Shellac

[NewChoos]

Does it ruin condition of nails?

And does it look natural ish (I would have french on toes) or does it look very like gel nails?

Thanks.

I've had it done once - and won't get it again. The lady filed my nails to roughen them up so the shellac would stay well. And it did - lasted over a week before chipping - but then got messy looking very quickly. I had to go back to get it removed and again she filed and chipped it off - damaging my nails and making them feel weak and papery for months afterwards.

That said... I might not mind it on my toes!

Oh - and it looks more natural than gel - but is more shiny than regular polish!

It looks good and lasts well but it absolutely destroyed my nails. Even my toe nails took months to recover. It was properly applied and properly removed. They didn't file ever the top of my nails. I had it done 3 times over the last few years, at 3 different salons, and had the same result each time. My sister had the same experience. Sil had no problems with it. I tried her salon but no joy. Mine were still wrecked.

WhyIRay you had it done incorrectly. There should be no buffing or filing or the nail, other than to shape it. This is what caused the damage to your nail.

I have had it done twice, no damage to my nail. I believe that it depends on the condition of your nails before you have them done. I must produce lots of natural oils or something.

You can remove them by buying this and followi reviews.boots.com/2111-en_gb/1037549/elegant-touch-elegant-touch-get-em-off-nail-remover-reviews/reviews.htm

The technician should not file the nail surface. Mine never have and my nails are fine after having Shellac. That said, I only have Shellac or gel nails done a few times a year because I don't think it's good for your nails to be covered like that all the time.

You need to use oil every day to hydrate your nails while you have the shellac on, try CND solar oil.

They don't need to file your nails beforehand, it is applied just like nail varnish but you cure with a nail lamp between each coat.

I do my own, with a lamp bought from amazon and yes it does damage nails if you don't keep them hydrated.

I think its worth the effort because it's beautiful and shiny!!

Whatever you do, don't pick and peel them off - that really does ruin your nails!

Thanks for the replies - I will test out with my toes and just have normal polish on my hands
Does it need to be a particular oil to hydrate? I have got some neals yard stuff (for face but I use on my nails if they look a bit dry, I didn't like the feel of it on my face).

I've had it loads of times - my most recent one for the four weeks over Christmas and it stayed perfect!

CND shellac recommend CND solar oil but I guess they would because it's their own product! I guess you could try the neals yard stuff but I'm not sure it would penetrate the shellac like solar oil does. I think solar oil is about £8 on ebay/ amazon. It's really nice stuff anyway, works well on nails without shellac. Makes them nice and healthy and smells like almonds

In response to your op, yes it does look v natural but choose a colour called studio white as opposed to one of the pure whites, it looks much more natural. I use studio white and 'beau' as the pink coat and it is really natural looking.

I've had it done three times and won't bother having my finger nails done again, first time it lasted three weeks on holiday which was great, second and third it lasted just a week each time and then peeled off like stickers. I'm rubbish at remembering to wear rubber gloves when cleaning, perhaps that was it - no washing up on holiday. Toes fine, had it removed with acetone, no scraping involved thank goodness and it lasted a month.

Had toes done, I cringed as she did file my nail bed a little but I wasn't brave enough to stop her. I like it, will see how lasts but am tempted to go to a different salon next time so I can state beforehand I don't want them filed!
Will look into buying the oil - thanks for the advice!