How to make shellac for yourself: step-by-step instructions, photos, ideas for manicure

How to make shellac yourself at home? How not to spend a large amount of money on the services of an experienced specialist? You can learn about this and much more from the following material.

Shellac is a new manicure technique. It is not as harmful as the classic method of nail extension. At the moment, applying gel polish to the feet is rapidly replacing other methods of design and treatment of the nail plate. Many ladies of various ages who try to follow fashion use the services of manicurists when they want to get shellac done. No matter how complicated the process may seem, you can do it yourself at home.

What is shellac?

Shellac is a logical, consistent way to extend gel nails. During the procedure, a set of polymers is used, each of which has the properties of both a varnish and a special gel.

The composition of the coating applied to the nails includes the following components:

Film former. When this substance hardens, it forms a dense coating that is not afraid of any mechanical stress. The component is considered the basis of any type of shellac.
Photoinitiator. This substance absorbs the sun's rays, thanks to which the varnish hardens faster.
Pigment . The shade that is the main component of shellac. Using pigment, you can give your nails a certain shade.
Thinners . Components that allow you to adjust the consistency of the varnish.
Supplements . These components enhance and regulate the quality of the varnish. Thanks to additives, the color becomes more intense and resistant to abrasion.
Shellac looks like a medium liquid mass. The color of this mass may vary. It all depends on the pigment present in the composition. To get a new, unusual shade, you can mix several gel polishes at once.
The varnish dries using a special UV lamp. A coating that dries under other influences is not very stable. Shellac has increased strength. It can be stored for at least 14 days, while maintaining its original appearance.

Type of manicure

Manicure ideas

There are gel manicure ideas You can choose a plain gel polish, which can be either matte or glossy.

The classic options are always relevant - the French manicure and the so-called lunar, reverse manicure. Recently, “cat eye” gel polish coating has become popular, which uses a special magnet, and as a result, beautiful shimmers on the nails are obtained.

As for drawings, you can draw anything you want . It can be polka dots, flowers, floral designs. For those who are not at all confident in their ability to draw, special nail stickers are offered that allow you to easily and quickly get a beautiful design on your nails.

What you need for a shellac manicure: important tools, materials

For a shellac manicure there is a basic kit that includes tools and materials. Thanks to this set, you can create an exquisite manicure yourself at home:

UV lamp. The power of such a light bulb should be 36 W. If you have a lamp with a lower power, the varnish may begin to peel off over time. Consequently, you will end up with an ugly manicure.
Degreaser . Most often, such substances are sold in the same store where all shellac components are sold. If you can't find one, use regular medical alcohol.
Base coat. Try to choose a high quality foundation.
Shellac of the required color.
Finish coating. You also need to choose quality material.
Orange stick.
Napkins that have no lint. The fact is that the lint can ruin your manicure. You will have to remove the shellac layer and then reapply it. You will need wipes to remove the sticky layer at the final stage.
A liquid used to remove shellac.

When choosing, pay attention to the CND brand. The company sells high-quality material for creating shellac. The fact is that the manufacturer is responsible for the quality of its own products and provides a guarantee for each product.

Basic and additional materials
You can, of course, buy material of lower quality. But with such products you may not get a beautiful, long-lasting manicure. If you save, you won’t be able to get an excellent result - a beautiful, long-lasting, elegant manicure.

What tools and equipment will be required?

Shellac is a very complex procedure, and it is best to do it in a salon, with an experienced specialist. But “it’s not the gods who burn the pots,” so if you have certain skills, you can do it yourself at home. To do this, you need to know step-by-step instructions for beginners and have special tools and an ultraviolet lamp for drying manicure.

To apply shellac at home you will need some tools and supplies.

First of all, you will need: a base for applying the base layer, shellac coating and a fixative. Professionals recommend using a base and base coat from the same shellac category, preferably from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a risk that the desired result will not be achieved.

In addition, you must have:

antibacterial agent;
orange wood spatula or stick;
nail file;
manicure scissors;
Bondex, a product for improved adhesion;
cuticle cleaner;
sanding file.

How to properly make your own shellac nails: preparatory stages

So, having prepared all the necessary tools and materials for a shellac manicure, you can begin the preparatory stages. This includes preparing the nail plates.

Preliminary manipulations consist of the following steps:

Treat the cuticles on your fingers.
Form the nail shape that you like best.
Polish your nails. This procedure is considered mandatory. Thanks to it, the shellac and the surface of the nail plate adhere better.
Treat your nails with an antibacterial agent. It will degrease your nails and ensure even application of the polish.
Apply a layer of base coat.
Warm your nails under a UV lamp to fix the gel polish. The warm-up time should be approximately 30 seconds.

