Shellac application technique (step by step). Stages of the procedure with video and photos. Fashionable shellac coating: how to apply correctly? The subtleties of the procedure: how to properly apply shellac so as not to spoil the nails

Persistent manicure, made with the help of "shellac", is practical and convenient. And most importantly - it does not wear off for a long time. That is why many girls are wondering how to apply shellac correctly: they want to learn how to perform this procedure on their own, and not pay substantial amounts in the salon.

What is Shellac

Before telling you how to properly apply Shellac varnish, let me say a few words about what kind of coating it is. This is a hybrid of nail polish and gel developed by an American company. And this material has absorbed all the best properties of both. Firstly, - we will discuss below) stays on the nails for up to 4-6 weeks. Then you need to change the coating. Secondly, it is applied just as easily as varnish. Thirdly, you can remove the coating with a liquid, and not cut it off, like a gel for building. Fourthly, a large range of colors allows you to choose any suitable shade. Fifthly, shellac allows you to make the perfect manicure, since the material dries only under a UV lamp, which means that the master will be able to work slowly, carefully and carefully, correcting the slightest flaws. Do you want to know how to apply shellac step by step? Follow the simple instructions below.

Tools and materials

Before applying "shellac" at home, you need to prepare everything you need. What is required for such a manicure? First of all, the base, the bottle of colored gel polish itself and the top coat. But this is not enough. It is necessary to prepare a special lamp - it can be a UV device or an LED dryer. It is worth remembering right away that it dries gel polish much longer. But LED-drying is much more expensive. Depending on the frequency of use, it is necessary to choose a suitable device. Additionally you will need:

  • file for;
  • buff for grinding and polishing;
  • gel polish remover;
  • degreaser;
  • orange sticks for manicure.

Nail preparation

When all the necessary set of tools and materials are at hand, you can proceed with the procedure. So, how to apply shellac correctly? First of all, you need to prepare your nails. Fortunately, this process is much easier and safer for the nail plates than preparation before building. By the way, many girls, not wanting to expose their nails to aggressive procedures, choose shellac gel. How to apply it according to all the rules? First, push back the cuticles with the help. Then, file the nails, giving them a symmetrical shape. The nail plates are aligned with a buff (movements strictly from the cuticle to the free edge). With the help of a degreaser, shine is removed from the nails. After that, you can start applying the product. Sometimes, when preparing nails, the masters do not file or polish them. But only if Shellac from CND is used, and not gel polishes from other manufacturers.

Stage One: Base for Shellac

Before using a resistant shellac, it does not require too thorough polishing of the nails, which exudes them somewhat. And it is also not necessary to apply the base in a thick layer, as some people are used to doing before painting the plates with varnish. The base for Shellac is applied in a thin film, dried thoroughly in the apparatus, according to the instructions. We do not remove the sticky layer - it is necessary in order for the best adhesion of the material to occur. It depends on how long the manicure will last in perfect condition.

Stage two: color layer

A colored layer of gel polish is applied to the base. Slim and tidy. When wondering how to properly apply shellac, you should immediately remember that the material should not fall on the cuticle or side rollers. If this happens, then the coating will begin to chip off and lag behind the nails. There can be no more than two colored layers. Each is dried in the lamp exactly as long as the instructions require. Only after the first layer has completely dried, the second layer is applied. This is required in order to make the manicure brighter. If there are more layers, the nails will become too dense and thick. Firstly, it is not too aesthetically pleasing, and secondly, the quality suffers. The thicker the coating, the faster the manicure is chipped, cracked and does not hold well.

Stage three: finishing layer

After the colored layers are dried, it is necessary to apply a top fixer for gel polish. It is transparent, protects and adds shine to the manicure. It is applied in one thin layer, dries in the apparatus, according to the instructions. There is a special top finish from CND, which gives shellac coating very strong shine (ultra-gloss). It is applied in the same way as a regular top coat.

About design

Before applying Shellac gel polish, it is worth considering the design. Dry sequins, rhinestones, sand and others decorative elements for nail art, they are attached exclusively to the color layer, before the finish is applied. Painting can be done on both color and topcoat (subject to its repetition). Acrylic paints tend to spread over a glossy smooth surface. To prevent this from happening, you just need to take a thicker paint, diluting it less with water. Re-finishing layer is applied only when the pattern is completely dry.

