How to make a beautiful shellac manicure. Removing the sticky layer and moisturizing

Nail care and attractive appearance is a priority for women over others cosmetic procedures. A beautiful manicure is an indicator of the style and elegance of a woman.

Every woman dreams of a perfect manicure that would last a long time and please the eye. Therefore, a nail coating called shellac quickly gained immense popularity.

The covering is especially strong, allowing to keep not less than 20 days on nails.

Shellac is a modern nail polish which at the same time combines gel for extension and varnish of excellent quality.


Such a coating on the nails is kept in good condition for about 3 weeks, given the careful attitude to them. The name of this type of nail decor came from the company that introduced this new product - Shellac.

A huge range of colors allows you to choose the right shade for any image.

With the help of shellac, you cannot adjust the length and shape of the nail plate - this is only a coating. This tool is sold in bottles identical to standard varnish. Huge range of colors allows you to choose the right shade for any image. Despite this, such a product requires drying under an ultraviolet lamp.

It combines the durability of a nail gel, the attractiveness and lightness of a varnish. This nail procedure has reached the peak of popularity in recent years, thanks to the ability to do it at home. To do this, you need to have a small number of special tools and the desire to make your nails neat and attractive.

The use of ordinary nail polish has the biggest disadvantage - it quickly peels off and cracks. In modern times, a woman realizes herself more and more in her career, and she wants to keep her manicure in order with minimal time spent on procedures.

Shellac made at home stays on nails 4-5 times longer and is aesthetically more attractive.


Even girls who are on maternity leave or run a household take care of their appearance and want to look good with minimal time and money. Lacquer in this case is not a helper.

Shellac made at home stays on nails 4-5 times longer and aesthetically more attractive, even if it was performed by beginners step by step according to the instructions. Such a “homemade” shellac will still have a rich color, and even after a week or two the manicure looks perfect.

For women whose nails grow slowly or are too brittle, shellac will be a great way out. It will reliably protect the nail plate and enable it to grow.

Another indisputable advantage is the composition of this cosmetic product. It does not contain a large number chemical substances. Thus, the development of allergic reactions that occurred when using shellac is reduced to a minimum percentage, unlike gel for nail extension.

Variety of shades expands the possibilities of using such a coating. Finding the right shade for any outfit is not difficult. Given the fact that shellac is packaged in small bottles, a woman can have a sufficient variety of colors.

A variety of shades expands the possibilities of using such a coating.

This coverage also has its downsides. It does not respond well to temperature changes. That is, if a woman spends a lot of time messing around near the stove or oven, small cracks can appear on it and bacteria can develop there. And also with intensive growth of nails, you will have to periodically adjust the coating.

The cost of shellac in a beauty salon is quite high, and not every woman can afford it. This is also an important disadvantage of this procedure. But you can get out of this situation quite simply - learn how to make shellac at home.


For beginners, we offer instructions step-by-step execution, but subject to availability necessary tools and funds.

To perform a manicure using shellac at home step by step you need to have some tools. Without them, it will be quite difficult to achieve a high-quality result.

To perform a manicure using shellac at home, you need to have a number of tools step by step.

  1. UVA lamp- the main device, without which such a coating is impossible.
  2. Classic manicure set:- files of varying degrees of abrasiveness; - rough polisher; - tweezers; - spatula;
  3. Degreaser(you can use napkins for shellac - always without lint).
  4. Foundations or base coat.
  5. Top cover.
  6. A product that removes sticky residue on a manicure.
  7. Gel polish (shellac).

These tools will pay for themselves in a short time. Getting shellac done by a specialist is not cheap, and it is better to invest these funds in devices that will help keep your nails in order at minimal cost.

In order for the manicure to be outwardly beautiful and professionally done, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for applying shellac during the procedure.

1. Compulsory nail preparation:

  • cuticle cutting;
  • gloss is completely removed from the nail plate with a nail file or buff;
  • treatment of the nail with an antibacterial agent;
  • use of alcohol on the surface of the nail: in its absence, it will be enough to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry with a short-haired towel.
  • acetone;
  • cosmetic products containing acetone;
  • foil.

Women's hands attract the attention of men no less than other parts of the body, so it is important to take care not only of the skin, but also of the nails. Here, a neat and stylish shellac manicure will help women, which can be done in the salon or at home, guided by step-by-step instructions for beginners.

