How to apply shellac lacquer at home. Step-by-step execution of shellac at home with a photo

The image of a beautiful well-groomed woman consists of many components: hairstyle, clothes, shoes, face. It often happens that the nails are somewhere at the end of the list - and this is wrong.

A neat manicure, well-groomed hands are the visiting card of any woman. Peeling nail polish looks just awful, and there is simply no time to refresh it. Today this problem is solved quite simply: shellac has become the most popular treatment in nail salons.

But what if there is not enough time or money to go to the salon? Of course, there is a way out - this is to make shellac at home. For beginners, we give step by step instructions for this now popular manicure.

A beautiful word, by the way, is not fraught with anything mysterious. Shellac is a waste product (in other words, excrement) of worm insects that feed on tree sap. This digested resinous substance is collected, dried and crushed, then the lacquer mass is melted and cast into molds. The end result is a great nail polish.

Manicure has never been any special procedure, but the use of shellac has its own distinctive features. Firstly, the need for nail extensions disappears; secondly, the coating is quite durable and lasts much longer; thirdly, chic appearance and rich colors.

The life of a manicure, no matter how exquisite it may be, is very short. Housework is the duty of any woman; very few have housewives. Daily cooking, washing dishes, laundry, cleaning - all this leads to the fact that the nail polish quickly fades, cracks and loses its appearance.

Shellac is another matter: a symbiosis of gel and varnish (even done at home by beginners in accordance with step-by-step instructions) lasts quite a long time, and during this period there is an opportunity to further strengthen the nail plate.

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac

Shellac you guessed it has many advantages:

• Shellac manicure looks great on any nails: both long and short. At the same time, the method of painting gives a chance to grow nails to the desired length.
• Since shellac is a natural remedy, it allows you to strengthen thin and brittle nails.
• Shellac stays on nails for a long time: some women of fashion manage to keep manicure up to three weeks.
• To erase shellac from nails, special tools are needed, which means that he is not afraid of household chemicals.
• Shellac gives nails a dazzling shine that lasts incredibly long and does not fade.
• Manufacturers are closely following fashion and the color palette of shellac is constantly expanding. On sale you can find not only classic tones for manicure, but also bright avant-garde colors.
• Perhaps the most important advantage of shellac is that it is absolutely harmless. Dangerous formaldehydes are not included in its composition, therefore, women prone to allergies and pregnant women can safely do shellac manicure.

If for some reason the coating suddenly bothers, then shellac can be removed at home. To do this, you need to buy special products, liquid and film in the salon, carefully study the step-by-step instructions for beginners and clean the nail plates yourself.

Everything in the world has its downside - and shellac is no exception:

• First of all, this concerns the high price of the procedure itself, and if there is a need for correction, then this is also quite expensive. So, if the nails grow too fast, then you have to put up with additional costs.
• The second negative factor is more significant. Shellac, according to the manufacturer, is really a very resistant coating. But nails tend to expand under the influence of high temperatures, and then decrease again, taking on their original dimensions. So washing dishes in hot water or too warm a bath contributes to the deformation of the nail and causes microscopic cracks in the coating.

Through these microscopic holes, dirt can enter under the varnish layer, and dirt creates greenhouse conditions for many bacteria and microorganisms. Shellac lasts for a long time, which means that bacilli have enough time to damage the nail. So the fungus is not the most dangerous disease.

To avoid sad consequences, it is better to do all the dirty housework with gloves.

What resources and tools will be required

Shellac is a very complex procedure, and it is best to do it in the salon, with an experienced master. But after all, “it’s not the gods who burn the pots,” so if you have certain skills, you can do it at home on your own. To do this, you need to know step-by-step instructions for beginners and have special tools and UV lamp for drying manicure.

First of all, you will need: basis for applying the base coat, shellac coating and fixer. Professionals recommend using the main and base coats from the same shellac category, preferably from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a risk that the desired result will not be achieved.

In addition, you must have:

• antibacterial agent;
• a spatula or stick from an orange tree;
• nail file;
• scissors for manicure;
• bondex, a means for improved adhesion;
• cuticle agent;
• grinding saw.

