shellac = memories of acrylics
I recently tried shellac on my nails- because, let’s be honest, everyone’s nails around here are looking amazing and I was intrigued that it wouldn’t chip for 2 weeks! When I got them done, my salon told me it wasn’t a big deal to get the polish off, so I went ahead. Yesterday I called to get the polish taken off and they told me it was $25 to get it OFF or free if I had them painted again. $25 to get this off??? They were helpful and suggested I could easily do it on my own- just buy some acetone and a wood board and I would be all set. Well, just spent 45 minutes getting this stuff off my nails- not fun!
It brought back flashbacks of when I was at MSU and got acrylics – which after 2 days – I hated!! I was dating a Sigma Nu then and for some odd reason felt comfortable sitting on the Sigma Nu pool table with my nails soaking in a big bowl of acetone. In hindsight, a personal low point as all the guys were watching my nails slip off and wondering why any girl would do that!
As a wrap up, I would only ever do shellac again if I had a wedding to be in- or if I was invited onto a private yacht and I wouldn’t be ashore again for 2 weeks. But until that happens, no chance!!
the concierge mom 
I have been doing shellac and it lasted longer that other manicures. But holy cow, after soaking my nails in acetone, my nails are completely fried! They are so thin from having layer after layer of my nail taken off when the gel is scraped off I’m having to keep my nails extremely short until normal nails grow out again.
I agree, I’d do it for a special occasion, but definitely not on a regular basis!
Also, I think it’s ridiculous the cost of removal of the shellac is not included in the price!
I, too, did the shellac nails and enjoyed how put together I felt!! Like before I had kids and had time for that stuff! After canceling my appt to take them off three times ( kids snow days and such), I did it myself too. Not terrible but the smell of the acetone did make me wonder what the heck I was doing to my body!! But, man, did I feel girlie for 3 weeks!
Great post! I too did acrylics, I was 16 when I got my first “pair”…how sad is that??? They were hot hot hot fuchsia pink, very classy! The shellac sounds great for the summertime! I may look into it…