How to apply shellac at home. Shellac manicure at home. Stages of applying shellac at home
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 (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:
- Painting the left edge of the nail;
- Coloring the right edge;
- The final stroke in the center of the plate;
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 must 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:
- 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).
- Drying. The exposure time of hands under the lamp is no more than 130 seconds.
- 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:
Manicure is a service that women consider indispensable. The main development in recent years has been a material such as shellac, which has many advantages. However, it is easy to learn how to apply it correctly without visiting a salon.
Shellac, or gel polish, is a type of nail coating that hardens under the influence of ultraviolet light. The very concept of shellac comes from the name of the first gel polish, which was produced by CND.
Shellac (it’s not difficult to learn how to apply it correctly) combines the features of varnish and gel. From the latter, qualities such as durability, strength, and ductility are taken. There are similarities with ordinary varnish: shellac is sold in jars with a brush. However, the shellac application technique uses several different means.
Advantages and disadvantages
| pros | Minuses |
| Durability. If the manicure is done well, the coating can last up to a month. | A multi-stage, complex procedure for applying gel polish, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. |
| Protects the nail from peeling, cracking and breaking. | If shellac is removed carelessly, the structure of the nail may be damaged. |
| Wide color palette. Complex designs are easier to complete with shellac than with regular varnish because it dries faster. | Instability to temperature changes. Moisture and heat cause cracks in the varnish. |
| No toxic substances such as formaldehyde and toluene in the composition. | High price. In salons, a manicure with gel polish costs 1000-1200 rubles, and with ordinary varnish - 700 rubles. |
Is shellac harmful for nails?
A master should know how to follow the correct technology for applying and removing shellac. Then the coating will not ruin your nails. There is even the opposite effect: thanks to shellac, thin nails are strengthened and protected from external influences. 
Since the composition of high-quality gel polish is non-toxic, even pregnant women can do manicures with it. It’s not even the coating itself that can cause anxiety, but the process of applying it.
Some people express their concerns about the dangers of gel polish when they feel a burning sensation in the nail area during the drying process. The point is not that the varnish somehow penetrates the nail plate and destroys it. 
This is a natural process: when exposed to ultraviolet rays, certain components of shellac, called photoinitiators, undergo a polymerization reaction, causing the coating to harden. Most often, tingling occurs if too much material is applied to the nails (for example, if a plate leveling procedure is also done).
Thus, the burning sensation does not harm the nails. If you feel it, you just need to remove your hands from the lamp for a few seconds until the discomfort stops being felt, and put them back.
If impatient girls begin to remove the shellac coating on their own, without using a special liquid, tearing it off in pieces, then the top layer of the nail plate comes off along with the varnish, which can damage the nails.
In this case, already thin nails may become even thinner. Because of this, nails can break and peel. Grinding the nail plate too hard and for too long before applying it can also have a detrimental effect.
Types of shellac
Shellac (how to apply it yourself correctly is described below) can be made in many different ways, so all the scope for imagination is given:
- Ordinary plain coating. In this case, you can make all your nails the same color or highlight 1-2 fingers on each hand with a different shade or even design.
- Gradient. In this case, a smooth transition between 2-3 colors occurs on the nails.
- French. You can do a classic gentle version of the French manicure, or you can experiment: for example, make a strip of bright color.
- Lunar manicure- this is something like a reverse French. The hole at the bottom of the nail can be filled with color or left transparent.
- Marble manicure. In this case, a texture is created on the nail that is reminiscent of this material.
- Shellac with drawings: you can draw monograms, geometric patterns and more complex compositions
- Shellac using additional materials: rubbing, foil, rhinestones.
Materials for shellac
Shellac is like (you need to practice to apply it correctly), a multi-step procedure that requires various products that can be purchased in specialized stores.
Should I choose a UV or LED lamp?
A UV lamp emits ultraviolet light. During research, it was found that a 36 W UV lamp (optimal power) polymerizes the coating in about 2-3 minutes, and lamps of lower power take even longer. At the same time, there is a high probability that when drying shellac in a 9-18 W UV lamp, the coating will polymerize unevenly, of poor quality, and matte areas may appear. In addition, light bulbs need to be changed periodically.
