Many women have experienced the benefits of shellac. The durable coating lasts two to three weeks without chipping or scratching, so you can wear the chosen type of manicure without tedious “fixing” and repainting. It is ideal for young mothers, working girls, and also for long trips, for example, at sea.

Required Tools

First of all, you will need a set of coatings with at least one color. Some components can be replaced with more budget-friendly options from inexpensive manufacturers, or you can purchase everything from one.

You will need:

Sequence of actions

The home technology for making shellac is no different from the salon process, since practically not a single component can be replaced. As an exception, instead of liquid, you can use regular alcohol to remove the sticky layer, but professionals insist that this harms the quality of the manicure.

The entire procedure takes about an hour, but as you gain skill in working with the thick texture of gel polish, this time is reduced to 40 minutes.

  • If you are going to design, choose at least two shades of the base coat. You can purchase a design set based on the principle “color + sparkles”, “color + mica”, or two or three contrasting shades to choose from.
  • Combine cold tones with cold, warm tones with warm or neutral. You should not complement translucent shellac with dense or glossy mother-of-pearl.
  • The sticky layers formed after polymerization of the base coat and the first layer are not removed, and this improves the adhesion between them. You can only apply one coat of the base color, but then it will turn out translucent. If this is exactly the effect you expect, then re-painting will not be necessary.
  • In order for the topcoat to look beautiful after hardening, it must lie in an even, dense layer. Paint the cuticles and sides of the nail with it and be sure to seal the free edge of the nail with a well-wrung out brush. This technique will ensure maximum wear time for your manicure.

How to remove shellac

The main quality of gel polishes is durability, so removing them requires more time and effort. But there is no need to file off shellac like extended nails.

Professionals recommend taking a break between wearing gel polish. After two times, you need to give your nails a rest to restore the water-fat balance - at least a week. At this time, take care of your hands with cream and nourishing oils.

Making a French

A beautiful and neat manicure can also be achieved using shellac materials. He will delight you for all three weeks, or even longer. The transparent coating does not lose its appearance even as the nails grow.

The sequence of actions and drying time are indicated in the table:

French shellac has its own difficulties.

You cannot use stencils to draw a smile line. Sticky marks on the main tone that remain after removal cannot be removed without damaging the quality of work. In addition, over such marks, the finishing coating does not adhere well to the base - chips are possible after just a few days, and throughout the entire depth of the coating. Therefore, you have to make a smile manually.

How to draw the perfect white edge:

  • With a brush wrung almost dry, draw a smile in two strokes - from the edges to the middle,
  • draw a smooth alignment line. Now you have a drawn outline that you don't touch anymore.
  • With a pressed brush, use dotted strokes almost perpendicular to the nail to paint the entire free edge.

Ready!

  1. If you are not used to painting French without a stencil, practice several times with regular varnish.
  2. Before an important procedure, do not strain your arm muscles, do not carry heavy bags - your hands will tremble and you will not be able to draw a straight line.
  3. To make it convenient to scoop up white gel polish, pour a large drop of it onto a stable covering - a plastic jar lid or a piece of foam, and dip the brush there.
  4. Squeeze the brush well against the neck of the bottle.
  5. With each layer, paint the end of the nail, moving the brush slightly under the nail - seal it.

What color combinations to choose?

Beige and caramel French tones are on the decline right now, so follow the advice and choose cool pink tones.

The most popular options:

  • white + pink gloss;
  • white + lilac with a diamond tint;
  • white + pink mother of pearl.

If you want to get a strict white edge and an absolutely transparent tone, it is better to choose the latter with a slight shade of pink, which is almost indistinguishable and at the same time well tinted.

In contrast, a water-transparent varnish will unnecessarily emphasize the imperfections of a natural nail.

For a festive or wedding jacket, choose silver or golden hue and microglitters. The fashion for combining silver and gold has passed, so decide in favor of one of the shades.

French glitter or French mica requires a clean white edge and a stock coated with holographic mica. Mica can have a neon effect, which gives a very beautiful reflection in the dark.

To create a French manicure for the office, choose pink pearl for the base and ivory for the free edge of the nail.

