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Shellac Nails

Gel polish that chips by day three is not a finish — it's a setback. At PIED-DE-POULE, shellac nail treatment gives you a flawless, high-gloss result that holds for up to four weeks without lifting, dulling, or breaking. Two locations in Central London, open daily from 9am to 9pm.

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Weeks, Not Days

Chip-free colour that lasts up to four weeks

Instant Dry

Walk out ready — no waiting, no smudging

Nail Protection

A sealed finish that shields the nail underneath

Colour Without Limits

Hundreds of shades, from clean nude to statement art

What is shellac nails manicure?

Shellac is a hybrid coating — not quite regular polish, not quite gel. CND developed the original formula by combining the flexibility of traditional lacquer with the durability of gel, cured under a UV or LED lamp to set hard in seconds. The result sits thin on the nail, feels natural, and holds a high-gloss finish without the bulk or rigidity of a standard gel product.

How Shellac Differs from Gel

The distinction matters. Conventional gel manicures use a thicker formula that can feel heavy and often requires filing during removal — a process that gradually thins the nail plate over time. Shellac applies in fine layers like varnish, then bonds under the lamp into a flexible film that moves with the natural nail rather than sitting over it. When the time comes to remove it, a 10 to 15 minute soak loosens the coating cleanly, with no abrasive filing of the nail surface involved.

How It Is Applied at PIED-DE-POULE

At PIED-DE-POULE, shellac is applied over a professionally prepared nail — shaped, cuticles addressed, surface degreased — before a base coat, two or more colour layers, and a sealing topcoat are each cured in sequence. The topcoat covers the free edge on all sides, which is where chips most commonly start. Finished nails are ready on contact with the lamp. There is no drying time, no risk of smudging, and no waiting before leaving the salon.

Colour, Finishes, and Add-Ons

The colour range is extensive. From clean nudes and classic reds through to seasonal collections, clients can also add a French edge or ombre finish at the same appointment. For nails that need structural support before coating, a nail strengthening add-on using base coat and acrylic powder is available, as is IBX nail treatment — a two-part system applied beneath the base coat that reinforces the nail from within. Clients who want more length before their shellac coat can discuss extension options; nail extension in gel or acrylic is available as a separate service and can be paired with a shellac finish. The full range of nail care services — from conditioning manicure to pedicure and specialist repair — is available across both London locations.

How Long It Lasts

With correctly applied professional product, shellac holds between two and four weeks. The range reflects nail habits and exposure to water and chemicals more than the product itself. A simple aftercare routine — gloves for cleaning, avoiding acetone-based products — keeps the finish intact at the longer end of that window.

How the shellac manicures Is Performed at PIED-DE-POULE

Consultation

The technician reviews the condition of your nails and cuticles, discusses your preferred finish and shape, and confirms which service format fits your appointment. Any existing coating is assessed before preparation begins.

Preparation and Cuticle Work

Nails are shaped to your chosen length. Cuticles are removed or pushed back using a remover or precision tool, and the nail surface is lightly filed and degreased to ensure the base coat adheres evenly.

Base Coat Application

A thin base coat is applied across each nail, covering the free edge, then cured under the lamp. This layer protects the natural nail and creates the foundation the colour coat bonds to.

Colour and Topcoat

Two colour coats are applied and cured in sequence — a third or fourth added only where the shade requires greater depth. The topcoat seals the full surface and free edge, then cures to a high-gloss finish that is dry and hard on contact.

Finishing and Aftercare

The sticky inhibition layer is wiped away, and cuticle oil is worked into the skin around each nail. The technician confirms aftercare guidance — glove use for cleaning, products to avoid — and advises on timing for the next appointment.

Course Planning

For clients who use gel polish regularly, the technician will recommend a schedule that includes a recovery break every three to four applications. IBX nail treatment can be incorporated into this plan to maintain nail strength between coats.

Why Choose manicure shellac

Sealed Surface
The topcoat bonds under UV or LED light to form a hard film, so nails stay smooth and intact from day one through to week four.
Flexible Bond
The cured formula moves with the natural nail rather than against it, which is why extensions and natural nails alike hold their shape without cracking.
Protected Nail Plate
The base coat creates a barrier between the natural nail and external stressors — detergents, heat, friction — reducing the surface damage that accumulates with daily wear.
Instant Cure
The lamp sets each layer in under 60 seconds, which eliminates drying time entirely and means the finish is stable before you leave the chair.

FAQ

Is gel the same as shellac?

Shellac is a hybrid formula — thinner and more flexible than standard gel, applied like regular polish and cured under a lamp. Traditional gel uses a thicker compound that can feel heavier on the nail and typically requires more aggressive removal.
Does shellac last as long as gel?

Shellac holds for up to four weeks with correct application and basic aftercare — comparable to most gel products. Standard gel can sometimes extend slightly beyond this, but the difference is marginal and depends more on nail habits than the product itself.
What is a shellac manicure?

A shellac manicure is a professional nail treatment where the nail is shaped and prepared before a base coat, colour, and topcoat are applied in thin layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp after each coat. The finish is hard, glossy, and chip-resistant from the moment you leave the salon.
How do you remove shellac nail polish?

Cotton pads soaked in gel remover are placed on each nail and wrapped in foil for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the coating has softened, it lifts away with an orange stick — no filing of the natural nail is needed.
Is shellac good or bad for your nails?

Applied and removed correctly using professional products, shellac does not damage the nail plate. Problems arise from low-quality formulas containing harmful compounds, or from mechanical removal — filing the coating off rather than soaking it.

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