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Dear StyleBlueprint:
I love nail color but it chips so easily. Any suggestions?
– Tania, Bellevue
Tania-
Your question inspired me to dig around in the world of nail polish. You see, I never get manicures since they always chip within 48 hours. Sometimes I can’t even get home from the salon without some major scuffs along the way. Well, I have met my solution and I’m not turning back. I have just experienced Shellac nail color by CND and at long last, I am officially a nail color girl. Finally, my cheap-lazy-nail-self thinks it’s money well spent.
For my manicure, I chose the darkest of the Shellac color options as I wanted to fully test the product. This color is a lot like Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI.
Here are my nails 14 days after my manicure. The only problem is nail growth. But, they are still shiny with no chips.
I went to see Tracy, my new manicurist, at Changes Salon, at 2104 Cestmoor Rd. She explained all about how CND Shellac doesn’t compromise the nail as there is no need to etch the nail. You must come back to have the polish removed. She does this by covering each nail in a little fingertip glove of acetone for about 10 minutes. Voila: your undamaged nail is revealed!
So, while you must commit to the color for a while, your nails are not committed to a certain product, as with gel nails. The only issue you will have is nail growth, and thus the space between your nail bed and your polish will be color-free as it grows out over the two-week period. I’m fine with that. With a lighter color, this issue is far less noticeable. I might even get three to four weeks with a clear coat. Oh, this thought has me happy.
One more thing – your nails are dried with UV light and and thus fully cured and dry when you walk out the door. That’s right. No need to get your credit card out BEFORE your manicure. Hunt for it afterward as your nails will be just fine. Imagine how revolutionary this is to winter pedicures and boots!
Did I have any problems? Well, one afternoon I opened tons of new plastic wrapped cosmetics and spice jars. Then I opened up a bottle of champagne. At that point one piece did start to break free of my nail. I just placed it back down and it never bothered me again. Go figure. This stuff is amazing.
This $40 manicure lasts at least two weeks. No at home touch-ups needed. I can’t believe my cheap-lazy-nail-self is now a nail color girl!
Make your appointment with Tracy, at Polished. This polish requires true technique and she’s amazing. If you are not in Nashville, find a salon near you at the CND website.
Polished:
- #615-383-3637
- 2145 Bandywood Dr.
- Nashville, TN 37215
-Liza
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13 Responses to “Her Q’s: The 14 day manicure”
$350
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Love this! Even if you don’t want to commit all the time to 14 day color, any time you have a special event…wedding, Swan Ball, etc. what a great option!
I know…I was thinking vacation and holidays would be perfect for this. But, I’m too lazy to want to change my color up often, so perfect for me:-)!
How much does the removal cost? Or is it included in the $40? I think there are only a few other places in town that offer this service right now too. I have heard lots of salons having trouble getting the supplies from CND due to high demand. How was the color selection at your salon?
Removal is included in the price. I’m thinking you could soak your own nails in acetone for 10 minutes yourself, but that’s purely a guess on my end. The supply is low nation wide. There were 12 colors when I was there which represents the entire color line currently available. There will be more color options in 2011. This really is a process that a total pro needs to do as it takes several very precise layers!
Wish I could Shellac my lips for a smudge proof dinner date with my hubby.
Julie, I bet you do!!! Still wearing red lipstick? It never gets dated! Elizabeth
Forgot to ask…..what color are you wearing….a couple of us are having a debate…is it Fedora?
No idea! There is only one Shellac color like this one – all the rest are reds, pinks, nudes. So, it’s pretty obvious when you are there!
I ADORE Shellac. I’ve been getting Shellac manicures all summer at a salon in Charlottesville and could not be more pleased. Also tried the OPI version called Axxium – but love the CND Shellac a million times more. Highly recommend this process to anyone who is cursed with chips only a few days after a new mani. Excited for my appointment tomorrow!
Cassie,
Are you in Charlottesville VA? If so, where are you having your OPI axxium manis done? I’m in the area and am looking to try them out! Thanks
Yes the color she is wearing is Fedora and we have gone the distance to stash away our supply of Shellac. We’re ready for those of you that want to convert to a manicure that lasts for more than 2 days. It’s a nice alternative to drilling your healthy nails away.
I love Shellac!!!! I’ve tried all kinds of gels in the past and they made my nails so weak. My nails are so strong and I get compliments all the time. I’ve been seeing Stephanie at Polished for my Shellac fix since the beginning of August and could not be happier.
I live in Lenox Village in South Nashville and a salon named Vogue Nails has just opened. They have the OPI brand as well as a brand called Gelish. I wanted a french manicure before I left the country that day and my manicurist told me about gel nails and the long lasting effects. I was on vacation for two weeks and even after two weeks my manicure still looked amazing. That never happens! My favorite thing about the manicure is that my nails look wet or just done the whole time. My manicure was $30 and I just went back for my first winter red of the season :)