SHELLAC by CND - FAQ's

What is Shellac?
Shellac is a "hybrid" of nail polish and gel. No other products in the market can stand up to the claim: "On like polish, wears like gel, off in minutes".
Who is Shellac best suited for?
Shellac is for people who want to maintain natural nails and want long lasting polish. The formulation looks as good from day 1 to day 14.
Who is Shellac least suited for?
Those looking to lengthen their nails. You cannot use Shellac to create a longer nail. Also, Shellac isn't for clients with extremely damaged nail beds, split or peeling nails. It is best to get on a corrective program with your manicurist before thinking about Shellac. If your nail is peeling off, it will take Shellac with it.
How is Shellac different from the traditional polish manicure?
Typical nail polish dries by evaporation, which means your manicure is not cured until 2-3 hours after your service. Think about it – most of your manicure time is spent waiting for polish to dry. But Shellac is cured by UV light, and within minutes. Your nails are completely dry by the time your manicure is over, and strong enough to withstand accidental knocks. It acts like a plasticized coating, suitable as a long lasting polish.
Will Shellac dry/weaken my nails?
Shellac is specially designed for natural nails so every care has been made to not cause damage. However it is very important that to keep your nails strong and healthy whilst Shellac is on, you must keep your cuticles and nails moisturised and hydrated using oils/creams on a daily - regular basis!
Is the Shellac formula "3-Free"?
Yes, Shellac does not include Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate).
Is Shellac hypo-allergenic?
Yes, a low level of photo-initiators are utilised in Shellac. Photo-initiators can lead to sensitivity with some clients.
Is there any odour to Shellac?
A slight odour may be noticeable upon application but not as strong as nail polish. After curing in the lamp, residual odour does not remain.
Does Shellac removal damage the natural nail?
No. Shellac was developed and tested for years to perfect every aspect of the Shellac process, including removal.
Does Shellac last longer than 14 days?
Yes, however, you will notice a "line of demarcation" as your natural nail grows away from the cuticle. It is recommended that you adhere to a 14 day re-application appointment, as the adhesion will increase if worn past this point, making the removal process a little more lengthy.
Will soaps or other personal grooming products affect the wearability of Shellac?
No. Shellac was developed and tested to withstand the rigours of daily wear.
Are there any negative side effects to the frequency of removal with Shellac?
No, not as long as the system is being used correctly.
Can I remove my own Shellac?
You can. It requires the use of 100% acetone. Removal at home can be done; proper removal is only 10 minutes overall. However, removal at the salon very minimally decreases the time and may be less of an inconvenience for you.