Preparing nails for shellac

So, having all the necessary tools for shellac at home (read more about step-by-step application for beginners below), you can start preparing your nails.

The preliminary operation includes:

• processing of the cuticle and the formation of the nail plate;
• grinding is a mandatory procedure that improves the adhesion of shellac directly to the nail;
• disinfection with an antibacterial liquid, which additionally degreases the nail and provides a uniform coating;
• applying the base layer;
• heating with an ultraviolet lamp to fix the gel, at least 25-30 seconds for each nail.

How to make shellac at home. Step by step instructions for beginners

Now that the nails are ready, you can proceed to the direct applying shellac:

When making shellac at home according to step-by-step instructions for beginners on your own, you should know that it is not necessary to remove the sticky layer after the first and base coat, as this will increase adhesion.

What will happen to the nails after applying shellac

No matter how safe the shellac procedure is for nails, restoration measures are still necessary. In the end, after all, everyone changes their underwear daily, and the nail remains in a kind of shell for a long time. So, if yellowish spots appear on the surface of the nail plate or the nail is somewhat deformed, then urgent measures should be taken.

Can you revive your nails? in the salon of the master or use home remedies, which is generally preferable because they are inexpensive and readily available:

1. Make lotions from warmed olive oil for a week. Nails will receive additional nutrition and hydration, which means they will retain a healthy appearance.
2. A piece of lemon, which should be wiped daily on the surface of the nail, can work wonders. Essential oils and vitamin C will restore shine and eliminate delamination and brittleness.
3. A bath of sea salt will get rid of a possible fungal infection. It is advisable to do the procedure every day, for 10-15 minutes.

Secrets of applying shellac at home

Making shellac at home on your own, following the step-by-step application technology for beginners, you can save a little. So, what means and tools can be replaced and with what:

1. Manicurists use special tools to remove the cuticle, which are quite expensive. But if the cuticle is not too noticeable, then in this case you can use an orange stick to simply push it back.
2. The grinder completely replaces the usual polishing nail file: the end result will be the same.
3. A small bottle of salon disinfectant, which can cost up to a thousand, is easily replaced with nail polish remover or acetone.
4. The base coat cannot be replaced, but in cosmetics stores you can find a suitable product, which, among other things, also has a healing effect.

Take on board a couple more secrets of applying shellac at home.

Useful tips from professionals:

• When purchasing an ultraviolet lamp, you should pay attention to its power, the most optimal result is achieved when using a lamp with a power of 36 watts. In this case, the coating dries fairly quickly.
• Before starting a manicure, roll the coated jar in your hands. This little trick will significantly improve the properties of the varnish, which will lie flat without much effort.
• To prevent thickening of shellac, it should be stored at room temperature, carefully closing the bottle after each use.
• Any corrective treatment should be carried out only under the obligatory condition: the nail must be dry. No soft nail file will protect the wet nail plate from damage.
• Use cuticle oil daily, morning and evening. Only in this case you can avoid the appearance of sloppy burrs.
• Before you go to the salon for the beauty of your hands, you should treat your nails, if necessary. Shellac can only exacerbate the problem of brittleness and delamination of the nail plate.
• Do not apply hand cream immediately before a shellac manicure.

How to remove gel shellac

How to remove shellac manicure at home(for beginners, step-by-step application is described above), you need to prepare:

• cotton pads or special sponges;
• 10 pieces of foil so that you can wrap your fingers;
• isopropyl alcohol or a special tool for dissolving shellac.

Before removing shellac, hands should be washed with warm soapy water and dried thoroughly.

Now you can start removing shellac:

1. Cut the cotton pads in half.
2. Moisten a piece of disk in alcohol and attach it to the nail, fix it with metal foil. Try to avoid contact with alcohol on the skin, so as not to cause irritation. The foil is used to keep the alcohol from evaporating too quickly. You will have to wait about 15 minutes for the result, at this time you can lightly massage your fingertips for better penetration of alcohol.
3. In some cases, shellac is removed with a film, if this does not work, then it can be removed with an ordinary plastic spatula. It happens that, due to inexperience, the coating was applied too thick and the shellac is not removed. This means that the procedure will have to be repeated with alcohol, or just cut off the shellac.
4. Finally, lubricate the nail with cuticle oil to avoid overdrying the skin and nail surface.

