How long does shellac last on nails and retain its shine?

Original shellac and fakes: how to buy quality gel polish

A special gel polish appeared on store shelves - shellac, and immediately attracted attention, fell in love, took root, and many women have since recognized only this type of manicure. The coating itself is made on a resin base taken from tropical trees, and thanks to modern technologies it has a chic appearance.

The coating itself is made on a resinous base taken from tropical trees, and thanks to modern technologies it has a chic appearance. Read the popular article in the category: An effective drug - Mycoderil varnish for nail fungus. Reviews, price.

The first advantage is how long shellac lasts on your nails. To the delight of women, it lasts for more than 3 weeks, but does not lose its qualities and looks the same as after the application procedure.

Second: it successfully replaced nail extensions, which still cause damage to nails. Shellac is suitable even for those who have fragile and weak nails, because it does not spoil them, but on the contrary, its natural components heal and protect such nails.

Like most good products, shellac immediately had a lot of fakes, which is further proof that this product is really good. Note! To purchase natural shellac, you need to know what the bottle from the manufacturer looks like and what labels are on it.

Any product has its own serial number, so by the barcode you can find out the country of the manufacturer, where the product came from, batch series , etc. Such varnishes from the American corporation CND are especially popular. It is believed that only they have the right to be called “shellac”. Many people order them directly on the site.

But if you happen to have a bottle in your hands (you can request it for examination in a beauty salon), then the label on the original packaging is not as shiny as before, and the film completely covers the container itself. The sticker on the main side is white and yellow and the lettering is thin and very clear.

On the original packaging, the label is not as shiny as before, and the film completely covers the container itself. The sticker on the main side is white and yellow, and the lettering is thin and very clear

At the bottom of the bottle there is always a distinctive sign - a flower, and on newer varnishes the serial number of the batch is repeated, which is already recorded on the packaging. The bottom has smooth edges and is oval.

You can spot fake gel polish by its smell. The original one smells pleasant, like all quality products, but the fake one has a strong chemical and unpleasant odor.

How long does shellac last and why does it peel or crack?

An impeccable image of a woman necessarily includes perfectly manicured hands and nails. The beauty industry offers many decorative cosmetics to make women's nails irresistible. All kinds of colors and shades of varnishes can embody any manicure ideas. But all cosmetic varnishes quickly lose their attractiveness, unlike the new product - shellac.

Seduced by the benefits of gel polish, many women have already tried this wonderful cosmetic product. And some of them have experienced shellac cracking and peeling. “Why does this happen, and how long does shellac last?” - a question that worries those who had a shellac manicure as a bad experience.

Why doesn't shellac stick to my nails?

The main cause of the problem lies in a violation of the coating technology. Shellac will peel off quickly if the adhesion between the nail and the cosmetic product is insufficient. For example, the nails were not degreased or primer was not applied before working with shellac. If you can’t perform such a manicure yourself, then you should visit the salon to see with your own eyes the intricacies of the master’s work.
Hormonal imbalances can cause rejection of gel polymers. The reason for wondering whether it is worth getting an expensive manicure may be taking certain medications: hormonal pills, antibiotics, contraceptives.
Shellac peeling can occur in pregnant women. This is also due to changes in a woman’s hormonal levels. Therefore, if a shellac manicure performed during pregnancy remains on the nails for less than two weeks, you should not do it again. You should wait until the baby is born, and then enjoy all the benefits of a long-term manicure.
Fake gel polish does not last long. You should be careful when purchasing a product, having previously familiarized yourself with the appearance of the packaging and bottle on the Internet.
Despite the fact that shellac is a very hard coating, it is somewhat susceptible to mechanical damage. Working with rough metal objects, such as a metal kitchen grater, can ruin the appearance of your manicure, leaving unsightly scratches on it.
Interaction with chemicals containing solvents may compromise the integrity of the shellac coating.
How long shellac lasts depends on the health of the nails. Gel polish does not adhere very well to fragile and brittle nails. Delamination of the nail plate can contribute to poor adhesion. If the nails are healthy, then with the correct application technology, gel polish can last even longer than the period stated by the manufacturer.

To prevent shellac from peeling off, you should strictly follow all stages of the procedure and the intricacies of working with gel polish.

The slightest violation of the coating technology will lead to the fact that the coating will not last long.

