Shellac manicure: design for short nails. Gives the opportunity to grow nails

14.06.2019

Many girls who watch their hands and, in particular, marigolds, have heard the word "shellac". But not all representatives of the beautiful half of humanity know what shellac is. This term appeared relatively recently and remained in our minds as a designation for a super-resistant coating for nails that does not require adjustment for several weeks. However, the true origin of the word is the name of the American brand under which cosmetics are produced to create a beautiful long-lasting manicure - Shellac.

All products similar in composition, like shellac coating, have two main components: the varnish, which we are used to seeing on the nails, and the gel, which ensures the super-strength of the manicure. But only the American manufacturer CND has a large share of varnish, in contrast to similar manufacturing firms in other countries.

Each substance is important for creating a beautiful manicure, and each has its own unique properties.

ease of application;
brightness and shine during the entire time of being on the nails;
large color palette.

super durability (about 15 days);
lack of smell;
fast exposure to ultraviolet rays, hence fast drying;
removed only by special means.

That is why another name for shellac is gel polish, while other brands have gel polish. Due to the high content of varnish in the composition of the substance, applying shellac evenly and accurately will not be difficult even for a beginner. You can learn how to do this by watching special video tutorials. In addition, from them you can also find out what a shellac-coated manicure is.

Shellac: advantages and disadvantages

Like any other tool for creating a manicure, shellac has its own certain positive and negative sides. This information will be especially useful for those who have never come across the concept of "gel polish" and do not know what a shellac coating is.

Long-lasting manicure is the dream of any fashionista. Thanks to the fact that many ladies now know what a Shellac manicure is, everyone can have beautiful nails within 2 weeks.
A large amount of varnish in the composition of the coating will provide not only a pleasant color, but also save you from careful filing of the nail plate, which, as you know, to a large extent injures nails and skin.
All types of coatings are made in accordance with international standards, therefore they do not have a strong unpleasant odor. This makes it easier to apply shellac to your nails.
Absolutely harmless gel polish can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Some fashionistas who have weak, brittle nails only use this type of manicure to strengthen the plates and protect them from external influences.
A large selection of colors allows you to play, experiment and create more and more new designs, which is very important for women.
Shellac can be applied to both long and short nails. At the same time, owners of small lengths will be able to gradually grow nail plates, since the gel polish will reliably protect them from any influences.
Tools have appeared on the market that allow you to remove shellac from nails on your own, without resorting to the services of nail masters.

Mainly a salon procedure. But when taking specialized courses, in which professionals tell you how to properly do manicure with shellac, you can gain a lot of new knowledge and do it yourself. Another, more affordable option is to watch a video, which also describes all the nuances of working with shellac and the features of its application.
Expensive equipment. If a girl decides to start applying a gel polish at home, then she will need a whole list of necessary cosmetics, a special ultraviolet lamp, and manicure devices. In general, it costs a lot of money.
With constant contact with water or working at a computer, the service life of the coating is noticeably reduced.

Taking into account all the positive and negative aspects, it is safe to say that the advantages of this coating are much greater and they are much brighter than the disadvantages, which, rather, can only be called disadvantages. Surely any girl who has heard about shellac, and knows what it is, will give preference to this particular American development.

Contraindications to shellac coating

For those who first encounter this procedure, the question is completely normal: "What are the obstacles to creating a manicure with shellac?" Specialists of nail salons and dermatologists claim that there are no special contraindications. Even during pregnancy, expectant mothers can strengthen their nails with gel polish, as well as during feeding. The composition of shellac is so well developed that there are almost no restrictions. But still, there are some recommendations that warn against a short-lived manicure.

If a girl has problems with peeling nails, then the manicure will not last long, since the shellac will peel off along with the plate itself.
In the presence of fungal diseases, you should first be treated, and only after that do a manicure. This applies not only to shellac coatings, but also to other nail procedures.
Shellac will not adhere well if it is applied to nails after taking a shower or bath, as well as if the nails were not degreased enough before the first coat of gel polish.
Occasionally, doctors may prescribe medications that may temporarily limit the application of shellac.

All the restrictions listed above are not strict contraindications to the use of gel polish. These are just recommendations for maintaining a stable and bright manicure for a long time.