Shellac is a wonderful tool for manicure both in the salon and at home (you have already read the step-by-step instructions for beginners), the nails look neat, elegant and, most importantly, natural.

Over time, experience and due skill will come, and the whole procedure will not take too much time. As a result, the hands will look very attractive, and the nails will receive additional protection.

Shellac "Cat's eye"

Cat-eye nail design is very popular and looks very impressive. Using gel polish in your work, with the addition of a metal base and a magnet, you can get a pattern that really looks like a cat's eye.

For such a design, it is necessary to prepare green gel polish and a special magnet. However, if there is no special, then any, the most ordinary, will do.

First, a base coat is applied to the nails. to be dried in an ultraviolet lamp. The next layer is green, which is also dried. The magnet has not yet been used.

And now a magnetic plate is brought to the second coating: metal particles of varnish are folded into an elegant pattern. If the magnet is brought edgewise, then a strip will form on the nails; but if you scroll it over the surface of the nail, then the image will come out intricate, similar to the drawing of a cat's eye. Now it remains only to complete the usual procedure.

It is not at all necessary to use only a green color palette: after all, a cat's eyes can be yellow or even blue.

If you like the cat design, then you should buy a special magnet., with which you can get a spectacular pattern.

As you can see, shellac at home (for beginners, see step-by-step execution above) is quite feasible. The main thing is to follow the instructions and at the same time not be afraid to fantasize.

Shellac manicure is a practical, convenient option that lasts a long time and does not wear off in aggressive environments. The method of applying Shellac at first glance may seem complicated, but it is not at all the case. Practice, the right tools and materials, a few professional secrets - and everything will work out.

What is Shellac and what are its benefits?

Shellac is a covering that combines gel and varnish "2 in 1". Unlike the independent use of its components, Shellac has a number of significant advantageous features and properties.

This is a unique modern coating

• has no smell, which makes its use possible for everyone who is allergic to pungent odors;
• easy to apply, lays down an even layer, dries quickly, is simply erased and lasts a long time on the nails (for two to three weeks);
• is a good defense from the influence of external factors: damage, shock, contact with aggressive chemicals;
• does not contain toluene and formaldehyde in its composition, being safe for health.

Shellac manicure tools

Before you start using Shellac at home, you need to prepare a certain list of necessary tools:

A primer is a material applied as a primer before a base coat. Performs a number of functions: protection of the nail plate from delamination, microorganisms and stains; provides better adhesion to the nail of subsequent layers of manicure.

Shellac application technique

The process of applying Shellac requires care when performing step-by-step sequential actions. If everything is done without errors, then the coating will delight you for a long time.

You can apply shellac for any nails(extended, natural or coated with biogel), however, when using it on existing coatings, you should be careful, as incorrect actions can lead to peeling of Shellac.

Shellac application steps

Exist single-phase gel polishes, the application procedure of which is much simpler and more suitable for home use. When using a single-phase coating, the manicure will be carried out in the same way as when using three-phase formulations (points 1 to 5).

Otherwise, a manicure with a single-phase coating is distinguished by its simplicity: you need to apply one or two layers of varnish, polymerizing each under an ICE or UV device and remove the sticky layer.

See a step-by-step tutorial on applying Shellac:

• Fine handle cuticles, this will ensure the evenness of the coating and the aesthetics of its shape.
• Thoroughly degrease nail plate and side ridges.
• Do not apply gel polish for all fingers simultaneously, start from the big one and in order, following the sequence, move to the little finger.
• Putting shellac on your nails beware get the means on the cuticle or side bolsters.
• So that the gel polish does not spread and is streak-free, you need observe strictly technique his drawing and do not violate the order of overlay layers.
• Beware of getting wet fingers during 2 hours after manicure.
• Let your nails rest between the use of Shellac, in between, treat them with the IBX system or other means.

If you want to use Shellac on your own, then you should purchase a UV lamp or LED dryer, tools, gel polishes, learn the technology of applying this coating and professional tricks. Doing everything right, you will definitely rejoice at the beauty and strength of your nails.

