Three weeks ago I got my first Shellac Manicure done at the Handpicked Media LFW suite by Ted Baker and was super excited! Its important to note I have never tried fake nails such as acrylics other than some press-on ‘s one and I haven’t had gellish or biosculpture so I am not too sure what I am really comparing Shellac to. Shellac is a polish which they apply over the nail and then set under a UV light, it isn’t a nail extension but does make the nails quite strong (whilst on) meaning used for a long time you can achieve longer nails.
I chose a grey as the colour selection of Shellac isn’t great although I think it is something they are expanding. I personally like crazier colours; mint greens, Cian Blues and vivid purples but with Shellac you are given the option of pink, light pink, dark pink, red, dark red and very neutral french manicure colours with the exception of a few muted grays.
I went home pretty happy with my nails; they were very shinny, a nice colour and for once not smudged, although my thumb had some polish on the skin surrounding the nail too.
One week in I remained quite happy with the Shellac, it was nice not to have to paint my nails every other day, they were still very shinny although they had begun to grow out and one of my fingers had a tiny chip.
On the second week I wasn’t quite as impressed. Shellac’s are suppose to last 2 weeks but have heard people say it last 3-4weeks! They remained shinny but I was beginning to get fed up of the grey, they had grown out half a cm in just 2 weeks and quite a few fingers now had chips. Obviously this is just my own opinion, not everyone gets as bored as quickly as me and some peoples nails grow far slower than mine.
Not too sure I would get Shellac again, I don’t think I would if I had to pay for it at least, although I think it may work better for others. If you’re nails don’t grow too quickly and are looking for something which is lower maintenance than nail polish then it is worth looking in to especially for holidays or special events.
I followed this post to remove my shellac
What has your experience with Shellac been like?
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I can't believe how much your nails grew in just a week! x
I was recommended shellacs but didn't take up on the offer because I wanted my acrylic extensions done that time. But I've only heard great things about it. I'm really clumsy and managed to chip even my acrylics nails so god knows how I would be with these. I might try them one day but it seems that it's not as amazing ad you'd like them to be! XO
Great post. It usually depends on the application and how skill the esthetican is when applying it. (ie. thin layers, reaching to cuticles but not touching etc) Although, your nails did seem to grow really fast. :p I love having shellac done and doing them on clients as well.
I am skeptical of long wearing nail polish, because my nails grow this fast too. I love nail polish that lasts 4-5 days and thats it.
I love Bourjois 10 day nail polish is my favourite because it lasts without chipping for 4-5 days on me, and then I redo my nails on the weekend. The range doesn't have many colours though sadly
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I find Gelish a lot more hardwearing that Shellac and the colour range is a lot better!! 🙂 x
I agree with Tate, having had shellac, bio, opi Axxium and gelish, gelish lasts well on me for up to 3 weeks. Will tweet you a pic x
Hi. Soak off gels can be great! I think your nails were not prepared properly before hand, and I don't think your technician was that careful (curing product on the skin is a total no no its how allergies can start), thought I guess they were rushing as it was at an event not in a salon. When you get bored of the colour you can paint regular nail polish over the top, you can also remove that with non-acetone remover & the gel polish will still be intact. I do my own soak off gel nails, started with the Red Carpet Manicure LED kit, and moved on to use Gelish, OPI Gelcolor etc. I love how it protects my nails and lets them grow longer than I can without it! My nails are thin, bendy, regular polish chips in 24hours. I've just worn regular polish over a gel for a week, with not a chip.
I've never had shellac nails done as I've always been a bit on the fence about it – after seeing this I'm even more put off! My nails grow super fast and my normal nail varnish looks better at 2 weeks than this does! Loving your colour of choice though, it's gorgeous 🙂 X
Shellac is really great for toes, currently got a lovely dark purple on mine! I have the same problem as you, my nails grow very fast, even within two or three days and a normal polish, my nails have growth. My mum has recently bought a red carpet manicure kit, which is similar to shellac and they have a bigger range of colours.
I have had shellac last over a month on my toe nails. My advice if you are getting it done is to go to a good quality salon.
The idea of shellac is great but the people who would pay for shellac aren't really the people who want their nails the same (boring) colour for 2 weeks and then the regrowth is really bad. i've had it done too and I felt exactly the same as you!
xx
I think the idea of this is good in theory but I know I would get bored of having the same colour for two weeks and like yours my nails grow super fast so I don't know if this would be a good idea for me!x
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Shellac is fantastic. The colour range could be better but I tend to funk up application with glitters and foils. It is much easier to remove than Gelish. I am like you though, I bore of colours quickly and want to change it up. Overall I would recommend it.x
love the shade you've had applied ! xx
thebeautyheroes.blogspot.co.uk
first time i have been to your blog and i got to say that it is truly amazing[:
i have never tried this but i will go and look into it sounds like it would be something great to try since i do hate having to paint my nails too often.
I absolutely loved it when I had shellac. …I removed it myself though and wasn't too thrilled with the nails afterwards ..possibly my own fault but saved a few quid. :o)
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I do my own Shellac and Gellish and it is so important to apply it properly without getting any on the skin otherwise it will lift. You can layer the colours to get different shades, they sheer colours are great for it. They do have a couple of nice purples and a tealy shade too. Your nails grew so quickly too!
I had Shellac done for my wedding as chipped polish drives me mad and I would of hated it if it was chipped on the day. I had put on three times first to test it, second to find my wedding day shade and thirst for the actual day. When I finally got it taken off my nails were a mess! scratched, weak and thin. I love the results whilst its on but never again as it will take a while to get my nails healthy again,
Thanks for the link honey xxx I must say your nails grow mad fast that is crazy! Mine grow that much in maybe a month or 6 weeks!