Colored French refers to everyday manicure in a casual style. Draw the smile line with any color. The most fashionable colors this season are lemon yellow, turquoise, royal blue, scarlet, cherry, burgundy, tangerine, anthracite, and blue-black. Do not use brown and gray shades for colored jackets.

Shellac coating

Covering nails with shellac at home has recently become popular, so instructions for performing this procedure will be given in this article. Carrying out such coating yourself will give you the opportunity to save quite a lot of money and time, because now you will not have to adjust your schedule to the work schedule of the master. The video and photo instructions given in this article will tell you how to properly make shellac yourself.

Required materials

Required materials

The video explains in detail how to paint with shellac correctly. However, despite the availability of this material and the apparent simplicity of the procedure, the popularity salon manicure does not decrease with shellac. Perhaps this is due to the fact that you need quite a lot of equipment to create a beautiful manicure.

If you decide to do this at home and are wondering what you need to apply shellac gel, then below is a list for you necessary funds and tools for covering nails with shellac.


This is a complete list of what is needed to apply shellac and the list is not small. However, without all this you will not be able to get a result comparable to a professional one. However, even when adding up the cost of everything necessary, doing a manicure yourself is much more profitable than in a salon.

Nail preparation

If you already have everything for shellac, then you can get to work. You can learn how to properly do a manicure and apply shellac at home in the instructional video. But preparing your nails before applying is equally important. It consists of carrying out a number of familiar procedures and several specific ones.

We repeat separately, it is better to remove the cuticle as much as possible. The coating lasts quite a long time, and therefore the closer to the edge of the plate you get when painting, the longer the nail growth will not be noticeable. Now your hands are completely prepared. You can move on to how to properly coat your nails and do a manicure with shellac at home.

Application

Application technology

Below we will discuss the technology and technique of coating nails with shellac gel polish in one color. Once you master this process, you will be able to create more complex designs. For example, French manicure It's not much more difficult to do. The application of designs and patterns can also be flawless with a little practice. In addition, it is easy to apply glitter to such a gel, which will also last a long time and not lose its aesthetics.

The technique of applying shellac manicure is not so different from painting with regular varnish.

  1. Apply a brush stroke along one edge of the nail;
  2. The second stroke is placed along the opposite side of the nail plate;
  3. The third stroke is applied in the center of the plate;
  4. Remember that it is important to carefully seal the ends of the nails with the coating.

This application avoids an excessively thick layer of coating, which may wrinkle when drying. The technology for applying shellac nail polish, which is presented in the video, is much more complex, since it requires a large number of materials and devices. The technological process of how to properly make shellac gel at home is described step by step below.


This is a complete answer to the question of how shellac is applied to nails, as well as the rules and technology of application; with a video clip, knowledge can be consolidated visually. You should not expect that on the first try you will get the same result as in the salon. But after several trainings you will already know exactly how to use and work with shellac, and therefore you will get an excellent result.

Secrets from the professionals

Black gel polish shellac

Often, even when following the instructions completely, the results for beginners leave much to be desired. They may not seem as aesthetically pleasing or less durable. Many training videos only show the sequence and technique of applying shellac varnish, but some secrets are not revealed. And they can often have a decisive influence on the quality of the manicure.

For example, the video does not fully explain how to properly apply glitter to shellac. Everything seems to work out very easily. However, many fashionistas are faced with the fact that lumps form and the radiance is distributed unevenly. After applying the first layer of color, you need to pour a little coating onto the palette and pour glitter into it, stirring constantly with a special thin brush. Apply this mixture as a second layer.

There are also some peculiarities in how to carry out shellac extensions at home. In terms of technology, it is not much different from standard gel extensions. But there is still a significant difference. There is no need to almost completely file off the nail plate; it only needs to be thoroughly sanded. Thus, your own nails suffer much less.

Shellac in French style

You can apply shellac in French style at home, step by step, in the same way simple manicure, but using technology for shellac coating, that is, drying under a lamp, etc. The only and important difference is that you cannot use stencils. Once dry, they cannot be removed, and if you remove them while the coating is wet, the border will blur.

In any case, we can talk for quite a long time about how to properly apply shellac - nail coating or shellac - extensions. But there are some subtleties that you can only learn in the process of work. In addition, materials from different brands have different specificities.