Shellac is a product that is a hybrid of gel and varnish. It can make your nails irresistible in a couple of hours. At the same time, it eliminates the constant problems that occurred with ordinary varnish.

Shellac stays on nails for two to three weeks.

In this article, we will consider all the pros and cons of this coating, tell you how to apply, remove shellac and with what tools and means it needs to be done.

1. Keeps in perfect condition for at least 2 weeks;
2. Safe (even during pregnancy);
3. We do not require a lot of time during application.

Shellac cons

• It will take more time to remove such a coating than a regular varnish;
• Not suitable for all categories of people. Due to the peculiarity of the nail plate (for some, the nail plate simply rejects such a coating, and it lasts no more than 2 days, while for others, after removing the gel polish, the plate is severely destroyed, and it will take a long time to restore it; it is worth noting that this occurs in only 10% of people);
• A non-professional may not get perfect coverage the first time.

There are a lot of gel polish manufacturers: Shellac(CND), Gelish(Harmony), GelColor(OPI), Geleration(Jessica) and so on. If you want your coating to last at least 2 weeks, and your nails to remain intact after removing the varnish, then be sure to read this article. I will tell you point by point about the basic rules for preparing nails, applying and removing gel polish. The main thing is to have everything you need. It is not difficult!

Preparing nails before applying gel polish (Shellac)

In fact, you need to carry out a classic manicure.

For this we need:

1. Remover (cuticle softener);
2. Alcohol degreaser or just ethyl alcohol;
3. Pusher (metal stick to push back cuticles) or orange stick;
4. Cuticle nippers;
5. nail file;
6. Fine-grained buff;
7. Cotton pad.

a) remover; b) buff

So, let's begin. Push back the cuticle with a pusher or orange stick, as if lifting it up. Then we generously apply a remover to the cuticle, pterygium (lower layer of the cuticle) and side ridges. For the best effect, soak the nails in warm water for 3-5 minutes. After soaking, the pterygium is perfectly removed, and this is the key to a perfectly prepared nail plate. As soon as the remover has acted (this is after 3 minutes), you can begin to carefully move the pterygium and cuticle without wiping the nail. Be careful with the metal pusher, they can injure the nail plate. Wipe the remaining remover with a cotton pad. Then cut off the cuticle. We give the nail the desired shape. Next, lightly buff the entire surface of the nail with a buff. Although this is not a mandatory procedure, I advise you to do it. The nail will not suffer from this, but the durability of the coating can. Shellac gel polish manufacturers believe that this procedure is not necessary. In general, it's up to you. And lastly, you need to very carefully degrease the surface of the nail plate. Done, you can apply varnish.

Gel polish (Shellac) at home

For this we need:

1. Base coat (base);
2. The gel polish itself;
3. Top coat (top);
4. UV lamp;
5. Liquid to remove the sticky layer (alcohol degreaser);
6. Cuticle oil.

a) base coat; b) top coat

“It is advisable to use a UV lamp with a power of 36 watts, and not 9 watts, as it may not dry the pigmented varnish (color)”

The main difference between gel polish coating and regular polish is that each layer must be dried in a UV lamp for 2 minutes.

If you read the previous paragraph, then remember that the main thing is to thoroughly degrease the nail plate.

Apply a thin layer of the base immediately on all the nails of one hand, dry in a lamp - 2 minutes.

a) apply shellac; b) send in an ultraviolet lamp

We cover the first first layer of varnish, and also dry it in a lamp. When applying colored varnish, it is better to apply it first on 4 fingers and dry it, and make the thumb separately so that the varnish does not flow to the side.

We put the second layer of colored varnish, in the same way, first on 4 fingers. Dry in a lamp.

And finally we fix it all with a top coat. We dry. Remove the sticky layer with a degreaser, if necessary. Do not forget to moisturize the cuticles and side rollers with oil.

Gentle manicure ideas with gel polish

It is important to strictly observe the drying time of the varnish - no more and no less than 2 minutes.

There is also a little trick, if your gel polish, base or top coat has begun to thicken and you no longer get a thin layer, then do not be discouraged. You need to hold the bottle of varnish in hot water for 3-5 minutes.

