A neat, beautiful and durable manicure is the dream of modern girls. Get a similar effect ordinary varnish impossible. Even with the most careful application and delicate handling of nails, peeling is inevitable. Fortunately for young ladies of the 21st century, shellac and all the necessary related materials appeared on store shelves. And it’s not even necessary to turn to nail service professionals, as is the case with extensions. You can make a manicure with shell polish at home. The savings will be significant. The article is devoted to the advantages of shellac, the features of creating a manicure. Let's look at each step in detail helpful tips, which will allow you to put the nails in order and make the coating as resistant as possible.

What is shellac

Shellac is a means for creating an expressive and durable manicure, which came to us from the USA. Today women use shellac different countries world, both in salon practice and at home.

10 years ago, acrylic was the only way to ensure durability. The manicure looked beautiful, acquired a glossy sheen, but after removal, the structure of the nail plate deteriorated and became thinner. Shellac has been a real lifesaver. The color does not fade, the top coat gives a luxurious radiant effect and wear for up to 4 weeks. And what is important - the materials are easy to use. Let's consider all the advantages in more detail.

Shellac Benefits:

• Easy to apply just like regular polish. Shellac is a typical bottle with varnish and a standard brush. It is evenly distributed over the nail, lays down in a thin layer, without stripes and lumps. No special skills or training required. The accompanying products that ensure the durability of the manicure are also easy to use. It is enough to gently spread with a brush over the nail and dry in a UV or LED lamp.
• It is safely removed, without cutting and damaging the top layer of the nail plate. In order to remove shellac, you will need a special liquid, cotton pads and foil. The technique is simple. Cotton wool is impregnated with the product, applied to the nail and wrapped in foil. Hold for 15 minutes and remove. Shellac peels off easily on its own.
• Promotes nail growth. If acrylic spoils the structure, then shellac, on the contrary, helps to strengthen and protect against harmful environmental influences. Nails are comfortable under a layer of shell polish. Experts recommend giving preference to luxury and middle-price products, which include vitamins, minerals, and healthy herbal supplements. Women who constantly use shellac notice intensive growth nails. Layers of lacquer, top coat, base coat become a reliable barrier to mechanical damage, chips, cracks, peeling.
• Dries quickly. Under UV lamp - 2 minutes, under LED - 30 seconds. Unlike acrylic methods, the procedure is much faster. In general, the complex coverage takes about one hour. And this is once every three to four weeks, which is very important for modern women who feel the lack of free time.

Shellac retains its brightness and expressiveness for a long time. The coating does not fade, does not fade, shines and pleases with a full cycle of rich color - about a month. And this is with active washing dishes, cleaning the house, cooking, playing sports. You do not have to limit yourself from the usual and important things - they will not interfere with a manicure.

• Rich palette of shades. The eyes run up from the variety of shades available to any buyer. The main thing to take care of the quality of the purchased shellac is to make purchases in professional markets. Pay attention to new items, consult with sellers. And to get started, talk to your nail master, who will give advice on choosing specific brands.
• Safe for health. The most important moment in choosing a beauty product. Shellac is hypoallergenic, does not harm the body and the structure of the nail. Pregnant and lactating women can be calm about the possible risks - there are none.

Along with an extensive list of advantages, there are also disadvantages. But there are significantly fewer of them. Nail-specialists distinguish only two:

• Price. Shellac is more expensive than regular polish. Plus, you need to buy other components: top, base, primer, degreaser, files, remover, UV or LED lamp, etc. But this set is completed once, and then gradually supplemented with a color palette. Funds are spent economically. If you plan to do a shellac manicure for yourself - the expense is guaranteed throughout the year.

• Coating durability. Paradoxically, this aspect is both an advantage and, in some cases, a disadvantage. It happens that the color bothers you, you want a different design, and the manicure still pleases with its impeccable look.

If you want to always have a flawless manicure and at the same time not resort to the services of beauty salons, buy a shellac kit and do the procedure at home. There is nothing difficult in this. The main thing is to understand the sequence of stages and have at hand all the necessary tools and materials.

What you need to cover shellac at home

Persistence and aesthetic effect directly depend on the correct, consistent technique of action. Each means of the kit depends on each other, complements the properties and, in combination, allows you to achieve the expected beauty result. So, what should be on your table during the procedure:

How to apply shellac

Now let's take a closer look at each of the stages, delve into the details of working with shellac. Following our tips, you can make a smooth and durable coating.