Nail design

Having figured out what shellac nail polish is, it's time to think about its beautiful embodiment on your fingers. There are many ideas on how to make a shellac manicure beautiful. Designers constantly demonstrate new items that quickly take root in fashionistas.

For example, a classic monochromatic manicure for any length of nails will never go out of fashion. Only the relevance of flowers changes from season to season.

Also, French manicure always looks fashionable and tasteful. It will suit any outfit and look. If the jacket seems boring, you can add rhinestone jewelry.

Or you can make completely different abstract drawings. In this case, any colors are used, the main thing is to remember about their compatibility.

There are plenty of ideas, but it's better to use your imagination and dream up something new, and not copy famous masters. The originality of a Shellac manicure will be immediately visible. What idea did you like the most? Or have you come up with some unique design of your own?

Strictly speaking, Shellac is the name of the very first gel polish launched on the market. However, very quickly the brand name became a household name, and many girls still continue to call shellac gel polishes from other companies. Now there are dozens of companies producing gel polish manicure products, and they all differ in quality and price. But one thing is invariable: disputes about the dangers of gel polish. There are those who consider gel polish to be dangerous and those who are confident in its safety. We decided to investigate whether common beliefs have any foundation.

Gel polish contains hazardous substances

In fact, gel polish is even safer in composition than regular nail polish. It does not contain formaldehyde, toluene and other dangerous toxic ingredients. Gel polish is practically odorless, does not penetrate the structure of the nail plate, and its use is allowed even during pregnancy.

Gel polish spoils your nails

Subject to the application and removal technology, gel polish not only does not worsen, but also due to protection from external mechanical influences. Thanks to this, girls with a weak nail plate have the opportunity to wear long nails. The main damage to nails occurs when inaccurate removal of gel polish or excessive sanding during application.

To dry gel polish, an ultraviolet lamp is required, the radiation of which is harmful to the skin.

Scientists have proven that an excess of ultraviolet radiation really has a detrimental effect on our body. However, at present, there are not only ultraviolet, but also completely safe LED lamps, which, in addition to everything, are much more compact than their ultraviolet counterpart. If you are using a UV lamp and want to protect yourself from radiation, purchase special cotton gloves with only fingertips exposed, or lubricate your hands with sunscreen.

During the drying of gel polish, a burning sensation occurs, which indicates the danger of gel polish manicure

The appearance of a burning sensation when drying gel polish is a fairly common phenomenon. But it is not caused by some dangerous reaction between the gel polish and the nail plate. The gel polish begins to warm up under the influence of ultraviolet or LED radiation due to the presence of special photoinitiators in the composition. When active, they provoke structural changes in the coating itself, as a result of which it acquires a certain strength. The intensity of the burning sensation depends on the number of photoinitiators in the composition, on the thickness of the applied layer, on the individual pain threshold and even the female cycle. The only way to relieve the burning sensation is to remove your hand from the lamp for a few seconds and then put it back.

Removing gel polish is dangerous due to the use of liquids with acetone

Acetone, indeed, can provoke dryness of the nail plate and cause skin irritation. However, pure acetone is not used to remove gel polish. Gel polish remover always contains caring components that reduce or completely prevent the negative effects of contact with acetone. To reduce the soaking time of the gel polish, do not forget to cut off the top layer, and to protect the skin - lubricate it with a caring oil before wrapping your nails with foil.

Thus, knowing the nuances and observing the correct application and removal technique, gel polish can be considered completely harmless. But periodically arranging your nails still does not hurt.

A good manicure is an important part of every woman's image. Sometimes it reflects the inner world of the girl and her perception of reality.

When creating a manicure, each of us secretly hopes that it will last on nails for a long time. But as practice shows, any manicure , created at home, is doomed to a short, albeit bright, life. Constant contact with water, housework, cooking in the kitchen, playing sports, playing with children are not easy challenges. As a result, the varnish will crack and chip despite the protective coating or nail sealing technique.

What the professionals of the beauty industry have come up with in order to create a persistent and, most importantly, long-lasting manicure. Acrylic nails were promoted to us - as the main panacea for nail beauty, then gel extension .

Modern manufacturers have recently begun to promote the miracle invention - shellac. In fact, this is a gel and varnish in one bottle. During the procedure, your nails are not extended, but only a colored coating is applied, which not only lasts for a long time, but also strengthens your own nails.