Causes of shellac peeling as a result of improper manicure technique:

Nails must be degreased before working with shellac. Even a small area of the nail plate where moisture or fat remains can cause a poor-quality manicure.
Peeling at the tips of the nails occurs if the tip and ends of the nail are not sealed with gel polish. This must be done when applying the first base coat.
Untreated cuticle that has received shellac will in 100% of cases lead to peeling of the coating at the base of the nail. The same thing will happen if particles of the epidermis remain on the nail plate due to poor quality work with the cuticle.
If a manicure uses cream to soften the cuticle, then even degreasing the nail does not always remove excess fat. To work with gel or gel polish, it is recommended to use products based on fruit acids.
Insufficient drying time in a UV lamp or low lamp power causes deformation of the layers and subsequent peeling of the shellac. The same thing happens if the layers of gel polish are too thick. It is this stage that largely determines how long shellac lasts. The coating must be carried out in a clear sequence: the first thin layer is the base layer, the second thin layer is colored gel polish, the third thicker layer is colored gel polish, the fourth thickest layer is the top coat.
Storing materials in direct sunlight or at high air temperatures will reduce the quality of shellac. As a result, the quality of the manicure suffers.
Diluting the thickened gel polish composition with solvents is unacceptable. If you do a manicure with shellac diluted with various products, it will probably quickly peel off and crack.

Why does shellac crack on nails?

Shellac is a hard coating containing a plastic material called gel, and there should be no cracks in it. If cracks appear, this may indicate a gross violation of the manicure technology, for example, layers of gel polish that were not sufficiently dried in a UV lamp. In this case, cracks appear within 1-2 days. Another reason lies in the composition of shellac.

The original shellac lasts a long time, maintaining its appearance. If cracks appear on the coating, the gel polish is fake.

Surely you can talk about a fake if all the subtleties of working with shellac are observed, the hormonal levels are normal, and the nails are healthy.

Shellac is an expensive cosmetic product that is in great demand among women. Therefore, the production of fake gel polishes is attractive to scammers. But with all their efforts, they cannot achieve an exact copy of the original product.

How to avoid buying fake shellac?

To avoid falling for a fake, it is better to buy gel polish from trusted sellers of cosmetics.
The original product is produced by the American company CND (Creative Nail Design). This inscription must be on the bottle of the product.
The bottle is housed in a cardboard package that has a protrusion at the bottom.
The bottle has a relief in the shape of a flower, and the bottom has an oval rim.
All inscriptions (color, color and batch numbers, etc.) must be the same, both on the cardboard box and on the bottle.
Before purchasing, it is advisable to check the picture of the original product on the Internet. Pay attention to the fonts and color of the inscriptions, the location of insignia, for example, stickers.
Read reviews about the cosmetic product on the forums. Women who encounter a fake usually talk about the seller and the fake itself.
Cheap gel polish should be a concern. An original cosmetic product cannot cost less than 1000 rubles. For example, online stores offer Bluesky shellac for 240 rubles. This is not an original product made in the USA, but is a counterfeit from China.

How long should gel polish last on nails?

Manufacturers of the original CND product provide a 14-day guarantee of an impeccable coating. Beauty salon masters assure that a high-quality varnish composition can last on nails for three or even four weeks. But such a period in itself does not make sense, since the nails grow back and the decorative coating looks ugly. Therefore, a two-week manicure is the best option for great-looking nails.

How long does high-quality shellac last on nails?

Shellac is loved by many women because of its strength, durability and beautiful appearance. However, one of the most important questions is: how long does shellac last on nails?

Read the popular article in the category: Stylish shellac Cat's eye: all the options for fashionable shellac. How to do it step by step at home.

If you read the instructions, you will find that gel polish can stay on your nails for 14 days, but it will last longer, it’s just that during this time your nails will grow and an untreated stripe will appear in the cuticle area.

If you read the instructions, you will find that gel polish can stay on your nails for 14 days

It is invisible in most cases, but some women want a more perfect look. Gel polish can last up to 1 month - everything is individual for everyone, and depends on the quality of application of the product. On average, shellac lasts 3-4 weeks.

However, if you often have to work with chemicals and soap solutions, the product may not withstand such intensity, especially in the place where the layer is the least thin. Then the shellac will last 1-2 weeks.

Diseases of the body

If your endocrine digestive or excretory system is affected, then extensions or coating with any composition are not recommended. If these systems are damaged, the nails may become brittle and thin and cannot withstand the weight of the coating.

Before you go for extensions, consider all these tips and tricks. Then, you won’t have to overpay the master and waste time. This is an expensive and time-consuming procedure, so it is better to take care in advance that the coating lasts as long as possible.

What does the length of nails mean?

This type of manicure is very convenient in many ways. The length of the nails does not matter at all, so shellac on short nails lasts as long as on long nails. Women who cannot grow long nails due to their fragility can easily do this with the help of gel polish.

This happens because nails covered in this way cannot be broken, they do not peel off and easily grow to the desired length. The length of the nails only affects the choice of shellac color. For short nails, it is better to use neutral shades, highlighting a few nails with bright colors.

