what is needed for shellac nails at home

by Eldon Cassin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Here's what you'll need to achieve your dream DIY manicure:

A CND Shellac Base Coat ($20)
A CND Shellac Top Coat ($15)
A CND Shellac Color of Choice ($15)
A CND UV LED Gel & Shellac Nail Polish Curing Lamp ($159)
A cleanup brush ($8) to keep handy for cleaning up any polish that spills to the nail’s sidewalls or cuticle area
Polish remover to help clean up any imperfections

It's recommended to use Shellac as a system to ensure the optimum result.

CND Shellac UV Base Coat.
CND Shellac UV Top Coat.
CND Scrubfresh.
CND Shellac Power Polish.
CND Shellac LED Lamp.
99% Alcohol.
Lint-free Nail Wipes.
Cuticle Pusher or Stick.

Full Answer

How to do shellac nails at home?

So learning to do shellac nails at home is well worth it. First, assemble everything you will need: • UV or LED nail lamp • Base coat • Colour • Top coat • Nail file • Cuticle pusher • Alcohol wipes. Once you are settled with everything at hand, you are ready to your DIY shellac nails manicure.

What do you need to get professional nails?

Scorch Shellac Nails Colour Polish, Base Coat, Top Coat, UV or LED Nail Lamp. It’s a good idea to have these as well for the professional look – Alcohol wipes to remove residue, a nail file & cuticle pusher.

What kind of nail polish should I use for my Nails?

We recommend using Bluesky Shellac Style gel nail polish as it is both easy to apply and simple to remove with NO damage to your nails, but the instructions given below apply to most professional quality shellac nail polish brands. Bluesky Shellac Nails Colour Polish, Base Coat, Top Coat, UV or LED Nail Lamp.

How do you use Scorch shellac?

Apply a thin Layer of Scorch Shellac Base Coat to each nail, starting at the cuticle and painting to the tip in even strokes. Make sure that you coat the tip of the nail all the way to the tip of the nail. Continue until all the nails have an even base coat. Do not go right to the very edge of the nail.

Where can I find shellac polish?

How does Shellac work?

How to make a long lasting mani?

How long to polish nails with a lamp?

How long do you wait between coats of nail polish?

Can I do my nails at home?

See 3 more

About this website

Can I buy shellac and do it myself?

With research, time, and practice, you can save some coin every few weeks by skipping the nail salon and doing your own mani-pedi in the comfort of your own abode. Not only can you find shellac polishes online, but the UV light you need to cure the polish is available on beauty sites like Sephora or Amazon, too.

How do you do Shellac Nails step by step?

0:324:32How to Do Your Own Shellac Gel Nails - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to go in with the gel ish Foundation. Which is your base coat. And you want to do a thinMoreI'm going to go in with the gel ish Foundation. Which is your base coat. And you want to do a thin coat. So that it doesn't overlap. And get out by the cuticles Gel does tend to expand.

Do it yourself shellac nails?

Give Yourself a Shellac Manicure at HomeCare for Your Cuticles.Shape the Nails.Time to Paint Your Shellac Nails! Apply a Base Coat. Apply Two Layers of Colour Gel Polish. Apply Top Coat.Apply Cuticle Oil and Hand Cream.

Does shellac nail polish need UV light?

All polish coats must be cured either under a UV or LED lamp for 30 seconds. After the base coat come two coats of color each cured under either a UV or LED lamp. Last comes the top coat, which is also cured under UV or LED lighting. Finally the nail tech removes a sticky film residue using alcohol.

Is it hard to do shellac at home?

Shellac is not like other nail finishes, that's true. But if you can polish your nails, you can learn to do DIY shellac like a professional. It is not any harder to use than regular nail polish, but it does require a UV or LED nail lamp.

What is the difference between gel nails and shellac?

Essentially gel nails use a semi-permanent gel to color your nails, whereas shellac nails use semi-permanent polish. There are also nearly triple the number of color options for gel nails as there are for shellac nails, but there are still plenty of shades to choose from for either.

Can you cure shellac with any UV lamp?

Yes. All SHELLAC™ Base Coat, Colors and Top Coats can be cured in either the CND™ UV or LED Lamp.