In conclusion, let’s say that how often shellac gel can be applied depends on the initial condition of the plates. Especially if you do it yourself. After all, despite the fact that you now know what the instructions are for applying shellac at home, your experience is still not enough. Therefore, a violation of the technological process is possible, which will make the harm from such a gel even more noticeable to the nails.

A long-lasting manicure made with shellac is practical and convenient. And most importantly, it doesn’t wear off for a long time. This is why many girls are wondering how to apply shellac correctly: they want to learn how to perform this procedure on their own, rather than paying large sums of money at a salon.

What is Shellac

Before telling you how to properly apply Shellac varnish, let me say a few words about what kind of coating it is. This is a hybrid of nail polish and gel developed by an American company. And this material has absorbed everything best properties both. Firstly, we will discuss below) it stays on the nails for up to 4-6 weeks. After which you need to change the coating. Secondly, it is applied as easily as varnish. Thirdly, you can remove the coating with a liquid, and not cut it off like a gel for extensions. Fourthly, a large range of colors allows you to choose any suitable shade. Fifthly, shellac allows you to create the perfect manicure, since the material dries only under a UV lamp, which means that the master can work slowly, carefully and carefully, correcting the slightest defects. Do you want to know how to apply shellac step by step? Use the simple instructions below.

Tools and materials

Before applying shellac at home, you need to prepare everything you need. What is required for such a manicure? First of all, the base, the bottle of colored gel polish itself and the topcoat. But this is not enough. It is necessary to prepare a special lamp - it can be a UV device or an LED dryer. It’s worth remembering right away that it takes much longer for gel polish to dry. But LED drying is much more expensive. Depending on the frequency of use, it is necessary to select a suitable device. Additionally you will need:

  • file for;
  • buff for grinding and polishing;
  • gel polish remover;
  • degreaser;
  • orange sticks for manicure.

Nail preparation

When all necessary set tools and materials are at hand, you can begin the procedure. So, how to apply shellac correctly? First of all, you need to prepare your nails. Fortunately, this process is much easier and safer for the nail plates than preparing before extensions. By the way, many girls, not wanting to subject their nails to aggressive procedures, choose shellac gel. How to apply it according to all the rules? First, push back the cuticle with the help of Then file your nails, giving them a symmetrical shape. The nail plates are leveled with a buff (movements strictly from the cuticle to the free edge). Use a degreaser to remove shine from nails. After this, you can start applying the product. Sometimes, when preparing nails, masters do not file or polish them. But only if you use Shellac from CND, and not gel polishes from other manufacturers.

Stage one: base for Shellac

Before use permanent remedy Shellac does not require too much polishing of the nails, which wears them out somewhat. And there is no need to apply the base in a thick layer, as some are used to doing before painting the plates with varnish. The Shellac base is applied with a thin film and dried thoroughly in the machine according to the instructions. We do not remove the sticky layer - it is necessary for better adhesion of the material. This determines how long the manicure will last in perfect condition.

Stage two: color layer

A colored layer of gel polish is applied to the base. Thin and neat. When wondering how to properly apply shellac, you should immediately remember that the material should not get on the cuticle or side ridges. If this happens, the coating will begin to chip and come off the nails. There can be no more than two color layers. Each one is dried in the lamp exactly as much as the instructions require. Only after the first layer has completely dried is the second applied. This is required in order to make the manicure brighter. If there are more layers, the nails will become too dense and thick. Firstly, it is not very aesthetically pleasing, and secondly, the quality suffers. The thicker the coating, the faster the manicure chips, cracks and does not adhere well.

Stage three: finishing layer

After the colored layers have dried, it is necessary to apply a top sealer for gel polish. It is transparent, protects and adds shine to your manicure. Apply in one thin layer and dry in the machine according to the instructions. There is a special top finish from CND, which gives the Shellac coating a very strong shine (ultra-gloss). Apply in the same way as regular topcoat.

About design

Before applying Shellac gel polish, it is worth considering the design. Dry glitter, rhinestones, sand and others decorative elements for nail art, they are attached exclusively to the colored layer, before the finishing layer is applied. Painting can be done on both color and topcoat (provided it is repeated). Acrylic paints tend to flow over a glossy smooth surface. To prevent this from happening, you just need to use thicker paint, diluting it less with water. The finishing layer is reapplied only when the drawing is completely dry.