Step 1. Preparation of nails for the procedure. Of course, you need to start coating on well-groomed nails - with a beautiful shape, without protruding cuticles and burrs, dry rollers on the sides. Correct the edges, go through the polishing file, which will smooth the surface and thereby prepare for high-quality adhesion to the base coat.

Step 2 Disinfection and degreasing. We treat fingers and nails with antibacterial compounds and then degrease. This gives the surface a perfect texture, removes dirt, dust, traces of sebum and cosmetics. We dry it - without exposure to the lamp, in a natural way.

Step 3 primer layer. This nail material is responsible for durability, protects against delamination, provides perfect adhesion between the nail plate and the base coat. It is applied in a thin layer, dries quickly without UV stimulation.

Step 4 Base coverage. It is best to buy the base, top and colored shellac one trademark- will work better in a complex. We try to apply the product in a thin layer, carefully removing excess drops back into the bottle. Make sure that the base does not spread around the edges - in this position it will harden. Let dry under LED lamp for one minute, UV 2-3 minutes. In no case do we remove the sticky layer, otherwise the very meaning of the base will be lost, the varnish will not last even three days.

Step 5 Color application. We take a shade of varnish suitable for the mood or stylistic tasks and carefully apply it to the nail. One layer is usually not enough. In order for the manicure to look rich and spectacular, you need to do a double coating. An important point: dry each layer under a lamp. The first one was applied - under UV rays for 2-3 minutes (depending on the power), according to the same scenario - the second one.

Step 6 Top cover. The final stage responsible for the luxurious glossy shine of gel polish is the application of a finishing agent. The principle of operation is the same as with the base. The consistency is thick, and therefore you should try not to overdo it: evenly distribute a thin layer, without going over the edges. Dry the top on the nails in a lamp.

Step 7 Removal of the dispersion layer. After the topcoat has dried, the tacky layer must be removed. To do this, you will need a degreaser with which you treated your nails at the very beginning of the procedure. Wipe with a lint-free cloth until smooth.

Shan 8. Applying cuticle oil. Don't forget about this final step. Under the influence of UV rays, the skin dries out, loses moisture, becomes rough and soon begins to crack.

Special oil formulations help restore hydrobalance, nourish with vitamins and minerals. Brush the cuticle area and lateral edges with a brush and wait until the product is completely absorbed.

These 8 steps are not at all difficult to perform at home. So you will significantly save on the services of beauty salons and you can at any time remove the coating and make a manicure with a different color, according to the occasion or mood. A one-time salon coating with shellac costs from 1,000 rubles. A set with a lamp will cost you about 3,000, and this investment will soon pay off.

Many women have long appreciated the durability, excellent decorative properties, wear duration and other important characteristics of shellac, in which ordinary nail polish is noticeably inferior. But only the correct application of layers of shellac on the nails, followed by drying the coating in a UV lamp, can ensure the incredible “survivability” of a luxurious manicure for several weeks. The technique of applying shellac on nails is so simple that you can easily master it at home with the help of video tutorials for beginners and step by step master class with a photo of each stage of the procedure.

The tandem of lacquer and gel in one bottle successfully replaces traditional nail extensions, as durable layers of shellac protect long, brittle nails from damage. Solid gel-varnish coating securely fixes the given shape of the natural plate and helps prevent its delamination.

The obvious advantages of using shellac include the ability to perform fashion manicure"salon" level at home, high polymerization rate (drying of each layer of the coating), resistance to external influences (including household chemicals), preservation of gloss and intensity of manicure shades during wear, removal of gel polish that is safe for a natural plate without sawing. And during a long vacation, shellac is simply irreplaceable, since a manicure made with it does not require correction and you can safely enjoy your vacation.

♦ COMMON MISTAKE

The use of low-quality gel polish for manicure or a violation of the technique of applying shellac to nails can lead to a rapid loss of glossy sheen, peeling of the coating, cracks and chips. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the typical mistakes that women make during the procedure, and carefully study the video tutorials for beginners on how to do a manicure using gel polish at home.

