Shellac Alert!
As Shellac manicures become more popular, so do knock-off products and shady application techniques. It’s not unusual now to hear that someone’s gone in for a Shellac gel manicure only to find out later that what’s on their nails isn’t Shellac, or any reputable gel for that matter.
The above brands are examples of Shellac impostors. The issue with fake Shellac is that some salons try to cut corners by using cheap copy-cat products and equipment that haven’t been purchased from the authorised distributors but still advertise their treatments as genuine CND Shellac.
Some clients tell us that they have had Shellac before but had problems such as it not lasting beyond a couple of days, the colour faded, it took half an hour to remove or it left their natural nails damaged.
To help consumers avoid nail damage and the risk of having weird chemicals affixed to their nails, CND Shellac has come out with its own salon certification system, and we’ve assembled tips for discerning whether your salon uses authentic application and removal methods. See the guidelines below.
1. Filing or Drilling is a huge red flag
No one should ever abrade your nails while applying or removing gel polish. If they pull out a file, scissors, drill or any other cutting tool, you should get out of there immediately.
2. Look for labels
Ask to see the gel colours your salon has available and look at the labels. If the polish bottle does not say CND Shellac, it’s not the real thing, which means they are compromising your service with polishes that have unknown components that have sub par results, just say no.
3. One brand should rule them all
Don’t let anyone mix systems on you, so if someone just used a Shellac base coat on you, they shouldn’t try to put some other brand polish on over it. They aren’t meant to be used together, and it’s not clear what the effects on quality and removal might be.
4. Gels don’t “soak off”
When you’re having your gels removed, your esthetician should never try to soak your hands in a bowl of acetone. Gel polish comes off with specific gel remover wraps or by using acetone-dipped cotton balls and tin foil to wrap nails. It’s gentler and it’s what gel-trained esthetician know they’re supposed to do.
5. Seek out the seal
If you’re on the hunt for Shellac, look for the CND seal of approval on the window of your salon. CND actually sends brand ambassadors to salons to ensure that they’re using the right methods.
At Vixen Nails•Salon•Spa we only use top of the line industry standard products to give you optimal results! Other gel polish brands such as Gelish, Gelicure, Gellac, Geiify or Geleze are just some of the other brands that do not provide you the reputable quality that CND Shellac is well-renowned for.