To make your gel polish last longer, you need:

1. Do not file or trim your nails;
2. Do not scratch hard surfaces with your nails;
3. If you decide to remove the usual varnish from your feet, then use a liquid without acetone, because. you will dissolve the varnish on your hands;
4. For the first 24 hours, avoid contact with water for a long time.

Bright manicure ideas suitable for summer

Removal of gel polish (Shellac) at home

For this we need:

• Plain foil;
• Nail polish remover;
• nail file;
• Cuticle oil;
• Pusher (metal stick) or orange stick;
• Cotton discs.

For convenience, cut the cotton pad into 4 parts. Prepare pieces of foil about 20 by 20 cm in size. In order for the solution to penetrate the varnish better, it is better to slightly file the entire surface of the nail. Saturate the circle of a cotton pad with nail polish remover, put it on the nail so that it covers the entire surface of the nail plate. After that, you need to tightly wrap your finger with foil. Let's wait until the varnish dissolves, this is about 5 minutes.

a) wrap the nail with foil; b) remove shellac with an orange stick

If you feel a burning sensation or any discomfort, it is better to immediately remove the foil. So, unfold the foil and begin to gently peel off the dissolved varnish from the nail. If you did not achieve complete dissolution of the varnish the first time, moisten the cotton swab again with liquid and wrap it again.

It will be more convenient to do this procedure, for example, with three fingers, and not all at once. Be careful when scraping off the varnish with a metal pusher, as you can damage the nail plate. If after removing the varnish with a stick, you notice small remaining pieces of varnish, wipe it again with a swab with liquid. After that, wash your hands and be sure to apply a moisturizer and cuticle oil, because. acetone-containing liquid adversely affects the skin and nails.

“Try under no circumstances to peel off the varnish, because. you can seriously damage the nail plate"

How to properly apply shellac on nails is known only to those who have been doing this for a long time. It is important to have a lot of experience in order to quickly and most importantly quality nail varnish. Not everyone manages to perform a beautiful manicure and enjoy it for several weeks. As a rule, shellac stays on the nails for more than two weeks.

Beginners in this matter must strictly follow the instructions. Do everything step by step. You should not immediately look for cheap substitutes for materials, this can only harm the nail, and the result will be disastrous. Healthy and well-groomed hands are the key to a successful manicure.

Before deciding to apply gel polish, it is important to put your nails in order. Strengthen the nail plate, remove cuticles, give the nail an even shape.

Shellac is a mixture of regular nail polish and gel. From the varnish, gloss and ease of use were transferred, and from the gel - durability and a suitable consistency.

To have a stylish manicure, it is not necessary to visit the salon, you can create it yourself at home.

To do this, it is enough to have the necessary devices:

- 36 watt ultraviolet lamp;

- color and base varnish gel;

- cotton pads;

- finish - gel;

- liquid to remove the sticky layer;

- orange stick.

Coating

The first step for shellac execution is hand hygiene. The work surface must be clean and dry - the most important requirement.

1. The nails are given the correct shape with a nail file or other necessary tools.
2. Nails are degreased by applying a liquid to remove stickiness.
3. Cuticles are removed with gentle movements or pushed back with an orange stick.
4. The nail plate is being prepared. It must be washed down with a grinder, using a manicure brush to remove dust. Its presence can ruin a manicure at the very beginning of its creation.
5. To improve the adhesion of the nail to the coating, it is advisable to use a disinfectant. During this action, it is important to pay special attention to the sides and end.
6. A base coat is applied to the nail in one thin layer.
7. Drying takes place in a UV lamp for 1 minute.
8. The nail is covered with a thin layer of colored gel polish. It is important to pay attention to the edges of the nail. Dry with a lamp for 2 minutes. It is necessary to control this process so that the coating is completely dry on the entire nail plate.
9. To even out the color, the nail is covered with a second layer of colored varnish. Dry for 2 minutes.
10. The manicure is completed with a top coat. It is important to apply it evenly. Dry. This is the finish in creating a fashionable manicure.
11. With the help of a clinser, the sticky layer is removed from the nail.
12. Cuticles are moisturized with a special oil. It is not recommended to ignore this action. The cuticle has been exposed to UV - lamps, needs care and hydration.

