Choosing the right nail polish style and treatment can be challenging. You need a polish that won’t chip easily but also protects your natural nails. Shellac nails often offer the best of both worlds at a reasonable price. We've researched extensively to bring you detailed information on this.
In this guide, we'll explore shellac nails and how they can help maintain healthy nails while still allowing for style and creativity. Read on to discover how much shellac nails cost and learn how to keep your nails looking great.
Shellac Nails
A set of shellac-style nails is much more durable and can withstand more beating than a standard polish. Shellac ingredients mimic a gel polish look and feel without damaging your natural nails.
This style of nail polish is popular because it is reliable and can be painted on acrylic nails. You can see above how shimmery and gel-looking these nails came out using shellac polish.
Can I do shellac nails at home?
Doing your own shellac nails at home is pretty easy and does not require a lot of experience. You will need a UV or LED light to dry your nails correctly. Shellac polish is very similar to gel and should be applied and dried the same way.
SUNLUV LED Nail Light
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This first product we found to dry shellac nails comes from SUNLUV and is shown above. You want to make sure your nail polish dries correctly when using shellac polish because it will last for about two weeks.
MEFA Nail Polish Kit
This next shellac/gel nail kit is a good option for those who may want to do their nails at home. This kit is advertised as a softer gel and falls into a shellac look and feel once applied to the nail.
Beetles 23 Pieces Nail Polish Kit
The product shown above is a gel and shellac at-home nail set made by Beetles Gel Polish Store. This is another at-home nail option that comes with 23 different polishes.
How much does it cost to have shellac nails removed?
Having your shellac nails removed will be very similar to gel when it comes to process and cost.
You can expect to pay around $25 to have your shellac nails removed. This varies and may be cheaper if you get another manicure after removing your old color. Removing the polish thoroughly takes around 15 minutes, so allow that in your schedule.
We recommend buying a nail remover set for those who may not want to pay $25 every time they want to try a new color.
If you want to remove the paint off of your nails, you can use tin foil and traditional nail polish remover on each finger. Some products promise to make the process easier and less time-consuming; we have attached them below.
FANDAMEI Nail Polish Remover Kit
This recommended nail polish remover kit will make removing shellac or gel nail polish much more manageable. It comes with all of the essential polish-removing products, but you will need to purchase a strong liquid polish remover to use with it.
Magic Nail Polish Remover
This product is intended to be used either with a nail removal kit or with tin foil wrapped around each nail. It is a faster option and promises to remove your shellac nail color in 3 to 5 minutes.
Pronto 100% Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover
This nail polish remover shown above is a professional-grade option to try at home and is made by Pronto. There are mixed feelings about using an acetone polish remover, but for shellac or gel nails, you need to have the strength of an acetone-based product.
Wrapping tin foil around cotton balls dipped in this type of remover will get the color off your nails in no time.
Additionally, if you're concerned about the impact of shellac on your nails or wondering if you need a break from them, check out this article, "Does Shellac Ruin Your Nails?" for more insights.
Is shellac more expensive than acrylic?
Shellac nails are less expensive than acrylic styles and are better for your fingernail health. An acrylic set of nails will usually cost you $70 to $120, depending on the detail and shape you choose.
Shellac nails cost about two-thirds of that price and last a similar two weeks. They have a more classic and livable look, and you don't have to worry about a refill if one breaks. Acrylic nails are a fun style but require costly upkeep.
Here are some examples of shellac vs. acrylic nail designs for all the nail lovers in the house.
Shellac
The shellac nails shown above are beautiful and don't require extra attention for few days. These nails are most likely for people who use their hands a lot and can't afford to make a refill appointment or get a filling frequently. This style of nail is also deemed acceptable at most jobs in food and customer service.
For more on their durability, check out our article on "How Long Do Shellac Nails Last?" which provides detailed insights into how you can maximize the lifespan of your shellac manicure.
Acrylic
The next set of nails will be acrylic and very aesthetically pleasing. These nails require upkeep and are on the higher end of the price range for nails in general.
Many people love this style and adapt to having such long nails in their everyday lives. It comes down to your preference.
Concluding Thoughts on Shellac Nails
Shellac nails typically range from $40 to $70 at salons, offering good value given their durability. They require the same care as gel nails and deciding between professional or at-home application depends on your budget and comfort.
It’s important to take breaks and choose gentle products, as shellac is known for protecting natural nails and lasts about two weeks. We recommend giving shellac a try and enjoying your nail care experience.
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