Incorrect storage.
Do not leave shellac bottles in an open place in direct sunlight, which changes the properties of the decorative material. Room lighting also shortens the shelf life of gel polish. Keep all bottles in a dark place and close them immediately after using gel polish;

The tips of the nails are uneven and rough.
When preparing the nail plates for applying shellac, very carefully grind the free edge with a suitable manicure file. If the tips of the nails are not smooth and even, then during the sealing of the end, lumps will begin to collect on them, which can lead to chipping of the hardened coating;

Cuticle treatment with emollient oil before the procedure.
Process the cuticle with protective and emollient agents after completing all stages of manicure. The oil creates a greasy layer, weakening the adhesion (adhesion) between the surface of the nail and the base layer;

Polishing of nails before the procedure.
Treatment of the surface of the nail plates with a polishing buff impairs adhesion. To improve adhesion between the plate and the coating, treat the surface of each nail with a suitable nail file with fine abrasive to get a roughness;

Using an acid primer.
If you use shellac to perform a manicure, then it is generally not necessary to treat your nails with any primer to improve adhesion. In any case, use only an acid-free primer and apply the base coat on the nails immediately, without waiting for the primer to dry completely;

Improper degreasing of nails.
Before applying the base layer, you must very carefully remove moisture and all fat from the nail plates. Treat the fingers with disinfectant foam, carefully wipe each nail with a lint-free cloth (you can moisten it with Nail Prep), and then apply a degreaser (fresher or instant drying dehydrator) to the nails and periungual ridges;

Shaking a bottle of gel polish.
Vigorous shaking of the bottle leads to the appearance of small bubbles, which complicate the procedure for applying shellac to the nails in an even layer. It is quite enough to slightly rotate the bottle in different directions to evenly distribute the pigment that has settled to the bottom;

Spreading of the base layer.
If you apply the base in a thick layer, then it will begin to spread, falling under the side rollers and on the cuticle during drying in a lamp. Try to apply the base in a thin layer and very carefully so as not to go with the brush on the cuticle and on the side rollers;

Thick base coat.
Colored shellac should be applied to the base in a very thin layer. Carefully squeeze the brush against the edge of the bottle before the procedure and move from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. During the polymerization process, a thick layer of gel polish hardens unevenly and waves and swelling may appear in some areas of the coating;

The end of the nail is not sealed in time.
Bring the brush over the edge of the nail when applying the base, top, and the first base coat of shellac. Please note that the entire end of the nail is completely sealed. Moisture will enter the layers of the coating through a poorly sealed tip of the nail and the shellac will begin to peel off;

Incorrect removal of the dispersion layer.
A sticky dispersion layer remains on the nails after polymerization of each coating layer in a UV lamp. But the sticky layer perfectly binds all layers of the coating and it needs to be removed only from the top layer (and not from each) with a clinser. By the way, it is best to apply the top (finish coat) with a separate brush and then dry this layer thoroughly in a UV lamp (1.5-2 minutes, depending on the lamp power) to achieve a spectacular glossy sheen;

Poor polymerization of the coating.
If at least one layer of the coating is uneven or not sufficiently dried in the lamp, then the decorative manicure will not adhere well to the nails. Place your fingers in the center of the device, do not press them against each other. Try to accurately observe the polymerization time. If the applied coating layers do not harden enough in the allotted period of time, then it's time to change the UV bulbs in the device.

♦ CORRECT APPLICATION OF SHELLAC ON THE NAILS AT HOME

Tools and materials:

UV lamp (36 watts; if LED, 18 watts is enough);

· A set for hygienic manicure (nippers or scissors with narrow cuticle blades, a pusher with a rounded spatula, nail files, orange sticks);

· Lint-free wipes;

· Brush for removal of dirt;

Base (to protect the nail from the active components of shellac);

Colored shellac (base coat);

Top (finish coat);

Degreaser (dehydrator, fresher);

· Klinser (for removal of a sticky layer from a finishing covering);

Emollient cuticle oil.