French using Shellac

When considering the question of how to properly apply shellac, it is impossible to ignore French manicure. This is a classic. So, we need white and pink color, base and top. When the base dries in the lamp, apply it (in one layer). It is thoroughly dried. After this, a smile line is drawn with white gel polish (you cannot use special stencils, only by hand). If there is such a need, the action is repeated after drying. The last step is the finishing layer of gel polish and drying it. Beauty!

Removing Shellac

Well, how to apply Shellac gel polish is, in principle, clear. Let's talk about how and what to shoot it with. The advantage of this material is that it is not cut off like gel. This means that the nails are not injured. Shellac is removed using a special liquid called remover. Use it in the same way as regular nail polish remover. That is, a certain amount of liquid is applied to a napkin or cotton pad, then the gel polish is wiped off the nail plates.

Advantages of the material

The biggest advantage of Shellac is its practicality. There is no need to refresh your manicure often as it always looks perfect. Another plus is that the nails become significantly thicker. That is, the risk of accidentally damaging them is practically reduced to zero. There is no need to worry about the nail cracking or breaking along the growth line. The third advantage of gel polish is its versatility. You can choose any suitable color coatings and design. Even if your nails are too short, it makes sense to try a manicure with gel polish. In 4-5 weeks, the length of the nails will increase, which means there will be more room for imagination. Gel polish is one of the the best ways grow your nails!

Disadvantages of Shellac

The biggest disadvantage of Shellac is its price. Yes, the original coating from CND costs a lot. On the other hand, for home use You can purchase a starter kit for two, together with a friend or acquaintance. And then do each other’s nails.

Another quibble is durability. Yes, yes, this is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Many people simply get tired of the monotony after a whole month, wanting something new. If a manicure is performed at home, then there are no problems: the old coating is removed and a new one is applied.

Conclusion

Unlike extensions, the Shellac procedure can be performed at home yourself. There should be no problems with preparation, especially if real American material is used. After degreasing the nail plates, you can immediately begin applying gel polish according to the instructions. Removing the coating is also not difficult if you have a remover on hand.

Common errors and problems

Shellac varnish (we discussed in detail how to apply the product) is a fairly simple material, but sometimes it causes difficulties during application. For example, some people face the problem that the consistency of gel polish is too thick. This usually happens if the product has been idle for a long time. You need to put the bottle in the refrigerator for 5-20 minutes, then roll between your palms for a couple of minutes. The consistency will become normal and the color will be uniform.

If during application the gel polish gets on the cuticle or side ridges, then the excess is carefully removed cotton swab, which is soaked in remover. There is no need to completely wash the coating, because until your hands are placed in a lamp or dryer, the material will not harden.

Shellac is a very popular material that modern manicurists prefer to work with. It is also easy to use at home. For perfect nails, in addition to a gel-based product, you will need a UV lamp and a primer - a substance to improve the adhesion of the material to the surface of the nail plate.

Applying shellac at home is not difficult - it is only important to follow the sequence of steps. The use of low-quality materials can reduce all efforts to zero; the gel will not “lay down” in an even layer, and there will be streaks and unsightly bumps on it.

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The first step to the perfect manicure

Preparing the nail plate is an important step that should not be skipped. First, you need to carefully examine your nails to see if there is any old coating left on them. Even a small fragment can affect the final result. Working with the shape of each nail includes the following steps:

  • Removing the free edge (even to shorten the length in accordance with the technology, scissors are not used, only a sapphire or fine-abrasive sand file).
  • Working with the cuticle. It is also not recommended to cut it with a sharp tool. Ideal option - special remedy, which helps exfoliate cells, and an orange stick, which can easily remove them at home.


Nail preparation technology step by step

Shellac cannot be applied to a previously untreated nail. The gel layer simply will not stick to the plate, breaking off for any reason - mechanical friction or washing dishes, swimming in the pool or after visiting the sauna.

There are two stages in shellac application technology.

  1. Nails need to be treated with a sander (with its soft side) - this simple technique helps remove shine.
  2. The function of degreasing the plate is performed by a special substance, which must be applied only after the grinding stage, strictly observing the sequence of shellac application. The product should not get on the skin - this can cause discomfort, burning, and an allergic reaction.