Any color scheme is suitable for a long nail plate.

Advice from manicurists

When working with shellac yourself, manicurists suggest using the following recommendations:

When choosing an ultraviolet lamp suitable for drying nails, you should assume that a product sample with a power of about 18-36 Watts is suitable for these purposes.
To remove the membrane (cuticle), expensive products or softening oils are usually used.
To save money, if the cuticle is weak, you can use an orange stick, with which you can simply push it to the side.
If there is even the slightest trace of fungus on the nails, the procedure should be temporarily abandoned (otherwise the consequences may not be very pleasant).

If you take the advice described above as a guide, and also carefully understand what a shellac nail manicure is, what it is, any fashionista can do this procedure on her own.

The meaning of the nail plate for shellac

Although shellac stays on nails reliably - as long as required: on average 3 weeks, not every nail plate is suitable for such a manicure. Gel polish can only be used on healthy nail plates. They should be even, smooth, without visible damage.

Gel polish can only be used on healthy nail plates. They should be even, smooth, without visible damage.

Any changes in color, irregularities, or spots on the nail plates are a contraindication for this procedure. In addition, on brittle and fragile nails, shellac can last less time than on a healthy and strong nail plate.

Carefully! Any nail plate will suffer if gel polish, even the highest quality, is expired. There is another danger: when the lid is not closed properly and air constantly gets inside. Such gel polishes should be thrown away without regret, because the health of your nails is much more expensive.

What procedural errors reduce the wear life of shellac?

Unfortunately, applying a manicure using shellac can go wrong if the technology of the procedure is violated, and mistakes made can ruin everything.

To avoid such errors, you need to:

Before applying gel polish, be sure to do a regular manicure so that the nail surface is smooth, without peeling ends. To achieve this effect, a soft buff is usually used. There should be no accumulation of dirt under the nails.
Do not forget about degreasing the nail surface and side ridges.
Do not touch the nail after it has already been degreased. Even a small particle can cause significant harm in the future - it will ruin the integrity of the manicure.
Be sure to apply a special primer , which is needed for reliable adhesion of the material to the surface. Apply both to the tip of the nail and to the entire plate.
It is good to dry your nails, since poorly dried shellac will not stick to your nails as long as it is supposed to.
Seal the layer securely , otherwise it will cause too rapid detachment or chipping.
Do not mix components from several, even famous brands. They can behave too unpredictably, so it’s better not to take risks.

Is there fake Shellac?

In the joy of shopping, you may not immediately notice that you have purchased a fake product . To prevent this from happening, follow a few rules and pay attention to the little things:

A high-quality certified product cannot be cheap : there are lower and upper limits for the cost of shellac, but none of the limits can be called low.
Be sure to pay attention to the presence of the batch number : without this, the product cannot be considered real. The batch number is printed on the bottom of the bottle: the method of application is not typographical and repeats the material of the bottle.
Once you are sure that the lot number is present, compare it with the same number on the barcode. They should be the same.
Take a closer look at the bottom : in the original varnishes it is completely smooth. If you notice that the bottom of the varnish is ribbed, put it back - it's a fake.

When choosing varnishes for long-term coverage, always request certificates of conformity from the seller. This way you can protect yourself from possible counterfeiting of the product.

Shellac at home or in the salon: is there a difference?

How long shellac lasts on nails depends on where and by whom it was made. Shellac can be done in a professional salon. However, this type of manicure is quite common at home, because the procedure is generally simple.

A professional master will do everything perfectly, taking into account all the nuances of the nail structure, strictly following all the rules. In addition, the master uses only high-quality and professional materials.

If you decide to master this procedure and have purchased all the necessary components, then you can safely begin applying shellac at home.

But if you decide to master this procedure and have purchased all the necessary components, then you can safely start applying shellac at home. The basic rule: strictly follow all the technology for creating a manicure. It may not work out the first time, but don’t be upset, the skill will come with experience.

Why can shellac peel off prematurely?

Spending an hour or two of time and forgetting about the need to get your nails in order for two weeks is, of course, the dream of many girls. For some it is successfully realized, while for others it fails miserably. Why shellac doesn’t last on nails: the reasons may be different, but here are the TOP 5 enemies of long-lasting manicure.

1. Mechanical damage.

Danger awaits your nails everywhere. In the kitchen, these are, of course, knives and graters. There is a keyboard in the office. Small cuts and microcracks are not noticeable to the naked eye, but the integrity of the coating has already been compromised, which means it will not last long.

