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thread: Shellac Nail Polish

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    Shellac Nail Polish

    Does anyone have and use shellac nail polish?

    Is it as good as they claim to be? Is it really chip free for 2 weeks?

    Also, is it hard to remove?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Sydney Aus
    1,164

    I get mine done at the salon and it really is chip free!

    I'm hopeless with normal nail polish, it chips the day I get them done normally, but I don't have that problem with the Shellac.

    They use little UV lamps, and apply a special bottom and top coat.

    Taking it off, not sure - I get mine taken off when I go back, and not sure what they use.

  3. #3
    ♥ BellyBelly's Creator ♥
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    Feb 2003
    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Australia
    8,982

    I had it done about 3-4 weeks ago, definitely found it better and more resistant than normal polish. I did end up removing it before the two weeks - it didnt chip but found it wore in parts mostly the ends of my nails. Lasted really well on my toes, no chips at all. Its perfect for special occasions
    Kelly xx

    Creator of BellyBelly.com.au, doula, writer and mother of three amazing children
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    Forever grateful to my incredible Mod Team

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    Kelly, did you remove it with normal nail polish remover?

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Epping, VIC
    2,546

    Shellac is removed with pure acetone.
    Quite easy to take off- but you won't get pure acetone from the supermarket.
    Hairhouse warehouse, chemist etc.

    I do my own shellac.
    It can be chip free, depends on the application.
    Mine lasts for 2 weeks, chip free and stays shiny too.
    The colour range on shellac is ok- not great.
    You can also try Gelish, which is made by a different company.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Sydney Aus
    1,164

    Ohhh Emma! Was hoping to see someone who does it themself!
    Do you have/use the lamp/light in between coats as they do in salons?

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    That's what I'm hoping to do Emma, I've seen some deals through cudo etc that has the lamp, base and top coat plus a few colours. Wondering if it's worth getting that and doing it at home?

    Is the lamp neccessary though?

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Epping, VIC
    2,546

    The lamp is 100% nessecary- won't work without it!
    I started out with a cheaper UV light from eBay- then once I was sure I could apply it to my standards- I upgraded to a LED light.

    I buy only shellac or gelish colours- usually from eBay- imported from O/S.
    They are about $22 per bottle.
    Anything cheaper is not genuine.

    Shellac is a little bit harder to apply than normal nail polish- it needs to go on the nail quite thin and away from the cuticle.
    Practice makes perfect!
    There are loads of YouTube videos to watch and learn.

    Beware there are a lot of cheap immitation type UV systems out there.

    I have tried a few of the cheaper brands- blu sky, lumi nail etc....
    They don't measure up.



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    Thanks for the info Emma

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Feb 2011
    Sydney
    283

    Shellac is a little bit harder to apply than normal nail polish- it needs to go on the nail quite thin and away from the cuticle.
    Practice makes perfect!
    I feel bad now..... I was getting a bit annoyed at my nail tech for leaving a little bit of nail near my cuticle unpainted ...

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Epping, VIC
    2,546

    Yes
    It shouldn't be that noticeable IF your cuticles are pushed back, before application

    Something I forgot to add- shellac requires no buffing of the natural nail- I only use an alcohol wipe to get rid of the oil.


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  12. #12
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Sydney Aus
    1,164

    Thanks for the info Emma, now to decide if I give it a go myself, or keep going to the salon!

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Epping, VIC
    2,546

    It's a little expensive to start off with- if you're in Melbourne- you're more than welcome to come around for a play with my stuff

    Otherwise here is what it cost me:

    UV lamp- $40- has O/S plug, but came with a converter.
    Base and top coat- $50
    1 colour to start- $22

    You can get great deals on eBay


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  14. #14
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    How come it can't go near the cuticle??

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Epping, VIC
    2,546

    The cuticle will/can cause the polish to lift.
    As it can also cause acrylic to lift also.

    You shouldn't even really notice the gap.



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  16. #16
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    Ah, that makes sense then

  17. #17
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Sydney Aus
    1,164

    It's a little expensive to start off with- if you're in Melbourne- you're more than welcome to come around for a play with my stuff

    Otherwise here is what it cost me:

    UV lamp- $40- has O/S plug, but came with a converter.
    Base and top coat- $50
    1 colour to start- $22

    You can get great deals on eBay


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I wish I was in Melbourne, I'd take you up on the offer!
    Will have to have a looksy on eBay!



    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  18. #18
    Registered User
    Add Ms_Fi on Facebook

    May 2009
    Hunter Valley, NSW
    229

    The lamp is 100% nessecary- won't work without it!
    I started out with a cheaper UV light from eBay- then once I was sure I could apply it to my standards- I upgraded to a LED light.
    How are you finding the LED lamp? I thought UV light was a must for shellac nails and LED lamps don't emit UV light.

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