How do you get shellac to stay on?

6 Tips For Long Lasting Shellac NailsExpose your nails to natural UV rays. ... Use CND Solar Oil. ... Stop peeling off your nail polish. ... Make sure nails are properly prepped before application. ... Wear gloves when doing any household activities. ... Re-shellac.

What do you wipe shellac with at the end?

Wipe clean the nail with lint-free nail wipe soaked with 99% Alcohol. It has to be 99% Alcohol. If less than 99% it won't show the full shine. After wiping, the polish should be dry, hard and not tacky.

What lasts longer gel or Shellac?

Shellac vs gel Firstly, both shellac and gel polishes are a great choice. Both will look fabulous. Both last longer than traditional polish, at around 10-14 days, although gel may last as long as 3 weeks.

What can I use if I don't have a UV light?

What Can You Use Instead of a UV Light For Nails?Use Non-UV Gel Polish. If you're avoiding UV rays, consider using gel polishes that don't require UV light. ... Create an Ice Water Bath. ... Apply Cooking Spray. ... Sit Under the Sun. ... Opt for a Thinner Coat. ... Use a Quick-Drying Nail Polish Spray.

How long does Shellac last for?

Your shellac nails should remain shiny and chip-free for 14 to 21 days if you take care of them responsibly. Don't worry about your day to day activities: taking out keys, working on the computer and (light) cooking are no match for shellac.

How do you shellac nails without a UV light?

What is better shellac or dip?

Shellac nails typically last up to 2 weeks, while dip nails last up to 5 weeks. What you choose depends on your preferred method of application. Shellac nails require a UV light while dip nails do not. Shellac nails have a thinner application while dip nails are usually harder and sturdier.

How long does shellac last on your nails?

How do you do salon quality gel nails at home?

How to Do Your Own Gel Nails At Home: 8 Easy StepsPrep Your Nails. (Source: Oprah) ... Apply Cuticle Oil. (Source: Pexels) ... Buff Your Nails. (Source: News Chant) ... Wipe Your Nails with Rubbing Alcohol. (Source: Pexels) ... Apply Base Coat. (Source: S&L Beauty) ... Apply Gel Polish. (Source: S&L Beauty) ... Apply the Top Coat. ... After Care.

5 Best Shellac Starter Kits - Ms. O. Beauty

A shellac starter kit will let you create flawless nails. Shellac gel nail polish is a fun, affordable, and easy-to-use alternative to builder gels or acrylic nails, and shellac nail kits contain everything to make nail polish application a breeze.

Does shellac pay for itself?

Within a handful of applications, the at home shellac kit can pay for itself

Can you get a shellac manicure at home?

Want that shiny shellac manicure look at home? You can get it with just a few supplies that will last years. With a DIY shellac mani, you can save time by doing your nails on your schedule without the hassle of booking and driving to spa appointments. You can also save a boat load of money (I pay for an annual family cruise with the money I save from professional salon manicures for a year). Plus, the long-lasting coverage of shellac nail polish takes a lot of the hassle out of getting ready for the day.

How easy is it to do a shellac manicure?

You will be surprised at how easy it is to do a shellac style manicure at home. All is takes is a little patience and a little practice to get salon quality results.

How to remove shellac nail polish?

Option 1: You can easily remove shellac nail polish by wetting some cotton wool in acetone, and placing it over the nail. Wrap the tip of your finger and the acetone soaked cotton wool in tin foil to keep the cotton pad in contact with the nail for up to 10 minutes. ( any longer and the acetone will have evaporated and the polish will start to stick again). Alternatively, you can buy Acetone Remover Wraps and follow the same procedure. The Shellac layers should peel away quite easily. If necessary, use a wooden cuticle stick to clean off any excess. Then you are ready to start again 😉

How to remove nail polish from top coat?

This is very important as it allows the Nail Gel Remover to penetrate into the Gel and loosen it from the nail plate. Take special care if the gel is thicker in any area and around the cuticles. Wipe the nail clean to remove any excess dust.

How to get rid of a burning sensation in your nails?

