How TO SHELLAC MANICURE AT HOME
Want that shiny shellac manicure look at home? You can get it with just a few supplies that will last years. With a DIY shellac mani, you can save time by doing your nails on your schedule without the hassle of booking and driving to spa appointments. You can also save a boat load of money (I pay for an annual family cruise with the money I save from professional salon manicures for a year). Plus, the long-lasting coverage of shellac nail polish takes a lot of the hassle out of getting ready for the day.
I started doing my own at-home shellac manicure in 2013 and have enjoyed doing my nails while sipping wine and catching up on Netflix ever since. In fact, it’s a regular activity during for my Self Care Sundays Routine.
In this post you’ll learn the list of tools you need to get started with DIY shellac so your nails can look like mine in the @sipbitego Instagram vids and YouTube DIY tutorials.
At-home shellac on your own schedule
My hands have gained attention through my creative tutorials so I’m excited to teach you how to get the look, too. I love making tutorials for you, so you’re never obligated to click any affiliate links, like the ones in the links below. Thanks in advance if you do make a purchase, but you’re always welcome to just browse.
The 4 supplies You Need to shellac manicure yourself (at home)
- 70% Alcohol + cotton balls
- UV light + (optional) UV protecting gloves
- CND shellac base coat + top coat
- Colors to get started. Here’s my regular lineup of colors…
1 orange-red
2 red
3 white-wash (light purplish color)
4 blue
5 deep red
6 soft pink
7 purple
8 pink
Shellac manicure tips + FAQ
- 1 application lasts me around 2-3 weeks
- Within a handful of applications, the at home shellac kit can pay for itself
- CND shellac was a CLEAR winner after experiments with multiple long-lasting nail systems
- Start with a couple of your favorite colors + 1 top coat + 1 base coat
- Get ideas for choosing CND shellac nail colors
Get supplies to DIY your own shellac manicure
After you check out the list of shellac nail polish tools needed to do manicures at home, you’ll see why it was a no brainer for me to figure out the process + start painting my own shellac nails, whenever I want. Now the money I save on at home manicures goes towards a vacation splurge fund. (instead of weekly manicures). I hope you enjoy doing your own DIY shellac manicure at home, too. It’s as easy as it looks and makes life easier with less chipping.
Remember: chips are for potatoes.
SHELLAC MANICURE TIPS + FAQ
- 1 application lasts me around 2-3 weeks
- Within a handful of applications, the at home shellac kit can pay for itself
- CND shellac was a CLEAR winner after experiments with multiple long-lasting nail systems
- Start with a couple of your favorite colors + 1 top coat + 1 base coat
- Get helpful ideas for choosing CND shellac nail colors
Kori says
Every time I try do do my own nail polish; my left hand looks great. My right hand, not so much, lol. These are awesome tips, thanks!
Jenna @ sipbitego.com says
Haha I know what you mean! Regular nail polish starts to dry a little, and then its easy to accidentally smudge it during application. Shellac nail polish is easier to move around and adjust because it doesnt set until you go in the lamp box.
Kimberly says
A great at home manicure is priceless! Love those tips to get the job done too.
Skye says
I miss getting shelac manis! Good to know they are easy to do at home!
Stacey says
I mostly do my own nails at home, but I have never given myself a shellac polish at home. Looks doable!
Sarah says
This is a great list. I don’t usually do anything with my nails but it’s good to know anyway! 🙂
MyTeenGuide says
These are great tips. These colors are gorgeous. I also love to do my nails when I’m attending a party.
Jenn Peters says
I’ve never had a shellac before. But my friend does. Her nails always look perfect!
Liz Mays says
What a great way to save money by doing it yourself. Plus, you can change colors more often! This is great!
Megan McCoig says
I’ve recently bought myself an at home gel kit – so these tips have really helped me. Now my nails look really great 🙂 thanks!
Rose Sahetapy says
I love doing my nails for sometimes and let my nails breath without any coloring for the other time. Your tips are very helpful.
April Grant says
I love all of these for my nails.Thank you so much for the tips.
Elizabeth O. says
This is something my twin girls would love! Thanks for the details. Your nails look fantastic!
Claudette Esterine says
I cannot do my nails myself properly and will not even try! LOL
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
I love doing cool designs on my nails.The other day I realized I don’t have a ‘real’ red – yikes
Terri Beavers says
I would absolutely love to be able to do my nails at home. My daughter does hers and does a great job. I want to learn as well. Thank you for the info to get me started.
tara pittman says
I love doing my nails for a party. Thanks for the tips.
Bonnie Kenaz-Mara says
Shiny! Love it.
Bonnie Kenaz-Mara says
Shiny!
Ana De- Jesus says
I have to confess I have never had shellac before maybe it is my time to try!
Robin Rue says
I have acrylics because my real nails don’t grow, so I have to go to the salon. Thanks for this awesome list.