Shellac characteristic

Shellac is a natural product found in nature. This is a resin produced by subtropical and tropical insects, used in the creation of various varnishes, in photography. The product is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, it does not contain formaldehyde and toluene.

This component is the first in the production of means for natural nails, began to be used by CND, which developed a unique product that performs the functions of a gel and varnish.

The product quickly gained popularity among women on maternity leave, business women, travelers, all those who have no time to repaint their nails every two to three days.

Shellac Features

So loved by the female sex manicure is characterized by such features:

  • The ability of this coating to stay on the nail plate from 2 to 3 weeks. This figure depends on the condition of the nails themselves: the harder and stronger they are, the longer the shellac lasts.
  • The technique of applying the product is drying all its layers in a special lamp that emits UV rays. Usually such a manicure is done by a professional, but you can use shellac at home, for beginners - step by step guide which will help you choose the right tools and tools.

The indisputable advantage of shellac is its durabilityAdvantages and disadvantages of gel polish

This product has its positive and negative features that must be considered before applying it. Among shellac benefits worth noting the following:

  • Creates a long lasting, durable manicure that can only be erased with a professional tool, therefore, it is not afraid of various chemicals used in everyday life.
  • It is harmless to nails, as it is made of resin natural origin, does not contain substances harmful and destroying the nail plate (formaldehyde and toluene). Therefore, this coating is suitable for pregnant women or women suffering from allergies.
  • Protects the nails from delamination, the appearance of cracks, allows you to make the nail plate stronger, grow it.
  • A diverse color palette (more than 100 shades) allows you to create a manicure for any occasion, combine different colors, make beautiful, unusual drawings. Such a manicure will always be unique, it can be limited only by the imagination of a woman.
  • Shellac is easily removed at home with a special tool or film. For beginners, there is a step-by-step instruction that allows you to remove the coating without harm to your nails.

One of the disadvantages of shellac is its high price.

Despite having many advantages, gel polish has its drawbacks, among which are the following:

  • Shellac creates a suitable environment for the development of bacteria that lead to nail diseases. This is due to the fact that due to changes in temperature, the nail plate undergoes various deformations, leading to a violation of the integrity of the coating. Water and dirt can penetrate through the formed cracks, creating good conditions for the development of microbes.
  • Covering nails with shellac in the salon is a rather expensive procedure, and the correction of an overgrown nail will be expensive. Applying gel polish at home reduces the cost of the process, but requires skill in covering nails with one hand, in addition, there is a need to purchase special equipment.
  • Shellac is not remedy, therefore, it cannot completely solve the problem of weakened and thin nails, in addition, it does not hold well on such a nail plate, it can begin to peel off after a few days.

Do not use the product for women suffering from nail fungus, fingers

What resources and tools are needed

To create shellac at home, it is recommended to purchase all the same tools and materials used in the salon. None of the components can be replaced, this will allow beginners to create beautiful manicure step by step. The list includes the following means and materials:

Shellac kit at home

  • hard nail file (220–240 grit), nail clippers, spatula, orange stick, buff;
  • cuticle remover;
  • brush for dusting nails;
  • degreaser;
  • lamp with UV rays (36 watts);
  • shellac - base, tone, top;
  • wipes that do not leave lint;
  • adhesive remover.

Choosing materials and tools it is recommended to give preference to the most well-known and trusted companies so that the result only pleases, does not become a disappointment.

Preparing nails for shellac

In order for the coating to fit well on the nails, you must first prepare them. note that gel polish manicure consists of the usual and specific procedures:

If the cuticle has not grown very well, you can simply push it back with an orange stick

  • Cuticle treatment: carried out in various ways, depending on how much it has grown. Before removing it, you need to make a bath that softens the cuticle and makes it easy to remove. If it has not grown much, then it is enough to push it away with an orange stick. For overgrown cuticles, it is better to use special oil or nail clippers.
  • Nail treatment: it is necessary to give an even shape to the nails, treat them with a buff for better adhesion to the coating. Clean your hands of dust with a brush.

Processing the nail plate with a degreaser is a very important step in preparing for a manicure.

It is especially good to treat the sides of the nails with a degreaser.

