This summer, my manicure will not fall victim to the perils of sand and swimming (or bobbing in a holiday pool). Heading overseas for a week or so, requires a mani/pedi that stays put. Enter: shellac. The hard-wearing polish is kind on nails and comes in all sorts of summertime shades to perk up your fingertips for trips away, or embracing the sunshine at home. In case you need more persuading, here it is – everything you need to know about shellac (because there’s simply no room in my carry-on for a bottle of nail polish…).
By Rachel Spedding
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1 What is shellac?
Shellac is about as famous as that Big Mac you didn’t eat last night (ahem). The hardy polish has been prominent in the beauty industry for a long while, thanks to its ability to keep nails tip-top in both appearance and condition. The ‘hybrid’ formula of UV gel and traditional polish is applied in thinner layers, so dries quickly, is kinder on nails than a gel manicure and is easy to remove. Sold.
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2 How is it applied?
Easy – go to Treatwell, click ‘shellac’ and book at your favourite salon. I jest (sort of). Here’s how it’s done:
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The nail is buffed to remove excess oil, and filed to your desired shape
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Base coat is applied, then the nails are popped under a UV lamp for curing
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Up to two coats of the shellac polish is applied (your colour chosen, of course), with drying under the lamp between
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Finally, top coat, and another trip under the lamp
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Finished – now for hand cream, cuticle oil and lots of obsessive staring
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3 How long does it take?
Dreamy nails in under 45 minutes – lunch break plans, sorted. Fully dry, that polish is going nowhere fast, so you can dive right into your handbag to grab keys/cash/phone to take a sly picture, without fear of chipping. A whole one-two weeks of shiny, shellac goodness.
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4 How is it removed?
When the time comes for removal (sob), it’s best to head back to the salon, where the pros can remove the polish with minimal damage to your nails. Your fingertips will be soaked in acetone for around ten minutes, before a nail tool (usually a wooden stick) is used to push back the polish. A little buffing, more of that hand cream – and maybe a cheeky hand massage – and your naked nails are good to go. More shellac?
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Click here to discover amazing salons in your area.