Nail care · Belltown, Seattle, WA

CND Shellac Manicure

High-gloss CND Shellac color with careful prep and gentle removal.

Row of styling stations with lit mirrors beside shelves of retail hair products at The Collage Salon in Seattle, WA

A CND Shellac manicure is a manicure finished with CND Shellac, a gel-style polish set under a lamp for high-gloss shine and extended wear. The Collage Salon offers it in Belltown, Seattle, along with Shellac removal on its own, removal followed by a fresh set, and a Shellac manicure and pedicure together.

Who is a CND Shellac manicure for?

Shellac suits you if regular polish chips within days, if you type, cook or garden a lot, or if you simply want nails that look freshly done for longer. Because it sets under a lamp, you leave with dry nails and no smudges in your coat pocket.

It is also a good fit for travel, work events and the holidays, when you want glossy color and no touch-ups. If you already wear Shellac, book the removal and fresh set so your old color comes off properly before the new coats go on.

If you prefer to change shades every few days, a regular manicure may suit you better. And if your nails are thin or peeling, tell your nail technician. Your technician can talk through whether a break from color would help first.

What happens at your CND Shellac manicure appointment

  • 1. Consultation and removal

    Your nail technician looks at your nails, asks about your routine and helps you choose a shade. If you booked removal, your old Shellac is soaked with remover and lifted off gently, never scraped or peeled, so the natural nail underneath stays as intact as possible.

  • 2. Shape and cuticle prep

    Nails are filed to the shape you want, from soft square to oval. Cuticles are pushed back and tidied, and the nail surface is cleansed so it is free of oils. This prep is what helps Shellac grip the nail evenly and wear well.

  • 3. Base, color and top coat

    A thin base coat goes on first, followed by your color and a top coat. Each layer is set under a lamp before the next one goes on. Thin, even coats matter here, because thick layers are more likely to lift at the edges.

  • 4. Finish and hand care

    Once the top coat is set, the surface is wiped so the shine shows through, and cuticle oil is massaged in around the nail. Your nails are fully set when you leave, so you can grab your keys and your phone right away.

How do you care for a Shellac manicure?

Treat your nails like jewels, not tools. Use your fingertips, not your nails, to open cans or peel labels, since that is how most edges lift. Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning, because hot water and harsh cleaners can dull the finish. Keeping your nails a practical length also helps, since long free edges catch on things and take the most wear.

Rub cuticle oil into the skin around your nails every day. It keeps cuticles soft and helps the color look fresh as your nails grow. If a corner starts to lift, resist picking at it. Picking pulls up layers of your natural nail along with the Shellac, which can leave nails thin and weak.

How is Shellac removed without hurting your nails?

Proper removal matters as much as the manicure itself. Your technician breaks the surface seal, then soaks the color with remover until it softens and slides off. Any small bits left behind are eased away gently. Expect your nails to look a little dry right after removal. A drop of cuticle oil and a good hand cream bring back the moisture, and your technician checks the nail surface before any new color goes on.

You can book CND Shellac removal on its own if you want a break from color, or Shellac removal and Shellac manicure to go straight into a fresh set. If you wear another brand of gel from a different salon, mention it when you book so your technician knows what to expect.

Shellac or regular polish: which is right for you?

Regular polish is easy to change at home and suits you if you like a new shade often. Shellac takes a little more care to remove, but it rewards you with high-gloss shine and longer wear without chips. Shellac gives you a neat look for longer at work, on a trip or through a busy season of events. Regular polish, on the other hand, lets you experiment freely and take it off yourself whenever you like.

Many guests pair Shellac on the hands with a pedicure, and the Shellac manicure and pedicure combination makes that a single booking. Current pricing is on our service menu. Pick a stylist from our team to find our nail technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CND Shellac manicure last?

Shellac is built for extended wear, and it usually keeps its shine well past the point where regular polish would chip. How long yours lasts depends on your nail growth, your hands and your habits. Most people rebook when the new growth at the cuticle starts to show.

Is Shellac the same as gel polish?

Shellac is a brand of gel-style polish made by CND. Like other gels it is set under a lamp, but it is designed to be removed by soaking rather than heavy filing. People often use the words interchangeably, so ask your technician if you have a specific product in mind.

Can I remove Shellac at home?

It is possible, but it is easy to scrape or peel too hard and damage your nails. Booking CND Shellac removal at the salon is the gentler route. If you must do it at home, soak patiently and never pry the color off with metal tools.

Can I get Shellac if my nails are weak or peeling?

Tell your nail technician about the condition of your nails before you start. In many cases Shellac can be applied with careful prep, but if your nails are very thin or sore your technician may suggest a break from color first. If you have a nail condition, check with your doctor.

Can I bring my own nail color for a Shellac manicure?

Shellac is a specific system, so a regular bottle of polish cannot be used in its place. Bring a photo of the shade you love instead, and your technician will help you find the closest match from the Shellac colors available at your visit.

Glass storefront of The Collage Salon lit up at night in Belltown, Seattle, WA

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“... made a beautiful Shellac manicure that made me look great and happy.”
Munara D., verified client review

Want glossy color that keeps up with your week? Book online for a CND Shellac manicure, a removal, or both together. Explore our pedicure and classic manicure options too, and check current pricing on our service menu.

On our service menu: CND Shellac Manicure, Shellac Removal and Shellac Manicure, CND Shellac Removal, Shellac Manicure and Pedicure, Shellac Removal, Shellac Manicure and Pedicure.

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