After applying this product, the nails should not be touched, otherwise the gel polish will not adhere well to the base. The degreaser can be replaced with alcohol wipes, but it is believed that they can affect the quality of the coating not for the better.

Shellac at home: step by step instructions for beginners

A beautiful manicure can be done not only in the salon. Easy to apply shellac at home. For beginners, a step-by-step guide will help you learn how to apply one color of gel polish, when this skill is mastered, you can try other designs.

The following instructions will help you master the technique of applying shellac:

  • Apply a base coat that protects the nail plate. To make the layer not too thick, you need to know the rules for applying the base (this rule also applies to applying other coatings): first, the edges of the nail are painted over, then only the middle, the last touch is sealing the tip of the nail, so the layers will hold better. Drying nails in a UV or LED lamp, the time in the first should be one minute, in the second 12 seconds.

After processing the cuticle, a base coat is applied to the nails.

  • The main coat is applied according to the same rule as the base coat, but the tips do not need to be painted over. The shellac layer should be as thin as possible. Pro tip: before applying the product, it is recommended to roll the bottle several times in the palm of your hand to better distribute the pigment.
  • Drying the color layer in the lamp, drying time 1-2 minutes. If during drying the gel polish swells, then the whole process must be started all over again, with degreasing.
  • Applying a second layer of the base, which will create a brighter and more saturated color, if a translucent effect is needed, then this item can be skipped. The second layer of coating should be slightly thicker than the first.
  • Drying the new layer with UV rays for 2 minutes.
  • The finishing or top coat is applied in the thickest layer. The last layer is dried in the same way as the previous one - 2 minutes.
  • The resulting sticky layer is removed with a lint-free cloth and a professional tool, alcohol can also be used, but it can deprive the shellac of its gloss and shine.

It is important to understand that such a step-by-step instruction for applying shellac at home is quite simple, but for beginners it can be quite complicated. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work out right away, the skill will definitely come with time.

Manicure "Cat's Eye" - a trend in nail design that is popular today How to make a fashionable shellac "Cat's Eye"

A popular manicure this season is the “Cat's Eye”, which got its name from the similarity with the stone of the same name. Such nails look very beautiful and noble. You can create a Cat's Eye manicure at home, because the whole secret is in a special magnet.

For this design, you will need the same tools as with conventional gel polish, the difference will be in the shellac itself - you need to buy a special magnetic tool, which comes with a magnet.

Process of creation fashion manicure consists of the following steps:

  • Preparation of the nail plate and cuticle.
  • Treatment of nails with a degreaser.
  • Applying a base leveling coat, drying it in a lamp.
  • Covering one nail with a colored layer of shellac, drying it in a lamp.
  • Applying a second color layer on the same nail plate.
  • Creating a design with a magnet, for this it is brought to the painted surface so as not to touch it (about 3 mm from the nail). It is recommended to hold the magnet for 5-10 seconds, during this period the necessary pattern is created. Drying the nail in the lamp.
  • Applying a finish coat, drying.
  • Removal of the resulting sticky layer.

All other nails are processed using this technology. To make the manicure sparkle even more, it can be additionally decorated with rhinestones.

To make the glitter shellac uniform, pre-mix the glitter gel polishSecrets of using shellac at home

Making nails beautiful is not so easy if you use shellac at home. For beginners, step-by-step instructions may not be enough, for the reason that they do not know some of the secrets that are available to professionals. To obtain desired result, experts recommend the following:

  • For a uniform and even distribution of sparkles on the nails, you need to mix them with a small amount of gel polish, mix everything well and only then apply the second layer of sparkles to the nail plate.
  • For the best result, it is recommended to apply shellac in a thin layer, and you do not need to paint over the cuticle, otherwise the look of the manicure will be sloppy.
  • For creating french manicure, you should not use a stencil, because after drying it can no longer be removed, and if removed from a wet coating, the border will spread.
  • When using shellac as a build-up, there is no need to completely cut off the nail plate, just sand it a little.

Rules for removing gel polish from nails

The use of shellac at home involves not only its correct application, but also requires knowledge of how to remove gel polish. The usual nail polish remover will not help here, you must use professional tools, besides, it is important to know the procedure itself, which consists of certain step-by-step recommendations for beginners.