Instructions for applying shellac

According to the rules, oil-free nails cannot be covered with traditional manicure products (for example, clear varnish). A thin layer of base is applied, which can be purchased along with a bottle of shellac from the selected manufacturer. The brush must be held strictly parallel to the surface of the nail plate so that there is no leakage of the product and its contact with the skin.

Shellac application techniques can be adjusted by a master or by the woman herself performing the procedure at home, but the sequence of actions should remain the same. Before application, remove excess base from the brush; there should be no large drops (this can be easily done by wiping the bristles on the neck of the bottle). The area near the cuticle is treated with special care. Also, according to the rules, the nails must be “sealed” with varnish; for this, a brush is passed along the cut of the plate.

The final action in this stage is to place the hand or individual fingers in the light of a UV lamp for 1 minute. Applying shellac at home using a video simplifies the task for a beginner, it’s easier to do everything step by step and correctly.

Applying colored shellac - simple steps

At home, following the technology of such a manicure step by step requires attention and accuracy. In the photo below you can see how the colored polish looks on the nail plate in one layer. To apply this type of gel, you need to repeat the procedure with the base exactly, not forgetting to “seal” the cut.

Colored shellac hardens in a UV lamp for 2 minutes. If the appearance of the gel in one layer is not satisfactory, the procedure must be repeated until the ideal result is achieved.

Following the instructions exactly, you need to ensure that the application of each layer of shellac is not only accurate (do not go beyond the plate), but also as thin as possible. The photo shows an ideal manicure in accordance with the described technique, without bubbles or streaks. If you doubt the correctness of the actions, apply shellac according to the video.

The last stage: why is it important?

The technique of coating nails with shellac at home implies that the final stage of the work will be applying a topcoat (fixer). The procedure is no different from the previous ones. It must be polymerized in a lamp for at least 2 minutes. You need to apply top coat to shellac as soon as possible. It is advisable to keep your hand strictly horizontal. The time may be increased if the ultraviolet bulbs have not been changed for a long time.

The fixer performs the following functions:

  • protects the varnish layer from mechanical damage and moisture;
  • maintains the brightness of the shade;
  • Gives the nail plate coated with shellac a glossy shine.

After the top has completely hardened, a sticky layer appears on the surface of the nail, which is easily noticeable when touched. To remove it, you can use either a special degreaser or 99% alcohol. The sponge or napkin must be lint-free, otherwise fiber particles will remain on the surface, ruining the result.

The technology for applying shellac, if performed step by step in a strict sequence of stages, will take no more than half an hour.

As we have already noted, the good thing about shellac is that its service life is correct technique Applications can be extended even up to 3 weeks. How to achieve this? You should follow certain rules and buy only tried and true products.

From the material proposed, you will learn how to apply shellac correctly, how to remove shellac, and you will understand why such a manicure does not always last long. You will also find step by step photos and reviews for this CND product.

As for color, the CND varnish palette is updated every year. In addition, the manufacturer offers instructions for mixing this or that color to obtain new beautiful shades.

For shellac manicure, it is better to buy a ready-made set, which includes everything you need. Namely, a base + top coat, a lamp, three colored gel polishes in a red tone, a means for removing shellac and degreasing nails, and cuticle oil. Only for our readers there is a special 50% discount on the shellac starter kit. To take advantage of the promotional offer, follow the link.

Shellac is a unique superiority. Those who have ever had a shellac manicure come back to it again and again. Although it requires drying under a special lamp, you are rewarded with a long-lasting coating that is not afraid of external damaging factors and lasts for 14 days. For those with problem nails, Shellac is a real find.

So, what is shellac nail polish? Shellac was created by CND (Creative Nail Design) and is a hybrid of gel and polish. In addition, it is much easier to apply and remove than gel.

By the way, if you expect a truly long-term effect, use materials with the CND logo. The power of the CND YV lamp should be 36 W

The differences between gel and shellac are minor:

  1. Shellac is easy to remove and has no analogues.
  2. The technique of applying shellac does not require the use of a primer, but this is more a minus than a plus. After all, the trouble is that this approach to manicure leads to dry nails.

Let's go directly to the instructions and tell you how to make shellac with your own hands at home.