Everyone wants to save money and at the same time perform a beautiful and stylish manicure.

Experts offer several options on which you can play advantageously:

- ordinary scissors instead of a cuticle remover;

- conventional UV - the lamp is replaced by a branded one;

– any nail file to replace the grinder;

- nail polish remover against disinfectant.

But on this, professionals do not advise saving and purchasing only high-quality materials:

- top - coating;

- lint-free wipes;

- base coat

- colored shellac.

Video with step-by-step instructions for shellac

Pedicure with shellac at home

For a quick, easy and stylish pedicure, you will need a special technique, knowledge in applying varnish and a little patience. To paint your toenails, it is important to purchase the right machine. Today there are a large number of them. They differ in power, dimensions, number of nozzles. Having chosen the right apparatus, you can safely begin to decorate your legs.

The state of health depends on the quality of the performed pedicure, and in what condition the toes are. It is necessary not only to paint your nails, but also to take care of your feet. Pamper them with warm baths, apply moisturizing and nourishing creams. Cut in time, not allowing nails to grow.

1. In the presence of corns or corns, it is necessary to apply a softening agent (bath with sea water). Rough skin is removed with a corrugated brush. To process the nail, you must use a special nozzle that removes the cuticle and gives the correct shape. Next, the nail is degreased with a cotton pad and nail polish remover.
2. A base is applied to the nail plate - a binder with shellac. Drying takes place in a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes.
3. After drying, the nail is covered with shellac. It is placed in a lamp, a layer is applied again and dried. It is important to wait for the first to dry completely between applying the second layer.
4. At the finish, the nail is treated with a top coat that has a shine.

Master class on silk pedicure

Shellac is a relatively new manicure method, less harmful and more effective than classic nail extensions. Today, the procedure for applying gel polish is quickly replacing other methods of processing and designing nails. Most girls and women of different ages, keeping up with the times, turn to manicure masters, wanting to carry out this procedure. Meanwhile, you can apply the gel yourself. How to make shellac at home? How to avoid financial expenses by refusing the services of a paid specialist?

Shellac is a natural follower of the gel nail extension technique and is a mixture of polymers that combine the properties of varnish and gel.

The composition of the substance includes:

1. Film former - a component that, when solidified, forms a coating resistant to mechanical stress. It is the basis of shellac.
2. Photoinitiator - an element that absorbs ultraviolet rays and is a catalyst for hardening the varnish.
3. Pigment - the shades that make up shellac give the nails one color or another.
4. Thinners - substances with which the consistency of the varnish is regulated.
5. Functional additives - necessary to enhance and regulate the properties of the gel polish (color intensity, abrasion resistance).

Visually, shellac is the basis of a medium-liquid consistency. The color of the composition varies depending on the pigment used. Gel polishes can be mixed with each other, while obtaining new color shades.

The varnish dries under the influence of open sunlight or UV lamp light. Coatings that have not been dried in the light are not very stable and have a long polymerization time. Shellac, for which the lamp was used to dry, has a high strength and remains intact for about two weeks.

Interesting to know: it is generally accepted that the composition of shellac includes the natural polymer "shellac" - an organic resin produced by some tropical insects. In reality, not a single manufacturer of shellac declares the presence of this polymer in the composition of the products.

If you strictly approach the issues of terminology, then "shellac" and gel polish are not exactly the same thing. The fact is that "shellac" is the name of the product brand. That is, the term is nothing more than the name of one of the varieties of gel polish. Despite this, most women use both terms to generically refer to a product. The terms have actually become synonymous.

Advantages and disadvantages of shellac over conventional varnish

Like any other manicure tool, shellac has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

The first ones include the following:

• natural appearance;
• the cost is lower than that of acrylic nail extensions;
• the shellac layer does not affect the growth of your nail;
• improves the condition of the nail structure;
• dries quickly and lasts a long time;
• gives shine to the nail;
• has a huge number of colors (about 250).

The negative qualities of shellac include the need for special devices for its application and drying. It is this factor that is the reason that one of the most modern methods of nail treatment is rarely used at home.