What will happen to your nails after applying shellac?

No matter how safe the shellac procedure is for nails, restorative measures are still necessary. After all, everyone changes their underwear every day, but the nail remains in a kind of shell for a long time. So, if yellowish spots appear on the surface of the nail plate or the nail is somewhat deformed, then urgent measures should be taken.

You can revive your nails in a nail salon or use home remedies , which is generally preferable since they are inexpensive and accessible:

Make lotions from heated olive oil throughout the week. Nails will receive additional nutrition and hydration, which means they will maintain a healthy appearance.
A piece of lemon, which should be rubbed daily on the surface of the nail, can work wonders. Essential oils and vitamin C will restore shine and eliminate flaking and brittleness.
A bath with sea salt will get rid of a possible fungal infection. It is advisable to do the procedure every day, for 10-15 minutes.

Sea salt baths are recommended for restoring the nail plate after shellac

Shellac at home for beginners step by step: base coating

Covering your nails after preparing them begins with applying a base. This layer protects nails from the negative effects of the pigment layer. In addition, the base makes the adhesion of the polish and nail much better.

step by step
according to the following instructions:

Paint the left edge of the nail plate.
Paint the right edge.
Apply the base in the center of the nail.
Before moving on to the next step, make sure that the edges of each nail are carefully “sealed.”
Thanks to this technique, you will evenly distribute the base over your nails without catching the skin.

The entire database processing procedure consists of the following steps:

To begin, twist . This way you will warm up the base, after which it will lie evenly on the nails.
Apply foundation. Make sure the layer is not too thick. Otherwise, the base will take longer to harden, which can cause unwanted stains on your nails.
Dry your nails for 30 seconds.

Why choose shellac

Women have long appreciated the durability and dazzling beauty of shellac coating: it does not require “repair” or repainting for at least 2 weeks. During this period, the durable gel, applied in stages using a unique technology, is not afraid of scratches and chips. This prospect, of course, pleases working and traveling women, who just need to take classes in how to apply shellac, learn how to do an exclusive manicure on their own and enjoy it for half a month.

You can learn how to do this correctly by watching video tutorials for beginners on how to coat nails with silk. All the fair sex needs is to carefully review the lessons and follow the recommendations of experts step by step. But first you need to stock up on full equipment to apply shellac yourself.

How to apply shellac?

This layer makes your nails the color you want. To properly apply shellac, follow these instructions:

Apply a thin layer of product. Do not seal the edges of your nails.
Dry the shellac under the lamp for approximately 3 minutes.
Next, reapply shellac . You can apply the same varnish or use a different color. With this technique, an original, unusual drawing is obtained.
Hold your painted nails under a special lamp for approximately 3 minutes.

Keep in mind that each layer of shellac must be thin enough, otherwise the varnish will begin to swell and bubbles will form underneath.

The layer should be thin

Before applying the varnish, check what condition it is in - the product should not be very thick. Varnish can deteriorate over time if you store it incorrectly.
Make sure that the cap on the tube is screwed on well. Store the varnish only in a dark place where the temperature is no more than +25°C.

Shellac manicure: how to apply decorative elements correctly?

The scheme and method of applying decor during a manicure with shellac is almost no different from decorating nails during a manicure with ordinary varnish. But here, after applying the decorations, you should also re-coat your nails with a finishing coat of varnish.

The decor on the nails during a shellac manicure can look like:

Ribbon, stripe.
Ornaments.
Various patterns.
Images.
Applying several shades of varnish at once.
Glitter and so on.

Images

Ribbons

Stones

Glitter and powder

Volumetric drawing

Three-dimensional drawing on nails is a separate form of art . Wearing three-dimensional images of flowers, birds, and patterns on your nails is no less an art.

If you wash the dishes every evening, then such an exquisite manicure may not stand up, and the exquisite modeling created on the nail will break.

Essentially, a three-dimensional design is the creation of a three-dimensional image on the nail using varnishes, gels, special powder and additional designer decorations.

It is also possible to create a three-dimensional drawing with shellac. It should be borne in mind that the splendor created by the master will decorate your nails for an average of about three days.

The final stage of a shellac manicure is applying the top.

During the final stage of the manicure, the last layer, the top coat, is applied with shellac. This procedure is performed as follows:

Apply top coat in a thick layer. Seal each open edge of your nails with topcoat. This way the colored varnish will be in a closed “vessel”.
Dry your nails. The drying time under a special lamp should be approximately 2 minutes.
Take a lint-free cloth and a special product. Remove the sticky layer.
If you don’t have a means to remove the sticky layer, acetone or ordinary alcohol will do. But these substances can ruin your manicure. Therefore, use them extremely carefully.