How to make shellac at home

First, let's look at what you need to apply shellac at home. Please note that we have included only the most necessary tools in the list.

We will need the following manicure supplies:

  • A medium abrasive buff to remove gloss and a file to shape the nail.
  • Degreaser or acetone.
  • Base coat (foundation) is also called the base (for stronger adhesion of the nail and varnish.
  • Colored gel polish. Palette on at the moment very diverse and depends on the manufacturer (see table below).
  • Topcoat is a finishing varnish. It will seal the manicure.
  • Liquid for removing sticky layer.
  • Napkins should only be lint-free.
  • UV lamp (or LED).
  • Liquid and special Shellac remover pads.

For those who are just learning how to do shellac manicure, it is better to buy ready-made sets.

If you have never tried to apply such a long-term product, and do not know how to make shellac at home, we suggest you follow the further instructions.

  1. Preparing the nail plate for applying shellac. Namely, we give it shape, get rid of the cuticle, remove only the gloss from the nail, there is no need to diligently work on it with a buff. Degrease. It is especially important to degrease for those with oily skin. Use special wipes; cotton pads are contraindicated.
  2. It's time for the primer. At this stage, apply the base using rubbing movements, maintaining a distance of 1-2 mm around the perimeter. In other words, we leave a gap between the skin and the base-treated surface. Direction: from cuticle to tip. Dry the primer layer under a UV lamp for 30 seconds.
  3. How to properly apply shellac with colored pigment. We apply the first layer in the same way as in the previous step. Leave the perimeter 1-2 mm untouched. Dry for three minutes. Cover again. Now we close the perimeter but without touching the skin and cuticle, otherwise the shelf life will be significantly reduced. We seal the end. Again under the lamp. For design lovers, there is the opportunity to finish by drawing drawings, whatever you like, from simple lines to florals.
  4. Finish coat time. Be careful, you should seal the manicure, including the end. Drying (3 min.).
  5. Finally, use special napkins soaked in a cleanser (special liquid) to remove the sticky layer. You can use an alcohol solution (water 70% + alcohol 30%) instead of clinser.


Why doesn't shellac last?

Despite the declared strength, it is not always possible to go through two weeks and still keep a shellac manicure in perfect condition. Why doesn't shellac last well? The reasons can be very different.

Poor adhesion of shellac to the nail is often caused by incorrect application technique. This is, firstly, poor degreasing, and secondly, not sealing the end.

A common reason why gel polish does not last is splitting and flexibility of the nails. After all, when accidentally bent, the nail does not always break, but a crack in the coating may appear. As a result, the wear time of manicure is significantly reduced.

Individual intolerance to the components of gel polish is very rare.

How to quickly remove shellac from nails

We told you how to cover your nails with shellac, now all you have to do is find out at home. When carrying out the shellac removal procedure, adhere to the following rules.

  • Soak a cotton swab or napkin in acetone;
  • Place on nail;
  • Wrap tightly in aluminum foil;
  • Wait 10 minutes and clean the surface.

For convenience we provide step by step photo instructions showing how to remove shellac yourself.

Watch the video: how to remove shellac at home using brand products:

Shellac price

Shellac has been and remains the leader among gel polishes. It follows that the price of a shellac manicure is quite high. But if you need really high-quality coverage, then price shouldn't be a barrier. The cheapest analogue is offered by the Bluesky brand, although this gel applies with flaws and lasts much less than the stated two weeks.

The approximate price of an economical set ranges from 4,500 rubles to 13,000 for a complete set. As you can see, you can get by with the economy option, the price of which is quite reasonable.

But before purchasing a set, we recommend trying out a shellac manicure in a salon. This way will allow you to see if this coating is suitable for you. And then learn to make it yourself, starting, of course, with economy kits. After all high price A salon procedure on an ongoing basis can put a significant dent in your budget.

Guide to creating a color palette

Many people complain about the small amount of color in gel polishes, but today, thanks to step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to create a huge number of different shades.

  1. Apply base layer, wait 10 seconds.
  2. Then cover with the first color from the pair you like. Dry for 2 minutes.
  3. Next, according to the photo instructions, select the second color. Dry for 2 minutes.
  4. Cover with a finishing layer. Again under the lamp for a couple of minutes.
  5. Remove stickiness.

