All about shellac manicure

For many years, shellac has been in first place among the most popular manicure procedures. He slowly pushed back the once widespread building. What shellac is, what hides what advantages and disadvantages it has, it is worth considering in more detail.

Shellac (shellac) is a type of manicure coating. For the first time, such coverage appeared on the world market thanks to CND. To date, this product is produced by a large number of manufacturers, while the name Shellac is attached to all products of varnish-hybrids. It is worth considering in more detail why the coating has gained such popularity.

Shellac differs from simple manicure varnish in more juicy shades and natural shine. This coating is worn longer, does not wear out under the influence of water and does not roll. And also shellac perfectly clings to the nail plate, without weighing it down. Shellac is applied as simple as regular varnish, but unlike simple varnish, it lasts 2-3 weeks and perfectly tolerates all external influences. Another distinguishing feature is drying, because the gel polish is dried in a special lamp, and removed with a special liquid.

The composition of shellac is as follows:

1. film former - a component for the formation of a solid film on the surface;
2. photoinitiator - a substance that absorbs UV radiation;
3. active components - substances necessary for the varnish to have a certain consistency;
4. pigment - a substance for colorizing varnish;
5. additives and fillers are special components to give the consistency of varnish viscosity, gloss and elasticity.

Before deciding on a particular procedure, it is necessary to properly study everything about it, so that you do not regret the consequences later. Like any innovation, gel polish has its pros and cons. It is worth paying attention to the following advantages:

• shellac is suitable for nails of any length;
• the difference between shellac and building is that shellac is applied to your nails;
• nails under shellac grow back faster, since with a gel coating the nails do not break and do not exfoliate;
• shellac stays on the nails for up to 3 weeks; neither water nor the destructive components of household chemicals affect it;
• shellac is harmless even for pregnant girls, since it does not contain formaldehydes, which are considered extremely dangerous;
• gel polish can be easily removed at home by buying a special liquid and foil; under the influence of liquid, the gel easily moves away from the nail;
• small damaged areas of the nail, if necessary, can be easily increased if covered with gel, which will allow the damaged area to grow quietly.

It is worth considering in more detail the disadvantages of this coating.

• High price. The procedure is by no means cheap. If you compare a manicure with a coating of ordinary varnish and shellac, then the second option will be twice as expensive. If you want an individual design, then you will have to pay for it separately.
• Diseases of the nail plate. Although the coating is considered practical and durable, it has a big drawback in the form of exposure to temperature extremes. For example, taking a bath or performing wet cleaning, the nail expands due to excess moisture, and then, having gotten into normal conditions, narrows. Due to constant deformation, the coating may crack, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Through these cracks, dirt, water, and this is an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria. Since this coating is worn for a long time, there is a risk that during this time, bacteria noticeably undermine the health of nails.

The composition and consistency of shellac allows the masters to make the most diverse and complex types of manicure. In this case, only the processing technique may differ. It is worth considering the most common types of manicure.

A classic French manicure that never goes out of style. It looks very elegant due to the exceptional luster of shellac.

A gentle, sophisticated manicure will complement any wedding look, making it complete and sophisticated.

This type of manicure is convenient to make with shellac, since it does not dry out in the air, so you can safely use various colors and transitions.

Well manicure is just as common as classic French manicure. An extensive color palette allows you to experiment with different colors and designs, to display something exclusive.

Volumetric manicure is very convenient to do with shellac, since the thick consistency of the varnish allows you to display any pattern, it holds well and does not spread.

To complete this manicure, special sets are sold, which includes a varnish and a magnet. The magnet is brought to the varnish, so that a pattern similar to the cat’s eye appears. Hence the name.

To properly make a manicure, you need to know what tools you need directly for work. To create an irresistible manicure, you need to purchase the following tools:

• manicure tweezers;
• scissors for manicure;
• nail files;
• orange stick;
• nourishing cuticle oil.

After the nails take the desired shape, you need to take care of the next step - coating the nails. To properly cover your nails, you will need the following components:

• degreasing agent - it is necessary in order to reduce the risk of fungal diseases;
• special napkins without lint - you can, of course, replace them with ordinary cotton pads, but they leave villi on the nails, which will adversely affect the quality of adhesion of the varnish;
• Ultraviolet lamp;
• the shellac base is a special coating that makes the nail smooth, even; the base can be adjusted to give the desired shape with a fingernail;
• color coating - allows you to cover your nails with any color you like;
• top - a tool for fixing manicure, it must be applied after completion of all manipulations;
• Isopropyl alcohol 99% or a professional tool for removing the sticky layer.