The LED lamp works using LEDs. The radiation spectrum of such a lamp is higher than its UV counterpart, so drying one layer of varnish takes only 20-30 seconds. This saves a lot of time and makes the shellac procedure shorter. 
According to many manufacturers, LED lamps can work up to 50 thousand hours, that is, almost 5 years. There is no need to replace LEDs, as they do not burn out. At the same time, LED lamps are not capable of drying all varnishes.
Recently, many scientists have expressed their concerns about the safety of ultraviolet radiation, since its excess can lead to the development of various diseases. Of course, the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the lamp is not enough to have a detrimental effect on human health.
However, in this regard, it is still much safer to use LED lamps. You can also protect your hands from ultraviolet radiation: for example, use special gloves that leave only your nails exposed, or use sunscreen.
Preparing nails for the procedure
First you need to do a classic manicure: file your nails to the desired length, shape them, trim and push back the cuticles. Then you need to buff the nail plate until it stops shining and becomes matte.
Next, you need to wipe your nails with a degreaser using small lint-free wipes. This substance removes dust and excess fat from the surface of the nail. 
The following two remedies are not always necessary. However, if they are not applied, the durability of the coating is called into question. Both of these products are in jars, like varnishes, and are applied with a brush. Primer is needed to dehydrate nails. Bonder is a “primer”.
Firstly, the primer and bonder create a layer between the nail and the subsequent varnish coatings, that is, they kind of protect it. Secondly, thanks to these materials, the varnish adheres more tightly to the nail and adheres to it. This means that the likelihood of further chipping and peeling of the varnish is reduced.
It is important to use an acid-free primer. It's more efficient. In addition, it is more gentle on weak, brittle nails and does not cause skin irritation.
The primer is applied only to the end of the nail, and the bonder is applied to the entire nail plate.
Step-by-step instructions for applying shellac base
Base coats come in different thicknesses. It is better to use a medium-density base, such as rubber. Most often the base is applied in 1 layer. If you plan to level the nail plate, you will need 2 layers. 
- First you need to put some product on the brush and squeeze it out a little.
- Applying the coating should begin at a short distance from the base of the nail. You need to move the brush a little forward, towards the cuticle, then paint over the entire nail and “seal” the edge. It is important not to flood the cuticle and side ridges, otherwise the coating will harden. Having finished applying, you need to place your hand in the lamp and polymerize the layer.
- The leveling procedure is done when the nail is thin, weak, flat, or has unevenness. You need to fill the brush with enough material and place a drop on the nail, placing it close to the base.
- Without touching the nail plate, you need to easily distribute the resulting drop over the entire nail. It is important to pay attention to maintaining the ideal shape of the nail, that is, there should be some convexity in the middle.
- If the coating spreads too much, you need to turn your hand with your nail down until you achieve the desired shape.
- Next, you need to place your hand in the lamp again.
Instructions for applying a color layer
Shellac (how to properly apply color coating is described below) should be done in several layers. It is difficult to say their exact number, since it depends on the shade. Usually a minimum of 2 coats is required. In this case, the color will be rich and pleasing to the eye.
First you need to cover the entire nail with shellac. The layer should be very thin and almost transparent.
How to apply shellac correctly step by step instructions It is important to get close to the cuticle, but not to fill it, otherwise the manicure will look sloppy. The coating is then polymerized. The 2nd and subsequent layers are applied in the same way.
Applying the finishing coat step by step
The final coating is applied at the very end of the manicure, when both the coating and the design are ready. Only 1 dense coat without unevenness or bubbles is required.
First you need to put a little product on the brush and wipe off the excess on the neck of the package. Next, the coating spreads evenly over the entire nail. At the very end, you need to seal the edge, as happened when applying the base. To do this, you need to run the brush along the edge of the nail. If you skip this step, the durability of the manicure is no longer guaranteed, as the polish may begin to peel off. 
After polymerization, you need to remove the so-called sticky layer. To do this, you need to put a degreaser on a lint-free cloth and blot your nails with it until they become smooth to the touch.
Common mistakes when applying shellac
For beginners, the typical mistakes made when creating a shellac manicure seem insignificant. However, these little things affect the quality and how long the coating will last without chipping.