Step by step application of shellac on nails:

❶ Make a warm bath for nails and hold your fingers in it for 10 minutes. Wipe your hands dry and do a hygienic manicure (push back the cuticle and remove the keratinized skin with a remover or manicure trimmer, trim the nails and give the free edge of each nail the desired shape);

❷ We grind the surface of the nail plates with a nail file with a fine abrasive to remove the shine and make the nails more matte. This procedure improves the adhesion of the base coat to the surface of the nail;

❸ Carefully wipe the nails with a lint-free cloth moistened with a degreaser. After degreasing, try not to touch the surface of the nail plates with your fingertips;

❹ Now we apply a base coat with a thin layer on each nail of one hand, carefully squeezing the brush against the edge of the bottle before the procedure. The end of the free edge is completely sealed. If the base gets on the skin around the nails, then carefully remove it with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover;

❺ Place your fingers in the UV lamp, being careful not to touch the base coat on the body of the device. The polymerization time of the base layer depends on the power of the lamp (from 30 to 120 seconds);

❻ After polymerization, try not to touch the hardened coating, as a sticky dispersion layer remains on it (it is not necessary to remove it). Gently apply a thin layer of colored gel polish. During the procedure, you can seal the end, but not necessarily;

How to make shellac at home? How not to spend a large amount of money on the services of an experienced specialist? You can learn about this and much more from the following material.

Shellac is a new manicure technique. It is not as harmful as the classic way of nail extension. At the moment, applying gel polish to the legs is rapidly replacing other methods of design and processing of the nail plate. Many ladies of different ages who try to follow fashion use the services of manicure masters when they want to make shellac. No matter how complicated the process may seem, you can do it yourself at home.

What is shellac?

Shellac is a natural, consistent way to build gel nails. During the procedure, a set of polymers is used, each of which has the properties of both varnish and a special gel.

The composition of the coating, which is applied to the nails, includes the following components:

• Film former. This substance, when it hardens, forms a dense coating, which is not afraid of any mechanical influences. The component is considered the basis of any type of shellac.
• Photoinitiator. This substance absorbs the sun's rays, thanks to it the varnish hardens faster.
• Pigment. Hue, which is the main component of shellac. With the help of pigment, nails can be given a certain shade.
• Thinners. Components that allow you to adjust the consistency of the varnish.
• Additives. These components enhance and regulate the quality of the varnish. Thanks to additives, the color becomes more intense, resistant to abrasion.
• Shellac looks like a medium liquid mass. The color of this mass may be different. It all depends on the pigment present in the composition. In order to get a new, unusual shade, you can immediately mix several gel polishes.
• The varnish dries due to a special UV lamps. A coating that dries out under a different influence is not very stable. Shellac has increased strength. It is able to persist for at least 14 days, while maintaining its original appearance.

What you need for shellac manicure: important tools, materials

Shellac for manicure basic kit, which includes tools and materials. Thanks to this set, you will make an exquisite manicure yourself at home:

• UV lamp. The power of such a bulb should be 36 W. If you have a lamp with a lower power, the varnish may begin to peel off over time. Therefore, you will get an ugly manicure.
• Degreaser. Most often, such substances are sold in the same store where all the components of shellac are. If you cannot find this, use ordinary medical alcohol.
• Base coverage. Try to choose a high quality base.
• Shellac required color.
• Finish coating. You also need to choose quality material.
• Orange stick.
• Napkins which do not have pile. The fact is that because of the pile, the manicure can deteriorate. You will have to remove a layer of shellac, and then apply it again. You will need wipes to remove the sticky layer at the final stage.
• Liquid, with which shellac is removed.

When choosing, pay attention to the trade brand CND. The company sells quality material for creating shellac. The fact is that the manufacturer is responsible for the quality of its own products, gives a guarantee for each product.

You can, of course, buy lower quality material. But with such products, you may not get a beautiful, durable manicure. If you save money, you will not be able to get an excellent result - a beautiful, durable, sophisticated manicure.

How to make shellac nails for yourself: preparatory steps

So, having prepared all the necessary tools and materials for shellac manicure, you can proceed to the preparatory stages. They include the preparation of the nail plates.

Preliminary manipulations consist of the following steps:

• Work your cuticles on fingers.
• Form that nail shape which you like best.
• Sand down nails. This procedure is considered mandatory. Thanks to it, shellac and the surface of the nail plate adhere better.
• Process nails with an antibacterial agent. It will degrease the nails, ensure an even application of varnish.
• Apply base coat layer.
• Warm up nails under a UV lamp to set the gel polish. Warm-up duration should be approximately 30 seconds.

Shellac at home for beginners step by step: base coat

Covering the nails after their preparation begins with the application of the base. This layer protects the nails from the negative effects of the pigment layer. In addition, the base makes the adhesion of the varnish and the nail much better.

