Shellacked Nails

So I got my nails shellacked on Friday evening. A friend of mine got a promotion at work so we went out for mani/pedis. She got to choose the place and this salon happened to have all their technicians trained in this process. Long story short, I got pampered to say the least.

Here's the process:
1. Clean nails. If you don't already have the shellack on this is a quick easy process, involving nail polish remover. If you do have the shellack on the process takes about 10 minutes and involves wrapping each nail in a small piece of cotton ball soaked in acetone and then in foil. After the foil comes off, the nails are scraped with a wooden cuticle stick and the shellack comes right off.

2. Shape the nails.

3. Gel coat. They put this clear gel coat on your nails and then you have to cure the gel with a light. It takes about a minute and half.

4. Apply color. The only downfall to this technique is the color choices. There  are not many but they are beautiful. Paint nail and set with the light; three times.

5. Top coat. Apply the gel-like topcoat and another round of light.

That's it. This is supposed to last 3 weeks without chipping. I can't wait to see what happens. I took before photos and I plan to update with the after as well.

I know this is a little random but i just think it's so cool. I always leave the nail salon (which isn't very often but this applies to home manis as well) very careful with my nails for at least 2 days. OK, so not 2 days but you know what I mean. And inevitably, the polish starts chipping after 3 days. Anyhoo, I still have perfect nails and I am a week in. I'll let you know. :)

UPDATE!! I am on day 14 and still no chipping but I do look like I need a fill for my nails. I have quite a bit of nail bed showing. Still, if you don't look close, it's hardly noticeable. I still think it worth the money and time, so far! :)