Shellac Basel: gel polish manicure with around two weeks of shine

The manufacturer CND recommends renewing a Shellac manicure roughly every 14 days. We recommend renewing the polish after 2.5 weeks at the latest, as by then the colour has often grown out noticeably. Shellac can also last longer, but after that time the grown-out area naturally becomes clearly visible.

Come with clean nails and apply no oil and no hand cream just beforehand, as your natural nail is degreased in the studio so that the base coat adheres. You don't need to remove old polish or Shellac yourself, and please don't scrape it off. If you'd like to avoid the LED lamp, you can apply sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes beforehand, a recommendation from American dermatologists.

Don't pick at it. A lifted corner is an invitation to peel, and that is exactly what damages the nail. If needed, shorten the spot with a fine file and apply nail oil. If your Shellac lifts after just a few days, get in touch and we will take a look. Often the cause is oil or cream applied right before the appointment, or very oily nails.

We strongly recommend having Shellac removed professionally only, to rule out any damage to your natural nail. You can conveniently book an appointment via our online booking portal.

No, when applied professionally, Shellac is not harmful. It is especially important to have it removed gently in the studio and not at home, so that your natural nails stay healthy and undamaged.

A laboratory study from 2023 showed cell damage after prolonged exposure, but this does not prove a cancer risk in humans. Dermatologists consider the risk to be low: nail lamps emit far weaker radiation than sunbeds, and curing only takes seconds. If you want to be cautious, apply sunscreen to your hands before your appointment or wear fingerless gloves, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Please talk to us beforehand. The most common allergen in nail products is HEMA, an acrylate that can cause redness, itching and blisters around the nail edge. The trigger is skin contact with uncured product. CND Shellac is, according to the manufacturer, formulated without free monomeric HEMA. If you have a known acrylate allergy, it is best to clarify this with your dermatologist, and then we will decide together.

Yes. The nail is made of horn material, and according to Swiss advice guides, nail polish is unproblematic. Solvents such as acetone are more critical, which is why we ventilate well and keep the exposure time short. Let us know at your appointment and, if in doubt, speak to your gynaecologist. Due to hormonal changes, Shellac sometimes lasts less long during pregnancy.

No. We don't treat yellowish, thickened or crumbly nails, or redness and inflammation around the nail edge, because nail fungus needs to be seen by a doctor and could be passed on in the studio. Fungus is also harder to spot and treat under Shellac. As soon as your nail is healthy, you are welcome.