The desire to look perfect in every detail is an integral quality of any girl or woman. Therefore, the modern beauty industry is constantly developing and moving forward by leaps and bounds in order to please every young lady and facilitate the titanic work of creating a unique and perfect image. And, of course, a beautiful original manicure is no exception.
The quality and durability of modern beauty products require special attention. To remove makeup, you will need special products; to remove your outdated decorative manicure, you will have to go to the salon. But before going, it wouldn’t hurt to find out how to remove shellac in a salon. There are several ways, which are detailed in the article.
What is shellac?
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It all started with all kinds of varnishes that inveterate fashionistas used to cover their nails over the decades of the last century. Then they were replaced by gel polish, which was more practical in terms of durability, which for a number of reasons lost its position in favor of shellac. In 2010, the Creativ nail department released Shellac gel polish, which later (not unreasonably, by the way) turned out to be the most popular brand and became the starting point for a new type of designer manicure.
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What do these two methods have in common?
Scientists have studied the field of gel manicure for a long time and came to the conclusion that it is absolutely harmless to nails. Thus, a new question has arisen: which method of removing shellac is safer for the nail plate? The answer is that they are both safe , as they do not injure the nail. The myth that the hardware method or removing shellac with liquid is very harmful to the nail, making it soft and flaky, is complete nonsense. Only an inexperienced specialist who does not have specific knowledge in the field of working in nail services can injure a nail. In this case, you need to have additional tools to completely remove the shellac.
These two methods are radically different, but effective and safe. On average, the procedure for removing gel polish will cost about 300 rubles , but if you immediately have the next coating done by this specialist, the removal will be cheaper.
When should you think about updating your manicure?
The guaranteed period of wearing shellac manicure is from 10 to 14 days. With proper care, this period can be significantly extended. But in any case, the day will come when you need to remove your nail polish in a beauty salon. Because even if the coating itself is not damaged and remains intact and smooth, the nails tend to grow back. And after a while, a strip of nail appears that is not covered with shellac, which negatively affects the aesthetic side of the manicure.
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Important
As you can see, the procedure is quite simple and quite accessible to perform independently. The only thing left to do is to choose the means to remove shellac.
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- The most popular nail polish remover is Severina. It is also used to remove gel and biogel coatings. The demand for this product is explained by its excellent effectiveness and inexpensive price. The exposure time of Severina for a stable result is only 12 minutes. Suitable for both natural and artificial nails.
- Professional products include Nourishing Remover and Nano Professional. They not only remove the coating quickly, but also carefully. Bluesky is especially effective for the CND brand. These three liquids are often used in specialized beauty salons.
- Solomeya is one of the most inexpensive products, but it works well with shellac, although the exposure time for the coating can be increased to 20 minutes.
This is just a small list of gel polish removers on the market.
Manicurists recommend purchasing shellac nail polish remover from the same brand as gel polish. But products from other brands will completely fulfill this task. Specialized liquids for removing shellac can be replaced with conventional solvents. You should not use products that are not intended for nail care, but acetone or cosmetic nail polish remover is quite suitable. The action time of these compounds is from 20 minutes, but the coating can still be removed without problems. You should not abuse such means. They can be used as a replacement if a special liquid for removing shellac is not at hand.
How to remove shellac coating?
The main advantage of covering nails with shellac is the resistance of this manicure to any impact. Therefore, removing outdated shellac from a nail is quite a labor-intensive task.
Some desperate fashionistas perform this procedure at home using regular nail polish remover. In this case, the nails in this liquid, which, in fact, is ordinary acetone, need to be literally marinated for 20-30 minutes, this will slightly soften the shellac, which then will need to be scraped off with a pusher. Ultimately, this method of removing gel polish will not only negatively affect the condition of the nail plate, but can also cause a chemical burn to the skin around the nail.
You should not save on your health and nerves; the best solution would be to go to a specialized center. How to remove shellac in a salon is discussed in the continuation of the article.
Removing gel polish with liquid
Modern nail technicians have tried a lot of different liquids for removing gel polish and have come to a couple of conclusions. And therefore, the top 5 best liquids in terms of quality and reasonable price are liquids:
- Domix Green Professional Nail Polish Remover With Aceton – 100 rub.
- Domix Green Professional Nail Polish Remover Non Aceton — 151 rub.
- Orly Genius All Purpose Remover — 250 rub.
- Orly Nail Lacquer Remover - 100 rub.
- Severina – 79 rub.
To remove gel polish after prolonged wear, you will need:
- Shellac remover.
- Lint-free wipes.
- Foil.
- Pusher or orange sticks.
- Nail buff.
- Nail brush.
- Nail file.
- Means for degreasing the nail plate.
The procedure is longer than the previous method. First you need to file off the glossy layer of the coating with a regular nail file. Then you need to wrap the nail with a lint-free cloth in gel polish remover, and wrap it again with foil on top. Do this with each nail and wait 7-10 minutes . After the specified time has passed, remove the foil with a napkin and use a pusher or orange stick to scrape off the shellac. Afterwards you need to go over the nail plate with a buff and a nail brush. At the end of the procedure, degrease the nail .
What methods do specialized centers use?
In most cases, damage to the nail plate is caused not by the shellac itself, but by its “erasing” that does not comply with the rules. Professional solvents - removers or a special device with a cutter, which in some salons replace regular nail files, since the principle of the procedure is similar, helps to remove shellac correctly in the salon. The second method, despite its apparent danger, is more preferable from the point of view of preserving the integrity and health of the cuticle, nail plate and skin around it. Choosing the right way to remove shellac in a salon is not so easy. More on this later.
We remove gel polish at home without using a special liquid
We have already figured out how to remove gel polish using professional products, but what to do if you don’t have the necessary products, but there is a need to remove the gel? There is one very interesting way that can help you get rid of old coating.
- We will need a regular clear varnish. Yes, don’t be surprised, it is a kind of substitute for professional products. Of course, we will not talk about the quality of the procedure - this is already clear: the effectiveness of such a method may be much less than expected, although not always.
Removing nail polish without liquid
- So, coat your nails with varnish and don’t let them dry. Take a damp cloth and wipe your nails.
- You need to understand that this method is not professional, so due to certain factors it may not bring you the desired result. If this is exactly what happens, then you still need to use special means.
How to remove shellac using solvents?
Solvents that are used in salons to remove shellac are called removers. They are produced by manufacturers of shellac itself, so a solvent of the same brand as the gel polish will be most effective.
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How to remove shellac from nails in a salon? The master one by one applies prepared “compresses” to the fingers of cleanly washed and dried hands. This “compress” is a cotton pad, sponge or something similar (it all depends on the salon and the specialist), soaked in a special solvent. The impregnated material is usually attached to a sticky base, like a patch, so that the sponge soaked in solvent tightly covers the nail plate during the softening process, the duration of which also depends on the manufacturer and quality of the remover and can vary from 10 to 20 minutes.
After the time required for soaking the gel polish has passed, the master releases his fingers one by one and removes the layer of shellac with a special spatula. The softened coating, which looks like pieces of film, comes off the nail quite easily.
Some salons, keeping pace with the fashion industry, provide the opportunity to get rid of old manicure much faster due to the absence of the procedure for preparing “compresses”. Today there are ready-made impregnations. They are small bags, inside of which there is a prepared removal napkin. All you have to do is open the bag and dip your shellac-coated nail into it. This innovation is the brainchild of Chinese manufacturers, but some European companies were not slow to adopt similar experience.
It is quite rare to remove shellac in a salon using a remover method. Because there is a way that takes significantly less time.
How to remove shellac: step-by-step instructions
Helpful advice: If non-professional solutions are used during the procedure, the duration of their effect on the coating should be increased to 30 minutes. Special products are kept on the nails according to the instructions. In addition, to speed up the process, the surface of the varnish can be filed down just a little: in this case, the liquid will penetrate the hardened shellac faster, helping it separate from the nails.
First step
Divide the foil (bag, cling film) into small pieces and take out special sponges from the packaging. If instead of sponges there are cotton pads, then they must be cut into two equal parts.
Second step
We wash our hands thoroughly and dry them. Then wet the sponges or halves of cotton pads well in shellac remover, place them on the nail and wrap tightly with foil (cling film, bag). The cotton wool/sponge should fit very tightly to the nail, since this way the coating dissolves faster and better.
Third step
Let the liquid soak for the required amount of time (5-30 minutes). It’s better to keep it a little longer than necessary (unless it’s acetone, of course).
Fourth step
Unwind your fingers and carefully remove the cotton pads/sponges. Ideally, the gel polish should come off completely along with them. Carefully and gently, so as not to damage the nail plate, “scrape off” the remaining pieces with an orange stick.
Fifth step
If the surface of the nails is uneven, then it makes sense to lightly walk over it with a sanding file.
Removing shellac with a solvent: pros and cons
It is extremely difficult to say anything unambiguous about the solvent. Despite the fact that most fashionistas fall into a state of nervous trembling at the suggestion of cutting off shellac, the majority of craftsmen still prefer filing away. This attitude towards removers is due to their effect on the skin and nail plate.
Any solvent, even the highest quality one, contains acetone; nothing else will simply dissolve the varnish. What do you need to know about acetone? This is a powerful degreaser that, when exposed to the skin and nails, dries them out, which negatively affects not only the appearance of the hands and nails, but also significantly damages the structure of the nail plate, which becomes brittle and begins to peel. Acetone vapors are not harmless to the body; they can negatively affect the respiratory tract, causing irritation of the mucous membranes or even poisoning.
However, for several decades, acetone was indispensable for use in removing conventional varnishes, and no danger from its use stopped fashionistas, since there was simply no alternative.
After the shellac softening procedure, a good master will definitely use products to restore and strengthen the nail. Their use will help restore moisture lost during the process of removing gel polish and nourish the nail plate with restorative elements.
Professional shellac remover
To remove gel polish, you can use professional solvent removers. They quickly and effectively - without damaging the nail plate - soften the resistant coating.
The easiest way to remove shellac is to use a special spatula. It helps to leave the nail completely clean and, very importantly, undamaged.
Important! When using professional removers, it is advisable to choose products from the same company as the applied shellac.
The following products have proven themselves to be effective:
- Severina;
- Lafitel;
- Match;
- Perfect.
Removers are sold in bottles. They are used according to the standard scheme for all means:
- You need to thoroughly moisten a piece of cotton wool in the composition and apply it to the surface of the nail.
- Wrap it in a piece of food foil or put special caps on your fingertips.
- Manufacturers also offer removers in bags. Inside each there is a napkin soaked in the composition.
- You need to cut off one side of the bag.
- Place your finger inside. If we talk about how long
you need to wait, the holding time is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. - Remove softened coating.
- The authors of the invention were Chinese nail artists, and then the idea was adopted by representatives of Western companies.
How to remove shellac by filing?
To remove shellac by filing, the same device is used as for hardware manicure. The only difference is the use of cutters of different types.
The operating principle of the shellac remover is extremely simple. The cutter, which has special notches, rotates at a very high speed and literally cuts off the gel polish from the nail.
This procedure can be done with a regular file (masters in some salons still practice this method), but using a cutter significantly reduces the time spent on the process and also makes it much more comfortable.
So how do you remove shellac from nails using a machine in a salon? The most important thing in this procedure is that only a qualified master with good equipment will perform his task efficiently and painlessly. Shellac is removed from the nail with short stroking touches using a cutter. If the contact is prolonged, then both the cutter and, accordingly, the nail will heat up, which will lead to discomfort.
The work of the device on the nail ends when only the base layer remains of the coating. This layer is removed from the nail not with a milling cutter, but with a soft buff. This protects the nail not only from sawing, but also practically does not injure the nail plate.
How to remove gel polish with a special device?
This is a quick way to remove coating from nails, which is often used by manicurists. The special device is called a milling cutter (or cutter), and in a professional environment it is called “corn” due to the presence of notches in it. Through the latter, the coating is ground off layer by layer.
This technique has certain advantages:
- Thanks to the use of the device, it is possible to significantly reduce the time spent on removing coating from nails;
- A milling cutter can easily and quickly remove not only the thickness, but also the length;
- With its use, the shape of the nails is easily formed, giving it smoothness and ideal evenness;
- Thanks to this equipment, it is possible to thoroughly remove varnish from hard-to-reach places, including near the cuticle. Due to their abrasiveness, this is not always possible to achieve using files, at least without affecting the skin of the finger.
Many salon clients are wary of the method that involves the use of this equipment. They attribute this to the following shortcomings:
- During operation of the milling cutter, fine dust is generated, which can enter the respiratory system, and in some people can even cause allergic reactions;
- The possibility of injury, cuts, and a burning sensation. All these consequences can occur if the procedure is performed by an inexperienced technician who uses the equipment incorrectly.
To prevent dust from disturbing you during the process of removing nail coatings, tables in salons for performing the procedure are equipped with special vacuum cleaners that immediately remove it. A good means of protection is a mask.
Even at home, you can use a good device, with which the procedure will be successful.
This method of removing gel polish or shellac should not be used in the following cases:
- Having an allergy to dust. If you have one, inform the specialist about this when using the salon’s services. He will suggest you other nail polish removal methods;
- Increased sensitivity, thinning, existing injuries and other problems with the nail plate.
