Shellac nails are known for their impressive shine and long-lasting quality. If you're thinking about trying a shellac manicure for the first time, you might be curious about how long they can last. You're in the right place!
We've researched extensively and are ready to share what influences the longevity of shellac nails. Keep reading to find out, along with other useful tips on shellac nail care and maintenance.
What Are Shellac Nails?
Though sometimes used as an umbrella term for all gel manicures, shellac is a patented product and process created by Creative Nail Design (CND).
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A CND-trained professional always does the official CND shellac process in a salon. This process includes nail preparation, use of CND products (base coat, color, top coat, and LED lamp), and ongoing nail care and maintenance.
The shellac formula includes a combination of gel and liquid polish. The gel provides durability, and the liquid polish provides a glossy shine for the color.
The gel and traditional polish bond together when exposed to an LED lamp that uses UV rays, so the nails take almost no time to dry. This bonding process is called "curing," and it is done between each coat application for a shellac manicure.
There are currently more than 150 colors of shellac polish available. If you're considering shellac nails and wondering about the cost, be sure to check out the article "How Much Do Shellac Nails Cost?"
How Are Shellac Nails Applied?
1. Preparation
First, the nails are prepared for application. Shellac manicures should always be done on healthy nails. The hands and nails are cleaned, the nails are trimmed and shaped, and the cuticles are removed.
For those wondering about nail length requirements for shellac, this article "Do You Need Long Nails For Shellac?" provides detailed insights.
2. Base Coat Application
The technician applies one layer of the base coat. Each hand, this layer is cured under the LED lamp for 10 seconds.
3. Color Coat Application
The technician applies one layer of the color coat. This layer is cured under the lamp for one minute per hand. Then, a second color coat layer is applied, and that layer is cured for one minute per hand.
4. Top Coat Application
The technician applies one layer of the top coat, and the layer is cured for one minute per hand. An alcohol pad removes the top film (called "dispersion"), which leaves the nails extra smooth and glossy.
5. Finish
Nail oil is applied to condition the nails. CND sells a product called SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care, which is recommended for daily use to maintain healthy nails.
How Often Should You Get Shellac Done?
Shellac nails should be removed and reapplied every two weeks. Though the manicure may last longer than that, the polish becomes more difficult to remove after two weeks. If you wait longer, the removal process may damage your nails.
By two weeks after a manicure, most nails have grown to the point that there is a clear gap between the manicure and the bottom. That is a signal that it's time for a new color!
As long as your nails are healthy and hydrated and the shellac manicure is properly removed, you do not need to take a break between shellac manicure applications. However, it is important to note that shellac manicures are not recommended for brittle or thin nails.
Some people have expressed concern about the possible negative effects of the UV rays from the LED light used to cure a shellac manicure.
While UV radiation can damage skin over time, the FDA considers nail-curing lamps to be at low risk of exposure when used as directed.
To minimize your risk of exposure to UV rays, you can protect your hands by wearing fingerless gloves during your manicure. You can also apply sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.
How Do You Make Shellac Nails Last As Long As Possible?
Although it is recommended that you change your shellac nails every two weeks, with proper care, you may be able to stretch the manicure for up to three weeks.
Be sure that your nails are completely healthy before applying a shellac manicure. Keep your skin moisturized and use nail oil as recommended (see the link to CND SolarOil above).
Shellac nails are very durable and should not chip or peel with light use. You can protect your nails by wearing gloves if you are doing rougher tasks, such as washing dishes or gardening.
Also, remember that the UV rays from the LED lamp bond the gel and liquid polish together. Exposing your nails to natural UV rays from sunlight can help to strengthen that bond further.
Which Lasts Longer - Shellac Or Gel?
As we have discussed, shellac manicures are a combination of gel and liquid polish, whereas gel manicures only use gel. Both are durable and long-lasting, but gel nails can last slightly longer.
Shellac nails generally last up to two weeks, and gel nails can last up to three weeks. Shellac polish is thinner than gel, so it is slightly more prone to chipping.
It is important to note that gel nails are more difficult to remove than shellac. Gel nail removal requires filing the top of the nail to break the bond and then scraping the surface of the nail to remove all gel residue, which can damage the nail.
Acetone-based nail polish remover is used to break down the chemical bonds to remove shellac nails.
The shellac releases from the nail and breaks into small pieces that are wiped off with an isopropyl alcohol wipe. The removal process takes 5-15 minutes and is best done by a professional technician.
Why Is My Shellac Dull?
One of the benefits of shellac is the shiny, glossy finish, so it is disappointing to find that your shellac manicure is dull. A dull shellac manicure indicates an issue with the top coat of polish or the curing process itself.
Your nails may be dull if the top coat was not cured under the LED lamp for long enough (the recommended time is one minute for each hand) or if the top film (dispersion layer) was not removed after curing with an isopropyl alcohol wipe.
Dull nails may also indicate a problem with the LED lamp. If the lamp is faulty or old, the UV light may not be sufficiently strong to achieve a good shine. The bulbs in the lamp may have some dirt on them or may need to be replaced.
If only one or two nails are dull, it is possible that the nails were not placed in the optimal position under the LED light.
How Do You Make Your Shellac Nails Shiny Again?
If you are still at the salon and find that your shellac nails are dull, ask your nail technician to apply one more layer of top coat.
Cure the nails again under the LED lamp for one minute, and use a wipe to remove the top film from the nail. Your technician may also need to replace the bulbs in the LED lamp or use a different lamp.
If you are at home, you likely cannot access CND products. The best way to restore shellac nail shine is to wipe your nails with an isopropyl alcohol pad. This will remove any dirt or dust that may cause nail dullness and remove the top film if it is not completely removed at the salon.
For the best results, use wipes that are at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
These affordable wipes from Sally Hansen are 99% isopropyl alcohol and should help you get those nails shiny again.
Maximizing Shellac Manicure Longevity
Shellac nails can last up to 14 days, or even 21 days for those with slower-growing nails, provided they are properly applied and maintained. Known for their durability, shellac nails resist chipping and peeling in the first two weeks, offering a glossy and robust manicure option.
This post has outlined how to maximize the lifespan of your shellac manicure. For optimal nail health and style, consider refreshing your color every two weeks to maintain a vibrant look.
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