For several years now, shellac has been in the top of the most popular nail procedures, and is slowly starting to move the extension, which is loved by all girls, off the pedestal.

What is shellac and how is it made

Shellac looks much richer on nails than any varnish, even if you do french ... The palette offered by the manufacturer includes all the colors of the rainbow, must be present shades trendy this season .

Shellac is a salon procedure, it can be done at home only if you have a certain education, tools and a special lamp. After all, the coating hardens only under the influence of UV rays.

The procedure for applying shellac seems simple in appearance, but it takes time and takes place in several stages, one after the other:

Preparing nails, which includes modeling the shape and processing of the cuticle.
Grinding required for this type of manicure. The villi that rise on the surface of the nail plate during the grinding process enable the shellac to adhere tightly to the nail.
Disinfection... An antibacterial agent not only disinfects the surface of the nails, but also degreases them so that the shellac lies flat on the surface.
Base gel application in one layer using a special technique.
Curing the layer with a UV lamp- it is necessary that the gel is fixed on the surface of the nail. This process takes 25 seconds for each finger.

Shellac for nails: pros and cons

Application of colored elastic varnish using a special technique, in one layer.
Re-drying with UV lamp.
Applying the last coat of shellac. In this case, the edge of the nail is sealed (varnish is applied along the edge of the nail).
Fixing the last layer with a UV lamp.
Removing excess varnish around nails, if any.
Applying oil to the cuticle. Under the influence of UV rays, the skin dries up, the oil softens it.

As you can see, the procedure is quite complicated, so if you are not confident in your abilities, do not try to make shellac yourself.

Pros of shellac

Gives the opportunity to grow nails

Shellac is great for those with short and long nails. It solves several main problems at once: if your nails are thin and brittle, it strengthens them and makes it possible to grow. After all, the nail under the coating does not flake or crack.

Stays on nails for a long time

Shellac cannot be erased without special means, which means that household chemicals are not terrible for him. This gel polish can be worn for up to 3 weeks.

Gives a bright glossy shine

Shellac is the only nail polish that gives incredible shine that doesn't fade over time.

Pleases with a variety of palette

Today, shellac manufacturers have developed a variety of color options - from classic pink tones to vibrant, saturated shades. The palette is constantly updated with trendy seasonal colors.

Shellac nail: pros and cons / shutterstock.com

Shellac is harmless

Shellac does not contain hazardous substances such as formaldehyde. This means that pregnant girls can also do shellac manicure. It will not harm health, since it uses gentle substances in its manufacture.

The cover can be removed by yourself

If you do not want to make a correction, and you are tired of wearing shellac on your nails, you can purchase a special liquid and film in the salon with which the coating can be easily removed. The instruction is attached.

Cons of shellac

Not for a catchphrase and not out of fear of competition, many manicurists started talking about the dangers that shellac can cause.

Shellac is a great alternative to nail polish for those who want to maintain perfect nail coverage over time. Such a coating is a hybrid of two nail polish products at once, namely a regular varnish and a modeling gel. From the first he inherited the application technique, appearance and rich color palette. From the second - incredible stamina. The shellac coating can stay on nails for up to three weeks without chipping or other changes. The only thing that will give out the "age" of the manicure is the overgrown areas of the nail at the base.

The technique of applying shellac is a little more intricate than that of a conventional coating, so the procedure is carried out in salons, it will be difficult to carry out it at home without special devices.

An important step is the grinding process, which allows you to align the nail plate and remove unnecessary "burrs" and "bumps". A smooth surface is the key to strong adhesion of the varnish to the nail. The next stage is degreasing, after which a special base coat is applied to the nail. It protects the nail from the harmful effects of the pigments of the color layer and improves the adhesion of the varnish to the nail plate. Then a colored coating is applied in two layers.

The main difference between shellac and ordinary varnish is that after each layer, the nail is dried for a minute under an ultraviolet (in some cases LED-) lamp. The coating cures and cures only after exposure to rays. Thanks to this drying, the shellac already completely dries out at the end of the procedure, and you can not be afraid that the coating will be smeared or some foreign traces will remain on it. In general, covering your nails with shellac takes about 15 minutes.

