Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

TIA?

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

I used it many times and never had a problem with my nails. Shellac was much easier on my nails than some other gel manicures (like OPI, which is thicker and tougher to remove). That's what my experience was anyway - i'd recommend it.

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

Can you remove it at home or do you have to go back to the salon?

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

I did Shellac for bout 6 months with no harm to my nails. I recently switched to Gelaxy and I like it much better. Less thick, more colors to choose from.

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

When I got a pedicure the place had the shellac & said I could do just clear. I just don't want to get into another "fill-in" type commitment, but if something lasts weeks & won't damage my nails- I might be interested!

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

Can you do this on natural nails?

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

I get shellac every now and then and don't have any problems with nail damage. I usually remove it at home (cotton balls soaked in acetone left on the nails for a little bit). I've also had the gel manicure and HATED it. It didn't last as long and did some damage to my nails. My shellac lasts at least 2.5 - 3 weeks. By that time I feel like I have to take it off because my nails have grown so much it looks funny. I keep my nails short and I even file them when the shellac is on with no problems.

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

I had it done right before Christmas and LOVED it. After 2 weeks, you could see the growth, but since I got a french manicure, it wasn't that obvious.

By week 3, it really should have come off, but I was dreading the soaking process, thinking it would take forever. So I started chipping it off and THAT ruined my nails! Ugh, so stupid. When I finally did soak my nails in acetone at home, within 5-10 minutes I was able to take it all off easily with no damage to my nails really. But the nails that I had chipped it off of look horrible, so moral of the story is follow the directions! And don't leave it on for more than 2.5-3 weeks.

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

Shellac isn't acrylic.. it's gel nail polish that's cured under a light..

They apply a base coat, then cure, 1-2 coats of the gel polish (cure after each coat) and then the top coat and cure again and then after that, they take a cotton ball with pure rubbing alcohol to remove the tackiness top and they nails are smooth and shiny and if done properly last up to 3 weeks.

For removal, DO NOT PEEL and you should NEVER soak your nails in pure acetone.. That is extremely damaging to your nails..

For removal, you soak a small cotton ball in acetone and place it on each nail and then cover each finger with pieces of aluminum foil.. let it sit for about 10 minutes and then use a push stick and the polish will literally scrap right off..

by placing the cotton balls on top of the nail, you are only exposing the top of the nail to acetone which is to remove the gel.. by soaking the entire finger in acetone, you are getting acetone under the nail bed which weakens and damages your nail..

When you get them redone, they should never have to file off the gel or really do anything to your nails before reapplying..

There are a number of different brands out there.. CND Shellac, Gelish, etc. and they are all pretty good.. I happent to really like Gelish because of their endless color choices..

GL!

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

Thank you for the explanation.

I'm so afraid to try it, because what if my salon doesn't do it right? Starts soaking, filing, etc.
here in NC I HATE the nail salons (in general)!

Re: Can you explain shellac to me? Is is bad for your nails?

Go to yelp.com and find a good salon near you!

I would also look for the Shellac signs or Gelish so you know they use those products