To remove gel polish, you need to prepare five cotton pads cut into two parts, ten foil squares, the size of which should be able to wrap your finger, a special tool, orange sticks and buff.

The shellac removal procedure includes the following steps:

  • The discs must be wetted with a gel polish remover and applied to the nail plates.
  • Wrap each nail with a disc in foil, leave for 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove everything from your fingers, remove the remnants of the product with an orange stick.
  • If shellac is difficult to remove, it is recommended to hold the soaked cotton wool a little more or rub it lightly.
  • Treat the nails with a buff for the final removal of gel polish.
  • Make a relaxing bath, rub any care product for hands and nails.

solvents and their analogues should not be used to remove shellac

Thus, you can make shellac yourself at home. For beginners, a step-by-step guide will help you comprehend the intricacies of this process, learn the secrets of professionals, and create a beautiful and original manicure on your nails.

Beauty to you and your nails.

Step by step video on how to make shellac at home:

Useful video on how to remove shellac at home:

Video, which reveals the reasons for the instability of shellac:

Is it possible to make a chic, long-lasting and inexpensive manicure at home? Of course! It is quite affordable for any woman, inexpensive in terms of costs and quite easy to perform. This manicure is called shellac.

Many girls who dream of beautiful nails are interested in the question: “How to make shellac at home?”.

The cosmetic was created by the American company CND (Creative Nail Design) and is a mixture of varnish and gel. Shellac combines all the positive properties of the gel, and at the same time is less expensive.

Gel polish has a lot of advantages:

  • To work with gel polish, coarse abrasive tools are not used to remove the top layer from the nail plate, it is only slightly polished.
  • It is much easier to remove shellac than gel, and nails are not damaged.
  • Modern materials used for the production of shellac do not injure nails with harmful substances and are not allergens.
  • Reliable coating protects nails from environmental influences.
  • Not affected by sea water, scratches and chips.
  • The coating retains its original appearance for at least two weeks.
  • Can be done at home.
  • For a flawless look of nails, you do not need to spend a lot of money, as a manicure set lasts a long time.
  • It is applied to your nails and does not require building.
  • A rich color palette allows you to design nails for every taste.
  • Easy to work, dries quickly.
  • After removing the coating does not require nail treatment.

Thanks to these advantages, the popularity of shellac in salons does not decrease, but only grows. But not every girl can visit a manicure master twice a month.

One is too busy, the other does not have enough money to pay for the work of a professional, and the third loves to tinker with her nails herself.

In order to make a shellac manicure at home, you should purchase not only gel polishes of the desired colors, but also have all the tools necessary for work. A one-time investment in the purchase of a shellac kit will more than pay off over time.

What you need for shellac manicure:

  1. A UV lamp is required to cure the coating. Lamp power must be at least 18 watts. Even better lamp 36 watts. Such power will allow you to dry gel polish very quickly.
  2. The special degreaser included in the kit will remove excess moisture or grease and allow the coating to better adhere to the nail plate. Alcohol wipes can be used for the same purpose.
  3. Files with fine abrasiveness or a buff gently polish the surface of the nail.
  4. A set of tools for working with the cuticle and the free edge of the nail: nail files, nail scissors, nippers or cuticle remover, pusher.
  5. Top coats: base coat, colored shellac, top coat, tack remover, cuticle oil.

The list of tools and tools for such a manicure is impressive. But all of them are necessary to achieve a high-quality result.

Shellac application technique: how to paint nails

If all the right tools acquired, then you can, without hurrying, get to work. And the first thing to do before painting your nails with shellac is to prepare the workplace. Everything needs to be laid out in order and ease of use. The room should have good lighting, both daylight and artificial.

Step-by-step technique for applying shellac in one color:

  1. The first stage is a standard manicure procedure, which includes removing the cuticle and filing the free edge of the nail. To do this, use the usual method of processing nails. The cuticle can be trimmed or removed with a special liquid. It is important to remove it as much as possible, since the manicure is long-term and the rapidly growing cuticle will ruin the look. File your nails with a nail file, giving them the desired shape.
  2. The second stage is the preparation of the nail plate for applying gel polish. To remove shine from nails, buff them with a buff or a soft nail file. Dust off with a nail brush. Try replacing the brush with a cotton swab or cloth. Degrease the surface of the nails and periungual ridges with a special liquid included in the kit. From this moment until the shellac application procedure, they must not be touched. Out of degreaser, but don't have enough money to buy it? Feel free to replace the degreaser with alcohol wipes. You can buy them at any pharmacy, and they are not expensive.
  3. The third stage is the application of the shellac coating. Doing this is as easy as painting your nails with regular cosmetic varnish. First, apply one stroke at the edges of the nail plate, then make a stroke in the middle. Brush movement - from the cuticle to the free edge.

