If you want perfectly varnished, splinter-free and stable nails for several weeks, Shellac manicure is the best solution applied like normal nail paint. Indeed, it is a gel polish that binds to the natural nail.
But, people who love to wear matching nail paints everyday wonder if they can apply normal nail paints over their shellac nails, and for the same reason, they do not favor it. So, can you paint over shellac nails?
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Quick Answer
You can apply any normal nail paint on top of your Shellac nails. It does not affect their super shine. But, when removing the nail paint, you have to make sure to remove it with a nail polish remover without acetone. An acetone-free remover won’t affect the shellac nails, and when you remove your nail paints, they are still there, impeccable and with all their shine.
Indeed, shellac nails have a finish that does not come off with regular nail paints application. But, only if you do it the right way. Below are some tips on how to manage your shellac nails!
Can You Paint Over Shellac Nails?
Yes, you can apply regular nail paints on your shellac nails and remove them with an acetone-free remover. But you need to be careful not to affect their shine and varnish.
Although nail paints can be applied over shellac, only the right tips can help you protect them. But before that, let’s discuss what shellac nails are and how they are done!
What is Shellac?
Shellac manicure is all the rage these days. For those of you who do not yet know this technique, it is a manicure applied like a normal nail polish but lasts for several weeks as if it is a gel. Indeed, it is a gel polish that polymerizes with a UV lamp and binds to the natural nail.
Shellac nails finish has a super shine that does not come off and initially looks like a conventional nail paint. But it manages without the annoying drying time and promises perfectly varnished nails for at least 14 days.
It is applied in 4 thin coats (base coat, paint, paint again and finally a top sealing coat), each coat being cured for a few seconds under the UV lamp. Since the polish is not as thick as gel or acrylic nails, the result looks more natural.
What is Shellac Used for?
Shellac can be used for fingernails and toenails and is the perfect alternative for those who appreciate well-groomed nails but don’t feel like constantly repainting their nails or spending a lot of money in the salon on manicures.
Since the gel polish is impact and scratch-resistant, the nails can withstand extreme stress, such as frequent rinsing or gardening. Soft or brittle nails may also be more stable. Additionally, manicures and pedicures with Shellac are gentler on the nail bed than gel or acrylic nails. Only an extension of the natural nail is not feasible.
Shellac nails usually last 2-4 weeks. When the varnish loses its shine or looks dull, you can renew it with nail paint.
How to Paint Over Shellac Nails?
When shellac nails are ready, they can last 2-4 weeks. But, if you see your shellac nails start showing their age, you can remove the shade altogether that you applied between the layers or touch up with a new nail paint whenever you want.
However, do not keep your touch-up color for more than a two-day. Otherwise, your nail will look uneven with chips and cracks. Remember to remove the nail paint with an acetone-free nail polish remover. And, as soon as you remove it, do not forget to repaint.
Can Shellac be Done at Home?
Shellac is a great option for those moments when you know that for 15 days, you won’t have time for anything, but you need to have impeccable hands. The only drawback is the price (depending on the salon), but it is certainly an alternative worth considering.
You can also do it at home, but this manicure is only done with CND products. We recommend purchasing a CND trademarked basecoat, topcoat and color varnish. This is because only an official manufacturer gives a quality guarantee. Of course, you can buy cheaper ones, but they don’t give quality results. You will not get an accurate, persistent, aesthetic manicure. You also need a special UV lamp for drying nails.
Step-by-step Instructions for Applying Shellac Nails at Home
- File nails into shape and push back cuticles if necessary
- Roughen the nails with a buffer.
- Get your nails ready by rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball for the base coat. You can also use a spray bottle to prevent fluffy bits left of cotton left on them.
- Apply the base coat thin and dry for 30 seconds under the UV lamp.
- Apply a thin layer of colored paint and let it dry for 30 seconds under the UV lamp.
- Repeat step four for optimal coverage. Also, make sure to coat the tip of the nail well.
- Apply top coat and let it dry for 60 seconds under UV lamp.
- To remove any polish on your skin, use a regular nail polish remover without acetone; otherwise, you will soak off your gel nails completely.
Some expert tips:
- All layers should be applied thinly and the tip of the nail should be well coated.
- The sweat layer is removed only at the last stage.
- It is recommended to take care of the cuticle with nail oil.
Does Shellac Manicure Make Nails Weak?
Many myths are associated with a shellac manicure and the process of removing it. Many people believe that their removal can leave the nails weak and even damaged. However, it is not the case.
Shellac is gel-coated, and the layer doesn’t come off unless you scratch it off a bit. Indeed, it takes a little longer than removing normal nail polish. However, with the manicure, you receive a small kit containing ten adhesive strips, a stick, and a bottle of acetone, which you need to remove.
The process is simple: the bands contain cotton. These are soaked with acetone, and the nails are left wrapped for 10 minutes. Then you remove the band and, with the stick, scrape the nail. It may sound unpleasant, but you just pass the stick through the nail, and the gel falls easily.
How to Protect Shellac Nails?
For shellac to remain well on the nails, it is enough to treat it only with a degreasing agent—no need to drive a nail or remove the finish coat.
Interestingly, shellac is the product of the vital activity of insects that live in tropical trees. This unique composition helps to protect and strengthen the nail plate.
So, to create a manicure with shellac at home, it is necessary to prepare special tools and materials, as discussed above.
Benefits of a Shellac Manicure
One of the main advantages of a shellac manicure is its simplicity and ease of application. You just need the right products. But of course, there are other benefits of shellac nails:
- Shellac does not contain harmful substances, such as toluene and formaldehyde. Therefore, the remedy can be applied by pregnant women and those who are allergic;
- It lasts a long time;
- It gives a rich shade and natural shine;
- It is easily removed and does not injure the nail plate;
- Resistance to manicure damage;
- Wide color palette: about 61 colors;
Wrap Up!
Shellac combines the properties of varnish (ease of application on the nail plate, attractiveness) and gel, which helps strengthen the manicure.
Due to its structure, gel polish does not roll like normal polish, which means you can apply normal nail paints over it and create various designs. So, when are you grabbing your shellac kit? Do not forget to share your experience!