2. Contact with aggressive chemicals.

If you think that this only applies to female workers in chemical laboratories, you are deeply mistaken. Household chemicals that your hands come into contact with every day (dishwashing detergents, powders, cleaning gels and even shampoos) pose a huge danger not only to manicure, but also to hands in general. If you don’t want your skin to turn into hard scales, then keep your house clean using gloves.

3. Condition of nails.

Nails can peel, and every second girl encounters this unpleasant phenomenon. If the problem is at an initial stage, then shellac will strengthen the plate and, thereby, serve to solve it. But if the situation is too advanced, even gel polish will not save you, as it will simply peel off along with the nail. It will not be possible to solve this issue in a salon; you will have to look for the cause and eliminate its consequences in a doctor’s office.

4. Poor quality materials.

As already mentioned, shellac is produced by only one company in the world, and the price for it fluctuates around 8-10 dollars per color. Trying to save money, unscrupulous craftsmen purchase fakes on Chinese websites. The color scheme of such series coincides with the original, but the quality leaves much to be desired. This gel polish initially looks duller and lasts no more than 3 days.

5. Failure to follow the rules for working with gel polishes.

The technology of applying shellac has its own characteristics. If you skip or mix up the steps, there is no point in hoping for durability of the coating.

Why does a French manicure last longer?

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French manicure has long established itself both in everyday life and at celebrations. The classic French manicure, when the very tips of the nail are decorated with discreet or colored varnish, is now decorated with rhinestones and other unusual elements.

A French manicure done with shellac will last longer than a plain coat. After all, the color is only at the tip of the nail, so the growth of the entire plate goes unnoticed.

Interesting fact! This type of manicure is especially suitable for nails that grow quickly: they do not lose their neatness for a long time, and the stylist’s work looks just as fresh and attractive.

Factors that reduce the wear life of shellac

Sometimes it happens that after a long procedure, unexpectedly after a few days, the gel polish cracks and the nails are in terrible condition. Why does this happen, shellac on nails does not last as long as it was designed for. Often the culprit is the woman’s body.

Gel polish does not adhere well if there are abnormalities in the hormonal system

Gel polish does not adhere well if there are deviations in the hormonal system . Therefore, it is not recommended to do this manicure for pregnant and nursing mothers, or women taking complex hormonal medications.

Skin diseases or abnormalities in the functioning of the thyroid gland or recent surgery may also be the culprits. Gel polish does not apply well to nails that are loose and very soft. If a woman sweats excessively and her hands are constantly wet, shellac can quickly crack and chip.

Why shellac just doesn't suit some people

It happens that your profession does not allow you to wear a manicure with shellac. Although he is persistent, he is afraid of constant temperature changes. For example, when working in a production facility where there is high temperature: a bakery, industrial production, it is unlikely that even such a durable product will withstand the load.

Everyday cleaning, even with gloves, leads to the fact that the nails constantly experience a feeling of heat, cold, while either expanding or contracting.

Everyday cleaning, even with gloves, leads to the fact that the nails constantly experience a feeling of heat, cold, while either expanding or contracting

If such deformations occur day after day, then soon small cracks will appear, which will not only ruin the manicure, but can also be hazardous to health: dirt and harmful microorganisms that cause various fungal diseases will begin to get through them.

Shellac is a durable and beautiful manicure that makes your hands beautiful and neat. If applied correctly, it can last up to 1 month , however, for this, the woman and her nail plate must be healthy, in addition, the profession should not be associated with conditions harmful to shellac.

How to improve the wear life of gel polish, watch this video:

The reasons why the wear time of gel polish is reduced and how to avoid them, see this video:

Watch life hacks for extending the wear of shellac in this video:

Features of nail care

In order for a woman to look her best, she should first of all worry about the condition of her nails. At the same time, we must not forget that they need individual care, which is organized in compliance with the following rules:

Well-groomed nails

You should monitor their condition and protect your nail plates regularly.
Nail care is especially important during the cold season (including autumn), when their structure is sensitive and easily vulnerable.
Covering them with varnish of your favorite color can mean the end of a more extensive procedure, consisting of a whole range of nail care measures.
To strengthen the top layer of the plate, it is recommended to take measures to saturate it with micronutrients, the benefits of which have been tested by time. Shellac-type varnish can be an indispensable assistant in this.

The peculiarities of this procedure also include the costs associated with its implementation, which are often very sensitive to the women’s budget. In this regard, personal care, which can be organized no worse than in a beauty salon, is of great importance.

Important! To keep your nails in perfect condition, it is not at all necessary to visit a cosmetologist and spend a lot of time and money on it.

Home environments with their cozy and relaxed atmosphere are quite suitable for applying shellac polish. But all this is true only if the basic rules for handling this symbiosis of varnish and gel are observed.