As for the removal of shellac, it is also better to entrust this procedure to the masters, and not to carry out it yourself. The acetone coating is not easy to remove. Although if you really need it, then you can - then for this you need to soak a cotton pad with a solution, wrap a nail with it and fix it with foil; after 10 minutes you can scrape off the shellac. But be careful, with this method, there is a high probability that you will dry out the nail. In the salon, shellac is removed with a special compound, which acts much softer, although the subsequent polishing of the nail from the remains of the coating will also be a rather traumatic procedure.

Note that shellac is considered a hypoallergenic coating, since it is odorless and does not contain toluene, dibutyl phthalan, formaldehyde and its resins in the composition.

Why shellac is dangerous

It is believed that shellac is an extremely harmful procedure for the nail. It is believed that such a coating is too aggressive on the nail plate. In addition, the processes of grinding and polishing the nail can severely injure the nail. All these manipulations are really capable of thinning the nail, but only the segment to which they are directed. That is, they cannot completely change the structure of the nail forever. A month or two without shellac and the nails will return to their usual appearance.

Another point that causes controversy is the shellac drying process, which takes place under special lamps. Some scientists are inclined to argue that the ultraviolet lamp that is used to dry each layer of the coating can be hazardous to health. This conclusion was recently reached by experts from an American organization dealing with skin cancer. Studies have shown that the devices used in salons have a carcinogenic effect. The risk of getting sick is extremely small, but you shouldn't write it off. Moreover, one of the most common forms of the disease affects just the skin of the hands and the area around the nails.

How to keep yourself safe

The first and foremost tip is to give your nails a rest. If you regularly do shellac, then the best solution is to take a break every one and a half to two months and switch to regular or medical coverage for a couple of weeks. Moreover, shellac holds much worse on thin and broken nails than on healthy ones.
To protect yourself as much as possible from the harmful effects of lamps, doctors recommend using sunscreen for hands with an SPF factor of at least 15. Before the procedure, another option is to choose salons that use LED lamps, which are considered safer to fix the coating, not ultraviolet lamps.

CND Statement in Response to Inquiries About the Safety of Shellac

Consumers and salon professionals have safely used CND products for more than 30 years. CND's trademarked Shellac® brand of long-wearing gel polish, which was launched in 2010, is recognized for its superior performance and for being a pioneer in the gel polish category. Consumer exposure to ultraviolet rays from the use of UV or LED lights to cure the gel polish pursuant to CND's guidelines is extremely limited and as such does not pose a health risk to consumers. For consumers who have concerns about UV exposure, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad spectrum (UVA / UVB) sunscreen to hands 20 minutes prior to UV light exposure.

CND's official statement in response to Shellac safety questions:

Consumers and salon professionals have been using CND products safely for over 30 years. Launched in 2010, CND's own brand of long-lasting gel polish for nails, Shellac®, is known as the first in the gel polish category with exceptional quality. According to CND's recommendations, the drying time with UV and LED lamps, when the consumer is exposed to UV rays to cure the gel coating, is extremely limited, so that the dose of radiation received does not pose a health hazard to the consumer. For consumers who are concerned about UV exposure, the Skin Cancer Foundationi (USA) recommends applying a broad spectrum (UVA / UVB) sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before the expected UV exposure.

Every day, more and more technologies appear in the cosmetic industry that make it possible to simplify the care of your appearance as much as possible. One of these technologies is shellac for nails. Recently, this procedure has gained immense popularity and even began to outstrip the beloved extension of many. What is shellac and what are its pros and cons?

What is shellac and what is it for

Slag is a special coating for nails that combines the properties of a regular varnish necessary to create a good manicure, such as ease of application and an attractive look, and a gel that allows you to make a manicure more durable and long-lasting. The bottle with this tool is very similar to the usual varnish and is equipped with the same brush. However, the technique of applying shellac is significantly different from the usual one. Firstly, in order to create a high-quality manicure, you need four products with different compositions: basic, degreasing, colored and fixing. Secondly, you need to properly process the nail, and thirdly, all the compositions must be applied correctly and each of them must be dried using a special UV lamp. After carrying out such a procedure, shellac on the nails looks beautiful and does not lose its decorative properties of the order of two, and sometimes even those weeks.