French with Shellac

Considering the question of how to properly apply "shellac", it is impossible to ignore French manicure. This is a classic. So, we need white gel polish and Pink colour, base and top. When the base dries in the lamp, it is applied (in one layer). It is dried thoroughly. After that, a smile line is drawn with white gel polish (you cannot use special stencils, only by hand). If there is such a need, the action is repeated after drying. The last step is the final layer of gel polish and drying it. Beauty!

Removing Shellac

Well, how to apply Shellac gel polish is, in principle, understandable. Let's talk about how and with what to shoot it. The advantage of this material is that it does not cut off like a gel. So, the nails are not injured. Shellac is removed with a special liquid called a remover. Apply it in the same way as a regular nail polish remover. That is, a certain amount of liquid is applied to a napkin or cotton pad, then the gel polish is removed from the nail plates.

Material advantages

Shellac's biggest advantage lies in its practicality. There is no need to refresh your manicure often, as it always looks flawless. Another plus is that the nails are significantly compacted. That is, the risk of accidentally damaging them is practically reduced to zero. There is no need to worry about the nail cracking or breaking along the growth line. The third advantage of gel polish is its versatility. You can choose any suitable color coatings and design. Even if the nails are too short, it makes sense to try a manicure with gel polish. In 4-5 weeks, the length of the nails will increase, which means there will be more room for imagination. Gel polish is one of better ways grow your nails!

Disadvantages of Shellac

Shellac's biggest downside is its price. Yes, the original CND coating costs a lot. On the other hand, for home use you can purchase a starter kit for two, formed with a friend or acquaintance. And then do a manicure to each other.

Another downside is durability. Yes, this is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Many simply get tired of the monotony for a whole month, wanting something new. If a manicure is performed at home, then there are no problems: the old coating is removed, a new one is applied.

Conclusion

Unlike extensions, the Shellac procedure can be performed at home on your own. There should be no problems with preparation, especially if real American material is used. After degreasing the nail plates, you can immediately start applying gel polish according to the instructions. Removing the coating is also not difficult if you have a "remover" on hand.

Common mistakes and problems

Shellac varnish (we discussed in detail how to apply the product) is a fairly simple material, but sometimes it also causes difficulties in application. So, for example, some are faced with such a problem as the consistency of gel polish is too thick. This usually happens if the tool has been idle for a long time. It is necessary to put the bottle in the refrigerator for 5-20 minutes, then twist it between the palms for a couple of minutes. The consistency will become normal, and the color will be uniform.

If during application the gel polish gets on the cuticle or side rollers, then the excess is carefully removed cotton swab, which is dipped in the "remover". There is no need to completely wash the coating, because until the hands are placed in a lamp or dryer, the material will not harden.

One of the additions to the image of any girl is beautiful well-groomed hands. Often girls cover their nails with varnish just before going to work, or before going to any event. But in this case, the varnish will last literally 2-3 days. The best solution will cover the nails with shellac. Therefore, it is not superfluous for every girl to know how to properly apply shellac on her nails.


What is shellac: gel or varnish?

Shellac is a material that covers the nail plate. It is quite resistant, keeps on the nails for about 5 weeks. After this time, it is necessary to cover the nails with a new layer of shellac. It is applied on the nails quite simply, like regular nail polish. You can remove shellac from the nail with the help of a special liquid, which cannot be done with the extension gel. The color scheme of shellac is quite diverse, you can easily choose the color of shellac for any image. Applying shellac to your nails is easy, having everything necessary materials. Shellac cover nails not only on the hands, but also on the legs. The nail plates on the legs do not grow very quickly, unlike the nails on the hands, it will be enough to do a high-quality pedicure once every two months.



Necessary materials and tools

In order to cover nails with shellac at home, you need to prepare everything in advance necessary tools and materials.

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:

  • nail file abrasive
  • Nail file for natural nails
  • Nail file
  • Napkins
  • Protective nail coating
  • Cuticle remover
  • Degreaser
  • Orange stick
  • Nail bonding agent and shellac
  • Basic coating
  • Sticky layer remover
  • Cuticle oil
  • fixing coating
  • Lamp ultraviolet

When buying the necessary materials, it is important that the base coat is of high quality, this is also necessary in order to keep all layers of the applied products for a long time. It is better to stop your choice on well-known, proven companies. Maybe the amount will be a little higher than what you expected. But it's better than buying cheaper materials, which are usually of poor quality. Such funds will not allow the manicure to last for a long time, and also harm the nails. The fixing and the main coating must be uniform in consistency. When buying, you should always check the expiration date of the material.

