Shellac will launch with 12 shades on May 1. According to the company, the formula is thin and flexible like polish but provides protection with a high-gloss shine that resists dullness and chipping, all without roughing up the nail plate like traditional enhancements. For more information, go to www.nailsmag.com/fifi/80139.

Shellac Application

1. Perform a manicure. After shaping and smoothing nails, use ScrubFresh and a lint-free pad to remove oil and debris from the nail plate. (It is not necessary to remove shine from the natural nail plate with a buffer.)

2. Apply a thin layer of Shellac UV Base Coat to all five nails on one hand. Cure all five fingers for 10 seconds in the CND UV Lamp*.

3. Apply one thin coat of Shellac UV Color to all five nails on one hand. (This layer will be semi-sheer if applied correctly.) Cure all five nails for two minutes in the CND UV Lamp*. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the second hand.

4. Apply a second thin Color Coat to all five nails of the first hand and cure for two minutes in the CND UV Lamp*. (This coat provides full coverage if using an opaque color.) Repeat the process on the other hand.

5. Apply one thin layer of Shellac UV Top Coat to all five nails on one hand. Cure all five nails for two minutes in the CND UV Lamp*. Repeat the process on the other hand.

6. Remove the top film with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad soaked in 99% isopropyl alcohol. Condition the nails and skin with SolarOil.

*If using the Brisa lamp, apply and cure four fingers on each hand and then the thumbs.

Shellac Removal

1. When your client comes in two weeks later for her re-Shellac, have her wash and dry her hands. Sanitize your and your client’s hands with CoolBlue.

2. Wrap each finger with a Shellac Remover Wrap soaked in 99% acetone.

3. Leave the Shellac Remover Wrap on the fingers for 10 minutes. Securely grip each finger and apply slight pressure to the fingernail.

4. Using a twisting motion, pull the Shellac Remover Wrap and product from the fingernails.

5. If necessary, gently slide off any remaining product with an orangewood stick. Be careful not to scrape away the surface layers of the natural nail plate.

6. Rub the nail with a plastic-backed, lint-free pad soaked with 99% acetone to remove any product residue.