Wipe the nail clean to remove any excess dust. Apply the Scorch Nail Gel Remover to each nail. Ensure that the nail is well covered with the Nail Gel Remover jelly. Avoid contact between the skin and the Nail Gel Remover as this might result in a slight burning sensation.

How to apply Scorch Shellac?

How to prepare nails for a sanding machine?

1. To start with you prepare the nails by filing each nail into the shape you want. Make sure there are no rough edges. Clean well to remove any residual dust

How long to cure nails with UV light?

Following the instructions for your apparatus, cure each hand for 2 minutes by putting it under the UV or LED Nail Lamp for approximately 30 seconds. ( *always follow the manufacturers instructions). At this point the nails will have a sticky residue.

How to apply shellac nails?

There is nothing fancy in the process of having shellac nails. Simply apply a very thin CND Shellac base coat to your nails. Before that, roll the nail polish bottle keeping it between your palms to mix the color. Cure it under 36-watt UV lamp for 10 seconds.

How to make a shellac manicure?

While doing french manicure you have to choose a particular shellac nail polish that resembles nude color. After applying the top coat, apply a layer of sheer pink shellac color over the surface and along the edge of the nail and cure it for 2 minutes.

How to do shellac nails without UV light?

Yet, some girls are looking for how to do shellac nails without UV light. A simple solution for them. Use a gel top coat that takes 4-5 minutes to dry. You don’t have to cure it under a UV light, it’s completely air-dry. Let’s adorn your nails with the glamour of shellac nails.

How to get your nails to be the right shape?

Before applying anything to your nails, prepare them to get the maximum output. File your nails to give them the right shape. Use a cuticle pusher to push the cuticles back. You can use cuticle oil to soften the cuticles before pushing them back. When your nails are prepared, clean the nails using nail wipes.

How to make your nails look smoother?

Apply Shell ac Nail Polish. This is the part where you have the scope to customize your nails. Use your favorite colored shellac nail polish. Apply a thin layer of shellac nail polish and let it cure under the UV lamp for about 2 minutes. Apply another thin layer of nail polish to have an even and smooth surface.

Can you do shellac nails at home?

Let’s move forward as you’re done with the necessary tools to get your nails done with shellac nails. You’ll be able to do shellac nails at home by following the below steps.

Do you have to take measurements for shellac nails?

So, you have to take measurements to protect nails. When doing shellac nails, you have no option except using Shellac products created by Creative Nail Design (CND).

How to apply shellac to nails?

Your nails have to be ready before you start applying shellac, so you’ll need to file them to smooth any rough edges and get the shape you want, and then gently push back the cuticles. Then clean them to make sure there’s no nail dust from the filing. 2.

How long do shellac nails last?

It may take you slightly longer at first, but that is offset by how much longer shellac nails last – two weeks. In some cases, they even last a bit longer.

How to dry nail lamp base coat?

3. Apply Colour. Staying just inside the edge of the base coat, apply the colour. Make sure to leave a tiny edge of base coat all the way around.

Do shellac nails last longer?

In some cases, they even last a bit longer. Plus, they dry quickly under the lamp, so even if you take longer to brush it on, the drying time is shorter. So learning to do shellac nails at home is well worth it.

Can you dry nails with alcohol?

When you are done, you can do your final drying with the nail lamp. When your nails are completely dry, you can give them a quick once over with the alcohol wipes to make sure there is no sticky residue left.

Can you do shellac nails at home?

We’re all hard-pressed for time and money these days it seems. But you can do your own shellac nails at home to save money while getting the latest and loveliest nail treatment. Applying shellac is simply and easy with a few professional tips and step by step instructions. Shellac is not like other nail finishes, that’s true.

Step 4: Apply Your Cuticle Oil

Apply your oil to the cuticle by massaging into your cuticles and fingers. You can also add moisturizer to your hands.

Step 5: Apply Your Base Coat

Now is the time to apply your base coat to create a glossy canvas for your nail polish. If you are using shellac polish, apply your base coat and add it under the UV light for 120 seconds.

Step 6: Apply Your Colour

Get to painting! If you have purchased shellac, or regular polish simply apply the colour evenly, if you are using shellac apply your first thin layer, and dry for 120 seconds in the UV lamp then apply second coat and repeat.

