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A manicure that lasts 2 weeks!!! Sign me up!

My nails after the shellac manicure.

It’s nearly impossible for me to maintain a manicure these days. All the domestic bliss that comes along with having a 9 month old has wreaked havoc on my dry and brittle nails. If I do indulge in a little spa therapy, polish is totally out of the question. I can barely get out the door of the salon without chipping or peeling my beautifully pampered nails.

Recently I have been hearing a lot about a manicure called Shellac Nails (also referred to as gel nail polish). This manicure boasts a scratch resistant, mirror shine for at least 14 days. This I had to see for myself! After checking Yelp for recommendations on where to go in my area, I made an appointment at Sensi Spa in the Inner Sunset Neighborhood of San Francisco.

My nails before the Shellac Manicure

The manicure began with your standard soaking, filing, and cuticle clean up. Then my wonderful nail tech Hanah began working her magic.

The Complete Shellac Manicure Process:

(process and tutorial videos available on the Shellac Nails Website)

Step 1: Apply a Layer of Base Gel 

Base Coat

Step 2: Cure Each Hand for 10 Seconds in UV Lamp

UV Lamp for curing Shellac Nail Polish

Step 3: Apply 1st Layer of Shellac

Shellac color coat

This was the brand of Shellac Nail polish Hannah used to get the “natural” look I was hoping for.

Step 4: Cure Each Hand for 2 Minutes

Step 5: Apply 2nd Layer of Shellac

2nd coat of Shellac Color

Instead of identifying Shallac Nail Polish by a name, Sensi Salon identify different colors by numbers. I used #64, pretty sure it is called Cream Puff.

Step 6: Cure Each Hand for 2 Minutes

Step 7: Apply Top Coat

Top Coat

Step 8: Cure Each Hand for 2 Minutes

Step 9: Wipe Each Nail With Alcohol to Remove Sticky Film

After step 9, Hannah completed my manicure with a warm lotion hand and lower forearm message.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT!

I LOOOOVE my Shellac Manicure!! My nails have seriously NEVER looked better. The polish is ridiculously shiny and makes my nails look so healthy! The entire manicure lasted about 45 minutes and after the lotion massage, they were COMPLETELY dry. I was even able to reach into my purse for my wallet without worrying about smudging them.

Although Sensi Spa’s Shellac Manicure is on the pricier side ($30), so far I am convinced it is worth every penny.

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**UPDATE:

WEEK 1: My nails are STILL shiny!!

My nails one week post Shallac Manicure. Still looking good!

WEEK 2: Although my cuticles are in need of some work and I did have to file them down a bit, THEY ARE STILL SHINY!!!! NO chips, NO scratches, NO breakage. I even feel like my nails have gotten stronger with the manicure. I am a true believer!! Hannah, I will see you soon!