What will you need?
Minimum set of tools required:
- Fraser;
- Nozzle for him. It is better to use carbide, diamond or ceramic options. The latter is known for the fact that it is not prone to heating, and this protects against the possible occurrence of a burning sensation. This is of particular importance if the procedure is performed by a non-professional or a beginner in the field of manicure art.
How to remove gel polish?
There is an algorithm used by professional manicurists. You can also use this diagram on how to remove gel polish with a milling cutter:
- Wearing a protective glove, take the cutter in your hand and work with it, making smooth movements, going from the cuticle to the edge of the nail;
- Choose a speed and pressure that will effectively remove layers of just the polish itself, but leave the base (the base that is colorless) behind. The optimal speed is 12-20 thousand revolutions;
- When removing the coating along the edges of the plate close to the cuticle, try to work only with the tip of the device nozzle. This will allow you to carefully remove it without damaging the base layer and shape of the nail;
- When the process is completed, use a brush to remove the dust that has formed and settled on your hands, and treat them with a special moisturizing or alcohol solution.
Take into account the advice of experts on how to properly remove gel polish yourself at home using a router:
- You should not choose a low operating speed of the equipment, since it will not allow you to completely and efficiently remove the coating. At the same time, high speed can contribute to nail injury and a burning sensation;
- You should not perform chaotic movements. They should be smooth, confident, consistent. This is necessary not only to prevent dust from flying throughout the room, but also to ensure that the varnish is removed evenly;
- The pressure should be even. If you use different strengths, grooves will remain on the nail plate. By applying maximum effort, you can damage both the base itself and the base, which will then be needed in order to subsequently evenly apply a new coating;
- In order not to injure the skin around the nail, it should be moved aside, especially when treating its lateral areas;
- During the process, do not linger for a long time in the same area, so as not to cause any unpleasant sensations there. This allows you to remove layers evenly;
- Refrain from removing the base, not only because it will be needed to perform subsequent actions, but also because it protects the nail plate from perforation, brittleness and other damage;
- When performing the process with your non-working hand, turn the device into reverse mode so as not to harm the nail plate.
Why shouldn’t you be afraid of removing shellac with a machine?
Many salon visitors are afraid of just the sight of a rotating cutter, which is terribly similar to a device for drilling teeth. At the same time, there are various horror stories telling about the painfulness of the procedure or cases of sawing through the nail to the flesh.
But any experienced master will be able to tell you how to remove shellac in a salon using a machine. Moreover, everything is absolutely safe and also painless.
The device only removes the artificial coating; the cutter does not come into contact with the nail at all. An indicator to stop working with a cutter is the base coat, which is sanded with a soft buffer at the final stage. So no master will saw through the nail.
You don't have to worry about pain either. All that can be felt during the procedure is a slight tickling on the nail.
How long does the procedure take?
So, how long does it take to remove shellac in a salon? This procedure is much faster than application. Especially provided that it is performed by an experienced master.
But here everything depends on the chosen method.
Removing shellac coating with a remover will take from 20 to 40 minutes. It all depends on the chosen solvent - some soak shellac in 15 minutes, some compositions require half an hour. Plus, by this time, the master’s work itself, removing shellac from the nail, will take no more than 10 minutes.
Hardware removal of shellac is much faster. It will take no more than 15 minutes to cut off the coating with a cutter and polish the nails with a buff.
Removing gel polish at home: without foil, using caps
Foil is a substitute for modern devices, namely: caps, clips and clothespins; you can also add clips to this list. Both foil and all other devices perform the same function, the only question is the ease of use.
- Clamps, clips, clothespins are used to hold the fleece. They hold it tightly and prevent it from falling out.
- But we need to talk about the caps in more detail. This is an interesting invention, very easy to use, but so convenient - any woman will appreciate it.
- When using caps, we do not need any cotton wool or foil. We take the liquid that we will use to remove the coating and pour it directly into the cap, and then we put it on the nail.
Removal with caps
- Due to the fact that the liquid acts directly on the nail plate, the gel will come off faster and with better quality. Keep the marigolds in the caps for about 15 minutes.
- After completing the procedure, the caps must be cleaned of possible residues and liquid. Then fill the device with cuticle oil and put it on your fingers again. Leave the handles for about 7 minutes.
- With the help of such devices, the procedure is much faster and more interesting, so we recommend that you take advantage of these new technologies.