Shellac should be worn for no longer than two weeks, and then take a break, allowing the nails to rest.

We cover the nails with shellac. Sequencing

To apply varnish you need to know a few rules. You need to do everything, slowly, carefully:

  1. Before applying shellac to the nails, prepare them. To do this, we do a manicure, as usual, and with the help of a nail file we shape the nails.

  1. Be sure to process the cuticle, pushing or cutting it. After that, the nail plate is polished with a special nail file.

  1. Then we wipe the surface of the nail with a degreasing agent using a cotton pad, so that the gel polish adheres well to the nail.

  1. But only disinfection is not enough, in order to keep all the products applied to the nails longer. Therefore, it is important to degrease the nails, for this we apply a nail bonding agent and shellac, in a thin layer.
  2. This completes the preparatory phase. Next, we proceed directly to the application of shellac. Shellac is applied in three layers. The first layer is the main, gel coating. After the gel is applied to the nails, dry them for a minute in an ICE lamp. formed sticky layer do not remove, it increases the strength of the coating.
  3. Then apply colored shellac in one layer. After that, dry the nails in a UV lamp for about 2 minutes.

  1. Next, apply a second coat of varnish to even out the color. And also dry the nails, as we did after applying the first layer.
  2. The next step is to apply a top coat. The thickness of this coating should be somewhat greater than the thickness of the colored layer. The fixing coating should lie flat, it is worth paying special attention to the edge of the nail. After that, dry the nails in an LED lamp.

  1. Next, you need to remove the sticky layer. It is better to do this with the help of a special tool, if there is no such tool, then you can use an alcohol-containing liquid. Then we moisturize the cuticle with special oil. This must be done because after exposure to ultraviolet light, the cuticle becomes dry. The process of applying shellac is completed here. Nail design options are shown in the photo:


Advantages and disadvantages of shellac

The advantage of shellac is that it is very practical. Often there will be no need to adjust the manicure, because it will always look neat. Due to the fact that shellac is applied in several layers, the nails become dense, so it will not work to damage the nails. This gel polish is universal, even on short nails it will look very nice.

The disadvantages of shellac include its price, such a coating is not cheap. But still, it is more profitable to cover your nails with gel polish at home than in salons. The fact that shellac lasts for a long time can be attributed to its minus, because you can get tired of the monotony. We have to go back to the salon to change the coating. And a manicure that is done at home will not cause problems, because. You can remove the old coating yourself and apply a new one.

The video presents materials on how to properly cover nails with shellac:

Coating with this composition helps to keep an attractive and well-groomed manicure much longer than during use. ordinary varnish. A practical, convenient and durable remedy has long been appreciated by many girls, because it can be applied independently without the costly services of a beauty salon.

How to apply shellac

Before you understand how to make shellac, you should understand the features of this coating. The tool is an invention of an American company, the main components of which are ordinary nail polish and gel. The coloring matter can last up to four to six weeks, and then requires removal and renewal. Due to the durability, hand care is greatly simplified, because with the help of the composition it is necessary to apply a color coating on the nails much less often.

There is nothing difficult in coating with this substance, because the procedure is almost identical to painting with ordinary varnish, only in this case, you should follow the safety rules when using electrical appliances. Removal is carried out with a special liquid that does not injure the nail plate in the same way as sawing. The range of colors of the super-resistant coating allows you to choose any color for manicure. A feature of the material is that it must be dried in a UV lamp.

How to make shellac at home

Many girls are interested in how to make shellac at home? It is not so difficult if you buy all the necessary tools and materials for painting. It would be wrong to apply only gel polish, you will also need a base and top coat. Another condition is the purchase of a UV lamp or LED dryer. The first device is cheaper, but it dries longer than the second device. If you do a manicure only for yourself, and not work for a stream of clients, then you can buy an ordinary UV lamp. Additional tools are:

  • nail file for shaping natural nails;
  • buff, which is designed for grinding and polishing;
  • special liquid for removing shellac;
  • degreaser;
  • orange manicure stick;
  • special strips if you don’t expect to do a jacket by hand.

Applying shellac at home step by step

Before applying shellac, you should carefully consider the design - from the shape to the choice of the color of the main coating. It must be remembered that all decorative elements in the form of sequins, rhinestones, sand are applied to the colored layer only before the finishing fixer, painting can be done on the basis or on shellac. Be sure to take into account that acrylic paints spread on gloss, so they need to be made thicker and not abused with water. Cover the nail with a fixative according to a completely dried pattern. The procedure for applying the composition does not cause as much harm as gel or acrylic coating.