Apply the base according to the following instructions:

• Paint the left edge of the nail plate.
• Paint the right edge.
• Apply the base on the center of the nail.
• Before proceeding to the next step, make sure that the edges of each nail are carefully "sealed".
• Thanks to this technique, you will evenly distribute the base on the nails without catching the skin.

The entire database processing procedure consists of the following steps:

• To begin with, the container with the base is a little twist. So you warm up the base, after which it will lie evenly on the nails.
• Apply foundation. Make sure the layer is not too thick. Otherwise, the base will harden longer, which may cause unwanted stains on the nails.
• Dry your nails for 30 seconds.

How to apply shellac?

This layer makes the nails the color you want. To properly apply shellac, follow these instructions:

• Apply a thin layer of the product. Do not seal the edges of the nails.
• Dry shellac under the lamp for about 3 minutes.
• Next, apply re shellac. You can apply the same varnish or use a different color. With this technique, an original, unusual pattern is obtained.
• Hold the painted nails under a special lamp for about 3 minutes.

Keep in mind that each layer of shellac must be thin enough, otherwise the varnish will begin to swell, bubbles will form under it.

• Before applying the varnish, check in what condition it is - the agent should not be very thick. Nail polish can deteriorate over time if you store it incorrectly.
• Make sure the cap on the tube is screwed on well. Store the varnish only in a dark place where the temperature does not exceed +25°C.

Shellac manicure: how to apply decorating elements?

The scheme and method of applying decor during a manicure with shellac is almost the same as decorating nails with a manicure with ordinary varnish. But here, after applying the decorations, you should also re-coat the nails with a top coat of varnish.

The decor on the nails with shellac manicure may look like:

• Ribbons, stripes.
• Ornaments.
• Various patterns.
• Images.
• Application of several shades of varnish at once.
• Glitter and so on.

The final stage of shellac manicure - top application

During the final stage of the manicure, the last layer is applied with shellac - the top. This procedure is performed as follows:

• Apply top thick layer. Seal each open edge of your nails with a top coat. So the colored varnish will be in a closed "vessel".
• Dry nails. The drying time under a special lamp should be approximately 2 minutes.
• Take a lint-free cloth and a special tool. Remove the sticky layer.
• If you do not have a means to remove the sticky layer, acetone or ordinary alcohol will do. But these substances can ruin the manicure. Therefore, use them with extreme care.

How to apply shellac at home: secrets

Making nails beautiful is sometimes very difficult, especially when it comes to shellac. If you are a beginner, you can use the detailed instructions above, but it may not be enough for you. After all, you are not familiar with the secrets that real professionals know.

To get the perfect manicure, experts recommend using the following tips:

• To distribute glitter evenly on the surface of the nail, mix them with a small amount of a transparent base. Mix the mixture thoroughly, then apply the decorations in a second layer on the nails.
• To make your manicure last longer, apply shellac thin layer. Don't touch the cuticles to make the manicure look neat.
• To do French manicure, don't use stencils. After all, after drying the varnish, it will be difficult for you to remove them. If you remove the stencils before the gel dries, it may spread.
• If you are using shellac to build nails, do not file off the entire nail. Just a little of it polish.
• To remove the cuticle, the masters advise using a special tool. However, if the cuticles are not very visible, then take orange stick, use it to push back the cuticles on your fingers.

• Buying UV lamp, pay special attention to the power of the technique. The best option is a lamp 36 W. In this case, the varnish will dry fairly quickly.
• Any correction is carried out under such a mandatory condition - the nail plate must be dry. Even a sparing nail file will not be able to keep wet nails intact.
• Enjoy cuticle oil every day. Apply it in the morning, then in the evening. Only in this case, you will not have burrs on your fingers.
• Before visiting a beauty salon, treat your nails first. If your nails are sore, shellac will only make the problem worse. The nails will begin to break, exfoliate, the appearance of a fungus is not excluded.
• Do not apply hand cream before making shellac.

