Shellac for beginners at home step by step. Design ideas, video tutorials manicure with photos. Master class: how to apply gel polish on nails

Shellac is a gel nail polish that allows you to create a natural and neat, and most importantly long-lasting manicure. It got its name thanks to the CND Shellac brand, which first introduced this type of varnish on the market. Today, many campaigns and manufacturers of varnishes include this term in their products.

Accordingly, shellac manicure is a manicure by applying a long-lasting gel polish that combines the best properties of ordinary varnish and gel for nail extension.

How to distinguish real shellac from fake

The first and main sign of a fake is a low price. When you purchase any cosmetic product, cheapness is a sign of savings on product components. So, for example, cheap gel polishes have fewer components that contribute to the protection of the nail. They are more harmful as well as less durable.

Another indicator is the smell. In almost all good cosmetics stores, there should be a probe next to each product. Which needs to be studied not only by color, but also by smell. Real shellac should not exude a harsh, unpleasant chemical odor.

Further, using the same probe, it is necessary to study the consistency of the drug. Its density should be medium: not too liquid, but not thickened. The first indicator indicates that the gel polish was diluted with acetone (or any other similar means) to increase the volume of the batch. The second will indicate expired or incorrect storage principle.

The most important thing when buying gel polish is to use only professional stores and acquire exclusively familiar brands.

Otherwise, you can allegedly save time and money, but not achieve the desired result (loss of money), or even spoil the appearance of the nail (spending a lot of time on recovery).

Pros and cons of shellac compared to regular varnish

When creating shellac, the main goal was to make a nail coating that had durability (from the gel) and color variety (varnish). It may seem to an inexperienced consumer that gel polish and ordinary varnish do not have significant differences: the identical application technique in combination with the same appearance of the materials.

However, with a more thorough study, the following differences can be derived:

• Ordinary varnish is able to dry out in the open air, while gel varnish needs exposure to a special lamp with ultraviolet rays. This technology has both positive and negative sides. The latter consists in the need to purchase a specialized lamp, the price of which can reach up to $ 95, and in some cases more. However, this equipment will save you from long minutes of waiting, fear of spoiling the monolith of the work done with simple hand movements.
• Shellac is somewhat limited in color than regular varnish.
• Shellac is more expensive than regular nail polish.
• The main difference between these coatings is the period of wear: shellac adheres to the nail without visible damage up to 3 weeks.
• To remove the varnish, you just need to wipe the nail plate with a liquid to remove it. In the case of shellac, everything is not so simple: a similar composition can be removed only by means of special mixtures.

Obviously, there should be differences between shellac and gel for nails. Initially, the difference could be found in the presence or absence of color in the coating, but today gels with color are produced. Thus, there remains only one, but very significant difference – the purpose of applying these formulations to the nails.

The gel is designed to build up the nail plate, which implies further manicure procedures. In this regard, the application techniques for shellac and gel are also different.

How does shellac affect nails

Disputes about the dangers of shellac for the nail plate have been going on for a long time: many complain that after removing the coating the nails do not look the best. Of course, any effect on the nails can adversely affect their condition, causing deformation, lamination and thinning. And the use of shellac is no exception.

However, by clearly following the application and removal technology, consequences can be avoided.

Therefore, it is so important to apply and remove shellac for beginners at home, step by step and following simple rules:

• Before performing the procedure, you should make sure that your nails are in good health. It is not recommended to hide the imperfections of the nail plate using the shellac procedure, since after removal the nails will become even more deplorable.
• Before applying and after removing the gel polish, the nails must be given proper help: apply moisturizing, nourishing and firming masks. The best result is given on the basis of plant herbs (nettle, chamomile, aloe), glycerin and keratin.
• Fragility of the nails and increased stratification indicates a lack of calcium, which must be replenished with both external and internal agents. Beauticians recommend that 3 weeks before the procedure, begin to lubricate the nail plate with special medicinal varnishes containing calcium and other elements. It is also worth drinking a course of vitamin complexes, which must necessarily include calcium, vitamins D3 and B. They should be consumed the entire period of shellac wear and a certain period of time after.
• After removing shellac, it is necessary to regularly use special baths for nails. With strong delamination of the nail, it is recommended to go through a sealing procedure with a wax.

How often can shellac be applied

From masters of manicure you can often hear that you can apply shellac an unlimited number of times. And this is not at all strange, because such procedures are their “bread”, a way to earn a living.

