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