Women deny themselves the pleasure of covering their nails with varnish only because regular varnish is damaged by contact with water and mechanical stress immediately after application.
And not everyone knows that this problem was solved long ago thanks to the invention of a new decorative coating.
Several years ago, the American company CND offered a special coating - shellac (gel polish). It is the standard of a new line of polymer coatings for nails. 40-50 minutes to keep your nails beautiful and well-groomed for three weeks
But the secret is not only in special compositions; a special application technology using a UV lamp has also been developed. The result is a durable coating that is gentle on the nail plate.
The benefits don't end there:
- Nails coated with shellac do not break and grow faster because the gel polish creates a frame for the nail plate.
- Shellac lasts on the hands from 1 to three weeks, without losing its brightness or fading, and on the feet it lasts even longer, since here the nails grow much more slowly.
- The varnish coating is of high quality, and therefore the surface of the nail is smooth and uniform.
- Gel polish does not weigh down your nails.
- Shellac has no odor, and allergic reactions are excluded, because the coating is made from a resin of natural origin and does not contain formaldehyde and other harmful substances. The resin is produced by tropical insects, so shellac is theoretically harmless; this resin is even used in cooking.
- Shellac can be easily removed using a special product, cotton pads and an orange stick, without damaging the nail plate.
The American company Kodi appeared on the market in 2005. Over several years of work, it has established itself well thanks to its high-quality nail extension products. Cody suggested an alternative to shellac - Codi Professional gel polish. The basis of gel polish is a polymer of natural origin; it does not dissolve in water, acetone, or alcohol.
Durable and elastic gel polish does not contain harmful chemicals and is therefore non-toxic. The rubber coating is difficult to damage, while Kodi gel polish is almost half the price of shellac, and the non-viscous texture is easily applied to nails without the help of professionals. Kodi offers a wide palette of colors, shades can be mixed to create incredible combinations. This is a paradise for creative people.
Gel polish is durable and therefore not afraid of mechanical impact. Replacement of the coating is required on average after three weeks, but only because the nail plate has grown and a strip of the nail plate has formed that is not covered with varnish.
The coating looks like regular nail polish on the nails and is applied with a brush, but dries only under the rays of a UV lamp, and after drying it becomes stronger and more resistant to wear than traditional polish.
The surface of the coating does not scratch, crack, or chip, and the color does not fade during wear. It is still not easy to find Codi gel polishes in non-specialized stores, but there are official representatives in Russia. You can order gel polish, auxiliary liquids and other products for nail design on the website in online stores.
The company offers a starter kit, which includes everything needed for coating:
- Files and buffs for preparing the nail plate.
- Ultraviolet lamp.
- Working fluids (degreaser, acid-free primer, sticky remover).
- Base coat.
- Colored coating.
- Top (finish) coating.
- Cuticle care oil.
- Lint-free wipes and discs.
To maintain the coating for a long time, it is necessary to use the entire system. Purchasing a starter kit is expensive, but all components have a long shelf life, so later you will only need to periodically purchase individual elements.
Shellac Kodi and its advantages over other manufacturers
The advantages of Cody shellac (gel polish) over shellac from other manufacturers is that the gel does not dry out the nail plate and therefore prevents nail delamination.
The reason is the layer of primer applied before the Cody shellac. It creates a protective film and moisturizes the nail plate. We recommend: Gel nail extensions: step-by-step instructions and the main advantages of this method
Having studied the technology of applying Kodi products, you can get a professional manicure at home.
Small bottles (7, 12 ml) allow everyone and professional craftsmen to have many shades in their collection for reasonable money. By the way, the company offers 30 ml bottles for professionals.
The disadvantage of Kodi shellacs is that few people know about these products, since this is a young company. Like shellac, Kodi gel polish is not suitable for constant wear; your nails need to be given a “rest” and properly cared for. Use with caution for those with sensitive nails. The peeling process is more complicated than other brands, but it's a small price to pay for super durability and an affordable price.
pros
The advantages of shellac from this company are as follows:
- Durability and shine that delight the eye for several weeks;
- No unpleasant odor or harmful substances in the coating composition;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Look great even on thin or brittle nails. Can be used as a nail plate strengthener;
- Simplicity and ease of application. Does not roll, lays down easily, fastens;
- After drying in an ultraviolet or LED lamp, a mirror shine appears on the nails;
- The palette of gel polishes of this brand is striking in its diversity and has over 200 shades;
- Moderate and quite affordable price. Bottles are available in volumes of 7 and 12 ml, which can allow you to purchase shellac of various shades much cheaper.
