft pastel tones with a retro flair, such as nude dirty or summery mint sorbet. We also offer classics such as red tones from light and summery to bright to sensual and dark in our range. Nude tones can also be perfectly applied to the nails as Shellac: Classic beige, delicate pink like Pearly Blush Rose or mauve tones like Classic Sovereign are suitable for both leisure and work use. Thanks to the large selection of colors, all current nail polish trends and classic designs can be perfectly implemented with Shellac!
Gel polish de luxe: Shellac 💎
Although it sounds like it, Shellac in nail design has nothing to do with the old sound recordings, the shellac records. Rather, it is a composition of nail polish and gel that is always cured under a UV lamp . Strictly speaking, it is a gel polish, Shellac is a product name. Be careful of misunderstandings: Gel nail polishes are now available in stores that create a high-gloss gel look on the nails, but these are conventional nail polishes that are easy to apply but have a correspondingly short shelf life.
Shellac: 5 questions for nail designer Stefanie
How to use and use gel polish correctly - nail designer Stefanie answers all questions about Shellac in our interview.
ND24: What mistakes can you make when designing nails with Shellac ?
Nail designer Stefanie: One of the biggest mistakes is not properly preparing the natural nail for use. A thorough manicure is essential for a perfect, long-lasting result; degreasing also plays an important role. Uneven or too thick application is another problem because the nails then appear uneven and the polish comes off more quickly. It is also important to follow the sequence of the individual steps exactly and to allow the products on the nail to harden well using the UV lamp .
ND24: Brittle nails and Shellac – is that possible?
Nail designer Stefanie: I use Shellac on both healthy and slightly brittle nails to give them a little more stability. However, Shellac cannot be compared with a gel in this aspect. If you have very brittle and brittle nails, you should avoid using Shellac because the polish has little grip on these nails and the solvent when removed will further dry out the natural nail.
ND24: Can I use Shellac permanently?
Nail designer Stefanie: If you have healthy nails and take good care of them, you can use Shellac for as long as you like. For some customers, however, Shellac is not suitable for long-term use because it dries out due to the acetone-containing remover - the nails become increasingly dry and brittle.
ND24: What can I do if I have brittle nails and still want to use Shellac ?
Nail designer Stefanie: There is only one thing left for you: always take good care of your nails and cuticles and possibly go to the doctor to have it clarified whether there is a deficiency in your body that is affecting the health of your nails. If you have kept your nails healthy, you can rely on Shellac .
ND24: When is Shellac particularly suitable?
Nail designer Stefanie: For me, Shellac is the perfect solution for special events such as weddings - for bride and guests alike. The nails can be made a few days in advance and are less sensitive than with conventional nail polish. They are more suitable for one-off use on a selected date than more complex solutions such as gel or acrylic .