Step 7: Apply Top Coat

Whether you have regular polish, or shellac top coat is crucial - as this will harden the coloured polish. If using shellac polish, dry for 120 seconds.

What is a shellac manicure?

Similar to acrylics and other gel nail polishes, shellac manicures are a multi-step process. "Getting a shellac manicure involves applying a shellac color polish over a shellac base coat, followed by one of several shellac topcoats," says Kandalec. All of these layers are treated and cured with UV light to make them last longer, appear glossier, and prevent chipping.

What is shellac nail polish?

To clarify, shellac is the brand name of gel polish, not an umbrella term used for all gel nail polishes.

How long does it take to remove shellac from nails?

However, if you're struck for time and want to remove the shellac yourself, Offly Fast is available to purchase online. Another popular removal method involves soaking cotton pads in pure acetone, placing them over the nails and wrapping them in foil for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the shellac should lift off the nail bed. "Hydrate your nails before and after removing the shellac," says Kandalec. "Also, make sure you use acetone in a well-ventilated area, keeping away from finished wood and paint."

How long does shellac last?

On average, shellac will last for at least two weeks if applied correctly, says Kandalec. You can help extend the life of your shellac by wearing gloves while doing household chores, but generally, the finish is very durable and rarely chips or peels.

How do you know if you need to redo your shellac?

You'll know it's time to redo your shellac when you start seeing a gap between your cuticle and the polish, or the polish starts lifting.

Is there anything wrong with shellac?

While there is nothing wrong with shellac itself, it's the curing process that raises safety concerns. LED light lamps used to cure shellac emit UV rays, and extended exposure to UV rays can have potential side effects, including premature aging of the skin, age spots, and skin cancer.

Can you use acetone free nail polish to remove shellac?

When it comes to removing shellac, normal acetone-free nail polish won't do the job. "CND makes a fantastic removal product called Offly Fast, which is designed to remove shellac without drying the skin or nails," says Kandalec. "When removing shellac, there's no need to buff off the topcoat, like you have to with other brands, simply saturate a bit of cotton in Offly Fast and wrap the nails in foil. Depending on which shellac topcoat was used, it will come off cleanly in five to 15 minutes."

What is Shellac?

The official name for this manicure is CND Shellac. CND stands for Creative Nail Designs and I’ll admit, this manicure lives up to its name.

Does Shellac Last Longer Than Gel?

Not quite. CND nails are made using regular nail polish, making them more vulnerable to chipping than gel nails. Both gel and shellac, however, will last anywhere between 10-14 days.

Is Shellac Safe For Your Nails?

Any manicure that requires the use of a UV light will cause some damage to your nails and skin, such as accelerated aging. You can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen. Apply SPF 20 minutes before your appointment. Both gel manicures and shellac ones require a lamp that emits UV light.

What is shellac nail polish?

Shellac nail polish is a hybrid look that sits between regular nail polish and gel nails. This fusion allows for a deeply pigmented color that has a protective coat built in. This protective coat is the addition of the “gel” to protect the color and the nails for a longer-lasting and more beautiful manicure.

How much does it cost to get shellac nails done?

It really depends on the services offered and where they are offered, but for the most part, the general price range is between $15 and $60 for getting shellac nails done.

How Long Does Shellac Manicure Last?

A good shellac manicure will last you a minimum of two weeks without chipping, peeling, cracking or fading. The absolute shortest amount of time a shellac manicure will last is a week.

What is the best nail extension for a brittle nail bed?

Gel nails are another option that will allow the nails to be built up and protected. Gel nails are more flexible than acrylics, which makes them better for people who want nail extensions but may have damaged or brittle nail beds.

How is shellac cured?

The shellac manicure is cured using a UV light in the same process that a gel manicure use s. A shellac manicure is a four-step process that produces a long-lasting, shiny and chip-free manicure.

How to put acetone on nails?

Place the acetone-soaked cotton pad on the nail and wrap it in place with a foil square to hold it in place.

Can you use shellac nails to extend nails?

