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Original poster

how long does your shellac last?

40 replies

ThatVikRinA22 · 23/02/2012 22:51

just wondering....when i had it done i was told about 3 weeks.

mines been on 2 weeks on sat but looks a bit shoddy now, quite a bit of regrowth but its chipping and driving me mad.

just wondering how long it lasts for others...

OP posts:
ronx · 23/02/2012 22:56

Mine last about 2 weeks before the colour starts to lift and peel.

flybynight · 23/02/2012 22:58

About ten days looking good. They wreck my nails though.

Original poster
ThatVikRinA22 · 23/02/2012 23:04

oh....wreck nails how?

OP posts:
flybynight · 23/02/2012 23:16

My nails are weak and flaky at the best of times, but using shellac makes whole layers peel off, even when I'm ultra careful about soaking them off.

That said, most normal people don't seem to have this problem, so I wouldn't worry.

Original poster
ThatVikRinA22 · 23/02/2012 23:18

ill report back when i get it taken off....

OP posts:
mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 23:18

most people find they wreck their nails when it comes to having them taken off - I used to have acrylics all the time and they left my nails weak and ridged. Don't worry though vicar - your nails will be ok. Make sure you still use cuticle oil and handcream as often as poss and when you want to take them off (if you don't plan on getting them redone straight away) just soak a cotton wool pad with acetone and put on top of the nail and then wrap in tin foil. The acetone will then dissolve the shellac off your nail. Then give your nail a break over night - just oil and handcream. If you have any ridges you can buff them out in the morning. Don't worry about it - your nails will be ok Wink.

Original poster
ThatVikRinA22 · 23/02/2012 23:31

cheers mrs m.....loving the elemis stuff from QVC btw....going to order the anti ageing starter pack next i think!

any other recommendations?

OP posts:
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 23/02/2012 23:34

Mmmmmm I've just picked mine off it was lovely! I had it on a week but my nails grow very fast and they looked a bit daft - going to get the clear stuff on Monday as you can paint over that so it should last a little longer if I don't pick at it (unlikely)

mrsmartin · 24/02/2012 00:03

Haha Vicar - don't get too carried away - you won't know what works if you start too many products at once. My fave body product from them (after the monoi oil) is the skin nourishing shower cream - if I am in a bad mood I get in the shower and use it - it calms me down instantly!!! DH is always happy to buy me some Hmm

bunionscomingsoon · 24/02/2012 13:28

Never pick them off! - the top layer of nail comes away too and then you are left with weak flaky nails - - always do as mrsmartin says - soak them off - mine last about two weeks looking ok -- unless I have a housework attack! - thankfully - not often!Grin

jeansforever · 24/02/2012 14:26

Sorry i'm a bit confused are these gel nails?

mrsmartin · 24/02/2012 16:21

yes jeans - they are a thick polish that get set with a uv or led light - essentially they are a resin. Come in lots of colours and much more hard wearing than normal polish (depending on how well it is applied and what kind of activities you get up to...)

Jackstini · 24/02/2012 18:57

Home kit coming soon - will be able to save some money & do quick repairs without having to nip to the salon Smile
Sensationail

Loveleopardprint · 24/02/2012 20:53

Does anyone else worry about the uv light ageing their hands? I had shellac for first time this week but my hands are really dry now. I decided to have these as a break from acrylics. I thought they were less harsh on my own nails?!

mrsmartin · 24/02/2012 23:34

They are less harsh...they just need to be removed properly that's all. good point about the UV though...perhaps sun screen before you go to the salon is the best option? I think more salons are using the LED lamps now instead...

Jackstini · 25/02/2012 08:33

Gel polish is less harsh than acrylics loveleopard.

MrsM is right about removing properly to avoid nail damage too. Use 100% acetone; either put on cotton balls, place over your nail and wrap with foil, leave for about 15 mins, or pour a bit into a glass bowl and soak your nails (is faster if you put the glass bowl of acetone in a larger glass bowl of hot water)

Always use a good handcream & cuticle oil after using acetone as it dries out the skin.
Neither UV or LED lamps are any more damaging to skin than a few mins in the sun but LEDs are much quicker curing; 30-60 seconds per coat rather than UV at 2-3 minutes per coat.
hth

Original poster
ThatVikRinA22 · 25/02/2012 20:49

well had it removed today and redone - nails looked fine and dandy and undamaged,.

OP posts:
Ambi · 25/02/2012 20:58

I do it myself at home, bought the top and base coat from ebay at £30 and already have a uv lamp and just use any polish I fancy. I reckon 2 weeks max but it's so nice to have polish that lasts longer than a few days.

tyaca · 25/02/2012 21:19

ambi - would i not need the shellac polishes, or is it just the base and topcoat? and what's the process? and would any of the uv lamps on ebay work?

madammecholet · 25/02/2012 21:39

Mine last 3-4 weeks....:)

KenDoddsDadsDog · 25/02/2012 21:43

About two weeks before look ropey and a few more days until I peel it off. Some colours last better than others.

PlumSykes · 26/02/2012 07:26

I have Gellish rather that Shellac. Is same concept, but harder wearing. Mine still looks immaculate after three weeks, only have it redone because of regrowrh.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 26/02/2012 07:37

Plum can you get it infilled or does the whole lot have to be done?

BearlyThere · 26/02/2012 07:45

I have my nails done every monday. Different colour varnish. Own nails. This is major news at nail bar. "a different colour!"
Why is this so weird ?! :)

SharonGless · 26/02/2012 08:16

Vicar what colour are you having using? Had a week off and treated myself to coral nails, last Sunday back in work and couldnt get the varnish off on my own! Major panic and then going in shame faced with bright red nails! Nipped out on refs to get 100%acetone to remove