With the right tools and a little practice, achieving professional-looking Shellac manicures at home is entirely possible. In fact, with the abundance of affordable options available, there’s no excuse not to give it a try. The key to mastering this technique lies in understanding the unique characteristics of Shellac polish, which sets it apart from other gel polishes on the market.
As the brand name suggests, Shellac is a product of Creative Nail Design (CND), but its popularity has led to similar products like Gelish, which boasts many of the same benefits. What truly sets Shellac apart, however, is its thinner consistency and ease of removal – a game-changer for those who value their time and nail health.
While it’s true that some gel polishes require harsher methods of removal, Shellac and Gelish alike offer a more gentle approach that won’t damage your natural nails. In this post, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of creating stunning Shellac nail designs at home, using Gelish as our demonstration polish – but rest assured, these instructions can be adapted for use with other gel polishes as well.
HOW TO DO SHELLAC NAILS
File Your Nails to Your Desired Shape
To begin, prepare your nails by shaping them to your desired form and ensuring uniformity. A standard nail file is suitable for this step. I opted for a rounded shape, but you can also choose from square, almond, or oval shapes. For inspiration, refer to the following image: [insert image]. I aimed for a more natural appearance, which led me to file my nails into a round shape, similar to the top-left example in the provided image.
Tidy Your Cuticles
To achieve a flawless manicure, it’s essential to tidy up your cuticles. This step not only ensures a smooth application of nail polish but also creates the illusion of longer nail beds. Various tools are available for this purpose, such as cuticle pushers, wooden cuticle sticks, and creams specifically designed for cuticle removal.
When trimming your cuticles, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid removing too much tissue.
Your natural cuticles play a vital role in protecting your nails from infection. The goal should be to achieve evenness among the nails while creating a clean surface for polish application.
Apply a Base Coat
Before beginning your manicure, ensure your hands are spotless by washing them thoroughly. Alternatively, utilize an alcohol wipe to sanitize each nail individually. It’s crucial to start with a clean slate, literally. For my personal experience, I employed the Gelish Foundation Base Coat, which serves as a protective barrier for natural nails and facilitates a strong bond between the nail and subsequent Shellac or gel polish applications.
When working with either of these types of polish, you’ll require an LED or UV nail curing lamp to dry the base coat, top coat, and any intermediate layers.
Dry the Base Coat with a Nail Lamp
Once your base coat is applied, insert your hand into the nail lamp to allow it to dry. Nail lamps typically come equipped with timers that automatically shut off after a set period of time, ensuring your nails don’t overcook. In my case, the CND lamp I used took exactly one minute to complete its cycle.
For those looking for more affordable options without sacrificing performance, I’ve explored alternative solutions.
If you’re interested in finding an LED or UV nail lamp that fits within a tighter budget, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide on the best options available.
Apply the Polish and Dry it with the Nail Lamp
Once the base coat has dried, you can begin applying your chosen polish. In my case, I opted for Gelish’s Soak-Off Gel Polish in shade number 7, a vibrant red with a subtle sparkle that catches the eye. This particular hue would be perfect for festive occasions like Christmas parties or as a starting point for more elaborate nail art designs. If you prefer to explore alternative options, there are numerous gel polish brands available online, featuring an array of colours and finishes.
These might include glow-in-the-dark shades, temperature-changing hues, or CND Shellac polish, among others. When applying the first coat, it’s essential to cure your nails under the lamp to ensure the polish dries correctly. You may find that two coats provide a richer, more intense colour overall.
Apply the Top Coat and Dry it with the Nail Lamp
To complete the gel manicure, you’ll need to add a top coat. This final step serves two purposes: it enhances the shine of your nail color and provides an extra layer of protection against chipping or scratching. Once applied, the top coat requires another session under the LED or UV lamp to cure properly. The significance of this stage cannot be overstated, as it creates a shield over the polish, safeguarding its integrity.