    The base coat protects nails from colored gel polishes. A single thin layer of the base is dried under a UV lamp from 12 seconds to 1 minute. The time depends on the power of the device (read the instructions). The base should cover the entire nail plate. Apply it as close as possible to the cuticle and ridge areas. Do not forget to seal the ends and the free edge of the nail.

    The base coat consists of two layers. How to paint nails with shellac: the first layer is thin, dry for about 1 minute, the second is a little thicker, keep under the lamp for two minutes. Two coats are needed for color saturation. If you immediately apply a thick layer, then the gel polish will swell, and everything will have to be redone.

    The top coat is applied in one thick layer. Drying in a lamp takes 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. The fourth stage is the consolidation of the result. After all layers of shellac are applied, it is required to remove the sticky layer. the right tool. In this case, lint-free wipes are ideal for working with nails. The liquid for the final manicure action can be replaced with acetone or alcohol, but the result will not always be good. In some cases, the gloss will be dull.

Don't forget about cuticle care. Rub special oils into it at the end of work.

Nails are ready!

How to do a shellac manicure at home: technology features

Despite the seeming simplicity of performing a manicure with gel polish, to achieve salon results newbie diligence is required. Over and over again, this procedure will become shorter and the nails more beautiful.

The technique of manicure from gel polish of the same color is considered above. But various ideas nail designs have their own characteristics of shellac application technology.

Among the most popular gel polish coatings are French manicure or its variety French. Such a design can serve as the basis for various drawings, patterns, compositions of decorative elements.

For French manicure, the color range is extensive. You can purchase various shades of pink and pastel colors for the base and also many white shades for the tip of the nail. And the variety of colors for French manicure is simply amazing. In addition, gel polishes can be mixed to get the shade you need.

According to the technology of applying shellac in French manicure, the base is the first layer, and the smile line is the second. If desired, with a thin brush, patterns are applied with selected colors of gel polish. Each layer, as well as the elements of the drawings, are dried in a UV lamp separately.

Very interesting manicure cat eye. It was named so because of the similarity of the magnetic pattern with the eye of a cat. Today you can find such patterns in the form of stars, hearts, etc.


How to perform a manicure with shellac "Cat's eye":

  • Apply gel polish to the base. Bring a magnet to it at a short distance and hold for 15 seconds. During this time, the pattern will form. Further technique is standard.
  • With the help of a magnet, metal microparticles in gel polish create a three-dimensional vertical strip or other patterns that shimmer in a certain way when finished.

How to perform a flawless shellac manicure at home, tips for beginners:

  • Do not apply shellac in one thick layer. Even if it dries, it will soon begin to flake off. Strictly follow the technology and apply at least two layers of colored gel polish.
  • Another reason for peeling shellac is that part of the cuticle gets into the coating area. Clean thoroughly nail plates from pieces of epithelium.
  • Shellac can peel off when the nails themselves exfoliate. If there is such a problem, then before manicure with gel polishes it needs to be solved. You can strengthen your nails with therapeutic baths. Small problems can be removed if the surface of the nail is sanded more thoroughly.
  • Shellac can peel off due to internal disorders in the body: hormonal failure, beriberi.
  • Unlike decorative layers, the top needs to be applied more thickly. This type of coating creates strength.
  • Apply gel polish evenly. If there are influxes, then chips are possible in these places.
  • Be sure to keep the prescribed time when drying in the lamp. If the coating does not dry out, it may wrinkle. In this case, you will have to redo everything again.
  • To immediately get a good result, shellac manicure at home for beginners should be done using one color gel polish. Later, as experience grows, you can move on to more complex designs. If you need a festive manicure, use a gel polish like Bluesky. Despite the fact that it is one color, Bluesky looks chic. It is based on a lot of shiny particles that give it a shimmering sheen.
  • Buy nail products only from reputable sellers.

