One of my favorite things to do when I feel like pampering myself (besides buy a new pair of shoes) is to get a manicure.
Its takes no time at all. It’s very relaxing, and it makes my hands look and feel awesome.
The problem with this lovely process is that I then have to sit still until the polish dries. Well, if you have ever met me you would automatically know that sitting still for any real length of time, is a difficult task for me.
I think for many of you it is the same. Even if you are at home, painting your own nails, it can become a challenge, and who wants to pay for a marvelous mani that gets ruined before you leave the salon?
Well, the wait is over. There is finally a natural nail product that is dry instantly and lasts up to two weeks with no damage to the nail.
That’s correct. You’ve read it correctly. Now, sit down and breath a beauty sigh of relief, and I’ll tell you what I know. Creative Nail Design or CND are the makers of a product called Shellac. Several years in R&D they produced a wonderful soak of hybrid nail color. It has properties of a gel overlay, but ease of use like a regular polish. Adding strength to your natural nails and providing a glass like shine that won’t damage your natural nail at all!
These soak-off manicures look like polish but last longer, because they are cured onto the nail with an ultraviolet lamp. They must be applied and removed by a professional, and the procedures will cost a bit more than a standard mani, or pedi.
A manicurist paints on a base coat, two color coats and top coat, just like a regular manicure or pedicure service. After each coat, shellac is cured under ultraviolet light, so you leave with completely dry nails.
No more flip-flops in the snow after your pedicure!
Removal takes ten minutes, and may be tricky to do at home. Pads moist with acetone or a specially made remover are placed on the fingernail or toenail and worn for 10 minutes.
Then the nail color flakes off and can be wiped away.
We are super excited to be launching this new service in our salon, which also includes a French polish which reduces the appearance of outgrowth when you get to the end of the two weeks, and our favorite Shellac application is what we call “Rock Star.”
It is a layer of glitter that is embedded into the polish! It’s so sparkly and shiny you won’t be able to resist trying this version! While the service lasts longer for some than other types of nails expect to wear the color your choose for two weeks.
My good friend Susan Hughes at Salon Bijou is very hyped up about over there, just like we are. So call your favorite nail pal and get in quick. This is a blast! You are going to love it!