Unlike acrylic and gel nails, shellac nails cannot be used to extend the length of your nails. Shellac and gel nails do get mixed up together more often than acrylic nails and shellac nails. With acrylic and gel nails the nail is built up and extended. Shellac nails on the other hand (pun intended) are designed to provide color and the finishing touch.

How to get shellac nail polish off?

Remove the foils and rub each nail a bit with its cotton pad. Using the cuticle stick, very gently push off the shellac nail polish. It should come off easily. Be patient, and do not scrape or scrub at your nails. The acetone will dry your nails out a bit.

How to get shellac off a finger?

If it isn’t touching the nail, it isn’t working. Hold it in place by wrapping a foil square securely around the fingertip. Leave them in place for ten minutes from when you finished the first one. The foil does more than hold the cotton pad in place for your shellac removal.

How to get rid of a burning sensation in your nails?

Wipe the nail clean to remove any excess dust. Apply the Scorch Nail Gel Remover to each nail. Ensure that the nail is well covered with the Nail Gel Remover je lly. Avoid contact between the skin and the Nail Gel Remover as this might result in a slight burning sensation. Wait 5 minutes.

How to remove nail polish from top coat?

How long does shellac last?

Shellac nail polish lasts an amazing two weeks or more, and really that is because most women’s nails grow enough in two weeks that the new growth shows. If you are looking at a manicure that has gone past its sell-by date, you might be asking yourself (and your friends) how do you remove shellac nail polish.

How long does it take for shellac to go away?

It will be gone in roughly ten minutes, and if you leave your fingers wrapped longer than that, the shellac will start to adhere to your nails again. The acetone does not dissolve the shellac; it actually just loosens the polish so you can push it off easily.

How to make a sandpaper nail?

Cut into sections about three inches long. Make ten of these. Now take your five cotton pads and cut them each in half so you have ten half circle cotton pads. Fold each in half. One at a time, put some acetone on a pad, and then apply it to a nail. Make sure the pad is firmly against the entire nail.

Where can I find shellac polish?

Of course, life often gets in the way of our best-laid manicure plans, and we're suddenly in a DIY moment. With research, time, and practice, you can save some coin in your wallet every few weeks by skipping the nail salon and doing your own mani-pedi in the comfort of your own abode. Not only can you find Shellac polishes online, but the UV light you need to cure the polish is available on beauty sites like Sephora or Amazon, too.

How does Shellac work?

CND SHELLAC has a unique and innovative formula that when cured with the CND LED Lamp, solvents evaporate out and form microscopic tunnels throughout the coating," says Valinotti. "Though these are not visible to the eye, they play a very important role for nail health and removal, as when an acetone-based remover is applied, it floods these tiny tunnels, which causes the CND SHELLAC to break into pieces, and the base coat releases from the nail." This means minimal scraping, scrubbing, or buffing to remove the old polish, leaving your nail health in great shape. However, if you have been wearing Shellac back-to-back for a long time, it is highly recommended to take a break in between to nourish your natural nails with cuticle oil and hand conditioning treatments. Using a nail strengthener, like Duri Rejuvacote 1 ($14), on your off-days will benefit your nails greatly.

How to make a long lasting mani?

Start by removing any existing polish, then buff and file them into a shape you like. Then, clean up any cuticles with a nipper and push them back.

How long to polish nails with a lamp?

Cure the base coat under the lamp for 60 seconds, ensuring each finger is touched by the lamp's light, especially the thumb.

How long do you wait between coats of nail polish?

Follow that first layer of base coat with your chosen color, applied in thin layers, and cured for 60 seconds between each color. You'll want to apply at least two coats, more if you're looking for a more-opaque polish.

Can I do my nails at home?

Doing your nails at home can be both cost- and time-effective if done properly. In the case that your nails chip after leaving the salon, but you can't get an appointment to fix it, it's an easy DIY solution to have in your back pocket. It can be massively convenient if you have an event to go to at the last minute and cannot schedule an appointment at the salon—honestly, a mani in that context is goals. Especially for the gel removal, you can wait for when the gels are actually lifted, instead of your nail tech being in a rush to remove the gels and not letting them soak in long enough, leading to more gorgeously-cared-for nails.