No matter how complex the shellac application technology is, anyone can master it. And if you like this business, then you can paint your nails not only for yourself, but also for your friends, adding a good profit to the family budget.

Shellac is a breakthrough of the 21st century in the field of beauty and femininity. The coating quickly won the hearts of fashionistas with its durability and practicality, and after a few years, literally 90 percent of women began to use the coating constantly. Let's talk about how to paint shellac nails at home, because not every one of us can afford monthly salon procedures, the cost of which is quite high.

The advantages of shellac

The advantages of shellac are obvious literally from the first acquaintance with this coating. The gel significantly strengthens brittle and bending nails, allowing women not to worry about changing their manicure for a long time. The coating lasts from 3 to 5 weeks, after which, as a rule, a correction is recommended. If the material is of high quality, the manicure remains “like new” even after a month, however, correction is necessary because the growth line of one’s own nails becomes clearly visible.

With shellac, you can safely go on vacation and be sure that your hands will look well-groomed and beautiful until you return home. You can also freely engage in primordially female household duties - washing, cleaning and cooking.

Shops with materials for manicure offer fashionistas a huge palette of coating colors, as well as various rhinestones, sparkles and sliders.

The most popular design options

The eternal female question "what to do nails?" causes a lot of inconvenience, but only when a woman does not follow fashion trends.

The coming season is recommended to fashionistas to pay attention to tenderness. Yes, pastel colors are called tenderness, the most popular among which are lilac, mint, peach and pink. The classic jacket does not lose ground either, although the options for its execution have become the most unthinkable. All sorts of animal sliders, floral prints and reptiles are literally the leaders of the last few years.

Also, defiant red and natural, beige colors will never go out of fashion.

If your own imagination is in a stupor, you can find a million beautiful and stylish designs on the Internet.



What do you need to make shellac at home?

In order to master new horizons and try yourself as a manicure master, you need to purchase a minimum set of materials and tools. These include:


Some girls are fans of hardware manicure, in this case it is worth buying a special device for cutting off old material and removing cuticles. The purchase will be justified if you plan to engage in manicure creativity all the time, if the desire is “at a time”, you can get by with improvised manicure devices.

Do you already have everything you need? It's time to start the exciting process.

Steps for proper application

Before applying gel polish, it is very important to properly prepare the surface for work. If you already have a manicure on your nails, carefully get rid of any signs of manicure.

First of all, you need to give the nail the desired shape. A hard-coated file will help with this. Do not forget about the cuticle, which is removed or moved as close to the skin as possible. Lastly, take a soft file and sand the surface of the nail to a shine. If all the steps are over, treat the nail with a degreasing surface - this is necessary so that the gel polish adheres well and there are no rough edges on the nails. After degreasing, in no case do not touch your nails. The preparation phase has been completed.


Then the most interesting and exciting begins, especially for those who do such a manicure for the first time - a thin film of the base liquid is applied to the nails. It is important that the coating lay flat. The fingers are placed in the lamp for 15 seconds. The base is a very important intermediary between your nail and shellac, because how long you can carry this manicure depends on its quality.

After the base is dry, the same color varnish that you have chosen for the design is applied. To achieve a rich color, several layers are applied, the main thing is not to overdo it. The scheme is simple - “apply a layer + dry in a lamp”, just repeat the procedure twice on each nail. Carefully ensure that the coating is applied evenly, all kinds of dust particles and villi do not get into it, so that the product does not get on the skin of the fingers and does not come into contact with the cuticle.

The benefits of shellac have been appreciated by many women. The resistant coating lasts for two to three weeks without chips and scratches, so you can wear the chosen type of manicure without tedious “repairs” and repainting. It is ideal for young mothers, working girls, as well as for a long trip, for example, to the sea.

Required Tools

First of all, you will need a set of coatings with at least one color. Some components can be replaced with more budget options from inexpensive manufacturers, or you can purchase everything from one.

You will need:

  • manicure tools - tweezers, a spatula, an orange stick, a nail file with an abrasiveness of 220–240 grit, a buff;
  • cuticle remover;
  • brush for cleaning nails from dust;
  • primer (dehydrator, degreaser);
  • UV lamp 36 watts (recommended power);
  • base coat shellac;
  • tinted shellac;
  • top coat shellac (top);
  • lint-free wipes;
  • adhesive remover;
  • shellac remover;
  • sponge foil.

