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Wednesday 8 February 2012

SHELLAC MANICURE - Blush Salon

Can I just say that I am SO impressed this is available in Lagos. This is the best thing that has happened to my 'nail-polishing' experience!

In my quest for lasting nail-polish I initially went down the 'wrapping' route. I used to get my nails wrapped, which is a process similar to the acrylic process, minus the extensions. My experience with that was HORRIBLE. My nail-bed was terribly weakened and my nails were left in horrific conditions. Goes without saying, I'll never try that again, EVER!. When my friend told me about the Shellac Manicure she got I was a little apprehensive, because she said she placed her hands under some 'light'. I thought they would have to file my nail-bed and make it coarse before they applied anything, that is the WORST thing anyone could willingly allow happen to their nails. All you ladies who love acrylic nails, I canNOT understand how you allow this. Anyways.....

In order to write-up this post, I had to do some minor research online, nothing tedious just a little 'google-action', just so I could get the right terms to use.



I'll describe a Shellac Manicure as awesomeness. If you are like me and your nails are pretty decent and you do not need any enhancements (eg.acrylic/gel nails), you would love this too! Shellac is a hybrid manicure, meaning it is  half nail-polish, half gel. The product is thin and strong enough to be applied just like a regular nail polish, but is cured using a UV lamp which makes it last for up to 14days. And it leaves a nice shiny, glossy finish!

A week ago I went in to Blush to meet up with my girls and as I was waiting around I thought I'd get a Shellac Manicure, since I wasn't doing anything. And I have got NO REGRETS. Here's a step by step guide on how it went down. The entire process took about 30mins.




First off I picked out a colour... No surprises it was PINK! :)



My nail polish was taken off and nails filed and buffed and then this was applied. It is the Shellac Base Coat.



After it was applied my nails were popped under the UV lamp, one hand after the other.



The first coat of the Shellac Colour was applied and it was back under the UV lamp for 2mins.





The 2nd coat aaaaaaand, repeat as before.



Then the top coat was applied. And then the final 2mins of UV and I was done.



This was the interesting part. The 99% isopropyl alcohol was used to wipe down each nail. When the technician was about to do this I was scared. I thought the colour would rub off. You know how it is, we all do the 'witch-hands' to avoid getting smudged polish after a manicure, then someone brings a WET cotton-wool in the direction of said manicure.... lol! But it was fine, this was the final necessary process.



Here's the finished product! I love it... I know, very bright! It's not this neon in real life, but it is a bold colour. It's taken me a little while to do this post, because I wanted to show you guys my nails 10days on...



Literally just took this now! Look at that.... Not a chip in sight and not much difference, except you can see my nails are growing and it's creating a gap at the top.

For me a Shellac Manicure is perfect, because my nails are long enough and I don't need extensions. During my research on Shellac I found these interesting facts I thought I'd share:

  • Those looking to lengthen their nails, you cannot use Shellac to create a longer nail
  • Shellac isn't for clients with extremely damaged nail beds, split or peeling nails
  • It is best to get on a corrective program with your manicurist before thinking about Shellac
  • If your nail is peeling off, it will take Shellac with it.



PRICE
You can get this amazing manicure at Blush Salon for N2000.

My only gripe is they haven't got a huge range of colours, but the lovely owner tweeted me that she's got new colours in soon. The technician who worked on my nails also confirmed this. So you know I'll be sure to tweet you guys when they're in. This isn't to say they haven't got any colours at all. Pop in and have a look, I'm pretty sure something would catch your eye!

I heard the Shellac Manicure is also offered at Nail Place in Victoria Island. Might give them a try since I'm due for a change this weekend. And also to bring you guys a review!

Anyone know anywhere else that offers Shellac Manicure in Lagos?


PS: Thanks Mo' for taking these pictures! Grumpy photographer lol..xxx


Laters,
Ez xxX
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13 comments

  1. Great blog - Im a beauty junkie and newer to Lagos than you so its good to know whats available locally. Thanks for the detailed review-looks lovely..I noticed the polish used was Geleration not Shellac.
    Shellac is the brand of hybrid/polish+ by CND and similar to Geleration by Jessica but not the same. I point that out because I personally get different wear from different brands products. Cheers!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yay!

      The reason I called it 'Shellac' is because my nails were not buffed before it was applied. But with the 'Gelish' manicure the nails need to be buffed and prepped as if one was getting extensions/acrylics. And the name on the bottle was 'Gelac' so I thought it was 'Shellac'. But thanks for your observation! And thanks soo much for reading!

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  2. Thanks a lot for clarifying. I didn't notice that the color was actually gelac which is another brand (IBD) so basically they used the Geleration system but Gelac color..got it. It looks great and lasts 10 days chipfree - def. worth trying.

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    Replies
    1. No worries! I got a little confused as well. And your comment set me off on some more google-action, and I learnt a lot more info! xxx

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  3. Just wanted to say your blog put me onto Blush- and I couldn't be happier. They are amazing. Went in for a browse and ended up staying for about an hour chatting with the owner. It turned out to be a good move as after my hair was butchered at 'Strands' in 'The Facial Bar' I went to Blush to get a weave put in to cover the damage. They were able to fit me in no problem and were completely lovely. The offer of a cupcake was also much appreciated- although not enjoyed. How I wish I didn't have to watch my figure!

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  4. I had the shellac manicure yesterday...I had it @ Bon Voyage Hotel on marinho drive, off sinari daranijo,behind Zenith HQ..there is a salon there with a nice girl called Mariam...
    It costs N2,500...i believe it is worth it...

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  5. How do I get the products to buy

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  6. I saw your blog and read about your nail polish experience. before do every work experience is important.

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  7. Thanks for the post. I get here Very helpful information. Excellent blog right here! I was just searching for this information for a while .There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. I have been using latest collection of shellac and I really satisfied.

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  8. Please i am in abuja and will like to know where i can get a Shellac manicure in abuja.
    Waiting for a response soonest.

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  9. Any knws whr I can get a gud nail job on d island?

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  10. Hello!
    we have the shellac gel polish in over 135 amazing colors!! and uv/led lamp that curls in less than 30 seconds! at very affordable prices. you can save yourself frequent trips to the saloon and do it yourself.
    And the best part is, our shellac polish last for more than 21 days! dang!!
    we sell to both individuals and saloons
    Hit us up on sales@thatsassywoman.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello, been following up on your blog for a while now. Just stumbled on this old post. I love what you are doing, I certainly have gained a lot sincce I discovered your blog. BTW, for those on the mainland, we offer shellac manicure with wide range of "shellac" nail polishes. Contact on BBM:2BAD76B0 or call 08105184157

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