What coatings to choose

In modern cosmetology, 3 types of shellac are used:

• single-phase;
• two-phase;
• three-phase.

Salons and private masters usually use three-phase varnishes, consisting of three components: base coat, color coat, top coat. The base layer plays the role of double-sided tape, securely fixing the top layer on the nail plate. The color layer contains the pigment and is used to create the base color. The top protects the coating from external influences and allows you to use stickers and drawings on your nails.

Nails are treated with three-phase shellac when they want to create an additional design on top of it or achieve the longest possible preservation of the coating. The sticky layer of the top after the complete drying of the varnish is removed with a special tool.

Single-phase shellac contains only one fraction, which combines the properties of the top, base and color base. Such varieties of gel polish are easy to apply, but do not have high strength and do not allow you to create an artistic nail design. They are more often used in cases where a manicure needs to be done quickly, but there is no need for its long-term preservation.

Two-phase varnish is the "golden mean" between single-phase and three-phase composition. It is quite strong and stable, but it is impossible to apply additional patterns to it without using a top. A variation of the procedure using a two-component varnish can be carried out by women who do not need additional nail design, but who want to have a sufficiently durable coating layer.

In addition to differences in the number of components, shellacs also differ in the effects they create. They can change color depending on the air temperature or time of day, have patterns, be matte or glossy. The choice of varnish according to these criteria depends solely on the personal preferences and style of the woman.

What you need for shellac: tools, materials

What is needed for shellac to apply it at home?

The procedure requires a certain set of tools and preparations, such as:

• nail file;
• cuticle remover;
• grinding plate;
• alcohol or other degreaser;
• lint-free napkin;
• moisturizing oil;
• UV drying lamp.

Interesting to know: for processing nails, you should use a nail file, and not scissors, which violate the structure of the nail. Surfaces cut with scissors are poorly suited for applying varnish.

Stages of applying shellac at home

The process of applying varnish consists of two main stages: preparing the nail plate and directly creating the varnish layer. The process should be considered on the example of a three-phase shellac.

Preparation: work with the cuticle, degreasing the surface of the nail

The stage of preparation for applying shellac is as follows:

1. Hands are thoroughly washed, but not steamed in hot water.
2. With the help of a nail file, the nail is given the desired shape, while not affecting the skin. Dust consisting of nail filings is shaken off with an antistatic cloth or brush.
3. Apply cuticle remover to cuticles. For this purpose, the composition "cuticle eraser" is often used. The drug should be distributed carefully and evenly. After the unnecessary particles of the skin die off, they are removed with a cotton swab. The composition itself is thoroughly washed off with running water, and the hands are dried.
4. The nail is cleaned to a matte state with a grinding plate. If roughness is felt on it, a sanding plate with a finer abrasive should be used. The dust is again brushed off with a napkin.
5. Carefully treat the nail plate and the areas around it with alcohol or a degreaser. Do not touch the treated areas with your fingers.

This completes the preparation for applying shellac.

Note: before starting the preparation, it is necessary to carefully examine the nail for remnants of the old varnish. If the previous coating was not completely removed, shellac will lie unevenly and of poor quality.

base layer

The base layer of the coating is applied to the nail plate in a thin layer, allowing the varnish to dry in a short time. In this case, the composition should not fall on the periungual ridges. After application, the varnish is dried on a UV lamp for 10 seconds.

Lamp power must be at least 36 watts. If this rule is not observed, the drying time increases, which leads to the formation of dull spots on the base layer. Such events are considered unacceptable.

Applying colored varnish

The color coating is applied after the base has completely dried. In this case, the sticky fraction of the base layer is not removed. The application of color should be done in a thin layer. To get a more intense shade, the varnish is applied twice, with intermediate drying for 10 seconds. Using one thick layer instead of two thin layers results in bubbles.

Before applying the varnish is recommended to stir. To do this, the vial is turned over several times in the palms. It is possible to mix two compositions of different colors to obtain new shades. It is better if both varnishes intended for mixing are from the same manufacturer. This will avoid damage to the material due to the incompatibility of some of its components.