But responsible professionals who do not try to get rich at the expense of their clients argue that: even in the hands of experts who know what they are doing, shellac can not do much harm to the nails, but still it is worth giving rest to the nail plate.

No matter how wonderful and harmless this remedy is, but in its composition there are still components that can deplete the nail , deprive it of necessary trace elements and vitamin. So, for example, to absorb calcium, nails need vitamin D, which is produced by the sun.

However, under the coating layer, the nails are unable to absorb the necessary dose of vitamin.

Thus, the frequency of shellac application has no clear limits. However, it is recommended that after each Z procedure, give the nails a rest of at least 14 days, and in winter periods, the period increases to 3 weeks.

How long does shellac application take on average

If you have step-by-step instructions, any beginner can make a manicure with shellac at home. However, for beginners this can take significantly longer than for professionals. Compared to applying ordinary varnish, the process of shellac coating has many nuances, new devices, t
ools and materials.

Therefore, voicing a specific part of the time is very difficult: it all depends on dexterity and adaptability to the new conditions of the person who is going to perform the procedure. In addition, an important factor is the condition and quality of the nails themselves.

However, if we exclude the human factor and derive exclusively the time of the procedures and properties of the preparations (what and how long to keep, how long it will dry, etc.), then the whole process should not take more than Z0-50 minutes.

Tools for applying shellac

Most of the tools necessary for the step-by-step application of shellac at home are found in beginners, as they are mandatory for every lady:

• manicure set (tongs, spatula, orange stick, nail files);
• brush to remove dust from the nail plate;
• ultraviolet lamp;
• napkin-free wipes;
• foil with sponges.

Materials required for applying shellac

The materials include tools and solutions, without which the procedure can not do without:

• Cuticle remover;
• degreasing agent;
• base coating (base);
• tonic coating;
• finish coating;
• tackifier;
• shellac remover.

Preparation of nails for shellac

From the correct preparation of the nail will depend not only the appearance of the manicure, but also the duration of its wear.

At this stage, you must complete the following steps:

1. Nutrition of the nail plate . Hands should be steamed in a special bath, preferably based on medicinal herbs, such as aloe. This is necessary to keep the nail in good condition.
2. Cuticle removal . Steaming also helps soften the cuticle, and hence its better removal. You should also apply a special tool to the cuticle to remove it. Then move it to the nail paradise using the “orange” stick and cut off with forceps. It is worth noting that this “island” of skin must be cut as much as possible: the smaller the cuticle, the longer the growth of the plate is not noticeable.
3. Shaping . To a large extent, a successfully made manicure can be judged by the shape of the nail. It is worth remembering that after applying shellac, it will not be possible to correct the shape. That is why the nail from the very beginning must be given the most attractive contours through the use of a nail file.
4. Polishing . To gel varnish lay evenly, without depressions and “incisors” nails must be “smoothed out” using a special polishing file.
5. Cleansing . To clear a nail of the nail powder which remained after 2 previous steps. This must be done with a brush: the usual “blowing” of dust in this case will not be effective enough.
6. Removal of fatty components . The completion of the preparation of nails is their degreasing with a special tool. This is necessary for a good bond of the nail and shellac. After this procedure, do not touch the nails with your hands and touch them with any other surfaces and objects.

Base coat application

This layer is designed to protect against the negative effects of the tinting layer, as well as improve its adhesion to the nail.

The application of each layer is divided into several points:

1. Staining the left edge of the nail;
2. Right edge staining;
3. The final smear in the center of the plate;
4. Before performing the remaining steps, make sure that the edges of the nail are carefully sealed with a coating.

A similar technique allows you to evenly distribute the coating on the surface of the nail, without clinging to the skin.

The entire application process includes the following steps:

1. The jar of varnish must be scrolled several times along the base of the palms. This will allow shellac to warm up and evenly lie down on the nail.
2. Direct application of the base itself. The layer should not be thick, otherwise it will dry longer, which will lead to undesirable spots in the final result.
3. Drying coating. It is necessary to dry it in a special lamp for about 1 second.

Shellac application

This tonic layer gives the nails a color and is applied according to the following instructions:

1. Apply a thin layer of shellac. There is no need to seal the edges of the nail.
2. Dry the coating in the lamp for about 3 minutes.

   

3. Apply another coat of varnish. Moreover, you can use both the same color and a different one. When mixing two different shades, a very interesting and original version can turn out.
4. Hold the nails under the lamp for another 3 minutes.

It should be borne in mind that the layers should be incredibly thin, almost transparent. Otherwise, the varnish can swell, form unpleasant bubbles.

