Shellac nails have become increasingly popular in the beauty industry, especially among those chasing a glossy, long-lasting manicure. But what is shellac nails, and why are Australians so obsessed with them? This page will go over all you need to know about shellac nails, including the technique, advantages, and any negatives.
What are shellac nails?
Shellac nails are the ultimate manicure blend, combining traditional nail polish with gel. Designed by Creative Nail Design (CND), Shellac is a patented mix that gives nails a sheen more than that of ordinary nail paint. Applying the material as a traditional polish increases longevity since it is cured under an LED or UV lamp
Read also: What is SNS nails and why Aussies love it
How are shellac nails applied?
While shellac nails may seem easy to apply, achieving a professional finish requires skill. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they’re applied in salons:
Nail preparation
First filed, cleansed, and shaped are your nails. Any old polish will be taken off by the nail technician, who also cleans the nail bed of grease or dirt.
Base coat application
Shellac polish is built from the base layer covering your nails. To further harden the coat, it is next momentarily cured under a UV or LED lamp.
Colour application
Here we apply thin layers of the intended shellac colour. Your nails heal under the lamp after every coatings. This curing technique guarantees nail polish adherence and firmness.
Top coat application
The last top coat locks in color and adds sheen. Once more beneath the lamp, the nails have healed.
Finishing touch
Your nails are washed with a particular solution to eliminate any sticky residue after the last coat sets, therefore producing a brilliant, faultless finish.
Benefits of shellac nails
Popular for good reason are shellac nails. Some of the main advantages that support Australians’ choice for them are:
Long-lasting results
Shellac nails have mostly one advantage: their strength. Those seeking a low-maintenance nail treatment that can last up to 14 days without chipping would find a shellac manicure ideal.
High-gloss finish
The glossy, shiny finish of shellac nails will help your nails to seem perfect and beautiful. Its high-gloss finish stays attractive during the two weeks instead of fading.
Quick drying time
Shellac nails cure under a UV or LED lamp, unlike ordinary nail paint, which could take more time to dry. This relieves your need to wait and concern about smearing your just polished manicure.
Less damage to nails
Applied and removed correctly, shellac nails damage your natural nails less than other gel or artificial options. There is not any polishing or extreme filing required during the application procedure.
Are there any drawbacks to shellac nails?
UV light exposure
The curing process makes use of UV or LED lights with a particular UV radiation degree. Although your exposure is low, repeated use of UV lights raises your chance of skin damage. Other salons substitute less UV-light LED lamps.
Limited colour options
Shellac is less varied than other forms of gel manicures or conventional nail polish even if its colour range is really good. Still, the colours that are on the market nowadays are usually robust and long-lasting.
Shellac vs. gel nails: What’s the difference?
One of the most common questions asked by Australians is the difference between shellac nails and gel nails.
Formula
Gel nails just use a gel-based composition while shellac nails mix ordinary nail paint with gel polish. Whereas gel nails are thicker and can be moulded for more strength, shellac is thinner and more easy to apply.
Application and removal
While both kinds of nails have to be cured under a UV or LED lamp, gel nail removal is more difficult and usually entails polishing or filing the top layer prior to acetone soaking.
Caring for shellac nails
To get the most out of your shellac manicure, follow these simple care tips:
- Keep your hands and cuticles moisturised with cuticle oil or hand cream daily to prevent dryness.
- Don’t use your nails as tools – avoid tasks like opening cans or scraping labels that can cause chips.
- Protect your nails by wearing gloves when cleaning or using chemicals, as these can weaken the polish over time.
Conclusion
Popular in Australia, shellac nails give a long-lasting, low-maintenance glossy manicure. For those with hectic schedules seeking a perfect finish that lasts, shellac nails are an amazing answer. Whether your degree of knowledge about shellac or experience as an enthusiast, knowing the technique and maintenance can help you to enjoy beautiful nails with minimum effort. For best results, always seek professional application and removal; your nails will look amazing for weeks.