No matter how simple everything looks from the outside, in fact, the work is very painstaking and requires increased attention. A beginner should be very careful, as any improper movement will lead to damage to the coating. For example, if you do not finish the base, then most likely the coating will swell or completely move away. Or if you cut it at the wrong angle, the shape of the nail will be damaged. A beginner should adhere to the following algorithm of actions.

• First of all, you need to carry out a regular manicure: remove the extra cuticle, trim the length, give shape if necessary. It is worth noting that the cuticle performs a protective function: protects the nails from bacteria, so you need to be extremely careful when removing.
• After cleaning, you need to disinfect your hands and nails with a special antibacterial agent.
• The next step is polishing. Polish nails with a soft buff. Polishing is done with light movements along the nail plate.
• After polishing, degrease the work surface. If there is no special fluid, you can use alcohol. Due to this, delamination can be avoided.

• The next step is primer application. In principle, when working with shellac, the use of a primer is an optional condition. However, without a primer, there is a risk of delamination of the varnish, since it serves as an adhesion component between the nail plate and shellac. The primer does not need to be dried in a UV lamp.
• Next, you need to apply the base. The base layer should be applied to the nails as thin as possible, keeping the brush parallel to the nail plate. The nail is completely stained, starting with the cuticle and ending with the tip of the nail. The base must be dried under the lamp for about 1 minute. Many masters prefer bases on a rubber basis, since after it the nails become even and smooth. Please note that after coating with the base layer, it is not necessary to remove the sticky layer.
• After the base layer is a color layer. It must be applied to the nails in the same way as the base layer, that is, from the cuticle to the edge, holding the brush parallel to the nail plate. He also needs a lamp. If desired, the color layer can be diluted with a pattern or stones.

Every 2-3 weeks, shellac needs correction, which consists in updating the old gel. To date, there are two main methods known to remove old shellac from the nail:

• rinse gel polish with a special tool;
• remove shellac with a special cutter on a manicure device.

It is worth considering how shellac is removed in a beauty salon if necessary.

This process includes the following steps:

1. the client washes hands with a special soapy liquid;
2. small sponges are impregnated with a special tool and applied to the nail; wrap with foil so that the sponge is located on the nail and fits snugly to it;
3. windings must be left for 10 minutes, because during this time the gel polish will get wet and it can easily be erased;
4. if there are still pieces of gel on the nail, you can rewind it and leave it for 3-5 minutes; small debris can also be removed with an orange stick.

This method of removing gel polish is known to everyone. However, few people know that it can also harm the nails. From the effects of the solution, the nails are very dry, as a result of which they can begin to exfoliate. If for some reason you cannot or do not want to use this method, then for you there is another - hardware. Shellac is cut off with the same manicure machine, which is usually used for hardware manicure, the difference is only in the shape and composition of the cutter. It rotates at high speed, while removing the gel from the nail.

Carbide or ceramic milling cutters are commonly used. Ceramic milling cutter appeared on the world market relatively recently. She fell in love with her strength, durability and durability. Another important plus is heat resistance, that is, the mill does not heat up during operation. The unique composition of the ceramic cutter allows you to gently file the material without damaging the surface of the nail.

The carbide milling cutter is made of special metals and has a beveled, straight or cross-shaped cut. The difference from other nozzles is that the coating is cut off, thus forming chips, and not dust. This cutter is great for cutting a thick layer of gel. Metal nozzles work in heavy duty mode without dispersing dust.

It is worth considering the myths and the truth about the removal of the gel by the apparatus.

• Removing the gel, you can cut off the nail. In principle, the master can scratch the nail, but for this he will need to make an effort. The bottom line is that during the correction only the top layer of the coating is cut off, that is, the gel polish itself. Under it there is still a base layer - it serves as a stop signal for the master.
• When removing, pain is felt. In fact, pain is not felt during the cut. Women who often do manicures will confirm this. Some people feel something like tickling, others feel a slight burning sensation, which happens because the milling cutter heats up with frequent rotation, although this should not be. In this case, it is recommended to change the cutter.

