I don’t typically get professional manicures for one reason and one reason alone: they usually don’t last much longer than if I paint my nails myself. Sure, they look better, appear healthier and are a very nice treat, but I’m low maintenance and I’m hard on my nails. However, when I heard about the Shellac manicure at InSpa, a process that uses a special polish, a UV light and your natural nail, I thought it might be the perfect solution for me. I jumped at the opportunity to try one.
The Shellac nail colors
Hulu performed my Shellac manicure at the InSpa at University Village. Before we began, Hulu helped me choose a shade of Shellac for my manicure. I settled on a deep cherry red, “Decadence,” but was tempted to layer the colors with glittery tones for a different look. Hulu mentioned that some customers opt to have a Shellac base coat with an OPI color layered on. This greatly increases your color options, but your manicure might not last quite as long.
Next, Hulu thoroughly cleaned, trimmed and shaped my nails and nail beds. Alcohol and acetone were used to thoroughly ensure that there was no remaining oil, allowing the Shellac to adhere strongly to the nail. Hulu first used a base coat then applied two coats of Shellac polish (some manicures require three coats) and finished with a top coat. I put my hands into the light box for two minutes between each step.
After the top coat had processed, Hulu used alcohol to “wipe” over each nail. Before this step the nails were sticky, but afterward they were perfectly smooth and dry, leaving the color exactly the same.
I kept the polish on my nails for three whole weeks. At the end of that time, I chose to remove the polish because I had experienced substantial grow out and there was a rather large strip of natural nail showing. The polish had held up so well that if it hadn’t of been for the growth, I would have kept it on. I got so many compliments when I had my nails done and I loved never having to worry about chipping my polish.
Shellac manicures should be removed at InSpa by a professional so you don’t damage your nails. InSpa offers removal and manicure reapplication packages perfect for this. See price lists for Washington here, and California here.
Overall, I loved my manicure. Shellac manicures save you time because you don’t have to go into the salon as frequently. They last up to two weeks (mine lasted three), are very durable and are instantly dry—you can immediately put your hand into your handbag to grab your wallet or keys!
A nail station at InSpa at University Village
To see a listing of stores offering Shellac manicures, click here.
So, have you gotten Shellac’d? What was your experience?
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