{"id":259,"date":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=259"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:54:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:54:01","slug":"what-is-shellac-nail-polish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/what-is-shellac-nail-polish\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Shellac Nail Polish? A Detailed Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nail polish trends come and go, but shellac nail polish has remained a popular choice for its durability and long-lasting color. If you’ve seen those perfect, glossy manicures that look like they just left the salon days later, they were likely done with shellac polish.<\/p>\n

In short, shellac is a type of gel nail polish that is cured under UV light. It typically lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping or fading. But there’s more to this popular polish than that quick explanation. Read on to learn all about what makes shellac different and why it has staying power.<\/p>\n

What Is Shellac Nail Polish?<\/h2>\n

Shellac nail polish by CND is an innovative power polish that applies like polish but wears flawlessly for up to 14 days of high-gloss shine with zero chips or smudges. It goes on smoothly and provides stunning results that last.<\/p>\n

A durable, long-lasting polish<\/h3>\n

Shellac is formulated to be extraordinarily durable and long-wearing. The advanced polymer technology flexes with the natural nails so it doesn’t damage or thin nails while wearing. And since Shellac is a soak-off gel polish, it peels off easily without drills or nail damage.<\/p>\n

Cured under UV or LED light<\/h3>\n

After applying like a regular polish, Shellac is cured under an LED or UV light, allowing it to dry quickly and completely to a hard, glossy finish. This curing process sets Shellac and allows for long wear without chipping, cracks or dullness.<\/p>\n

Lasts 2-3 weeks on nails<\/h3>\n

A Shellac manicure typically lasts between 14-21 days on natural nails, making it a convenient choice for people who want an extended wear polish option that doesn’t require frequent touch ups. Some users report Shellac lasting 3+ weeks before needing filled.<\/p>\n

Soak-off formula<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Shellac<\/b><\/td>\nPeels off nails easily with acetone soak<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gel polish<\/td>\nRequires drilling\/filing for removal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Regular polish<\/td>\nRemoves quickly with acetone or non-acetone remover<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Unlike damaging gel polishes, Shellac’s patented soak-off gel formula allows for safe, easy removal by soaking nails wrapped in acetone-soaked cotton pads for 5-10 minutes. No drilling, picking or peeling.<\/p>\n

Provides a glossy, scratch-resistant finish<\/h3>\n

The ultra glossy finish of a Shellac manicure resists dulling, yellowing and surface scratches for up to 14 days of flawless wear. Even as the polish grows out, Shellac retains its crystal clear glossy look on nails.<\/p>\n

Over 500 trending and classic CND Shellac colors let you match any mood or style for beautiful pop of color that doesn’t fade, chip or lose its depth and dimension over time. <\/p>\n

How Shellac Nail Polish Is Applied<\/h2>\n

Shellac nail polish is applied similar to regular nail polish, but it requires some additional steps for preparation and finishing. Here’s a typical process for applying Shellac:<\/p>\n

Applied like regular polish<\/h3>\n

The Shellac polish itself is painted onto the nails just like regular nail polish. A thin, even coat is brushed over each nail from base to tip. Shellac tends to be slightly thicker than regular polish, so you don’t need to apply multiple coats to get an opaque color.<\/p>\n

Cured under light for 30-60 seconds per coat<\/h3>\n

After each coat of Shellac is applied, the nails are cured under an LED or UV nail lamp for 30-60 seconds. This quickly “sets” the polish and allows you to move on to the next step. Without this curing process, the Shellac would never dry or adhere to the nails.<\/p>\n

Typically 2 coats are applied<\/h3>\n

In most cases, two thin coats of Shellac polish is all you need for full, even coverage and a glossy finish. If applying a sheer color, three coats may be needed. But in general, Shellac is highly pigmented and a second coat builds on the first to create a durable, vivid manicure.<\/p>\n

Nails are prepared with primer and base coat<\/h3>\n

Before painting on the color, the nails must be properly prepared. First, a dehydrator\/primer is applied to cleanse the nails and help the Shellac adhere. Then a base coat is brushed on to further prep the nails and even out the surface. Proper prep ensures the Shellac won’t chip or peel off prematurely.<\/b><\/p>\n

Sealed with top coat for shine and protection<\/h3>\n

Once the colored Shellac layers have been cured, the manicure is sealed and finished with a top coat. This final top coat protects the polish underneath and adds a beautiful high-gloss shine. Like the base coat, the top coat helps adhere and seal the Shellac to the natural nail.<\/p>\n

Shellac vs Gel Nail Polish<\/h2>\n

Both are gel polishes cured under light<\/h3>\n

Shellac and gel nail polish have quite a bit in common. Both contain ingredients that allow them to be cured and hardened under ultraviolet (UV) or LED lamps, giving them a glossy, durable finish that resists chipping and smudging better than regular nail polish.<\/p>\n

When applied properly and cured correctly, shellac and gel can last over 2 weeks on natural nails without needing a touch up<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Shellac is a brand name of gel polish<\/h3>\n

While shellac has become nearly synonymous with gel manicures, it’s important to note that Shellac is actually a brand name belonging to CND. So shellac is a type of gel polish, but not all gel polishes are considered shellac.<\/p>\n

The Shellac brand debuted in 2010 and quickly became popular thanks to its wide color selection and reputation for resisting chips and fading longer than the average gel manicure. Over a decade later, shellac remains a top choice at many nail salons.<\/p>\n

Most gel polishes last 2-3 weeks<\/h3>\n

On average, a gel manicure such as shellac or any high-quality gel polish will last 2-3 weeks on natural nails before needing to be soaked off and reapplied. However, duration can vary based on factors like nail condition, activity level, and application technique.<\/p>\n

Gel polish lasts longer than regular nail polish because:<\/p>\n