So, after preparing everything necessary for gel polish manicure, you should understand how to apply shellac in stages:

  1. The first step is to prepare the nails: treat the surface, shaping, getting rid of the cuticle.
  2. After that, you can already apply a colored layer and fix the gel polish.

Preparatory technology for applying shellac at home

Even a girl who is not familiar with the peculiarities of manicure art can prepare her nails for shellac coating. Here is a step by step guide. how to apply shellac:

  1. Initially, you should remove the old varnish with acetone, if the nails were previously made up. If the previous painting was done with shellac, then a remover solution is applied to the nail plate. A small amount of liquid is poured onto a cotton pad, and then the nails are treated with it. For convenience, the masters in the salons put on their fingers a kind of clothespins.
  2. Next, you need to start removing the cuticle, which is gently pushed back with an orange stick.
  3. The next manipulation is filing the nail, giving it a suitable shape.
  4. Then - leveling the surface of the nail plate with a buff. Movement should be from the cuticle to the free edge.
  5. Having started the final stage in preparation, do not forget to degrease the nail plate so that the base coat firmly holds the nail and gel together.

How to paint shellac nails at home

Before applying the substance directly, there is no need to grind the nail plate too carefully, as is the case with extensions. After preparatory phase it is the turn of the base, which should not be smeared with a thick layer. For a successful procedure, you need to understand how to make shellac correctly, this will help the novice master step by step lesson:

  1. Apply the base with a thin film, and then dry in the lamp, following the instructions. The sticky base will help to better adhere the main material to the nail. It depends on the base how long the shellac will last.
  2. When the base is dry, it's time to apply colored gel polish. If you are not sure how to make shellac, try not to get the dye on the cuticles and sides of the fingers. If you are careless, then the gel polish will begin to chip off and lag behind the nail.
  3. Important to know: apply no more than two layers of the product, each of which is thoroughly dried, following the instructions. If you decide to apply more than two layers, then the nails will be too thick, which will spoil the whole aesthetics, and the coating will quickly crack.

It is worth noting that many now prefer the matte effect on the nails. You can use both ready-made Bluesky gel polish, and make the desired effect yourself at home. Glossy finishes turn matte with special top coats or through the skillful use of steam baths. Everyone can learn the secrets of nail art if she has a step-by-step guide at hand.

Shellac is a real find for modern women who do not have time for everyday nail care, but have a desire to look fashionable and well-groomed.

Shellac (shilak) - features, terms and principles

This type of manicure is a combination of varnish and gel, which gives the coating durability. He keeps firmly enough on the nail plate, so that a woman can safely do household chores without worrying about her manicure.

Such nail art is beneficial on long business trips or at a resort, because it will make you forget about the frequent updating of manicure and pedicure. Since each layer is cured with a UV lamp, the beauty of the nails can last for more than two weeks. You can master shilak on your own. Step by step application at home will help to cope with this task.


Shellac makes manicure a work of art

Note! With such a coating, the nails are almost impossible to break, and the delamination of the nail plate does not threaten. In addition, shellac does not crumble, is durable and perfectly holds the shape of the nails.

Despite the fact that, as mentioned above, shellac has a durable coating, the timing of its wearing depends on some features:

  • the quality of the product (the better it is, the longer it retains the original manicure);
  • strict adherence to the rules (the use of a degreaser increases the durability of gel polish);
  • beautiful and strong nails will retain the coating longer, unlike weakened nail plates, on which cracks and chips can form;
  • if the physiological characteristics of the body are such that the growth rate of nails is high, then the removal of gel polish can occur ahead of schedule: a clean nail plate peeking out from under the color coating will spoil the whole look.

This beautiful and trendy manicure will please his mistress for about 3 weeks

At the same time, this type of manicure should not be used if the nails are infected with a fungus. Also, experts recommend to wait with shellac for the period of antibiotic treatment. And, of course, the condition of the nails is important.

Before using the shilak, follow the step-by-step application at home, and conduct a series of restorative and strengthening sessions.

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac (shilak)

All processes in cosmetology have both pluses and minuses. Before deciding on a shellac procedure, you should carefully study the positive and negative aspects of this type of manicure.