Sequencing

Home technology for making shellac is no different from a salon one, since practically not a single component can be replaced. As an exception, instead of a liquid to remove the sticky layer, you can use ordinary alcohol, but professionals insist that this harms the quality of the manicure.

  1. do a dry manicure without creams and oils;
  2. shape your nails with a nail file;
  3. treat each nail with a buff or soft file for better grip;
  4. clean nails and hands from nail dust with a brush;
  5. apply a primer and dry it without a lamp;
  6. apply a thin layer of base coat, sealing the end of the nail;
  7. hold your hand in the lamp for 1.5 minutes;
  8. apply the main tone in a thin layer, squeezing the brush well;
  9. dry in a lamp for 1.5 minutes;
  10. the second layer of tone is denser, seal the butt;
  11. dry 2 minutes;
  12. carefully apply the top coat in one dense layer;
  13. last drying in the lamp 2 minutes;
  14. remove the sticky layer after curing the top with a special tool.

The whole procedure takes about an hour, but as you gain the skill of working with a thick texture of gel polish, this time is reduced to 40 minutes.


  • If you are going to design, choose at least two shades of base coat. You can purchase a design kit based on the principle “color + sparkles”, “color + mica”, or two or three contrasting shades to choose from.
  • Combine cold tones with cold, warm with warm or neutral. It is not necessary to supplement translucent shellac with dense or glossy mother-of-pearl.
  • The sticky layers formed after the curing of the base coat and the first layer are not removed, and this improves the adhesion between them. You can apply only one layer of the main tone, but then it will turn out translucent. If this is exactly the effect you expect, then repainting is not required.
  • In order for the top coat to look beautiful after hardening, it must lie in an even, dense layer. Paint over the cuticles, the sides of the nail with it, and be sure to seal the free edge of the nail with a well-wrung brush. This technique will ensure maximum wearing time of the manicure.

How to remove shellac


The main quality of gel polishes is durability, so their removal requires more time and effort. But there is no need to file off shellac like extended nails.

  1. Take ten pieces of foil that are large enough to wrap tightly around the tip of each finger.
  2. Prepare cotton pads, cut into two parts. There are branded foil sets with sponges, but women have noticed that cotton pads are just as good.
  3. Saturate the cut discs with shellac remover or regular nail polish remover. Apply to nails and wrap each finger with a piece of foil for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the foil with a sliding motion and scrape off the remaining shellac with a stick. You can clean your nails with an old buff, then rub in the oil.
  5. You may need to repeat the removal procedure again, or simply re-walk with a liquid wipe.

Professionals recommend taking a break between wearing gel polish. After two times, you need to give your nails a rest to restore the water-fat balance - at least a week. At this time, take care of your hands with cream and nourishing oils.

Making French

A beautiful and neat look of manicure can also be made with shellac materials. He will delight you all three weeks, or even longer. The transparent coating does not lose its appearance, even when the nails grow back.

The sequence of actions and drying time are indicated in the table:


French shellac has its own challenges.

Do not use stencils to draw a smile line. Sticky traces on the main tone that remain after removal cannot be removed without damage to the quality of the work. In addition, on top of such traces, the top coat does not adhere well to the base - chips are possible after a few days, and to the full depth of the coating. Therefore, you have to make a smile manually.

How to draw the perfect white edge:

  1. with an almost dry brush, draw a smile in two strokes - from the edges to the middle,
  2. draw a smooth leveling line. You now have a path drawn that you no longer touch.
  3. With a pressed brush, paint over the entire free edge with dotted strokes almost perpendicular to the nail.

A few more tips:

  • If you are not used to drawing a jacket without a stencil, practice a few times on regular varnish.
  • Before a responsible procedure, do not strain your arm muscles, do not carry heavy bags - your hands will tremble, and you will not be able to draw a straight line.
  • To make it convenient to scoop up white gel polish, pour a large drop of it onto a stable coating - a plastic lid from a jar or a piece of foam, and dip the brush there.
  • Squeeze the brush well on the neck of the bottle.
  • With each layer, paint over the end of the nail, turning the brush a little under the nail - seal it.

