But, if your client likes to keep her nails simple, a perfect Shellac French manicure is easy and safe for her nails! Jan Arnold, Co-founder of CND, is ready to take you on a tutorial on creating the perfect Shellac French manicure. Application is fast and easy and so is removal!
For both gel and shellac manicures, you should avoid peeling off your nails at home. This can damage your nail bed. It is better to visit a salon or remove them properly by soaking them first (more on that below).
Shellac was the first hybrid polish, produced by CND, and you can expect manicures to last about two weeks. Some may find that the chip-free finish lasts longer than this, but it's recommended that you get them removed after 14 days as by this time your own nail will have started to grow out.
Traditionally, French manicures feature a natural-colored nail with a white tip, and can be done with regular nail polish, gel nail polish, or acrylic. They look clean and classic, but can feature fun twists.
Essentially gel nails use a semi-permanent gel to color your nails, whereas shellac nails use semi-permanent polish. There are also nearly triple the number of color options for gel nails as there are for shellac nails, but there are still plenty of shades to choose from for either.
Yes, you can. CND have Designed their shellac to have all the possibilities of a gel product (note; “shellac” is a polish/gel hybrid and the term is patented by CND, any other brand calling their product “shellac” is just gel).
Shellac manicure starts peeling within a day or 2:
Your tech may have not dehydrated your nail bed well enough. You don't always need to rough up the nail but the natural shine should be buffed down first (unless you are using Shellac brand gel polish they require no buffing). The polish might be older.
The end result in both cases? Hard-wearing, shiny, thick colourful nails that will last 2 to 3 weeks without chipping. In our experience, SNS can last up to one week longer than Shellac nails without chipping, and SNS also creates a thicker-looking nail from all that powder getting added on.
You can remove them easily enough yourself, with nothing more than a few cotton balls, some foil and nail-polish remover.
IMPROPER REMOVAL/APPLICATION – aggressive removal of CND™ Shellac™ including harshly scraping the natural nail with a metal tool can cause damage. As can over buffing of the natural nail – over buffing every few weeks can cause your nails to become thinner and weaker.
Shellac is much less damaging to nails than traditional gels (or acrylics), and if your goal isn't to make your nails longer, then they're a great choice. Shellac looks like a thick glossy gel polish, and the main benefit is that it reduces chipping.
You'll need some freshly made shellac (begin with a 1-pound cut which is thinner and easier to apply; later you can use a 2-pound cut if you want to speed up your finishing); a rubbing pad, and some mineral oil (which keeps the rubbing pad from sticking to the freshly applied shellac).
Although French manicures can be suitable for every type of nail plate and shape/length, Bychkova suggests that the mid-length almond and short square shapes look best for French nail tips.
A French manicure is a classic look that offers a pale pink or beige base color with a white tip. With SNS nails, you can achieve a seamless and clean look, as the color is applied in layers and then sealed with a topcoat.
Additionally, while Shellac appears to help avoid the damage to the nails caused by acrylics, SNS goes a step further, according to Vo. “SNS is positively good for nail health. The SNS dipping powder system is fortified with no less than four vitamins, plus the all-important mineral calcium.
Shellac nails (and gel nails too) are painted on and put under a UV light. SNS nails are dipped in powder instead of being painted. Each nail is dipped into the powder one by one and the powder sticks to your nails. Since SNS nails are dipped in powder, they tend to create a thicker look.
Step 1: Give Your Nails a Break
Most nail technicians suggest giving your nails at least a week-long break every eight weeks. Shellac, gel, dip dye, and acrylics require buffing the nails beforehand, and the harsh acetone for used removal compromises the top layer of the nail.
Your shellac nails should remain shiny and chip-free for 14 to 21 days if you take care of them responsibly. Don't worry about your day to day activities: taking out keys, working on the computer and (light) cooking are no match for shellac.
Because the product is cured, there is zero drying time. When applied and removed correctly Shellac should not cause any damage to your nails - here are some for looking after your Shellac ... Shellac can last flawlessly, with normal wear and tear, for at least 14 days.
Beige or Nude Nails
Just like the colour grey, nude or beige tones are incredibly versatile and can be used for any occasion, all year round. They are neutral nail polish colours that are hard not to like, and easy shades for anyone looking to match nail polish to their outfits.
If you are looking for stylish nail art, then you need to check out this next idea. Here we have light blue shellac nails and there are two accent nails. Both accent nails feature a simple white design. The simple design is jazzed up with rhinestones in light pink and blue colors.
“The key to this look is to apply the thin micro French white line first, then applying the 'milk bath' color over the top will help to create that hazy American manicure look,” says Bachik.