Before applying the varnish, it is necessary to check its condition: it should not be too thick. Damage to the coating can occur due to improper storage or purchase of defective goods, which will adversely affect the condition of the nails. It must be stored with a tightly screwed cap and at room temperature. Also, do not leave it in places of penetration of sunlight.

Drawing decor

The scheme and technology for decorating nails on shellac is practically no different from decorating with ordinary varnish, however here after decor you need to apply another layer of varnish to the nails.

Decor can be done with:

• Ribbons and strips;
• drawings;
• patterns;
• Pictures
• staining technique, using several colors;
• sequin and rhinestone etc.

To
pcoat application

Staining with a final coating consists of only 3 stages:

1. Direct application of the mixture, which has several nuances:

• it should be applied in a sufficiently thick layer;
• with the help of this coating, it is necessary to seal all the free edges of the nail (thus the colored base will remain as if in an entomological vessel).

2. Drying out. The exposure time of the hands under the lamp is not more than 1 sec.
3. Removing the sticky layer using a special tool in which it is necessary to moisten a lint-free cloth. It costs quite a lot, so in extreme cases, you can use acetone or alcohol. However, these substances can slightly damage the manicure, so use them with caution.

How to make jacket shellac on your own

French shellac, for beginners at home, can be done step by step quite simply, the main thing is to observe the following technology:

1. The initial stage is the nail preparation stage: eliminating the cuticle, shaping, polishing and eliminating skin fats.
2. Then you need to apply a primer and leave for a while. When the nail has acquired a whitish hue – you can proceed to the next stage.
3. Apply base coat (left edge, right edge, middle, sealing the edges of the nail) with a small layer.
4. Dry the plate under a specialized lamp for a few seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the varnish.
5. Using a special tool and a wipe, remove the sticky layer formed after drying.
6. Carefully attach the template without going to the top edge.
7. Paint the upper part of the nail in the required color, and as thin as possible.
8. Holding the nails of the lamp, remove the adhesive layer.
9. Remove the template, taking care not to damage the applied varnish.
10. Paint the plate with the final shellac coating, dry for several seconds.
11. Remove the adhesive layer.

How to remove shellac

Instructions for removing shellac, for beginners at home, step by step is as follows:

1. Separate cotton wool and foil portionwise for each nail.
2. Rinse hands and nails thoroughly with detergent.
3. Soak one piece of cotton wool with shellac remover.
4. Apply to the nail so that the product does not come into contact with the skin. This mixture has some components that, with prolonged exposure to the epidermis, can damage it.
5. Gently wrap with foil so that the fleece does not slip.
6. Points Z-5 to do with each finger.
7. The exposure time is approximately equal to 1 minute, during which the foil on the nail needs to be slightly “tugged”.
8. After the lapse of time, first remove the foil and then the cotton wool from each finger individually.
9. Remove the soaked manicure layers with your hands or (if not removed) with the help of the “orange” stick.
10. Finally, rinse your hands with soap.

Nail care after shellac removal

To restore nails and protect them from further damage, cosmetic procedures are necessary.

These include:

• Tray of olive oil . A small amount of it is heated in water. Keep your fingers in the bath for about 1 minute, every day for 3 weeks.
• Mask of lemon juice . Drop fresh citrus juice on each nail, and then usd it in with gentle movements. Hold for about 3 minutes, then rinse with running water.
• Mask of sour berries . Mash any sour berry (for example, viburnum or lingonberry) into gruel. Apply to the plate and, wrapping with foil, leave for 1 minute.
• No less than nails, cuticles will also need care. They must be soaked daily with any essential oil . It does not need to be washed off, so the amount of oil should be minimal.

If the nails are excessively weakened and exfoliate, more complex cosmetic procedures should be performed:

• Sealing a nail with a wax in the salon. With it, nails, covered with a thin film, will be protected from further damage, and will also acquire a healthier appearance.
• In any pharmacy you can buy a special therapeutic varnish. The basis of such a varnish must necessarily include calcium, many vitamins, as well as keratin. With regular use, the varnish will cure the nails, making them stronger. And from the first application, making the nails thicker due to the coating, the varnish will relieve discomfort and fear of breaking the nail.

Applying shellac at home is simple enough even for beginners, especially when using step-by-step instructions. However, so that the beautiful appearance of the nails does not become a fleeting pleasure, the plates must be looked after both before and after the procedure.

Video how to make shellac for beginners at home step by step

How to make shellac at home, see the video clip:

Basic set for shellac: