How to Refresh Shellac Nails at Home

Now that we’re entering our fifth week of home quarantine, things are getting real. Hair is growing back in all the wrong places, and sometimes in a colour we don’t like, and our nail polish is clinging on for dear life. The bad news is, we’re not sure when this will all be over so we can hit the speed dial for our favourite nail and hair salons. The good news is, there are solutions - stop gap measures, mind you - until things return to normal again. Especially when it comes to getting a refresh on your nails.

If you’re just using regular nail polish, then it’s pretty simple to get a refresh. It’s as easy as a) removing the existing colour; b) filing, shaping and buffing your nails c) soaking your nails to soften the cuticles and then gently pushing them back; and d) reapplying polish - base coat, polish colour, top coat. 

Now if you have shellac nails, however, it’s a bit more challenging. Until now. 

Nearly a year ago, I started buying up the tools and equipment necessary to refresh my own shellac nails at home. I just couldn’t keep up with the expensive visits to the salon every 4 to 5 weeks (and sometimes shorter). So I started to research everything I needed from tools to devices to polishes, etc. I realized that it was super easy to set up your own home nail salon, especially since you can have everything delivered to you via Amazon. These days, I have everything I need to do my own shellac nails at home and I couldn’t be more thankful, given the current global situation around COVID-19 and our stay-at-home orders. Keep in mind that once in a while, I still like being pampered and have an expert do my shellac nails, especially if there’s nail art involved. Most of the time, though, I prefer to do my own.

So if you’re interested in setting up your own home nail salon to do shellac nails, the following is everything you’ll need.

Existing Shellac Polish Removal

You’ll need:

a) Shellac polish removal fluid. I much prefer to use the CND brand versus just a plain acetone which is extremely drying for the nails. Try CND Offly Fast Moisturizing Remover 7.5 oz CAD$27.99 

b) Emery board. You can get these from any drugstore or pharmacy, or Walmart. But if you want them delivered, try Double-Sided Nail Files, CAD$15.40

c) Foil wraps with cotton squares built in. I personally use CND but they’re a bit more expensive. There are many other brands out there, like VAGA Foil wraps with cotton squares, set of 100 CAD$8.99

d) Cuticle pusher (preferably stainless steel). Try Rui Smiths Hypoallergenic Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher, CAD$21.39

As a blogger, I get introduced to a number of beauty brands and CND is my brand of choice when it comes to nail polish, removal solutions, and nourishing oils. I’m not affiliated in any way, so this is not a sponsored post. But I like CND compared to other brands like OPI because it’s more gentle on my nails and it comes off much more easily. I find OPI adheres much harder on the nail bed. I can’t speak to the science of it as I’m not a licensed nail technician, but I can only tell you about my own, personal experiences.

To remove your polish:

1. Soak the cotton squares of the foil wrap with the CND moisturizing remover. (Note: before you start, and depending on the brand of your shellac polish, you may wish to use an emery board and gently buff off the shiny layer to ease the penetration of the shellac removal solution. If you use CND polish, this step won’t be required).

2. Wrap the foil around your fingers, with the cotton squares fully covering the nail bed. Wait up to 15 minutes.

3. Remove the foil wrap. The polish should be peeling significantly off the nail bed. If it’s not (can be the case if you’ve used 3 coats of shellac polish), leave the foil wrap on for a bit longer.

4. Using the cuticle pusher, gently push away the polish that should now be lifted off the nail bed entirely.

5. Wash your hands, dry and apply hand lotion and cuticle oil.

Applying and Curing Shellac Polish

You’ll need:

a) UV Nail Dryer, like Dulcii Professional 54W Nail Dryer, CAD$78.50 - there are many different ones available on Amazon. The one I purchased is no longer available but you can find other brands that are highly rated, like this one.

b) Shellac base coat and top coat. As I mentioned above, my preference is the CND Shellac line, and it’s best to buy it together as a combo. CAD$38.59

c) Shellac color polish. There are many websites that sell CND polishes. On Amazon, you can simply type in ‘CND shellac nail polish” and it’ll bring up a whole long list of colour options. Prices vary, from CAD$20.63. You can also search for non-CND polishes on Amazon too.

d) Ispropyl Alcohol. You should be able to purchase this from your local pharmacy. 

To apply your polish:

1. Using a buffer block, remove all the ridges on the top of your nail bed.

2. Shape your nails using an emery board, as needed. 

3. Wipe your nails with regular nail polish to clean off any debris.

4. Apply a thin coat of Shellac base coat to one hand. Place under the UV lamp to cure for 30 seconds, minimum. Repeat on the other hand.

5. Apply a thin coat of Shellac color to one hand. Place under UV lamp and cure for 2 minutes. Repeat on the other hand.

6. Apply a second coat of Shellac color to one hand. Place under UV lamp and cure for 2 minutes.  Repeat on the other hand.

7. Apply a thin coat of Shellac Top Coat to one hand. Place under UV lamp and cure for 3 minutes. Repeat on the other hand.

8. Remove the tacky, filmy layer with a lint-free cotton pad soaked with 99% isopropyl alcohol. 

You may need to practice this new way of polish application quite a few times before you get it right, and that’s okay. Also, you’ll notice that it’s definitely an investment when you add up the individual tools, equipment and polishes required. So you’ll need to decide for yourself if it makes sense for you in the long run. One thing I do like about doing my own shellac nails is that if I want to change colour within a week, I can do that easily. So having that flexibility may count for something. One more note: I use Amazon because I’m a Prime member so I take advantage of free shipping. That said, you may have a favourite, local boutique that supplies similar products so I encourage you to purchase from them (#shoplocal) if you are able to do so during this time and if it makes sense. 

Have fun!