Shellac is some sort of gel-like polish that doesn't chip or crack and typically lasts for about two weeks. I've been shellacking for several months now and love it! If applied properly just beyond your cuticles (as opposed to on them), it tends not to peel away from your nail until the end of the second week. I've found that OPI's shellac polish (I think they call it Gel Color) can even last up to three weeks, and at that point, you need to redo them anyway because your nails have grown out too far. The other benefit is that once they're dry, they're dry. You don't have to carefully dig into your purse to gently grab your car keys with the tips of two fingers to avoid scraping your newly polished nails. Here in Richmond, you can get a good shellac manicure for about $25. I usually go to Classic Nails in Short Pump, but I've also gone to Cathy's Nails near Virginia Center Commons.
But there are a few downsides to shellac. The range of colors is limited. Sorry. Some people suggest that it actually improves your nail health, but I've experienced otherwise. While it's true shellac doesn't chip, it will peel, as I've mentioned. And if you cannot fight the urge to peal pieces of the polish that have separated from your nail, chances are a layer or two of your nail will peel away with it. However, I will say that if you decide to remove the shellac and go without, you are NOT left with that sensitive thin-nail feeling you get after having acrylic tips. Just sayin.
Bottom line: Try it! It's much longer lasting and perfect for important events, like weddings, where you absolutely don't want to have chipped polish. Just a little tip, if you shellac and want to avoid indulging in peeling it off, try a darker color like red. You don't tend to see the separation after two weeks that you can clearly see with light pink or clear shellac. Love it!
