What is CND Shellac Nail Varnish?
If you want nails that last two to three weeks without chipping, don't damage your natural nail, and take just 10 minutes to remove, shellac is probably what you're looking for.
In short: Shellac is CND's hybrid nail colour system. It's painted on like polish, cured under an LED lamp like gel, and lasts 14 days or more. It soaks off in around 10 minutes with no filing or drilling, which is why it's gentler on the natural nail than most gels.
Shellac nails have been one of the UK's most popular salon treatments for over a decade, and they remain the go-to choice for anyone who wants long-lasting colour without the commitment of gel extensions or acrylics. Whether you're booking your first salon appointment or weighing it up against colour you can do at home, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Shellac Nails?
Shellac is a hybrid nail colour system developed by Creative Nail Design (CND). It sits between traditional nail polish and gel: it cures under an LED lamp like gel, lasts 14+ days chip-free, but removes in around 10 minutes with no filing or damage to the natural nail.
Unlike gel extensions or acrylics, shellac works directly on your natural nail. There's no drilling, no filing down the surface, and no lengthy removal process at the salon. It's purely a colour system, it won't add length or structure, but it will give you a flawless, high-gloss finish that holds up to daily life. CND Shellac is also formulated without free monomeric HEMA, a common allergen: here's why CND is HEMA-free.
How long does CND Shellac last?
- Exposure to water, cleaning products or harsh chemicals, which can lift the edges over time
- How well the nail was prepped before application (proper prep is the biggest single factor in longevity)
- Use of a nail oil such as CND SolarOil, as keeping the cuticle area moisturised helps maintain the seal
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The natural shape of your nails, as shorter, rounder nails tend to hold Shellac longer than very long or square shapes
CND SolarOil, the nail treatment recommended alongside Shellac
Can you do CND Shellac at home?
CND Shellac is a professional system, applied by trained nail technicians. A salon appointment includes the prep, an LED lamp matched to the system and safe soak-off removal when you want a change. Find a CND salon near you to book.
If you want long-lasting colour you can apply yourself, CND Vinylux is made for home use: no lamp, up to seven days of wear, and it comes off with ordinary nail varnish remover. See Shellac vs Vinylux to compare the two.
Nail professional? You can buy CND Shellac through Sweet Squared, the official UK distributor: shop CND Shellac for trade.
Is CND Shellac the same as gel nails?
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important differences.
Gel nails is a broad category. It covers everything from gel polish (similar to Shellac in application) through to hard gel extensions and builder gel systems that add length and structure to the nail. Most gel products require filing the natural nail surface before application and professional removal using an e-file or drill.
CND Shellac is a specific patented product in a category of its own. It is applied to the natural nail without filing, cures quickly under LED light, and removes without any nail damage when done correctly. It does not build length or structure. It is purely a colour system.
The key practical differences:
• Shellac requires no filing of the natural nail before application
• Shellac removes in around 10 minutes with no professional tools needed
• Shellac does not add length, thickness or structure to the nail
• Shellac is not available in dip, acrylic, tip, foil or powder formats: it is a polish system only
Shellac vs Vinylux: which is right for you?
What colours does CND Shellac come in?
CND Shellac is available in a wide range of shades updated each season, from classic nudes and pinks through to deep reds, bold blues and limited-edition seasonal collections. Nail professionals can buy the full UK range from Sweet Squared.
Popular colour families include:
• Nudes and sheer pinks, the everyday staple
• Classic reds and burgundies, perennial bestsellers
• Navy, cobalt and midnight blues
• Seasonal collections including spring pastels and autumn jewel tones
• Glitter and shimmer finishes for occasion wear
Frequently asked questions about CND Shellac
Does shellac strengthen weak nails?
Can you have shellac on your toes?
Yes. Shellac works on toenails too, and because feet get less daily wear, it typically lasts three to four weeks on toes, longer than on fingers. It cures under the LED lamp, so you can put socks and shoes straight back on.
How often do you need to redo shellac?
Most people have it redone every two to three weeks. Leaving it much longer isn't ideal, as regrowth becomes very noticeable with deeper or brighter shades.
How much does a shellac manicure cost?
A Shellac manicure at a UK salon typically costs £25 to £50, depending on location. For colour you can apply yourself between appointments, CND Vinylux costs much less per manicure.
Is shellac bad for your nails?
Not when it's removed correctly. The only cause of damage is peeling or picking shellac off, which pulls away layers of the natural nail. Always use the soak-off method: acetone-soaked cotton pads held against the nail for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently pushed away with a cuticle stick. Done this way, shellac leaves the natural nail intact. CND SolarOil applied daily during wear also keeps the nail and cuticle healthy underneath. Our guide to how to remove shellac at home walks through each step.
Is shellac the same as gel nails?
No, though the terms get used interchangeably. Shellac is a specific patented product by CND. It's applied to the natural nail without any filing, and soaks off without professional tools. Many gel products require filing the nail surface before application and need an e-file or drill to remove safely. Shellac's gentle soak-off removal is one of the main reasons it's so popular.
How do you remove shellac nails?
Soak it off. Lightly break the shine of the top coat, hold acetone-soaked pads on each nail for 10 to 15 minutes, then ease the colour away with a cuticle stick. Never peel it. Our step-by-step guide to removing shellac at home covers it in full.
Ready to try CND Shellac?
Book Shellac at your local CND salon, or for long-wear colour at home, shop CND™ Vinylux™.
Nail professionals can shop CND through Sweet Squared, the official CND distributor for trade accounts in the UK and Ireland.