Benefits of shellac manicure

As you can already understand, shellac has many positive aspects. Among them we highlight the following:

• shellac on short nails Also looks good as on long nails. This method makes it possible to paint the nails to the required length.
• Since shellac is considered a natural remedy, thanks to it strengthened nails, they stop break.
• Shellac can last on nails long enough. Many women go with such a manicure for almost 3 weeks.
• In order to remove shellac, you need a special tool. This means that nails covered with this method are not afraid of various household chemicals.
• Thanks to shellac, nails become shiny. Glitter on them can hold out for quite a long period, not fade over time.
• Firms that produce products for shellac try to closely follow fashion. Therefore, the palette of lacquer colors is regularly replenished. On sale you can always find classic shades, and bright, interesting, avant-garde tones of gel polishes.
• The main advantage of shellac is that this method of coloring nails is considered completely safe. There are no formaldehydes in the composition of the main constituents of shellac. That is why such a manicure can be done not only by girls prone to allergies, but also by pregnant women.
• If suddenly you get tired of shellac, you can remove it yourself at home. To do this, purchase a gel polish remover, a film in a specialized store in advance. Then study carefully instructions for beginners, and only then clean your nails from varnish.

Disadvantages of shellac manicure

Everything that exists on our planet has negative sides. Shellac is no exception. There are few drawbacks to manicure, but you should definitely know about them:

• The shellac procedure costs enough expensive. Correction can also cost you a decent amount. Therefore, if your nails are growing fast, accept that additional costs may await you.
• The next negative side of shellac is as follows - despite the fact that manufacturers claim that the coating is very durable, nails due to high temperature can expand, and then decrease, return to their original size.
• Because of warm water while washing dishes, taking a bath, the nails can be deformed, as a result of which micro-cracks appear on the coating. Due to such cracks, dirt can get under the varnish, provoking bacterial development.
• shellac can stay on nails for a long time, therefore, microbes have a lot of time to develop, damage nails. If you want to avoid such consequences, try to do all your homework with gloves on.

How to make a shellac manicure "Cat's eye"?

This type of manicure is considered very popular. Using varnish in the procedure, which contains metal particles, you can create unusual ornaments resembling a cat's eye.

For this design, prepare the following materials:

• Varnish. It must be green.
• Magnet.

If you do not have a special magnet, then take a regular one.

The process of creating such a manicure consists of the following steps:

• For shellac, prepare your nails, apply the base.
• Dry the base under a UV lamp.
• Apply a special green varnish, also dry.
• Reapply varnish, bring a magnet to it. Metal particles will form an unusual pattern.

If you bring the magnet edgewise, then you will get a pattern in the form of stripes. By twisting the magnet, you will get an interesting ornament that resembles a cat's eye. At the very end, cover the varnish with a top coat.

Video: Cat's eye with shellac

Shellac: French manicure

Shellac French using this method, follow the instructions below:

• Initially, remove the cuticles, give the nails the desired shape, remove the greasy layer.
• Apply primer.
• Next, cover your nails with a thin layer of base.
• Dry your nails under the lamp for about 3 minutes.
• Remove the sticky layer that forms after drying with a special cloth.
• Paint your nails the color you want.
• Carefully draw "smiles".
• Cover your nails with base.

Making shellac at home is an easy procedure even for beginners. If you follow our instructions, you will definitely get a beautiful manicure.

Video: French varnish at home?

Shellac is among the top most popular long-term coatings, has high durability, a bright palette, is easy to perform even at home, and craftsmen work real miracles.

Shellac is the name of the most popular product from CND. It was this brand that first invented a semi-liquid, but resistant coating for manicure. It combines the usual varnish and gel. The composition was kept secret for a long time, the company mentioned only natural resins. Later, gel polishes from different manufacturers appeared on the market, and the word "shellac" from the name of a particular product turned into a household name.

Shellac is often referred to as ordinary gel polishes or the manicure itself in which they were used. Some brands, such as BLUESKY, even put the “Shellac” mark on the packaging, but the composition does not match the original CND.

The main advantage is that for strength it is not necessary to cut off the nail plate, replace it with another material. Even without this, the material merges with the natural nail. Manicure looks natural, thick and high tubercles are not formed.

Fortitude

The durability of shellac is on average two weeks, but often it increases to 20-25 days. Subject to the technology, careful application, and the use of high-quality materials, cracks, chips, and detachments should not appear during this time. By the end of wearing, the top layer may only slightly fade, and small scratches will appear on it over time.

Advantages and disadvantages

Shellac has many advantages, the material is easy to apply and wear.

pros:

• suitable for nails different lengths and thickness;
• you can give any shape to the tips;
• gives scope for designs;
• the coating does not require much time, 2-3 hours is enough;
• convenient to use;
• worn 14 - 20 days;
• rich palette of shades;
• makes thin nails thicker, increases strength;
• the product in the vial does not dry out, does not deteriorate.