Shellac Benefits:

  • Long lasting and durable coating. A manicure made with gel polish can last up to three weeks, without losing its luster and without changing for the worse.
  • The composition of shellac does not include toluene and formaldehydes harmful to the body, which makes it completely harmless to the nail plate.
  • Shellac literally saves fragile nails prone to delamination. Due to the dense coating, it fixes the overgrown part of the nail, giving it greater strength. So lovers long nails you can confidently wear just such a “predatory” manicure.

Variation of manicure with shellac
  • You can learn the correct technique for using shellac at home. There is nothing complicated, you just need to study the procedure for applying the product well and purchase the tools.
  • Shellac manufacturers continue to expand its range of colors, so that any woman will find a shade to her liking. A UV lamp treatment gives the manicure a precious shine and richness.

Shellac Disadvantages:

  • If the rules are not followed, unsightly chips may occur the next day, or the coating will be completely removed from the nail.
  • Shellac allows you to grow nails of the desired length, although this effect is temporary.

Shellac decorates, but does not heal fragile nails.

And the general situation will not be corrected, medical procedures will be needed.

  • The durability of shellac is undeniable, but even he is able to get off the nail if it is thin and weak. And if the hands are in constant contact with water, the coating also deteriorates quickly.
  • If suddenly shellac is covered with microcracks, it should be removed, as dust and dirt will get on the nail, which can cause a fungal disease.
  • Another drawback, albeit minor, is the price of the product. It is much higher than the cost of conventional varnishes.

Gel polish shellac
  • Some gel polishes, especially low-quality ones, can leave behind an unsightly yellowness on the nails. However, it is easy to remove it with the help of restorative and healing procedures.

What resources and tools are needed

To make shilak at home, you need to know its step-by-step application.

You need to purchase the necessary tools:

  • manicure: wooden stick, nippers, file, spatula, buff to polish the surface of the nail;
  • a cuticle softener, or an oil that will remove it;
  • a brush that cleans nails from dirt;
  • surface degreaser;
  • UV lamp (36 W);
  • base;
  • shellac;
  • top tool;
  • smooth napkins so that the villi do not spoil the whole process;
  • drug to remove stickiness (replaced by acetone or alcohol, but these substances should be tested on shellac so as not to remove shine).

The quality of a manicure using shellac depends on the quality of the materials. First of all, attention should be paid not to the price, but to the proven brand of the product.

Shellac, base coat and top coat must be made under the same brand

Then they will be perfect for each other.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is worth buying sets for shilak, which have everything you need, including a UV lamp.

Preparing nails for shellac

It is easy to master shilak at home.

You just need to study its step-by-step application.

  • First you should get rid of the skin near the hole of the marigold. Gently push it away with a stick and apply the substance to eliminate it. After dip your hands in warm water, wait 5 minutes.
  • Process the nail coating, give the desired look.

Shaping nails
  • Prepare the nail by polishing it with a soft nail file.
  • Carefully remove fat from the nail, as well as from the skin around it, with a degreasing agent or nail polish remover.

How to make shellac (shilak) at home (instructions for beginners)

The process of coating nails with shellac is almost the same as the manicure procedure using ordinary varnish.

The main difference between this type of nail art is the use of a UV lamp, it is necessary to dry each applied layer with it. Only with well-dried shellac, the manicure will be even, smooth and durable.

We will analyze the technique of shilak in stages. Step-by-step application at home will help you quickly master this practical type of manicure.

Foundation application

The most important procedure Without a base tool, you will not get a beautiful and even manicure. It is important that the base tool is of excellent quality, then it will not harm the nail, and strengthen it, protect it from the harmful effects of external factors. The base is applied in a thin layer twice, each thoroughly drying in a lamp for about 10 seconds.

Shellac

Before applying, the bottle is twisted, holding it with the palms, for half a minute. But shaking is not recommended due to possible damage to the structure of the gel polish. Cover the nail with shellac, making sure that it does not stain the skin (in case of contact, wipe off with a smooth cloth).


Coating prepared nails

The initial layer should be almost transparent. After its application, the nail is placed under the lamp, where it polymerizes for 2 minutes. After this time, a second layer is applied, thicker, and also dried under the lamp for the same amount of time.

Final action

Topcoat application, thorough drying under the lamp for 2 minutes. An ordinary fixer will not work, it is a special coating that guarantees a stable and long-term result.

After all procedures, wipe the nails with a liquid to remove stickiness applied to a smooth napkin. You can also use alcohol, but it’s worth checking the shellac’s reaction to it in advance so that the alcohol doesn’t “eat” the mirror shine.

Interesting fact! To protect the skin of the hands from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, it is necessary to apply sunscreen on the brushes before the manicure procedure.