What color combinations to choose?

Beige and caramel shades of jackets are on the decline right now, so follow the advice and choose cool pink tones.

Most popular options:

  • white + pink gloss;
  • white + lilac with a brilliant tint;
  • white + pink pearl.

Wanting to get a strict white edge and an absolutely transparent tone, it is better to choose the latter with a slight shade of pink, which is almost indistinguishable and at the same time tones well.

Shellac is a fairly new trend in manicure and a great alternative to regular polish. Shellac stays on nails for up to 3-4 weeks, does not lose color, does not chip or scratch, forming a more even, glossy and rich coating. At the same time, the procedure does not spoil the surface of the nail and does not require much time for application.

Shellac Benefits

Shellac has collected best performance traditional varnish, extension gel and biogel:

  • Gel polish looks on the nails with a rich, smooth and glossy finish, it has strength and durability.
  • It does not contribute to the deterioration of the quality of nails, does not allow them to break.
  • With high-quality removal, the nails will remain in the same condition as they were before the coating.
  • Gel polish is very easy to apply and remove from the surface of the nail. The texture of the gel polish allows you to apply it in an even layer and correct the error, since it only hardens in a special lamp.


List of required tools

First we need tools and a set of coatings. You can purchase everything required attributes one manufacturer, or different.

A set of necessary tools and coatings:

UV lamp for shellac. To create a high-quality coating, any lamp is suitable, but the rate of solidification of the layers depends on its power. Ideal power: 36 W.

  • Wipes with lint-free coating for degreasing and removing the sticky layer;
  • Files for polishing the nail plate;
  • Degreaser and adhesive remover;
  • Shellac remover;
  • Butter. Suitable olive, almond, peach, coconut or special for cuticles.

shellac at home

  1. Shape your nails with a hard file, polish the surface with a soft file for a smooth finish.
  2. For perfect coverage, you need to have a perfect manicure. Soften cuticles with a cuticle remover and water with lemon and oil, push it back and cut it gently.
  3. For a more even coverage, degrease the surface of the nail with a special tool or nail polish remover. It will help remove dirt, dust and dead skin particles.
  4. Coat your nails with shellac base. Apply it thinly if your nails are even, and thickly if your nails are uneven. Be sure to seal the ends of your nails to avoid chipping. Cure the base layer for 1 minute at 36 watts.
  5. Apply a color coat. The number of layers depends on the desired effect: the richer you want the color, the more layers should be painted. 2 coats is considered the standard amount needed for a dense shade. Dry each layer in a lamp for about 1.5 minutes. If shellac has stained the skin or an excess part, remove the varnish with a wooden stick dipped in nail polish remover.
  6. Apply a thick layer of top coat, also sealing the ends. Dry the layer in the lamp for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove the tacky layer with a lint-free cloth soaked in tack remover. Do not use cotton wool - it leaves lint on the surface. Instead of a special liquid, you can use alcohol or nail polish remover.
  8. Apply oil to the base of the nail to avoid dry skin.


Shellac removal

After 2-3 weeks after application, shellac will need to be removed. It's very easy to do this:

  1. With a hard file, walk along the surface of the shellac, removing upper layer, this will help the liquid to better saturate the layers.
  2. Cut cotton pads into strips, soak them in a special shellac remover or acetone. Apply them to the nail without touching the skin.
  3. Wrap your finger in foil and leave for 10-15 minutes. The design can be heated in a UV lamp, or simply massage the foil with your fingers.
  4. Remove foil and cotton pads. If you have chosen a high-quality gel polish, then the coating will be removed with a single film. If this does not happen, remove the remnants with a plastic or orange stick. Cut the remaining sections with a file. However, if even after removing with a stick something remains, it means that the layers of shellac were too dense.
  5. Lubricate the nail and cuticle with oil.

  1. Do not apply shellac to all fingers at once. First, apply the base on the left large, dry in the lamp, then make up the right large. And so with the base, color coating and top, until it reaches the little finger. This method allows you to dry your nails better.
  2. Do not dry thumb sideways, lay it flat like everyone else, otherwise wrinkles may form on the surface of the shellac.
  3. After several procedures, take a week break: apply oil on the cuticle and nail, take baths with salt and iodine to strengthen nails.