11 Shellac Nail Colour Ideas To Shake You Out Of Your Manicure Rut
The first time I had a Shellac manicure it felt like a revelation. Shine to rival a mirror glaze and zero fear of smooshing the polish when I left the salon. Just hard, durable nails that had a slight plumpness to them, something I’d never been able to achieve with normal polish. Plus, they lasted a full fortnight with no usual cursing as the colour chipped or peeled off in the bath. But what makes them so blooming good? It all comes down to the formula.
What Are Shellac Nails?
You’d be forgiven for thinking Shellac is a nail polish brand, similar to OPI or The Gel Bottle. In actuality, it’s a type of nail polish created by the brand CND (Creative Nail Designs). 'Shellac is a long-lasting nail polish system that’s cured under a UV lamp and dries instantly,' says Serena Selby, Head of Concierge for at-home treatment service Ruuby. The formulation is similar to traditional gel polish but has the marked benefit of being soaked rather than scraped off. A blend of gel polish and traditional nail polish, it’s a thinner, harder, more durable alternative.
Now, there is a difference between Shellac and shellac. The former is a specific branded product produced by CND while the latter is the word salons tend to use to indicate other generic gel polishes. While it’s not the correct use of the word, watch out for it being used, especially if you have a particular CND shade in mind.
Are Shellac Manicures Good For Your Nails?
Shellac is designed to allow oxygen between the layers of polish, meaning your nail plate can breathe even under two coats of cured colour. However, wearing polish, whether it’s gel, Shellac, normal or acrylic, can preclude your nails from receiving much of the hydration and nourishment they might have otherwise. Having said that, it’s the removal process that plays a large part in how damaging a polish is to your nails. Traditional gel and acrylic polishes require professional removal, whereas normal and shellac can be removed at home. One thing you should never do though is pick as 'peeling off the polish can weaken the nail bed,' says Selby.
How To Remove Shellac At Home
You’ll need a:
Nail file
Cotton pads
Acetone (note that this is different to normal nail polish remover)
Tin foil
Cuticle stick or pusher
'Start by protecting the skin. This means applying cuticle oil or vaseline to the skin surrounding your nail,' says Selby. 'Then, to break down the top layer of gel, buff the nail until it’s lost its shine. Next, soak a cotton ball or pad in pure acetone and place it onto the nail, wrapping the entire thing in a square of tin foil. Leave them for 15 minutes and when the gel polish has lifted and peeled away from the edges, you can massage the foil and pull it away from your nail. Finish by using a cuticle pusher to remove any remaining polish.' Et voila.
How Long Will A Shellac Manicure Last?
On average, a shellac manicure should last two weeks minimum without chipping or scuffing. Depending on how quickly your nails grow, you might experience some regrowth around the base of the nail (something that can be mitigated by choosing a natural nail colour) but the original manicure should be intact and unblemished.
11 Best Shellac Nail Inspiration To Screenshot And Save
Black Cherry
Vampy and dramatic, this rich, almost-black colour makes a chic statement.
Sheer Pink
Just because it’s Shellac doesn’t mean it can’t be sheer. Ask your technician for fewer coats or a semi-sheer polish for a hazy, subtle effect.
Denim Patch
Straddling the seasons, this nostalgic blue works well for the warm and cold months. Elevate it with tidy cuticles and regular oiling to keep the skin soft and supple.
Cup Of Joe
If there’s one colour that’s had a renaissance, it’s rich, smooth brown. From viral teddy coats to a revival of brown lipsticks, the colour’s got serious staying power. On nails, it’s a versatile, modern way to stay classic with a little something more.
Cherry Apple
Juicy and rich, this shade of dark red looks good enough to take a bite out of. For obvious reasons, we wouldn’t recommend doing that.
Satin Slippers
Hailey Bieber’s glazed doughnut nails are sticking around and the short, rounded length of these ones keeps it understated.
Black Pool & Opulent Onyx
Bring back the crackle effect with this clever black and gold design.
Backyard Nuptials
What’s better than a creamy light pink with small accents like these delicate stars and metallic dots?
Rose Chrome
Love shimmer but hate glitter? This luminous chrome rose is the perfect in-between.
Leather Goods
Embellish neutral colours with a pop of colour, like these sweet hearts.
Midnight Swim
Stuck in a burgundy rut? A dark, inky blue can be a beautiful alternative with a similar vibe.
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