What will happen to the nails after applying shellac (shilak)

If shilak is applied correctly at home, its step-by-step application is strictly observed, then it will not harm the health of the nails.


Caring for nails makes it possible to strengthen them

However, one should remember the individuality of each organism. Someone's nails will not react in any way to fashionable nail art, while for someone they will lose strength and begin to exfoliate. In this case, help wellness procedures that can restore the nails to their former strength.

To improve the nail plate, apply:

  • vegetable oil. In a slightly warmed oil, poured into a hand bath, dip your fingers and wait a few minutes. The procedure takes place daily for approximately 7 days.
  • foods rich in vitamins D, C, E, A are essential in the diet. Then the process of healing the nails will go faster.
  • iodine, which is applied to the nails in the form of a mesh (you should not cover your nails with iodine strongly, in this case it turns from an ally into an enemy, greatly drying out the nail surface).
  • lemon juice, which is rubbed into the nail surface, will whiten, strengthen the nails.
  • sea ​​salt, with the help of which wellness baths are performed, makes nails strong and eliminates delamination.

Sea salt is known for its medicinal properties
  • paraffin baths heal the nails and have a beneficial effect on the skin of the hands (baths can be done independently, or you can treat yourself by entrusting this procedure to the masters in the salon).
  • therapeutic varnishes well restore the surface of the nails.

Secrets of applying shellac (shilak) at home

Those who decide to master fashionable nail art on their own need to know about the nuances of applying a manicure called shilak.

Step-by-step application at home will allow you to quickly and efficiently carry out this procedure.

  • The cuticle and skin near the nail must be moistened with oil (you can use vegetable oil) before starting work.
  • At the end of the application, the stickiness is removed with a special agent applied to a smooth napkin. Stickiness must remain between the base and the color layer so that the layers adhere firmly to each other.
  • If, during application, one of the substances gets on the skin of the finger, it is immediately carefully wiped off.

Do not leave varnish on the skin, it is better to remove it immediately
  • After applying the base, do not touch the nails with your fingers so as not to leave sebum on them. The surface of the nails should remain dry and clean.
  • In order for the nails to remain strong and healthy, you need to give them a 14-day rest after wearing shellac twice. Any healing procedures aimed at restoring and nourishing the nails will have a positive effect.

How to remove gel polish (shellac)

Since this type of varnish is different from the usual one, the removal procedure is a bit more complicated than usual.

It is necessary to carefully file the surface of the shellac with a nail file. After that, wrap each nail with cotton pads with nail polish remover, wrap foil on top. After 10 minutes, everything is removed along with shellac. If there are painted areas left, carefully scrape off the gel polish with a stick.


Conditioning with Foil to Easily Remove Shellac

The procedure for creating nail art using shilak at home is complicated only at first glance. Strict step-by-step application, compliance with all the subtleties, guarantees a fashionable and durable manicure without harm to the health of nails.

How to apply shellac at home? Watch a helpful video:

Step-by-step technology for applying shellac yourself at home. Watch video instruction:

How to remove and apply shellac at home? Find out from the video:

The image of a beautiful well-groomed woman consists of many components: hairstyle, clothes, shoes, face. It often happens that the nails are somewhere at the end of the list - and this is wrong.

Neat manicure, well-groomed hands - business card any woman. Peeling nail polish looks just awful, and there is simply no time to refresh it. Today this problem is solved quite simply: shellac has become the most popular procedure in nail salons.

But what if there is not enough time or money to go to the salon? Of course, there is a way out - this is to make shellac at home. For beginners, we give step by step instructions for this now popular manicure.

A beautiful word, by the way, is not fraught with anything mysterious. Shellac is a waste product (in other words, excrement) of worm insects that feed on tree sap. This digested resinous substance is collected, dried and crushed, then the lacquer mass is melted and cast into molds. The end result is a great nail polish.

Shellac - features, terms and principles

Manicure has never been any special procedure, but the use of shellac has its own distinctive features. Firstly, the need for nail extensions disappears; secondly, the coating is quite durable and lasts much longer; third, awesome appearance and rich color range.


The disadvantage of shellac is primarily its cost.

The life of a manicure, no matter how exquisite it may be, is very short. Housework is the duty of any woman; very few have housewives. Daily cooking, washing dishes, laundry, cleaning - all this leads to the fact that the nail polish quickly fades, cracks and loses its appearance.

