Understanding What Shellac Is And Why It’s Difficult To Remove

The Composition Of Shellac

Shellac is a compound that's derived from the secretions of the female lac bug. It's often used in woodworking due to its durability and marvelous finish. In recent years, it has found its way into the beauty industry, specifically in nail treatments due to its ability to provide a high gloss finish that can last up to two weeks without chipping. Knowing its composition aids in understanding the unique properties that make it stickier and tougher than regular nail polish, hence making it more challenging to remove.

Pros And Cons Of Shellac Nails

Unlike regular nail polish, shellac is lauded for its longer-lasting shine and strength, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a manicure or pedicure that can withstand daily wear and tear. However, its durability comes with a downside as the removal process can be challenging. This is because shellac dries to a hard, plastic-like finish that can't be easily wiped off with regular nail polish remover, unlike traditional nail polish.

Why Shellac Is Difficult To Remove

As aforementioned, shellac's unique composition gives it a much stronger bond to your nails compared to regular nail polish. This strong bond makes it resistant to traditional nail polish removers which are typically designed to breakdown and dissolve weaker polish bonds. This has led many to resort to mechanical removal - a process that can damage the nail bed if not done correctly.

Professional Methods For Shellac Removal

Salon Shellac Removal

We'll begin by examining the professional method of shellac removal which is likely to be the most effective but can sometimes be costly and time-consuming. The process includes a soak-off technique, where the nails are wrapped in cotton pads soaked in a special acetone solution and wrapped in aluminium foil. This procedure can take up to thirty minutes as the acetone needs enough time to penetrate and break down the stubborn shellac coating.

Professional Nail Kits

Professional nail kits are another alternative designed to replicate the salon process at home. These kits typically contain acetone-soaked pads or strips, a buffer to buff off the glossy layer of shellac which aids in quicker and more effective acetone absorption, and cuticle oil to moisturise the nails after removal.

Revisiting The Salon

Shellac is made to last, and hence its removal can be a daunting task for many. That's why some people opt to return to the nail salon for the removal process. This option ensures that the removal is done by professionals and can guarantee that your nails will be properly taken care of, but keep in mind the cost associated with the service.

Do-It-Yourself Methods For Shellac Removal

DIY Shellac Removal With Acetone

Acetone is the key ingredient needed to effectively remove shellac at home. For this method, you'll need pure acetone (which can be found in most drugstores), cotton pads, foil, a nail file, and a cuticle pusher or orange stick. The process is quite similar to the soak-off technique used in salons and involves filing, soaking, wrapping, waiting, and scraping.

Shellac Removal Without Acetone

If you are uncomfortable with the use of harsh chemicals or you have skin sensitivity, then an acetone-free shellac removal method will work best for you. This method, however, is generally more time-consuming and requires more effort. It involves primarily the use of a nail file and buffer to gently wear down the shellac layer by layer.

Tips For Safely Removing Shellac

While the DIY methods of shellac removal can indeed save you a visit to the salon, it's important to note that they should be done with caution as improper shellac removal can lead to serious damage to your natural nails. In this segment, we provide tips for shellac removal without causing harm to your nails, such as taking breaks in between removals, ensuring adequate moisture, and avoiding excessive force during scraping.