What to do to remove the gel without injuring the nail. It is worth paying attention to the following tips for beginners:

• starting to sawing, make sure that the elbow and arm are locked in one position so that there are no awkward movements;
• you need to remove the gel with tangential movements, this is necessary so that the nail does not heat up and does not cause discomfort among clients;
• the master makes movements only in the direction in which the cutter is moving, that is, if the machine moves to the right or left, then, accordingly, the movements of the master are directed in this direction; if you work against the stroke, the cutter will slide off the nail.

Today, gel-coated manicures will not surprise anyone. Gel coating is widespread due to durability, a huge palette of colors and a variety of designs that can not be done with conventional varnishes. However, not all the fair sex can appreciate this innovation. For example, owners of thinned nails may experience chips or even breaks in their own nails. But do not be upset, because manufacturers thought about this and developed special reinforcing substances.

One of the ways to strengthen thin nails is acrylic powder. This is a synthetic substance that has high thermoplastic properties.Powder is made from acrylic acid, which tends to strengthen everything on top of which it is applied. This product is quite common on the shelves with cosmetic products. The only name may be different. Acrylic powder is also known as velvet sand. In addition to strengthening, sand also performs a decorative function. But all this is one material, which is presented in different forms. It is either white or color.

The advantages of using acrylic powder is as follows:

• nails are noticeably strengthened;
• the nail plate is protected from scratches and microdamages;
• nails look natural;
• the procedure does not take much time and effort.

It is worth paying attention to the following disadvantages of the procedure:

• rarely, but sometimes acrylic powder may break off;
• removing acrylic powder is hard, because it only lends itself to cutting.

To strengthen acrylic powder nails, it is worth performing the following steps:

• to conduct a cleansing manicure - it is necessary to thoroughly clean the nail plate from dust and dirt, because not completely cleaned nail plate is the reason for the detachment of any coating;
• further, it is necessary to properly polish the nail plate, only without fanaticism;
• treat nails with an antibacterial agent;
• a primer is applied to the nail;
• base gel is applied to the dried primer;
• immediately on the dry base is applied acrylic powder and dried in a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes;
• then it is necessary to remove the remains of the powder with a manicure brush;
• if small tubercles have formed on the surface, then you just need to grind it to a flat surface;
• if necessary, a decorative gel polish is applied, if not, a top layer that needs to be dried in the lamp, then remove the sticky layer from it;
• after all the manipulations, the final coating-finish is applied, which is also dried in the lamp; then the sticky layer is removed from it and the cuticle oil is applied.

Another problem that clients of nail salons face is gel polish cracking. This happens for two reasons - poor-quality materials or illiterate work of the master. To avoid such problems, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• acquire quality goods;
• choose a qualified master;
• Do not use creams and oils before the manicure procedure;
• Do not omit such a step as disinfection; if there is no special disinfectant, you can use alcohol or a liquid based on alcohol or acetone.

Another unpleasant problem that can be encountered after a manicure is swollen shellac. This can happen if the wizard does not meet all the necessary standards.

• Immortal classic. This is a classic French manicure that will probably never go out of style. Now the jacket is diluted with stones, flowers, voluminous figures, matte finish. In any case, it looks stylish and elegant.

• This year, fashion trends have preferred calm tones. Light brown shades, all tones of beige and pink, are widely used. Such tones are perfect for both medium and long nails. Such a manicure can be diluted with rhinestones or acrylic powder of the same color.

• Despite the predominance of calm tones, bright shades did not recede from their positions. The incomparable red, blue, coral, yellow - were the favorites of the past summer. Bright colors combine perfectly with sparkles.The fashion industry has provided the world market with a huge variety of stones, rhinestones, sparkles.

• Another interesting novelty loved by the beautiful half of humanity is the royal print. This, according to most beauty bloggers, is the most fashionable manicure of this year. The print includes classic colors mixed with gold. Mandatory attributes are also the crown and massive stones.

• Neon manicure is another fashion manicure option. It is performed by special neon varnishes that glow in the dark. The design can be very different.

• Velvet manicure is the novelty of this season. Despite the impracticality, manicure is widespread. Impracticality is that when wet, the villi lose their appearance, although when dried, they return to their former state, but the effect is already not the same.

• Novelties in the fashion industry never cease to amaze. This season, a special place was occupied by a print with voluminous drawings resembling frosty drawings on the windows. This manicure looks very fashionable, stylish and effective. In addition to the amazing appearance, voluminous drawings do not interfere with any household chores.

About how to perform shellac manicure at home, see the next video.