Applying the top coat - top coat

The top coat of varnish is applied to the nail in a thick layer. In this case, the edges of the nail plate, the area around the rollers and cuticles should be carefully sealed. After applying the top, it is dried under the lamp for 2 minutes. After drying, the pigment remains between the base and the top. This protects it from abrasion.

The sticky layer that forms on the top should be removed with a degreaser and a lint-free cloth. The use of gauze pads or cotton pads is unacceptable, as they leave fluff that can stick to the coating. The layer is usually easily and completely removed with alcohol. Do not use acetone or other substances with solvent properties.

After the shellac is completely dry, it is recommended to treat your hands with moisturizing oil. It is carefully rubbed into the periungual zone until completely absorbed. This approach avoids dry skin, which is a side effect of the use of ultraviolet light.

Note: A properly applied finish is smooth and glossy (unless matt finishes are used) and the color is evenly distributed. The presence of bubbles, spots or roughness indicates a violation of the work technology.

creative

The strength of the top layer of shellac allows the use of additional design elements. Here the master is given the opportunity to show imagination.

color mixing

Mixing colors is done at the stage of applying the pigmented layer. Everything here resembles a children's game with watercolors. We mix blue with white, we get blue, red with white - pink. If you add yellow varnish to the last mixture, the composition will acquire a beige color.

It is important that the varnishes are compatible with each other. Otherwise, the experiment will fail, and the unlucky coquette will face the question of how to remove shellac, which has just been applied and is by no means cheap.

Decor with sequins

Dry glitter of different sizes can be used to decorate nails. They are applied before the top dries. To do this, with a small brush, you should collect the required amount of decorations and shake them off onto the nail from a distance of 2-3 cm. After that, the top is dried and a new layer is applied.

Small sparkles can also be added directly to the color layer. To do this, the material is poured into the varnish before it is applied and thoroughly mixed by rolling the bottle between the palms. Such a composition should be used immediately after preparation, otherwise the sparkles will settle to the bottom and not fall on the nail.

Note: to avoid the procedure for preparing glitter varnish, you can use its finished version. The rules for applying shellac with the addition of sparkles do not differ from those described above.

French manicure

A classic French manicure is considered a small, with a protrusion of 3-4 mm, a nail with an oval or square end. As a rule, the nail plate has a natural shade, and its edge is painted white. This solution is considered universal and suitable for any outfits and events.

Today's masters of nail art often resort to non-standard solutions. So, nails are often made pointed, embossed images or graphic patterns are applied, while maintaining the general features of the French style. On the nails you can often find voluminous white roses, clouds and other decorations, the choice of which is limited only by the author's imagination and the requirements of common sense.

We decorate shellac with patterns

Patterns on shellac can be done directly using shellac of a different color or acrylic paints. Shellac patterns are drawn with a needle or a strepping kit. Each element of the decor is dried separately under the lamp before applying the next.

Acrylic patterns do not require drying. However, in order for them to last for a long time, a layer of top should be applied to them. For drawing a picture, a thin brush made of natural wool, dots, a toothpick can be used.

How and how to remove shellac at home?

Are we still washing shellac in salons, spending extra money on it? Today this is not necessary. You can also remove the coating at home.

For this you will need:

1. Nail polish remover.
2. Pusher or orange stick.
3. Foil.
4. Cotton pad.

Before starting the procedure, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. You can treat your nails with a degreaser. After that, a piece of a cotton pad soaked in a product capable of splitting varnish coatings is applied to each nail. The nail phalanx of each finger is wrapped with foil, fixing the cotton wool with the solvent and not allowing the latter to evaporate.

Keep compresses for 10-15 minutes. This time is enough for the varnish to dissolve and come off the nail. After removing the foil, the remaining varnish is removed with a disc dipped in acetone and an orange stick. Hands are washed again, dried and treated with a moisturizer.

Note: do not use aggressive industrial solvents to remove shellac. They are too high concentration and can cause severe chemical burns.

In general, gel polishes are one of the best manicure products that modern cosmetology has today. Shellacs are safe, resistant to environmental influences, look beautiful and elegant. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to become as widespread as regular nail polishes. The reason for this is the complexity of applying coatings and the need for special equipment for processing nail plates, drying and removing shellac.