In most cases, a single layer of top coat is sufficient to achieve these benefits.
Apply Cuticle Oil
After the nail polish has fully dried, treat your cuticles to some TLC by applying a rich cuticle oil. This will help soften and hydrate the skin surrounding your nails, reducing the likelihood of dryness and cracking. Even though your nails may feel dry to the touch, it’s crucial to exercise caution for the next ten minutes. I learned this the hard way when, in my haste, I picked up a coffee cup with my freshly polished nails – resulting in a tiny dent on one of them!
How Long Does it Take for Shellac Nails to Dry?
When applying Shellac nail polish, the CND™ LED Lamp helps it dry quickly – just one minute! However, even though the polish may appear dry, it’s essential to exercise caution immediately afterwards. I learned this the hard way when I got a dent in my nail after rushing back to my morning coffee routine. To avoid similar mishaps, I recommend waiting a few minutes before engaging in activities that might put your nails at risk of getting knocked or damaged.
Gelish Vs Shellac
When it comes to professional manicures, Gelish and Shellac are two popular gel nail brands that require curing under LED or UV lamps. These brands share many similarities, with both taking around 30-45 minutes to apply. While they may seem interchangeable, there are some subtle differences between the two. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a breakdown of what sets them apart:
Benefits of Shellac over Gelish
Compared to other nail enhancements, shellac is relatively easy to remove, with the process taking no longer than five minutes. Additionally, its thinner consistency makes it appear more natural on the nail bed. What’s more, the shellac formula bears a closer resemblance to traditional nail polish, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more subtle enhancement.
Benefits of Gelish over Shellac
While Gelish may be more challenging to work with than Shellac, its benefits are undeniable. For starters, it boasts an impressive lifespan of up to three weeks, outlasting its counterpart by several days. Furthermore, Gelish’s extensive color palette is a major draw, featuring 223 options compared to Shellac’s relatively modest 116 hues. What’s more, Gelish offers a wider range of vibrant, eye-catching shades that are sure to make a statement.
For instance, you can find an array of bright, shiny, and sparkly colors in the Gelish collection that aren’t available in Shellac. As I delved deeper into the world of gel polishes, I stumbled upon a fantastic resource called ‘Broke my Nail’, where Nathalie, the owner, has created an informative comparison between Gelish and Shellac. For those interested in learning more about these popular nail polish options, I highly recommend checking out her website.
How to Remove Shellac or Gel Nails
When it comes to removing Shellac or gel nails, there are two primary methods: soaking and foiling. The latter is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin, as it minimizes direct exposure to acetone. This process typically takes around 15 minutes to complete.
To initiate the removal process, you’ll require a few essential items: nail polish remover (acetone), aluminum foil (tin foil), cotton wool balls or cotton pads, cuticle remover, and a nail buffer.
With these tools at your disposal, you can efficiently remove your Shellac or gel nails.
Soaking method for Removing Shellac or Gel Nails
To effectively remove gel polish from your nails, start by using a nail buffer to gently buff the surface of each nail. This will help loosen the gel and prepare it for removal. Next, place your nails in a bowl of acetone for 5-10 minutes to allow the solvent to penetrate the gel. After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to carefully lift and remove the remaining gel polish from each nail.
Finally, repeat the buffing process with the nail buffer to ensure any residual gel is completely removed and your nails are smooth and ready for finishing touches.
Foils method for Removing Shellac or Gel Nails
To effectively remove gel polish, start by preparing your nails with a nail buffer. This will help create a smooth surface for removal. Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail. Wrap a piece of foil around the nail to keep the cotton wool against the surface. Allow this combination to sit for 10 minutes, giving the acetone time to break down the gel polish. After the allotted time has passed, remove the foil and use a cuticle pusher to gently pry away any remaining gel.
Finally, use the nail buffer again to buff away any remaining residue, leaving your nails smooth and ready for your next manicure.