- Insufficient nail preparation. For example, a degreaser was not used, the nail plate was poorly polished with a buff, and before the manicure, the hands were treated with cuticle oil or nourishing cream.
- Using an acidic primer that damages your nails.
- Shellac is applied in a thick, not thin layer. In this case, it may polymerize unevenly and swell.
- The base and subsequent products flowed behind the side rollers and onto the cuticle. It is important to consider that when drying, varnishes can expand and spread over the nail.
- Packaging of shellac or other products should be shaken before use. This may cause unwanted bubbles to appear. Before use, the bottle of varnish should be gently rotated between your palms and not shaken.
- Packaging of shellac or other products was left open after use or was exposed to sunlight. In this case, the gel polish may lose its properties and deteriorate.
- The end of the nail was not sealed when applying base and top coat. This threatens to peel off the coating.
How to make a French design with shellac?
The beginning of the procedure is standard: the nails are being prepared. Next you need to apply the base, and on top of it - a nude shade of shellac, camouflage. Light pink tones or colors that match the skin are suitable. All layers are polymerized. 
The most difficult thing in a French design is drawing a stripe called a smile. There are special brushes for painting it, but not every craftswoman finds them convenient. You can also use stencils, but it is not always possible to predict how the varnish will behave: it may flow under the paper or blur when it is torn off. This is why it is better to draw a smile by hand.
To make a smile, you should draw it starting from each edge. You can rely on the natural smile of the nail. You can also first outline the outline, and only then fill it with color. Once the drawing is completed, the hands are placed in a lamp, then a topcoat is applied.
How to apply a design to shellac?
Drawings and patterns are applied with a separate thin brush or a special tool called a dots. Depending on the desired result, the drawing can be done on top of the base or color layer.
The drawing itself depends on the imagination of the author. You can simply put dots, you can draw curls, flowers, or even more complex compositions. In any case, you need to carefully think through all the elements so that during the work process it is already clear what to do. 
You can paint not only with shellac, but also with acrylic paints. In this case, after applying the base or color layer, the nails must be treated with a degreaser.
If drawing by hand seems like an overly complicated undertaking, you can use a stamping kit or special stencils. However, you need to act carefully so that the varnish does not spread.
Rubbing design
The rub is a sparkly pigment that, as the name suggests, is rubbed into the nails before applying the top coat. Bright colors are best applied to a dark base, but delicate shades give a light manicure a pearly shine.
Once the color layer has polymerized, the sticky layer does not come off. Having collected a certain amount of rubbing on a pusher or a special fan brush, you need to pour the material directly onto the nails. Next, use your fingers or an applicator (as for eye shadow) to rub the pigment into your nails. The main thing is that there are no bulges or irregularities, otherwise they will be visible with rubbing. 
Finally, you need to apply a top coat. Excess rubbing that remains on the skin around the nail can subsequently be washed off with water.
Kamifubuki design
Kamifubuki are large, round-shaped sparkles. They come in different colors, and in some sets 2-3 shades that match each other are selected at once.
After polymerization of colored shellac, a finishing coating is applied, but hands cannot fit into the lamp. While the top coat is still wet, you should place kamifubuki on your nails. 
4They can be moved using a toothpick, needle or dots along the nail plate to create a harmonious composition. After applying the sequins, dry the layer. Another layer of topcoat is then applied over this to seal the design.
Monochrome design
A plain manicure is a classic and the simplest type of design. This is the most advantageous option if you want shellac to look strict and restrained, and not pretentious.
The monochrome design can be diluted with rhinestones and sparkles, decorating one finger on each hand with them. You can also dilute the colors by using an additional shade, for example, on your ring fingers.
Essentially, a monochrome design is just a layer of color without any additional tricks. That is why this manicure is ideal for beginners.
What other simple designs are there for beginners?
Rhinestones and bouillons
From rhinestones you can make both a minimalist design and a voluminous, luxurious composition - a matter of taste. The technology for creating decor with rhinestones or broths is very similar to the design with kamifubuki. 
A top coat is applied on top of the colored layer, into which rhinestones are placed. Only after this the manicure is dried. Then the finishing coating is applied again on top, which, however, does not “drown” the stones. You need to brush around the rhinestones. After this, the layer polymerizes.