Shellac is another matter: a symbiosis of gel and varnish (even done at home by beginners in accordance with step by step instructions) lasts quite a long time, and during this period there is an opportunity to further strengthen the nail plate.

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac

Shellac you guessed it has many advantages:

  • Shellac manicure looks great on any nails: both long and short. At the same time, the method of painting gives a chance to grow nails to the desired length.
  • Since shellac is a natural remedy, it allows you to strengthen thin and brittle nails.
  • Shellac stays on nails for a long time: some women of fashion manage to keep manicure up to three weeks.
  • To erase shellac from nails, special tools are needed, which means that he is not afraid of household chemicals.
  • Shellac gives nails a dazzling shine that lasts incredibly long and does not fade.
  • Manufacturers are closely following fashion and the color palette of shellac is constantly expanding. On sale you can find not only classic tones for manicure, but also bright avant-garde colors.
  • Perhaps the most important advantage of shellac is that it is absolutely harmless. Dangerous formaldehydes are not included in its composition, therefore, women prone to allergies and pregnant women can safely do shellac manicure.

If for some reason the coating suddenly bothers, then shellac can be removed at home. To do this, you need to buy special products, liquid and film in the salon, carefully study the step-by-step instructions for beginners and clean the nail plates yourself.

Everything in the world has its downside - and shellac is no exception:

  • First of all, this concerns the high price of the procedure itself, and if there is a need for correction, then this is also quite expensive. So, if the nails grow too fast, then you have to put up with additional costs.
  • The second negative factor is more significant. Shellac, according to the manufacturer, is really a very resistant coating. But the nails tend to expand under the influence high temperatures, and then decrease again, taking the original size. So washing dishes in hot water or too warm a bath contributes to the deformation of the nail and causes microscopic cracks in the coating.

Through these microscopic holes, dirt can enter under the varnish layer, and dirt creates greenhouse conditions for many bacteria and microorganisms. Shellac lasts for a long time, which means that bacilli have enough time to damage the nail. So the fungus is not the most dangerous disease.

To avoid sad consequences, it is better to do all the dirty housework with gloves.

What resources and tools will be required

Shellac is a very complex procedure, and it is best to do it in the salon, with an experienced master. But after all, “it’s not the gods who burn the pots,” so if you have certain skills, you can do it at home on your own. To do this, you need to know step-by-step instructions for beginners and have special tools and UV lamp for drying manicure.


To apply shellac at home, you will need some tools and tools.

First of all, you will need: basis for applying the base coat, shellac coating and fixer. Professionals recommend using the main and base coats from the same shellac category, preferably from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a risk that desired result will not be reached.

In addition, you must have:

  • antibacterial agent;
  • a spatula or stick from an orange tree;
  • nail file;
  • scissors for manicure;
  • bondex, a means for improved adhesion;
  • cuticle agent;
  • grinding saw.

Preparing nails for shellac

So, having all the necessary tools for shellac at home (read more about step-by-step application for beginners below), you can start preparing your nails.


Before applying gel polish, you need to prepare your nails by treating the cuticle in particular.

The preliminary operation includes:

  • processing of the cuticle and the formation of the nail plate;
  • grinding is a mandatory procedure that improves the adhesion of shellac directly to the nail;
  • disinfection with an antibacterial liquid, which additionally degreases the nail and provides a uniform coating;
  • applying the base layer;
  • heating with an ultraviolet lamp to fix the gel, at least 25-30 seconds for each nail.

How to make shellac at home. Step by step instructions for beginners

Now that the nails are ready, you can proceed to the direct applying shellac:


When making shellac at home according to step-by-step instructions for beginners on your own, you should know that it is not necessary to remove the sticky layer after the first and base coat, as this will increase adhesion.


After applying each layer of shellac, the nails should be dried in a UV lamp.

What will happen to the nails after applying shellac

No matter how safe the shellac procedure is for nails, restoration measures are still necessary. In the end, after all, everyone changes their underwear daily, and the nail remains in a kind of shell for a long time. So, if yellowish spots appear on the surface of the nail plate or the nail is somewhat deformed, then urgent measures should be taken.

Can you revive your nails? in the salon of the master or use home remedies, which is generally preferable because they are inexpensive and readily available:

  1. Make lotions from warmed olive oil during the week. Nails will receive additional nutrition and hydration, which means they will retain a healthy appearance.
  2. A piece of lemon, which should be wiped daily on the surface of the nail, can work wonders. Essential oils and vitamin C will restore shine and relieve delamination and brittleness.
  3. Bath with sea ​​salt get rid of a possible fungal infection. It is advisable to do the procedure every day, for 10-15 minutes.