Shellac lamp

A lamp plays a big role in manicure using shellac . The process of drying a nail is called polymerization. For this process, one of three types of lamps will suit us:

Ultraviolet;
LED;
Gas-light, cold cathode.

The most popular are ultraviolet lamps, largely due to the fact that they were the first. LED lamps carry out the polymerization process much faster.

Where an ultraviolet lamp requires 2 minutes, an LED lamp requires 2 seconds. But it should be borne in mind that LED lamps do not dry all types of gels and varnishes.

Cold cathode lamps are considered the most functional today.

This lamp dries all existing varnishes, does not have a negative effect on the skin of the hands, and polymerizes quickly enough.

How to properly apply shellac at home: secrets

Making your nails beautiful can sometimes be very difficult, especially when it comes to shellac. If you are a beginner, you can use the detailed instructions above, but it may not be enough for you. After all, you are not familiar with the secrets that real professionals know.

To get the perfect manicure, experts recommend using the following tips:

To evenly distribute the glitter on the surface of the nail, mix it with a small amount of transparent base. Mix the mixture thoroughly, then apply a second layer of jewelry to your nails.
To make your manicure last longer, apply shellac in a thin layer. Avoid touching the cuticles to keep your manicure looking neat.
To do a French manicure, do not use stencils. After all, after drying the varnish, it will be difficult for you to remove them. If you remove the stencils before the gel has dried, it may run.
If you use shellac to extend your nails, do not file the entire nail down. Just sand .
To remove cuticles, experts advise using a special product. However, if the cuticles are not very noticeable, then take an orange stick and use it to push back the cuticles on your fingers.

Instructions for home

When buying a UV lamp , pay special attention to the power of the equipment. The best option is a 36 W lamp. In this case, the varnish will dry quite quickly.
Any correction must be carried out under this mandatory condition - the nail plate must be dry. Even a gentle file will not be able to keep wet nails intact.
Use cuticle oil every day. Apply it in the morning, then in the evening. Only in this case will you not get hangnails on your fingers.
Before visiting a beauty salon, first treat your nails. If your nails are sick, shellac will only make the problem worse. The nails will begin to break, peel, and fungus may appear.
Do not apply hand cream before applying shellac.

Stage 4. Nail design

Now you can move on to the designs. Since we make the coating at home and are not professionals, it would be logical to use the simplest designs. But don't be discouraged, they are very stylish and impressive!

For example:

slider designs;
stickers;
foil.

Slider design Ibdi_Nails AIR FOIL 13

Stickers F660 Leaves gold

Foil for casting gold 4 cm*1 m RocheNail

In addition to the designs themselves, we may need a top coat to secure the sliders or glue for the foil.

Top for designs Factor Lianail 10 ml

Glue for foil ARTEX 15 ml

Now let's look at how to make each of the proposed design options.

Slider designs:

Those nails on which we will attach slider designs do not need to be covered with topcoat;
Soak the pre-cut slider design in water, dry it on a napkin, then separate the film from the backing;
Apply the base coat. We do not dry it;
We plant the design on an undried base coat. In order not to damage the slider design when smoothing it over the nail, you can use a brush or silicone hoof;
Dry the base coat together with the slider design in a lamp;
Apply a topcoat to secure the sliders. Dry it in a lamp.

Stickers:

If they are used, it is necessary to remove the sticky layer from the coating;
Remove the sticker from the backing, cut it if necessary, and apply it to the nail plate;
Cover with topcoat and dry in a lamp.

Foil:

If you decide to use foil as a design, then after applying gel polish you do not need to use a top coat;
We firmly press the matte side of the foil to the sticky layer of dried gel polish and sharply tear it off. Dry in a lamp;
We apply the top coat and dry it again in the lamp.

TIP: if the stickiness of the gel polish is not enough and the foil does not print, then you should use a special glue for foil.

It's very easy to use. Remove the sticky layer from the colored coating, apply glue to the surface of the nail and wait until it becomes transparent. This means the glue has dried. Then we print the foil as described above, secure it with topcoat and dry it.