- The availability of a standard manicure kit for sale will allow even a beginner to independently perform all the necessary actions.
Among other things, the price of these coatings is relatively low compared to advertised brands. Neither such coatings are more expensive, but their quality is no better.
note
Shellac Codi is among the top ten and has an advantage in terms of price level.
Professionals identify several criteria for determining the quality of gel polish:
- Duration of preservation of the varnish coating on the nail plate without chips, cracks or loss of gloss. The manufacturer must guarantee a minimum period of 3 weeks.
- Consistency that meets the requirements. The better the quality of the gel, the easier it is to work with and the longer it lasts. The gel should not spread and give a streaky effect; for this, the quality of the brush is important.
- Removing nail polish should take no more than 15 minutes. This is also an indicator of the quality of the material.
- Wide range of color palettes.
- Hypoallergenic gel composition that does not damage the nail plate.
- No strong chemical smell.
Based on these criteria, reviews from professionals and product users, a TOP-8 list was compiled, which included Kodi shellac.
Each company's products have advantages and disadvantages:
1. Shellac CND
It is considered the standard of professional products, the most expensive. There is one “but” to using CND gel polish: it does not adhere well to thin, weakened nails and chips at the tips of the nails with frequent exposure to hot water. Therefore, it is not suitable for women who run their own households.
The main disadvantages of CND shellac:
- High price.
- Application requires experience, as shellac has a dense texture.
- Chips may appear from impacts on a hard surface.
- During the day after applying shellac, you must avoid contact with water, especially hot water.
2.OPI Gelcolor
Premium brand, but less known than CND. The coating has a glass effect. Easily removed without cutting and comes in over 140 shades. For polymerization, you can use an LED lamp, which reduces drying time. Ideal for French manicure.
Minuses:
- Rarely found on sale.
- High price.
3. Gelish Harmony (Gelishe)
A popular European brand, it is safe for the health of the nail plate and even strengthens it. It can be removed by simple dissolution and has a lower price compared to Shellac.
Minuses:
- It's liquid, so you have to apply several layers.
- The finish brush dries quickly.
4. Laque RuNail (Runail)
Produced in Russia. An excellent choice for thin, flaky nails. Strengthens the nail plate. Long lasting, with good consistency.
Minuses:
- Difficult to remove.
- The assortment is still small.
5. Pnb (Professional Nail Boutique)
Super glossy gel polish from America. It holds up well, so it is popular among housewives. According to reviews, it lasts more than 3 weeks.
Minuses:
- A rarity in Russia.
- Some shades take longer to cure.
6. Bluesky
Popular among nail design artists due to its low price. In terms of service life it is not inferior to Shellac CND.
Minuses:
- Few shades.
- Unstable quality.
7. Canni
Inexpensive and the best among “Asians” varnish made in China. Retains its original appearance for about 2 weeks. Easy to apply, easy to remove. Suitable for those who like to change their looks often and inexpensively. Rich palette of shades (more than 200).
We recommend: How to properly extend nails with gel to create ideal shapes
Minuses:
- Strong smell.
- Available for order on well-known Chinese websites.
Kodi gel polish palette and review of color solutions from this manufacturer
The Kodi varnish palette includes more than 250 shades, number 1 - 250.
In addition to many shades, the company offers a new product - thermal varnishes. After application, the coating changes color when exposed to sunlight or body temperature. If the temperature is low, darker shades appear.
Such coatings look especially impressive in the cold season, when temperature changes are significant. Thanks to these features of the varnish, you can create incredible nail designs: numbers T600 - T640.
The “Cat's Eye” series created a sensation, but the inventors were inspired not by the shine of the eyes of the cat family, but by the effect produced by a stone with a similar name. Varnishes in this series have an unusual shine and, as a result, volume, which is obtained thanks to the magnet used during application. Hence the second name of the series: magnetic.