That's all, you will be surprised how easily and simply you can create a wide variety of colors using several shades of shellac.

What is better shellac or gel polish?

First, let's open terrible secret, shellac is the same gel polish, it’s just that this name is assigned to all gel polishes. This is because CND was the first to produce a product called shellac. Therefore, the price of this nail coating is the highest.

In the hope of saving money, we try to find cheaper options, fortunately there are more than enough of them. But CND still remains the leader, this fact is indicated by reviews from both the manicurists themselves and their clients. In addition, it still does not have equivalent analogues. Plus, shellac manicure does not require prior application of primer. However, this technique is fraught with drying out the nail plate.

As mentioned earlier, shellac is a hybrid of a plastic gel and a varnish that requires drying under a UV lamp. It is simply irreplaceable for those who value their time and are willing to devote no more than 30 minutes to creating a manicure once every two weeks.

So which is better? Opinions and reviews from customers vary. Some people think that shellac is much better than other similar analogues. But there are also those who are delighted with the cheaper Gelish and Bluesky. Apparently, many are scared by the price of CND sets.

But if we put all the reviews together, we can conclude that shellac is better than others due to a fairly simple removal procedure. Although its colors are not so varied, and it lasts only two weeks versus 20 days for InGarden brand gel polish, provided that the application technique is followed. Ultimately, Shellac and Gelish Harmony received the highest scores among users.

To understand which gel polish looks better than others on nails, see the photo gallery at the end of the article. But don’t forget: a lot depends on the application technique and the level of professionalism of the manicurist.

How to spot fake shellac

Most counterfeits may have slight visual differences, but the easiest way to distinguish the original from a cheap copy is to pay attention to the batch number. You need to pay attention to the presence of the batch number when purchasing absolutely any product. The batch number is not printed on the packaging and is duplicated on the bottom of the varnish.

  • So, the first thing that should alert you is the low price.
  • The serial number printed on the bottom of the product must match the number on the packaging.
  • One more distinctive feature- this is a flat bottom for the original and a ribbed edge for the fake.

If you have caught the purchased shellac as a counterfeit, then do not use it under any circumstances. Fake shellac can cause nail damage or worse: severe allergic reactions.

Pivot table

Shellac cnd InGarden Bluesky Gelish Harmony
Manufacturer USA USA China USA
Bottle volume 7.3 ml 11 ml 10 ml 15 ml
Difficulty or ease of application Apply like regular varnish, requires UV drying The brush is inconvenient, it requires skill to get the coating neat, it doesn’t spread Poor quality of the brush and the gel polish itself, paints unevenly Liquid consistency, consumed quickly
Drying speed 36 W UV lamp (2 minutes) or LED lamp (30-60 seconds) drying time should be increased by 1.5 and even 2 times
How many layers will be required? One - Two One -Two, some shades will have to be applied in Three and Four layers Three-Five Three
Color palette 61 shades, it is possible to combine different colors for a wider palette Very extensive, new shades are added every year 141 colors
Preliminary cleaning of the nail and application of primer Not required (just degrease is enough) Requires sanding with a buffer and applying a bonder - an adhesive coating Required Requires sanding with a buffer, treatment with a dehydrator and application of a bonder.
Effect on nails The coating makes nails stronger Does not spoil, strengthens Recovery courses are required; in some cases, drug treatment of the nail plate will be required. For problem nails, the manufacturer suggests using medicinal bases
Durability of the coating 2 weeks Up to 3 weeks 10-14 days, easy to chip 14 days, first of all the cuticle begins to peel off
Removal Product Remover (10-15 minutes), removed in pieces Artificial Nail Remover (15 minutes), easy to remove with film does not soften completely, you have to cut it down Removal time takes 15 minutes, first dissolved under foil with Harmony Gelish liquid
Hypoallergenic Eat Eat Possible allergic reactions Eat
Unpleasant chemical smell Absent Absent The smell is not strong Absent
Formaldehyde resins None None, + added caring ingredients Contains hazardous substances None
Cost price Low if application technique is followed Average High
Cost, rub. 900-1500 500-600 300-450 In sets up to 3000
User rating 4.5-5 points 4-4,5 3-3,5 4.5-5 points