How is SHELLAC™ removed from the nails?

The correct removal of SHELLAC™ is just as important as the correct application. Here you will find everything you need to know about the removal of SHELLAC™.

The special thing about CND SHELLAC™ is that the natural nail is not damaged at any time. Of course, this also applies to the removal. There are gel polish systems where the gel polish is filed off or pulled off, but in both cases, the natural nails can be damaged, which makes the nails weaker. CND SHELLAC™ , on the other hand, is removed gently with a special remover.

How do you remove SHELLAC™ correctly without damaging the natural nails?

CND SHELLAC™ is gently removed with OfflyFast™ Remover and Remover Wraps.

You can find the most important facts about the removal process here:

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  • OfflyFast™ contains macadamia oil and prvents the nail from drying during the removal process.
  • The removal wraps must be tightly closed. make sure there is no air trapped inside the foil.
  • The removal time depends on the Top Coat you have used.
  • You can remove any residue with a nail brush with hard bristles.
  • If the residue is persistent, you have to wrap the nail again and let it work for a little longer.

This is how easy it is:

How long does the removal take and what factors can complicate or prolong removal?

  • If SHELLAC™ has been applied over an enhancement, it cannot be removed with acetone. From enhancements SHELLAC™ needs to be filed off. You can read more about this topic HERE!
  • The longer SHELLAC™ stays on the nails, the longer it can take to remove. SHELLAC™ is a light-curing material and reacts to normal UV light and becomes harder over time.
  • Depending on the type of nail art, the removal process can take longer is there is any art or extra layers of color on the nails. The more art there is on the nail, the more time is needed to remove the gel polish.

The removal times

Depending on the Top Coat used, the times may differ.


SHELLAC™ Color Coat with: Removal time
Xpress5™ Top Coat 5 min.
Original Top Coat 8 min.
DURAFORCE™ Top Coat 15 min.
Special Effect Top Coats 8-10 min.

IMPORTANT: An acetone bath is not suitable for removal! The nails and surrounding skin absorb acetone, which is damaging in prolonged skin contact.

Can SHELLAC™ also be removed with aluminium foil and a cotton pad?

At first glance, the original CND Remover Wraps can easily be replaced with aluminium foil and cotton pads. However, there are good reasons not to do this.

  • The film of the Remover Wraps is extremely tear-resistant. This guarantees that the wrap can be wrapped tightly and that no air can intrude.
  • The Remover Wraps have an extremely absorbent fleece that can store OfflyFast™ for a long time.
  • The fleece cannot slip during wrapping as it is firmly attached to the film. This assures that the remover only touches the nail, and the surrounding skin hardly comes into contact with the remover.
  • The only exception is toenails. Wrap the biggest toe nail with a Remover Wrap, and then wrap two toes at a time with a cotton pad and aluminium foil.
  • Use the original CND Remover Wraps also to give a professional impression. This marketing effect should not be underestimated, as your customers will also notice which products you are working with.

Can SHELLAC™ be removed by the customer at home?

In general, you should always recommend that your customers come to your studio for removal. If the client wishes to have a new varnish, it is advisable not to charge extra for the removal. If the customer does not want another treatment, you can charge for the removal. 

Of course, it may happen that the customer cannot come to your studio for the removal. This can be the case, for example, during a longer stay abroad or in hospital. For exactly this case, there is the OfflyFast Remover Kit. This contains everything the client needs to remove Shellac™ at home. Explain to your customers how the removal works so that they are still satisfied at home.

Would you like to learn more about CND™?

At Insight Cosmetics Group, we have a variety of contact and training options available to you as a professional beauty therapist.