The unusualness of the palette of Cody varnishes from the “Cat's Eye” series did not end there; these varnishes are distinguished by a more stable coating. This palette so far consists of 52 shades: numbers 701 - 784. A magnet is attached to the Cody varnish palette of the “Moon Light” series. Thanks to the use of a magnet, metal particles rise from the general pigmented mass of the gel polish, and a voluminous iridescent light highlight appears on the surface, creating a 3D effect.
The technology requires holding the magnet at a distance of 3 mm above the surface of the nail plate for 5 seconds. After applying the second coat of varnish, the magnet must be applied again. In this case, the moonlight is more expressive. The company's specialists follow fashion trends and constantly add new shades to the Kodi collection.
Kodi offers such a variety of palettes that there is no need to mix colors, color saturation is easily achieved by adjusting the number of coats of varnish applied. Kodi gel polishes are compatible with products from other companies, so designs can be applied using products from any manufacturer.
According to reviews from professionals and ordinary consumers, Kodi gel polishes:
- Easy to apply.
- They have no smell.
- They don't chip.
- Does not require removal of the top layer of the nail.
- Offered at an affordable price.
- Do not thicken throughout the entire shelf life.
- Equipped with a fairly wide brush. This allows you to literally cover the entire nail plate with just a couple of strokes. The pile is shorter than some other analogues.
- They dry even under the rays of LED lamps.
Chemical composition of gel polish CND, Bluesky, Kodi
- Polymers. As part of gel nail polish, they are in a viscous state, but under the influence of ultraviolet rays, they form a hard film.
- A photoinitiator is a compound that can absorb ultraviolet rays and form free radicals. In gel polish, the formation of a polymer from molecular elements is initiated.
- Active diluents. Acrylic acid esters and methacrylates are used. They stabilize the varnish in the desired state, ensuring fluidity. They actively adhere to the surface of the nail plate and ensure the stability of the coating.
- Pigment. This is a substance to obtain the desired color. Dyes can interfere with the absorption of UV rays, but pigments do not affect this process.
- Bismuth salts are responsible for the pearlescent tint. Part of the famous brands CND, Bluesky, Kodi, Haruyama.
- Different chemicals are used by different manufacturers to impart shine and other properties.
Elegant red
note
LED lamps can only be used with compatible products.
Under the rays of this lamp, the polymerization process of Kodi gel polish occurs 2-3 times faster. LED lamps last up to 7 years and cannot be replaced; UV lamps need to be changed every 6-12 months. You can save on purchasing a UV lamp, but you need to remember that the power of the UV lamp must be at least 36 W, since dark shades (black, burgundy) do not harden under low-power rays. In addition, there may subsequently be no spare parts for lamps from unknown manufacturers.
Cons of Kodi gel polish:
- It has a liquid consistency and therefore requires thin application and drying of each layer. If you apply a thick layer at once, then before polymerization is complete it will flow under the cuticle and an unsightly roll will form. It will no longer be possible to correct such a defect after hardening.
- The removal process is more complicated than that of analogues; for many, it is the process of removing gel polish that becomes an obstacle to choosing this brand.
- According to reviews, after 3 weeks of wear, the coating on the tips begins to wear off, but does not chip. True, the merit here is not only the gel polish itself, but all the manufacturer’s products as a whole.
Codi gel polish base, remover and other manufacturer's materials
In addition to the base for Kodi gel polish, Kodi gel polish remover, the company offers its customers freshers, ultrabonds, primers, brushes, buffs and other related and auxiliary products for nail design. Cody produces perfumes, as well as materials for eyebrows and eyelash extensions. Codi varnishes and coatings contain an acrylic oligomer with a low level of toxicity, which is why many professionals use the Codi gel polish base and top coat from this company.
We recommend: Is it necessary to dry the primer in a lamp, application features and types of primers
For manicure you will need:
- File.
- Degreaser.
- Bond.
- Primer.
- Transparent base for gel polish Kodi.
- Colored gel polish.
- Top coating.
- Ultraviolet lamp.
- Cody gel polish remover.
How do you know if this is a real Kodi product?
Kodi management, in order to increase confidence in their products, created a special website https://original.kodi-professional.ua/. It helps to distinguish the original from the fake. To do this, follow 3 simple steps:
- Find the barcode (QR code) on the bottle label. It is located on the back of the bottle under the production label, which must be removed.