Foil
Foil for manicure is sold in special rolls or “booklets”. It can be applied both to the entire nail and to its individual fragments.
After applying the topcoat, there is no need to remove the sticky layer. You need to cut off a small piece of foil and apply it to your nail, pressing it with your fingers. Then the material is torn off, and the design should be transferred to the nail plate. At the end of the procedure, the finishing layer is applied.
Matte finish
Finish coatings are not only glossy, but also matte. The matte design will look beautiful both on a monochrome coating and on top of rubbing and foil.
How to spot fake shellac?
Original shellac can be distinguished from a fake by the external characteristics of the packaging. The quality of printing on counterfeit material is usually worse: the label is too glossy, the font is blurred. 
In addition, the composition is not indicated. Counterfeits most often have a very unpleasant odor. You should be wary if gel polish from a famous brand is sold at a very low price, which does not correspond to the cost in other stores.
How to remove shellac at home?
To remove gel polish you will need the following materials:
- buff or file;
- 10 lint-free wipes;
- 10 pieces of food foil;
- orange stick;
- shellac remover.
First you need to go over your nails with a buff or file until the gloss disappears. Then lint-free wipes soaked in gel polish remover are placed on the nails. All fingers are tightly wrapped in foil. When 10-15 minutes have elapsed, remove the foil. 
By this point, the varnish should have softened and begun to peel off. Following the growth of your nails, use an orange stick to remove the polish. Finally, you can buff your nails again to remove any remaining shellac.
Causes of nail damage after shellac removal
When removing gel polish, it is very easy to damage your nails if a pusher or any other metal tool was used instead of an orange stick. Such things injure the nail plate.
When removing shellac, if you move against the growth of your nails or press too hard on the tool, your nails may begin to peel.
Care for restoring nails after shellac
There are several ways to restore nails after wearing gel polish:
If you follow the above tips for applying shellac correctly, you can achieve an excellent manicure. However, we should not forget how important practice and the use of quality materials and tools are in this matter.
Article format: Vladimir the Great
Video about shellac extensions
Where to start making shellac:
This is a combination of varnish and gel for nail extension. Outwardly, it resembles ordinary varnish. But its durability is not inferior to gel.
Advantages
It combines the best properties of its components:
- resistance to external influences (does not chip, does not scratch, does not wear off);
- excellent color range;
- beautiful shine;
- optimal density;
- absence of harmful chemicals;
- creating additional hardness;
- increasing plate flexibility;
- ability to last up to 2-3 weeks while maintaining an attractive appearance.
The palette includes 36 color tones. Their number is constantly increasing.
Do-it-yourself kit
To properly apply the composition at home, you need to prepare the following:
- cream that softens cuticles (thick leathery ridges surrounding the bottom of the nail plates);
- a wooden stick for removing cuticles;
- soft special file;
- base coating;
- shellac with selected color;
- top (top) layer of shellac;
- Ultraviolet lamp;
- shellac remover.
How to apply and remove?
The technology of applying varnish consists of several mandatory steps.
Preparation
Before applying the composition, you need to prepare your nails:
- Trim the cuticles and use a nail file to create the desired shape and length.
- Use a file to sand the nail surfaces to remove the gloss.
- Treat your nails with any antibacterial drug
- Degrease the surface with alcohol and wait until it dries. In the absence of alcohol, it is permissible to thoroughly wash your hands with soapy water and dry them well with a towel.
Applying base and drying
The base should be carefully and thinly applied to prepared nails (including their end part). Then hold it in a UV lamp for a couple of minutes. After each layer of gel it is necessary to dry it for two minutes. Do not remove the remaining sticky layer.
A 36 W lamp is best suited for drying. It is convenient because both hands can be dried in one go, which saves time. It is acceptable to use a 9 W lamp, which will dry just as well. But with its help you won’t be able to dry both hands at once.
Application
You can apply the main color to the base using a brush from the bottle. We recommend covering your nails twice. Three layers are allowed. Don’t forget to dry each layer for two minutes.
The final stage
At the end, a fixing layer is applied, which is thicker than the previous layers. It must be laid down without streaks with a pure gloss. Next, brush the entire perimeter of the free edge with a wrung-out brush. The finish covers the entire color layer.