The downside is the cost. This type of coating cannot be called budgetary, shellac is much more expensive than gel polish. In recent years, many alternatives have appeared from domestic, American, Chinese manufacturers at a price 3-5 times lower.

Differences between shellac and other coatings

Gel polish, shellac, gel - all these are nail coatings that allow you to get a durable manicure for several weeks without a change in color and the need for correction.

The main difference between shellac and other materials is the natural resin in the composition, mixed with ordinary varnish. Similar products from other companies may contain toluenes, formaldehydes and other harmful substances.

There are not so many differences between gel polish and shellac. Outwardly, they are very similar, the technique is identical, but in rare cases, a primer is not used under shellac. He should be fine without it. There are more differences between these materials with gel. They have a different consistency, application technology, the gel is not so pliable, it requires skill, sawdust.

Comparison table for coating properties

Shellac or gel

The best is the one that lasts longer and is more comfortable. Some girls are completely satisfied with shellac, the manicure wears well, looks natural, the coating allows you to grow any length. But, some nails do not like him, they reject him. Even the masters cannot explain it, they just say “not suitable for everyone”. Whoever makes the coatings, the material begins to chip off, peel off. In this case, it is better to choose a gel. It will also become a salvation for very thin, bending marigolds, since after polymerization it becomes hard.

Shellac or gel polish

They are very similar in appearance and properties. These materials have practically no differences in technology. If you learn how to use shellac, then you can easily try gel polish. It's hard to determine which is better. In terms of price, prevalence, availability, they are ahead of gel polishes. Durability depends on various factors. Shellac wins in composition, it has less chemistry and dangerous compounds.

What is more harmful

For natural nails, the wrong technique, cuts, and careless removal are more harmful. With careful work, following all the rules, natural nails become thicker, grow well, do not require rest, which is talked about so much. Good masters have clients who go for several years with a beautiful manicure without interruption.

If you correctly approach the performance of a manicure, then the worst thing that can happen is an allergy. If it is only on shellac, then it is better to choose gel or gel polish and vice versa.

Gel polish has long revolutionized the beauty industry. This unique material combines the best qualities of varnish and gel. The easy brush application technology combines with the strength and durability of the polymer, while the base coat provides evenness and good adhesion. But not many people know how to properly apply shellac, so you first need to familiarize yourself with all the rules of this procedure.

Any salon master will make an excellent manicure with shellac without difficulty. But what to do if there is not enough money for a permanent visit to the salon, but you always want beautiful nails? The solution is to manicure gel polish at home.

At first glance, it seems that salon procedure much cheaper than buying necessary materials and tools, but it is not. The coating lasts an average of two weeks, the consumption of a bottle is very small, so a manicure at home will pay off in two or three applications.

There are, of course, other options to make your nails beautiful, for example, doing extensions that are harmful to nails for four hours, or painting with ordinary varnish, redoing it every day. With gel polish, everything is much easier and faster.

What you need for shellac manicure at home

Choosing a shellac coating, a fashionista receives a two-week manicure in one hour, which does not lose its gloss, does not chip or crack. But such a result is possible only if you know all the subtleties of application. Otherwise, the finish of the socks will come in a few days.

To make pens beautiful, you need to stock up on time, patience and the necessary materials:

• File abrasive 230 grit
• File for natural nails
• Polishing buff
• Degreaser
• Lint-free wipes
• Cuticle Remover
• Pusher or orange stick
• primer
• Bonder
• Base coat
• Pigmented gel polish
• Finish coat
• Dispersion remover
• Cuticle oil
• UV or LED lamp

So that a manicure at home does not disappoint, you need to pay attention to the base and top coats. It is best to choose proven well-known companies, since, chasing profits, you can come across low-quality material. The consequences of such savings can be not only in a short-lived manicure, but also in the harm to shellac nails. The finish and the base must be of a uniform consistency, without lumps and foreign matter. When buying, be sure to check the expiration date of the material.

This is necessary so that the nail plate rests and recovers. During this period, it is better to influence it at home with various strengthening agents.

To properly remove a manicure at home, you need a gel polish remover and sponges on foil. To save at home, you can take ordinary cotton pads and food foil. The nail top should be cut off before removal, so the coating will come off faster.