- Scan the QR code using the built-in scanner of your smartphone or the mobile application that you can download to your phone. Pay attention to the address bar when scanning. It should contain “original.kodi-professional.ua/”.
- Get the result.
If the status “This is an original product” appears on the screen, calmly purchase the base, gel polish and top Codi. It's not fake.
In the case when you don’t have a phone at hand, you can distinguish the original Kodi by its external characteristics.
Attention
Professional nail designers recommend removing cuticles without using water, because nails absorb moisture and do not have time to dry under the lamp.
Excess moisture can prevent the long-term preservation of the varnish coating. Step-by-step instructions on how to do a manicure with gel polish at home:
| Step 1 It is necessary to lightly treat the surface of the nail plate with a nail file to make it slightly rough, this is necessary for better “adhesion” of the varnish to the surface of the nail. Remove shine using a buff and degreaser. |
| Step 2 Applying bond and primer. They are needed for reliable adhesion of the gel polish to the nail plate. . The bond increases the durability of the coating by two to three times. |
| Step 3 Apply a thin layer of Codi gel polish base. The consistency of the base is thick, but it is applied well and distributed evenly; the ends also need to be processed. |
| Step 4 Each layer is dried for 2 minutes in a UV lamp; after applying the gel, the nails must not be touched, otherwise fingerprints will remain on the surface. |
| Step 5 Applying colored varnish in two layers, each layer should be thin, the ends are also painted over: “sealed”. Each layer is dried. |
How to choose original gel polish from the Kodi brand?
If all the characteristics match, feel free to choose gel polish. The choice will be easier to make when you mentally imagine the final manicure.
If you want to be on trend, take a closer look at Kodi gel polish with a stained glass effect. The original has an elegant crystal luster, visual volume and depth.
Choose rich shades of gel polishes to be bright. If you want something special, mix several colors of the original gel polishes and create a real masterpiece!
If you want to be on trend, take a closer look at Kodi gel polish with a stained glass effect. The original has an elegant crystal luster, visual volume and depth.
Choose rich shades of gel polishes to be bright. If you want something special, mix several colors of the original gel polishes and create a real masterpiece!
note
The bottle of gel polish should not be shaken.
If you need to mix the contents, you need to carefully roll the bottle between your palms; when shaking, bubbles will form in the contents of the bottle and it will be impossible to work with such varnish. It is better to apply the first layer as thinly as possible. Light shades may apply unevenly; this defect will disappear after applying the second coat. When applying light shades, in some cases it is necessary to apply a third layer. After polymerization, the nails still cannot be touched, as their surface is sticky and easily damaged.
| Step 6 Preserve the manicure using a top coat. This layer must be dried thoroughly under a lamp, because if it is not dried enough it will not shine. It is important at this stage to “seal” the end of the nail plate to prevent chipping. |
| Step 7 Remove the sticky layer using liquid and lint-free wipes. |
| Step 8 An optional, but pleasant stage of the manicure procedure is applying a special oil to the cuticle and the surface of the skin around the nail. |
To completely remove the varnish coating, you will need to file down the top layer, and the rest of the work is completed using Kodi gel polish remover. This manicure can be removed using cotton pads soaked in a solution.
They are applied to the nails, after which they are wrapped in foil or placed in special caps with liquid. Foil is necessary so that the liquid does not evaporate quickly and softens the coating; softening will take a maximum of 15 minutes.
After removing the old coating, the nail plate is treated with a buff, the edges are corrected with a file, and you can apply a new coating or leave it without it, because the nails look natural and undamaged, this is a clear indicator of the quality of the product.
Tools and materials
In order to perform a manicure using shellac coating from this brand, you will need the following equipment and materials. The price for them is not so low, but with repeated use, the price of a manicure will still be lower than in a salon.
- Ultraviolet lamp (UV), the power of which must be at least 36 W or LED lamp;
- A set consisting of files for natural nails and buffs;
- Nail Fresher Ultrabond degreaser;
- Acid-free primer Kodi ProfessionalUltrabond;
- The liquid required to remove the dispersion layer;
- Base coat (Rubber Base Gel Kodi or Base Top Gel Kodi);
- The main color that will be used to paint your nails;
- Kodi paints for gel polish, the palette of which is wide if you plan to draw;
- Finish coating (Top Gel Kodi or Base Top Gel Kodi);
- Oil for rubbing into the cuticle;
- Cotton pads.