The last composition dries for two minutes. It is necessary to ensure that the fixative does not get on the skin and cuticle. Otherwise, the integrity of the coating may be compromised. All that remains is a lint-free cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove the stickiness from the fixative.
Using nourishing cuticle oil completes the procedure. It is useful to do a light hand massage.
Features of coating removal
To get rid of the coating, you should stock up on:
- sponges (10 pcs.) or special patches;
- stick (orange or wooden);
- branded product that dissolves manicure (special liquid, varnish with acetone or 99% isopropyl alcohol).
Wrap each nail in a sponge well soaked in liquid. Each finger can be “sealed” in pre-cut foil. Keep for up to ten minutes. Massage the nail plates without removing the sponge (plaster). Then use a stick to remove the remaining coating.
Helpful information
Cost of the procedure in beauty salons
The average price in the salon is 2,000 rubles. It can vary from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
A kit for an independent procedure can be purchased in an online store for a price of 1.5 to 2.5 thousand rubles. It may seem like there is no difference. But the purchased set can be used for a long time and as a result this will provide significant savings.
What do you need to remember?
For your first experience to be successful, you need to know about several more important factors:
- The varnish will not peel off if each layer is thin.
- There is no need to neglect the treatment of the cuticle, otherwise the composition that gets on it will soon begin to peel off.
- It is necessary to buy only original products from trusted manufacturers so that there is no doubt about their quality.
- The top (finish coating) should be thicker, which guarantees its strength.
- It is better to soften cuticles with a cream containing fruit acids. If the cream has an alkaline base, then the nail plates require especially careful degreasing.
- The power of the ultraviolet lamp must correspond to the shellac coating technology, otherwise it may be deformed.
- Detachment of the composition is possible not only in case of technology violation. This may be due to the individual structure of the plate, taking medications, vitamin deficiency, or hormonal disorders.
Hands should be given rest. After shellac twice, a break of 20 to 25 days is required.
How to store?
Many problems can be avoided by proper storage of the product:
- sealed vials should be stored for two years;
- after opening the bottles and using the product, it is necessary to clean the necks of the vessels and close them tightly;
- Do not allow the bottles to be heated or exposed to sunlight;
- Before the procedure, the composition must be mixed well;
- if it has thickened, then you should not dilute it with new one from another bottle, this will worsen the quality of the manicure.
It is very important to strictly follow the rules for applying and storing the product. This will save you from annoying failures and allow you to create a wonderful manicure yourself. With high-quality coverage, a woman can walk for up to three weeks.
A bright, shiny shellac manicure that lasts on your nails for at least two weeks can be done at home, without resorting to the help of specialists in expensive salons and without paying a tidy sum for this procedure each time.
The shellac application procedure is done in stages, including nail preparation, application of varnish, protection and drying. Let's look at them in more detail.
Step-by-step instructions for applying shellac gel at home
1. Removing old polish and shaping nails
Before the procedure, you need to remove old nail polish and give them the desired shape using a nail file. At the same time, try not to steam your hands before the procedure so that your nails do not peel off. Also, if possible, avoid using scissors.
- If you need to shorten your nail to a small length, buy special sapphire or sand files for strong nails and fine abrasive files for thin and weak ones. Metal files, fortunately, are a thing of the past.
- Hold the file at an angle, filing from edge to edge of the nail, without touching the periungual skin. The free edge can be left long enough, as shellac will strengthen the nail plate. If the edge of the nail remains rough after the procedure, treat it with a finely abrasive file.
2. Cuticle treatment
3. Nail polishing
- Gently remove the shine from the nail with the soft side of the sander, but try not to file the nail. Brush off the dust with a stiff brush.
4. Degreasing
- Wipe the nail plate with a special degreasing agent, paying special attention to the end - the area near the nail folds and the inside of the free edge of the nail.
- Degreasing will allow shellac to stay on your nails for a long time.
5. First (base) coating
- Apply a thin layer of base nail protection. For example, bluesky gel polishes are very popular today. This is a special product that can protect your nails from shellac pigments and improve the adhesion of the polish to the nail. The base should not get on the side rollers and cuticle.