Secrets of applying shellac at home

A trip to the salon pleases any female person. Everyone will pleasantly relax in the hands of the master, and trust his experience. Often this pleasantness is relatively expensive, given that such a procedure needs to be done twice a month. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford it, someone does not have enough finances, someone has time. The best solution can be a manicure at home, the main thing is to know how to go through these steps correctly.

After preparing the tools, there comes a very important point preparation of hands and nails. From this stage depends on how long the coating will not give detachments:

• The first thing to do is to clean the nails of the old coating, even if it is a transparent varnish.

It is best to do a cleansing manicure with a soak a few days before applying shellac.

• Even beforehand, you can remove the cuticle at home by circumcision. This will save at home on a special tool that softens the cuticle.
• If such a tool is already available, you need to apply it to the cuticle area, leveling with an orange stick, and leave for a few minutes to soften.

It is important to remove all dead tissue from the nail, otherwise early detachments cannot be avoided.

• No need to apply various oils, masks and other products before applying gel polish, the surface of the nail must be absolutely clean and dry
• Next, you need to cut off the shiny layer of the natural nail plate with an abrasive file, and sand it with a buff.

In order not to harm your nails in vain, you need to read the instructions for shellac, as some brands do not require washing down and grinding.

• Remove the resulting dust with a soft brush, degreaser or cotton swab moistened with water. Be sure to wait until dry.
• If your nails are naturally damp, or your hands were exposed to water before application, it is best to use a dehydrant. It deeply dehydrates the surface. But if everything is fine with the nail plate, you can do without it.

Further, at home, many make the mistake of skipping the application of primer and bonder, or interchanging them. Of course, at home it is difficult to do everything right, but, nevertheless, you need to try to do it. Primer is applied first. It protects the natural nail plate from harmful effects and pigmentation, removes moisture and degreases. It dries in the air in a couple of minutes. Using a primer, you can not use a degreaser.

After the primer, immediately before painting the base coat for nails, you need to cover the surface with a bonder. It serves for better adhesion of coatings. Of course, at home it is not always possible to use it, so you can get by with just the base, but the period of wearing such a manicure will not be so long. After thorough preparation, you can start applying gel coatings. This technique is simple:

• A very thin layer of base coat is applied. It levels the nail plate and promotes adhesion.

If you paint too thick a layer, then it may simply not dry out under the lamp.

There will also be problems when removing a manicure, since it will take more time to destroy the layer, therefore, there will be more harm from the remover

• Colored shellac also needs to be painted thinly, otherwise the coating will not only dry out, but will also shrink and bubble. Usually, for brightness and good staining, it is simply applied in a couple of layers, polymerizing each. sticky layer it does not need to be removed, it serves as an additional hitch
• The finish can be painted with a denser layer than the first two. The topcoat will serve as a shield throughout the wear of the coating. It will protect against tarnishing, scratches and minor damage. Despite the fact that this is the most durable layer, you should not once again check the finish for strength by picking something or using your nails as bottle openers.

Dry each layer for a couple of minutes in a UV lamp, and 30-40 seconds in LED. After the last layer has dried, a dispersion is formed, which can be removed with a nail polish remover, a special liquid or a degreaser. After removing the sticky layer, the finish will shine with gloss, which means the manicure is ready.

Before you start a manicure, you need to find out the nuances of the work. Even self-taught beginners should know some subtleties that will help to do a manicure correctly. We all know that craftsmanship is in the details.

• Be sure to apply moisturizing oil to the skin around the nails and cuticles. At home, you can use ordinary vegetable oil
• If at home, in the process of applying a layer, the substance gets on the skin, you need to carefully remove it. To avoid such troubles, you need to paint the nail, retreating from the skin one millimeter
• When lubricating, you can twist your finger, aligning the gel. In extreme cases, you can remove the uncured coating with a lint-free cloth and degreaser.
• After preparatory phase do not touch your nails with your fingers, otherwise the sebum will again fall on the surface
• When applying each layer, you need to brush along the edge of the nail, and a little from the bottom, especially if it's a finish.

Having familiarized yourself with the basics of applying shellac, you can safely begin to practice. After correct application manicure can become not only a visual complement to the image, but also a source of pride. This coating will surely appeal to any fashionista, and will take its rightful place on the dressing table.