Kodi line
Correct application of gel polish of this brand will help you create a beautiful, high-quality and durable manicure. To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:
- First of all, you need to prepare your nails for applying the coating. The cuticle is moved back, the edge of the nail is filed and the desired shape is given to it. Using a buff, the gloss is removed and the nails are degreased. When performing this procedure, the product must be applied to a cotton pad and thoroughly wipe each nail, paying attention to the cuticle and side ridges. After which you need to give it time to dry (about 5 seconds).
- Then an acid-free primer is applied, which serves to reliably bond the shellac to the nail plate, so that the coating will last for as long as possible. You need to apply it very thinly, blot off the excess with a napkin or sponge. Let dry for about 30 seconds.
- You can start painting your nails and apply a thin layer of base coat, being careful not to touch the cuticle. The main thing here is not to overdo it. If there is more base than necessary, it may accumulate into lumps and harden after the lamp, which will create discomfort and an untidy appearance of the nails. The role of the base gel cannot be reduced, since it is it that protects the nail plate from the coloring pigments of the color coating.
- After the base has been applied, the nails should be dried. If UV is used - 2 minutes, and if LED lamp - 30-50 seconds. Before moving on to the next stage, you can walk over your nails with a dry brush and even out the resulting dispersion layer. This will help the colored coating lie evenly and not roll off.
- Now comes the turn of applying the main color. Depending on the shade, texture and consistency of the varnish, you may need to apply one, two, or maybe three layers. They should be thin; it is advisable to seal the cut of the nail by painting it with a brush. After each application, the nail must also be dried in a lamp. The time is the same.
- One of the final stages of manicure is applying the topcoat. You need to apply it more intensively, trying to do it in such a way that the entire surface of the nail plate is painted. Because the safety and durability of the decor depends on the top layer. In a UV lamp, drying the finish will take 3 minutes, and in an LED lamp - 60 seconds. This procedure needs to take a little more time, since if you do not dry it completely, then after removing the dispersion layer, the nails may lose their shine.
- After drying, you need to remove the resulting sticky layer by wiping each nail with a special Kodi brand Cleanser. This liquid additionally moisturizes the nail and prevents dehydration of the nail plate, as well as the skin around it, and adds additional shine.
- After all the procedures performed, the final chord is light rubbing and applying oil to the cuticle, as well as the nails themselves.
Important to remember! Before using the color coating, do not shake the bottle under any circumstances! With this action, air bubbles may appear in the varnish, and doing a manicure with this product will be problematic. If necessary, you can simply roll the bottle in your hand.
Advice
Do not try to remove the unsoftened layer of gel polish from the nail.
It may come off easily after treatment with Kodi gel polish remover, but unpleasant snags and bumps may remain on the nails, which will ruin the appearance. The advantage of modern varnishes is that you can forget about controlling the movement of your hands and not worry about the safety of the coating. You don’t need to dry your nails for a long time, it’s unusual, but very convenient. Which coating is better, what to choose, everyone decides for themselves based on their experience of use and focusing on their feelings and needs. And in order not to make a mistake with the choice of gel polish, you should listen to the opinions and advice of professionals.
Palette and textures
Palette
In the modern world, the nail industry does not stand still and over time, more and more new types and textures of coatings, as well as nail care products, appear. The Kodi brand keeps up with modern trends and has developed a new line of thermal gel polishes. Their essence lies in the fact that the color of such a coating changes depending on the temperature of the air or body.
This property of the varnish allows you to create the most bizarre patterns and stunning effects. The currently fashionable amber effect will perfectly highlight the beauty of the nails and add mystery to the image.
These Cody polishes also last a long time and are very practical to wear. The application and removal procedure is exactly the same as when working with conventional gel polishes. Thermal varnishes look best in winter, when temperature changes create contrast and the most bizarre transitions on the nails.
The varied and very rich palette of shellacs from the brand is amazing. It includes about 220 shades. At the same time, the palette includes both classic and trendy shades. Older women can choose calm, muted shades; young girls and teenagers will enjoy the palette with creative, bright shades. The price of a particular palette may vary slightly.
