What’s all this talk about Shellac?

Been wondering what Shellac & gel polish are?
*Hint they are the same thing:)

“Shellac goes on like polish and wears gel.”



Traditional gel nails are odorless and applied in the same manner as acrylic but cured (processed or dried) under a UV lamp.



Shellac or gel polish is a hybrid or combination of traditional nail polish and the properties/ingredients of the gel nails. The properties of the gel product give it a hard protective layer that is also flexible enough to bend with the natural nail so it doesn’t break like it normally would while adding longevity without chipping. The polish properties give it the numerous colors that you are custom to seeing. It is cured under a UV lamp and needs no drying time leaving no room for smudges!



It takes about 45 min. to complete the whole application.



Myth: It lasts forever



Truth: It lasts 2-3 weeks depending on the client. Everyone does different things in their day-to-day activities. Some are in water more often, some deal with paper which is drying to the hands and nails, or they are just very rough on their nails which all attribute to the amount of time the product will last on the client.



Myth: Removal is a very tedious process



Truth: Removal is about 10 min. once soaked in pure acetone. “If the product is applied by a professional it should be removed by a professional.”



Myth: It dries the nail



Truth: It has potential to become drying to the natural nail. Cuticle oil applied nightly will easily remedy this problem and should always be implied by the professional to every client.