Benefits of shellac manicure

As you can already understand, shellac has many positive aspects. Among them we highlight the following:

looks just as good on short nails as it does on long nails. This method makes it possible to paint nails to the required length.
Since shellac is considered a natural remedy, thanks to it, nails are strengthened breaking .
Shellac can last on nails for quite a long time. Many women wear this manicure for almost 3 weeks.
To remove shellac, you need a special product. This means that nails coated with this method are not afraid of various household chemicals.
Thanks to shellac, nails become shiny . The shine on them can last for quite a long period without fading over time.
Companies that produce shellac products try to closely follow fashion. Therefore, the palette of varnish colors is regularly updated. On sale you can always find both classic shades and bright, interesting, avant-garde tones of gel polishes.
The main advantage of shellac is that this method of painting nails is considered completely safe . The main components of shellac contain no formaldehyde. That is why such a manicure can be done not only by girls prone to allergies, but also by pregnant women.
If you suddenly get tired of shellac , you can remove it yourself at home. To do this, purchase a gel polish remover or film in advance from a specialized store. Then carefully study the instructions for beginners , and only after that clean your nails of polish.

Depends on the mood

Gently

Unusual

Bright

Blue

Reds

The main mistakes when applying shellac

In order for a manicure with shellac to last longer on your nails, you must follow the instructions for applying it. By performing all the steps consistently, you will ensure a long-lasting and beautiful manicure for at least 3 weeks.

So, do not make the following mistakes when applying shellac:

Don't forget to lubricate the cuticle with softening oil. This will help keep your manicure neat and tidy for a longer period.
Do not mix varnishes from different companies. Nail coatings from different manufacturers differ in composition and structure. The stages of applying and removing shellac complement each other to create an even and durable finish. If you experiment with different manufacturers, the products may “come into conflict.” For example, the primer may not work, and then the coating will not adhere to the nail. The result is that the shellac will peel off within a few days.
Do not remove your hands from the UV lamp before a special signal sounds. The timer is set to ensure that the coating dries to the required degree.
Do not remove shellac yourself. Without knowing all the subtleties, you can damage your nail plate. If you are going to remove shellac at home, use a special remover.
Do not tear off any peeling edges. If you see that the gel polish has peeled off somewhere, do not bite your nails or remove the shellac. You may damage the top layer of the nail plate. It is better to correct this nail at home.

By following the recommendations and instructions outlined in the article, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting manicure with shellac.

Share with your friends!

Read us in the Zen channel

Disadvantages of shellac manicure

Everything that exists on our planet has negative sides. Shellac was no exception. There are few disadvantages to manicure, but you should definitely know about them:

The shellac procedure is quite expensive . Correction can also cost you a decent amount. So if your nails are growing quickly, accept that you may be incurring additional costs.
The next negative side of shellac is the following - despite the fact that manufacturers claim that the coating is very durable, due to high temperature, nails can expand and then shrink, returning to their original size.
Due to warm water while washing dishes or taking a bath, nails can become deformed, resulting in micro-cracks in the coating. Due to such cracks, dirt can get under the varnish, causing the development of bacteria.
Shellac can stay on nails for a long time, so microbes have a lot of time to develop and damage the nails. If you want to avoid such consequences, try to do all your homework with gloves.

The service is expensive

Long periods of wear can promote the development of bacteria

How to do a manicure with Cat's Eye shellac?

This type of manicure is considered very popular. By using a varnish that contains metal particles in the procedure, you can create unusual patterns that resemble a cat’s eye.

For this design, prepare the following materials:

Varnish. It should be green.
Magnet.

If you don't have a special magnet, then take a regular one.

Cat's eye
The process of creating such a manicure consists of the following steps:

For shellac, prepare your nails and apply a base.
Dry the base under a UV lamp.
Apply a special green varnish and dry it too.
Reapply the polish and hold the magnet near it. The metal particles will form an unusual pattern.

If you approach the magnet with its edge, you will get a pattern in the form of stripes. By twisting the magnet, you will get an interesting pattern that resembles a cat's eye. At the very end, coat the varnish with topcoat.

Shellac: French manicure

Perform French shellac using this method according to the following instructions:

Initially, remove the cuticles, give the nails the desired shape, remove the oily layer.
Apply primer.
Next, cover your nails with a thin layer of base.
Dry your nails under the lamp for approximately 3 minutes.
Use a special cloth to remove the sticky layer that forms after drying.
Paint your nails with the desired color.
Carefully draw "smiles".
Cover your nails with base coat.

French
Creating shellac at home is an easy procedure even for beginners. If you follow our instructions, you will definitely get a beautiful manicure.

You can find out more about manicure here:

Manicure yourself at home, with or without varnish
Hot manicure at home
Designs and ideas for purple manicure
Emerald manicure
Beautiful knitted manicure
Manicure with hearts