- After application, dry this layer under a special ultraviolet lamp (power = 36 watts) for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Applying shellac
The technology for applying colored Shellac gel polish is simple.
- Roll the bottle several times in your palms.
- Cover the nail in two thin layers, dry each of them under a lamp for 2 minutes.
- Do not seal the sides and ends. The layers should be thin so that the coating does not swell.
- To experiment with colors, you can apply different layers of Shellac - the first with one color, the second with another. When mixed, unexpected results are obtained.
7. Applying a sticky layer
- Once the color is applied, the nail is “sealed” with a thick layer of topcoat. In this case, be sure to seal the free edge, the cuticle area and the area of the side ridges. The color remains between the base and the topcoat.
- And after this procedure - ultraviolet light again.
8. Removing the sticky layer and moisturizing
- Using a lint-free cloth and degreaser, remove the last sticky layer and apply a special moisturizer (for example, oil) to the periungual skin.
Remember that shellac must be stored at room temperature with the jar tightly closed. So, your manicure and nail brightness will last up to two weeks.
Shared
Any woman wants her nails to look well-groomed. However, it is not always possible to keep your manicure perfect. If not at work, then in everyday life, the applied varnish will certainly be exposed to external influences: cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, etc. As a result, the manicure deteriorates, and it has to be done again and again. But not every woman can afford it. Shellac in such cases is simply a godsend.
Shellac is a mixture of gel and nail polish. This hybrid was created by the American manufacturer CND. Today, the name “shellac” has become a household name. Many masters call gel polishes from other manufacturers shellac. However, at present, a complete analogue of Shellac has not appeared. This gel polish does not require additional polishing of the nail plate before manicure, and there is no need to apply a primer (a special liquid that creates reliable adhesion between the nail and the coating).
Shellac CND is odorless. The marking on the package “3 free” indicates that the product is hypoallergenic.
Shellac coating lasts 2 weeks on fingernails, and 4–5 weeks on toenails. After this, the gel polish should be removed, as it loses its “marketable” appearance. In addition, nails grow over the specified period, and the border of the coating becomes too obvious.
It should be noted that Shellac CND is quite easy to remove (unlike many other gel polishes).
What is needed for shellac manicure
The number of women who want to use gel polish for manicure at home is increasing every year. This is understandable. Firstly, there is no particular difficulty in applying the coating to your nails. And secondly, there is a significant saving of time and money.
But before starting a manicure with shellac, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:
- manicure set (nail file with abrasiveness 220–240 grit, orange wood stick, tweezers);
- ultraviolet lamp with a power of 36 watts;
- lint-free wipes;
- cuticle removal cream (CND Cuticle Eraser);
- liquid for degreasing and disinfecting nails before applying coating (CND Scrub Fresh);
- base coat (Shellac Base Coat);
- color coating (Shellac Color Coat);
- fixative (Shellac Top Coat);
- sticky layer remover (CND Cool Blue);
- cuticle oil (CND Solar Oil).
Gallery: Shellac CND manicure products
Cuticle is easily removed after exposure to CND Cuticle Erase cream
Using a file, you can give your nail the desired shape.
The nail plate should be treated with Scrab Fresh
After applying the base coat, it should be dried in a lamp.
Colored varnish is applied in two layers
The sticky layer is removed with CND Cool Blue
Advice. After polymerization of the base and color layers, do not remove the sticky layer from them. This provides better grip between them.
Video: how to apply shellac at home
Effect of Shellac CND on nails
Shellac manufacturers are careful to ensure that it contains components that have a beneficial effect on the nail plate. As a result, Shellac CND coating effectively strengthens thin, brittle and flaky nails. Shellac reliably protects the nail plate from external mechanical and chemical influences. For example, during impacts, the coating provides a shock-absorbing effect that prevents nails from breaking.
Shellac CND does not contain dangerous formaldehydes inherent in conventional varnishes, so the coating does not harm not only nails, but also health in general.
Pros and cons of coverage
The obvious advantages of shellac include the following:
The disadvantages of shellac include:
How often can you apply gel polish?
On the Internet you can find rave reviews about how many women were able to grow their own nails with the help of shellac. And when asked how often you can use gel polish, most consumers write that they don’t take any breaks between manicures at all.
