Uplifting your ego with a nail polish

Shellac is a brand name created by Creative Nail Design (CND). Shellac nail polish is a blend of nail polish and gel. Often times the term shellac has been confused with gel. When care for nails goes beyond the basic manicure, there are different options to choose from and this can be quite confusing.

It is important to note that while Acrylic and Gel and gel are often confused with shellac, people in the industry use the term shellac to differentiate between the three.

Acrylics and Gels

These are artificial nails that are placed on the natural nails. They can be filed to match the shape of the nails. Most times, they are used for nail extension. This process is known as Acrylic extension or Gel extension.

Acrylic and gels can help strengthen the natural nails, but however, prolonged use of these extensions tends to weaken the natural nails and cause it to break up. Why the two are closely similar and may be used for the same purpose, they are actually different products made from different ingredients and compositions and different application methods as well.

Acrylics

Acrylics are made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer which forms a hard protective layer over the natural nails. When exposed to the air, acrylic hardens up and is mostly transparent. A nail polish is added to give it a color of choice. There are various advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of acrylics. The advantages include Provision of a perfect canvas for the application of a nail polish, they are strong and robust, when applied they last longer and very easy to remove. Fixing them is easy and can be done at home.

While the advantages may seem pleasing, there are also disadvantages associated with the use of acrylic. Excessive use of acrylic can damage your nail bed when applied by non-professionals, acrylic may look less natural. The application method involves chemicals and fumes which may be harmful to the skin.

 Gels

Application of gels involves three steps which comprise of three layers namely the base coat, the colored polish and top coat. Each coat must be hardened with UV light for about three minutes. Some of the benefits of using gels include:

• They appear natural and glossy and maintain that freshly manicured look for a long time.
• Gels may last for up to 14 days before replacement.
• Gels have a fast curing time.
• Gels have high flexibility and as such are easier to remove
• Gel mixtures are free from the fumes associated with acrylic nails.

Some of the turn-offs of Gels include:

• Gels are very expensive; they are the most expensive of all the artificial nails
• It is very difficult to fix a broken nail at home. Professional hands are needed in cases where nails are broken.
• When frequently used, removal of the gel may cause minor or severe nail damage.

Reasons to consider using a shellac nail polish

Before choosing a nail polish, there are various reasons to put into consideration, reasons such as costs, amount of effort and care needed for each process and time factor. Below are the following reasons why many people decide to go for a shellac nail polish:

• Shellac is thin and strong which provides the needed flexibility and durability
• Since they are made from a blend of nail polish and gel, they maintain the natural and gloss associated with gels.
• Shellac can last for up to 14 days before a replacement is needed.
• The removal technique for shellac is mainly by acetone wraps which are less harmful to the nails as it does not dry up the nails or cause it to tear and thin out.

Disadvantages of using shellac

• Shellac cannot be used to strengthen and lengthen nails.
• Purchase of this product is not easy as they are sold to only licensed professionals.
• Removal of shellac involves a special process and as such cannot be repaired or removed at home.
• Shellac requires a healthy nail bed and therefore is not meant for everybody.

Cost of a nail polish change

The real cost of a nail polish change is not only equated in the amount of money spent but also the time factor. While a simple nail polish gel change may last up to 100 minutes, more complex looks with a lot of blends of color may involve a lot of time and professionalism to get that much-needed look.

The cost of a nail polish change may vary from place to place, while a decent nail polish change may vary from place to place starting from 10 dollars to 35 dollars, the kind of look you are hoping to attain also can also contribute to the amount of money you are going to spend on a nail polish. A simple one color nail polish gel starts at about 35 dollars which is far higher than a regular manicure but lasts as twice as long. For those aiming for that super celebrity level look with a lot of blends of color, the cost of a nail polish change may sower as high as 100 dollar or 120 dollars excluding tips and other minor expenses that may occur.

Walking into a salon for a nail polish tend may cost a lot more as a lot of factors are put into consideration. There are professionals however who work from home and their prices are sometimes a little cheaper than what is attainable in salons.

Nguồn: Sưu tầm Internet