{"id":32802,"date":"2018-06-16T10:00:43","date_gmt":"2018-06-16T08:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.treatwell.co.uk\/treatment-files\/?p=14194"},"modified":"2025-12-19T16:38:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T16:38:24","slug":"what-is-shellac-and-why-you-should-try-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.treatwell.co.uk/treatment-files\/what-is-shellac-and-why-you-should-try-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What is shellac? (and why you should try it)"},"content":{"rendered":"

This summer, my manicure will not fall victim to the perils of sand and swimming (or bobbing in a holiday pool). Heading overseas for a week or so, requires a mani\/pedi that stays <\/span>put. <\/span><\/i>Enter: shellac<\/a>. The hard-wearing polish is kind on nails <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>comes in all sorts of summertime shades<\/a> to perk up your fingertips for trips away, or embracing the sunshine at home. In case you need more persuading, here it is \u2013 everything you need to know about shellac (because there\u2019s simply no room in my carry-on for a bottle of nail polish…). <\/span><\/p>\n

By Rachel Spedding<\/p>\n

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What is shellac and how is it different from a gel manicure?<\/h3>\n

Shellac is a hybrid polish made from a mix of UV gel and traditional polish. It is applied in thinner layers, dries quickly, is kinder on nails than a standard gel manicure, and is easy to remove. Many people choose shellac for its durability and ease of application.<\/div>\n

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How long does a shellac manicure take and how long does it last?<\/h3>\n

A shellac manicure takes under 45 minutes to complete and typically lasts one to two weeks. Once applied and dried, the polish allows you to use your hands immediately without worrying about chipping, making it great for busy schedules or holidays.<\/div>\n

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How do you remove shellac safely?<\/h3>\n

The safest way to remove shellac is to return to the salon, where professionals soak your fingertips in acetone for around ten minutes before using a nail tool to push back the polish. This method causes minimal damage and usually includes light buffing and moisturising care afterward.<\/div>\n

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What does the application process for shellac look like?<\/h3>\n

During a shellac manicure, nails are buffed and filed, followed by a base coat, up to two coats of colour, and a top coat, each cured under a UV lamp. This multi-step process ensures a hard-wearing and glossy finish that’s ready for immediate use once completed.<\/div>\n

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Which shades of shellac can you choose from?<\/h3>\n

Shellac comes in many summertime shades to brighten your nails, whether you’re travelling or enjoying the sun at home. You can pick your preferred colour at the salon, tailoring your look to any occasion or mood.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This summer, my manicure will not fall victim to the perils of sand and swimming (or bobbing in a holiday pool). Heading overseas for a week or so, requires a mani\/pedi that stays put. Enter: shellac. The hard-wearing polish is kind on nails and comes in all sorts of summertime shades to perk up your […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3366,"featured_media":32808,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Shellac Manicure: Complete Guide to Application & Removal","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover how shellac manicure is applied, key benefits for lasting nails, how removal works, and why it's a top choice for holidays. Learn more on Treatwell.","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","saswp_custom_schema_field":"{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is shellac and how is it different from a gel manicure?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Shellac is a hybrid polish made from a mix of UV gel and traditional polish. It is applied in thinner layers, dries quickly, is kinder on nails than a standard gel manicure, and is easy to remove. Many people choose shellac for its durability and ease of application.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does a shellac manicure take and how long does it last?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A shellac manicure takes under 45 minutes to complete and typically lasts one to two weeks. Once applied and dried, the polish allows you to use your hands immediately without worrying about chipping, making it great for busy schedules or holidays.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you remove shellac safely?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The safest way to remove shellac is to return to the salon, where professionals soak your fingertips in acetone for around ten minutes before using a nail tool to push back the polish. This method causes minimal damage and usually includes light buffing and moisturising care afterward.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does the application process for shellac look like?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"During a shellac manicure, nails are buffed and filed, followed by a base coat, up to two coats of colour, and a top coat, each cured under a UV lamp. This multi-step process ensures a hard-wearing and glossy finish that's ready for immediate use once completed.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which shades of shellac can you choose from?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Shellac comes in many summertime shades to brighten your nails, whether you're travelling or enjoying the sun at home. You can pick your preferred colour at the salon, tailoring your look to any occasion or mood.\"}}]}","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-32802","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-beauty","8":"entry"},"acf":{"post_credits":"Image credits: Shutterstock, @basecoatsalon, @graffiti.beauty, @oliveandjune, @cnd_italia, Facebook cover: @jeannettehlee","beauty_blog_post_button_title":"","beauty_blog_post_button":"","landscape_picture":32807,"blocks":[{"block_title":"What is shellac?","block_content":"

Shellac is about as famous as that Big Mac you didn’t eat last night (ahem). The hardy polish has been prominent in the beauty industry for a long while, thanks to its ability to keep nails tip-top in both appearance and condition. The ‘hybrid’ formula of UV gel and traditional polish is applied in thinner layers, so dries quickly, is kinder on nails than a gel manicure<\/a> and is easy to remove. Sold. \u200b<\/p>\n","video_content":"","block_picture":32803},{"block_title":"How is it applied?","block_content":"

Easy – go to Treatwell<\/a>, click ‘shellac’ and book at your favourite salon. I jest (sort of). Here’s how it’s done:<\/p>\n\n