You’ve heard it everywhere. You’ve seen people wearing it. You’ve perhaps… questioned how to pronounce it. Yes, we’re talking about Shellac nail polish. If you’ve never had your nails brought to life with a bit of long-lasting sparkle, then read on — it’s definitely worth knowing the science of Shellac.
Shellac nail polish(sometimes referred to as gel nail polish) is your knight-in-shining-armour when it comes to nail art. It gives you a chip-free coating that can last up to two weeks. It can last even longer than that, though by then your nail growth will show.
So How Does it Work?
First, let’s talk about how it differs from ‘traditional’ nail polish.
The polish itself is similar to acrylic nail polishes, in that the liquid is made out of a polymer of several chemicals merging together in a colour-festival of beauty meeting science. It’s thicker than traditional nail polish, immediately giving it more resistance to daily wear-and-tear. Shellac is free of formaldehyde and other damaging chemicals — our clients actually say that their nails feel healthier with the Shellac on!
After the coat is applied, it is then ‘cured’ with a UV light. This adds even more strength to your now-shield-like nails, whilst drying them instantly. Don’t be scared by the UV light, though. You’re probably exposed to more total UV rays during your trip to and from your session than you are during the process.
It’s easy to apply, and easy to take off – each lasting roughly 10 minutes. Isn’t it refreshing to know that your nails won’t chip off in less time than it took to paint them?
The Therapist Touch…
Avoid DIY Shellac kits with home UV lamps… the last thing you want is indestructable clumps all over your home or body! This is particularly referring to the removal process: your nails must be stripped with acetone remover for a full five minutes, then gently removed using a wooden scraper.
Our therapists are not your average-Joes (or Joannas). All of our staff at PURE have been specially trained to administer a Shellac manicure or pedicure to the highest possible standards. That isn’t an empty statement — there is a science to it. The timing has to be right, followed by the correct professional-use UV equipment to ‘cure’/dry your nails to last until you get bored of your colour.
Overall, the process can leave nails feeling dehydrated once the Shellac is removed. This is also why we would always recommend perfectly PURE mani-pedi treatments. Our therapists can recommend the correct hydrating product for you — i.e. Leighton Denny’s Slick Tips Nail & Cuticle Oil or Best Defence Nail and Hand Cream.
To test-drive your first Shellac nails (or top-up your coat), why not invest in a Shellac treatment? Get your hands or nails (or both) sparkling in no time. Alternatively, look in the ‘Nails‘ category for other nail-tastic offers!