Sea salt baths are recommended for restoring the nail plate after shellac

Secrets of applying shellac at home

Making shellac at home on your own, following the step-by-step application technology for beginners, you can save a little. So, what means and tools can be replaced and with what:

  1. Manicurists use special tools to remove the cuticle, which are quite expensive. But if the cuticle is not too noticeable, then in this case you can use an orange stick to simply push it back.
  2. The grinder completely replaces the usual polishing nail file: the end result will be the same.
  3. A small bottle of salon disinfectant, which can cost up to a thousand, is easily replaced with nail polish remover or acetone.
  4. The base coat cannot be replaced, but in cosmetics stores you can find a suitable product, which, among other things, also has a healing effect.

Take on board a couple more secrets of applying shellac at home.


Cuticle oil should be used morning and evening every day

Helpful Hints from professionals:

  • When purchasing an ultraviolet lamp, you should pay attention to its power, the most optimal result is achieved when using a lamp with a power of 36 watts. In this case, the coating dries fairly quickly.
  • Before starting a manicure, roll the coated jar in your hands. This little trick will significantly improve the properties of the varnish, which will lie flat without much effort.
  • To prevent thickening of shellac, it should be stored at room temperature, carefully closing the bottle after each use.
  • Any corrective treatment should be carried out only under the obligatory condition: the nail must be dry. No soft nail file will protect the wet nail plate from damage.
  • Use cuticle oil daily, morning and evening. Only in this case you can avoid the appearance of sloppy burrs.
  • Before you go to the salon for the beauty of your hands, you should treat your nails, if necessary. Shellac can only exacerbate the problem of brittleness and delamination of the nail plate.
  • Do not apply hand cream immediately before a shellac manicure.

How to remove gel shellac

How to remove shellac manicure at home(for beginners, step-by-step application is described above), you need to prepare:

  • cotton pads or special sponges;
  • 10 pieces of foil so that you can wrap your fingers;
  • isopropyl alcohol or a special tool for dissolving shellac.

Wash hands before removing shellac warm water with soap and dry thoroughly.


Shellac removal procedure

Now you can start removing shellac:

  1. Cut the cotton pads in half.
  2. Moisten a piece of disk in alcohol and attach it to the nail, fix it with metal foil. Try to avoid contact with alcohol on the skin, so as not to cause irritation. The foil is used to keep the alcohol from evaporating too quickly. You will have to wait about 15 minutes for the result, at this time you can lightly massage your fingertips for better penetration of alcohol.
  3. In some cases, shellac is removed with a film, if this does not work, then it can be removed with an ordinary plastic spatula. It happens that, due to inexperience, the coating was applied too thick and the shellac is not removed. This means that the procedure will have to be repeated with alcohol, or just cut off the shellac.
  4. Finally, lubricate the nail with cuticle oil to avoid overdrying the skin and nail surface.

Shellac is a wonderful tool for manicure both in the salon and at home (you have already read the step-by-step instructions for beginners), the nails look neat, elegant and, most importantly, natural.

Over time, experience and due skill will come, and the whole procedure will not take too much time. As a result, the hands will look very attractive, and the nails will receive additional protection.

Shellac "Cat's eye"

Cat-eye nail design is very popular and looks very impressive. Using gel polish in your work, with the addition of a metal base and a magnet, you can get a pattern that really looks like a cat's eye.

For such a design, it is necessary to prepare green gel polish and a special magnet. However, if there is no special, then any, the most ordinary, will do.


Manicure "Cat's eye" can be performed in any color scheme

First, a base coat is applied to the nails. to be dried in an ultraviolet lamp. The next layer is green, which is also dried. The magnet has not yet been used.

And now a magnetic plate is brought to the second coating: metal particles of varnish are folded into an elegant pattern. If the magnet is brought edgewise, then a strip will form on the nails; but if you scroll it over the surface of the nail, then the image will come out intricate, similar to the drawing of a cat's eye. Now it remains only to complete the usual procedure.

It is not at all necessary to use only a green color palette: after all, a cat's eyes can be yellow or even blue.

If you like the cat design, then you should buy a special magnet., with which you can get a spectacular pattern.

As you can see, shellac at home (for beginners) step-by-step execution see above) is quite feasible. The main thing is to follow the instructions and at the same time not be afraid to fantasize.