My nails are weak and peel all the time. I covered them with shellac for two years. Base and top CND are different varnishes between them. I'll take it off, do a manicure and cover it up. My nails grew strong and long, the kind I never had before. I listened to these ladies and thought I’d try to walk around without shellac. I walked for two weeks, my nails all broke and began to peel... What else would you recommend, advisors? How can I injure my nails when removing shellac if I don’t use a file? Shall I wrap it, hold it and then wash it with cotton wool?
Ekhttp://www.woman.ru/beauty/nails/thread/4814894/
On the one hand, indeed, the gel coating protects the nail plate and promotes its growth. But, on the other hand, you need to understand that the constant use of thick and durable varnish prevents the supply of oxygen to the nail plate, in other words, the nail “does not breathe”, and over time it can become very weak.
In addition, improper removal of shellac causes significant damage to the nail plate, since its own protective layer may be damaged.
Therefore, experts advise taking a break after 2-3 procedures, during which it is recommended to use masks with lemon or tea tree oil. During this time, the nails will receive nutrition and hydration. This “rest” of nails should last 7–10 days. Masks need to be done every other day. They can be alternated with each other.
Lemon mask
Ingredients:
Mix all the ingredients and dip your fingertips into the bath for 10 minutes.
Lemon has always been used to strengthen nails
Composition with tea tree
Ingredients:
The components should be combined and the nails should be kept in the resulting solution for 20 minutes.
Shellac design ideas
Nail art masters are able to create a huge number of original designs using gel polish. However, this requires professional skills and talent. At home, it is not always possible to replicate unusual patterns and ornaments.
But still, there are designs that are quite possible to implement on your own.
Using multiple shades
A manicure that combines two, three or more colors will look bright and not boring. In the classic version, it is recommended to combine cold tones with cold ones, and warm tones with warm ones. However, more extravagant girls can afford to use varnishes of various shades (even all the colors of the rainbow). The main thing in all options is the careful application of shellac.
Gallery: designs with different colors
You can express yourself vividly with the help of a sharp contrast between the colors on your nails. 
Young girls can use the "rainbow" design 
The classic version uses shades of the same spectrum - from dark to light
This is interesting. In Ancient Egypt, only people of high status were allowed to wear bright, rich nail colors. Cleopatra painted her nails with henna, which gave them a reddish-brown tint.
Sequins and rhinestones
A manicure for parties or special occasions can be complemented with sparkles or rhinestones. Even a beginner can easily create such a design.
Gallery: using shiny elements in manicure
Small stones significantly enliven even the most soothing tones. 
The combination of flesh-pink varnish and silver looks equally good at special events and in everyday life. 
Bold design that combines different colors and sparkles, great for late night parties
Stickers
Manicurists love to use ready-made stickers in their work. They are transparent, dense, voluminous. At the same time, the variety of designs and colors is simply impressive. Working with such stickers is not difficult, and the result is no worse than that of specialists.
Gallery: options for using stickers
Transparent stickers look good on a white background 
You can choose themed stickers for any holiday. 
Decals can only be used on individual nails 
Floral stickers fit perfectly on a turquoise manicure
French manicure
French manicure, or French, is a classic nail design that has remained in demand for many years. With its help it is easy to emphasize the elegance of an evening or cocktail dress, office wear or any other outfit.
In the original version, only pink and white varnishes were required for the jacket, i.e. natural colors. Today, French manicure is done using a variety of shades - from dark to ultra-bright. In addition, rhinestones, sparkles, stickers, etc. can be used in the design.
A classic of the genre with a floral sticker looks quite original 
The smile line can be painted with colored shades 
The free edge of the nail can be made red and a shiny element can be added.
How to remove Shellac CND coating yourself
Removing shellac is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. However, this should be done correctly.
Under no circumstances should you peel off the coating from the surface of the nail mechanically. This may cause irreparable damage to the plate.
To remove Shellac CND, you need to prepare:
Removing shellac is done in the following sequence:
Video: how to properly remove shellac at home
You don't have to go to a nail salon to apply and remove Shellac CND. It is quite possible to do this yourself. It is enough to purchase the necessary tools and materials, and beautiful well-groomed nails will become a source of pride for any woman.