October 3rd, 2010 - 3:47 pm
Q&A #5 Why are there white spots on the natural nail?
Q: Why am I seeing white spots on the nails after removal of Shellac?
A: White spots on the nail after removal of Shellac is typically due to slight dehydration of the nails.
Tips & Tricks:
- Clients should be using Solar Oil daily and repeatedly. This will help moisturize their natural nails and keep their natural flexibility. It will also help maintain the natural flexible feeling of Shellac.
- Minimize exposure of acetone by using Shellac Wraps. Soaking the nails and fingertips in a bowl of acetone is excessive exposure to acetone.
- Apply Shellac base coat thin. The thicker you use it the longer it will take to remove.
- If your clients natural nails are overly dry, try a warm Solar Oil soak. Use an oil warmer or place small bowl of Solar Oil in a larger bowl of warm water.Put just enough Solar oil to cover the tips of the fingers. Soak for 5 min after application of Shellac
- When dry spots are found on natural nail after Shellac removal, apply SolarOil and buff with 1200 grit buffer such as CND Koala Buffer. In mild cases, Shellac can then be reapplied. In more severe cases, the client should take a break from wearing Shellac for a few weeks.
- To remove any residual Shellac use an orangewood stick to gently scrape the nail. Do not use metal or hard plastic. Improper scraping may cause damage to the top layer of natural nail, thus making the nails more prone to dehydration.
- Immediately after Shellac removal, wash the client’s hand with plenty of water using mild soap. Strong soap or detergents are also sources of dehydration.
- Do not buff the natural nail prior to application. The top layer of the natural nail is normally more dense or less porous than the other layers and acts as a protecting layer, preventing solvents from penetrating the natural nail and causing excess dehydration.

rachel says:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
I have been using Shellac in my salon for a few months now and I really love it.. I have noticed my own nail beds and also my customers have a yellow tinge. I wanted to keep my nails natural after taking my Shellac off but was unable to due to the horible yellow tinge on my nails.Is there anyway to get this off? My nails look like I’ve been smoking 40 a day! It’s not products I’ve been using either and it’s getting worse as the months go on.
CND says:
October 1st, 2011 at 10:14 am
The tiny tunnels in Shellac that make it easy to remove can also be susceptible to some things like bronzers, certain make-ups, etc. Those that notice staining on the nail plate are using something that penetrates the tiny tunnels and stains the nail, here is a video explaining the tiny tunnels:
http://youtu.be/WoE-ew_S1I0
Thank You,
CND
Bernie says:
September 28th, 2011 at 10:32 am
I am a Shellac client since June and at the last removal I had the white spots. I was never offered the Solar Oil by the nail technician. She also soaks my nails in a bowl for removal. When I aksed her about it she told me there was no difference between the wraps and the bowl. She does some scrapping with a metal tool to removal the Shellac because it just will not come off and then she buffs my nail to remove any residue left of the Shellac. Why is it so hard for her to remove the Shellac. Now I am concerned she is damaging my nails. The salon is reputable and listed as a Shellac provider on CND’s site. What should I being doing to get my nails back into shape. Where can the Solar Oil be purchased? I love Shellac and my nails actually have grown and have less breakage. Thank you for your help.
CND says:
October 1st, 2011 at 10:16 am
The white spots tend to be from one of the following:
-Removing the Shellac by soaking in a bowl
-Buffing the nails
-Peeling the Shellac off
-Not using Solar Oil daily
Please feel free to report a salon not following the proper protocol by calling 800-833-6245
Solar Oil can be purchased in salons or on some websites such as http://www.goindulge.com
Thank You,
CND
Jennifer says:
October 13th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I use Solar oil daily,but my tips are wearing by the 3rd day. What can the tech be doing wrong? She does buff,but with a very fine buffer.
CND says:
October 30th, 2011 at 8:41 am
The nails do not need to be buffed before Shellac, Make sure to wear gloves when doing dishes or housework. Be sure to troubleshoot with your nail professional.
Thank You,
CND
Tina says:
December 1st, 2011 at 12:58 pm
I’ve been using Shellac since it first came out. I’ve noticed some of the colors wrinkle up even with thin layer. How do I thin out the Shellac? Is there a gel thinner? Like nail polish thinner. Thank you for your help.
Holly L Schippers says:
December 7th, 2011 at 9:20 am
To keep the Shellac thin, keep it well shaken. Here is a quick video if you want to check if it is being applied thin enough:
http://youtu.be/4_E1hF5uWjI
Hope this helps!
Holly L Schippers
CND Education Ambassador
Kathy says:
December 6th, 2011 at 10:14 am
I provide my clients with a trial size Solar Oil and refill if needed. We should educate our clients as well as ourselves.
CND says:
December 7th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Great idea!
Thank You,
CND
Kathy says:
December 11th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Will applying solor oil to shellac before applying makeup or bronzers prevent makeup from absorbing into tunnels?
Holly L Schippers says:
December 22nd, 2011 at 10:55 am
It is possible that it could. The best option would be to use brushes for make up application, that is best for the skin on the face as well!
Holly L Schippers
CND Education Ambassador
Kim says:
December 15th, 2011 at 10:08 am
I noticed when I removed Shellac on a client that there were purple stains on her nail from the color. There was clearly no polish left on the nail. I am wondering what would cause this? Could it be that the salon where she had it applied did not use a base coat? Would that cause staining?
CND says:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:20 am
If the natural nails are being stained it is likely that there is something traveling through the tiny tunnels in Shellac and staining the nails. Common culprits have been household cleaners, make-up, and bronzers.
Here is a video that explains the tiny tunnels:
http://youtu.be/WoE-ew_S1I0
Thank You,
CND
nancy wilkins says:
December 16th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
2 things i need to ask.
first I brought 2 bottles of base coat and stored them in a place not to cold and not to hot. But those bottles have a yellow color to them are they OK to use. And second one of my clients saw a show about cancer and the UV brisa light what can i tell her. P.S. she wears tanning lotion before she comes in thats what the show said to do.
Holly L Schippers says:
December 22nd, 2011 at 11:12 am
The Base Coat itself should not be yellow, there may be some coloration to the bristles though. Here is a report that should give you and your clients insight on the lamp not causing cancer:
http://www.schoonscientific.com/downloads/UV-Nail-Lamp-Facts.pdf
Hope that helps!
Holly L Schippers
CND Education Ambassador
kim says:
January 14th, 2012 at 11:15 pm
I bought the base, top coat and colors of gel polish from CND. Now they look like thicker & hard to use. How to make them thinner, so I can use it easier
CND says:
January 25th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Keep the lids on tight, store at room temperature, and shake 20-30 seconds before each use.
Thank You,
CND
Kathy says:
January 16th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Does it have to be the solar oil or can it be any oil?
CND says:
January 25th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Solar Oil is recommended as it will penetrate nail coatings and condition the nail itself!
Thank You,
CND
sarah says:
January 31st, 2012 at 11:37 pm
I have been using shellac for over a year and it is about 85% of my clients. I use the wraps then remove with orange wood stick and was taught to light buff the nail to remove the clear residue left on the nail.is that wrong? I don’t have them wash there hand before applying cause I don’t want the oil left from the soap on there nails.I have notice the tips of there nails are peeling.what is that from? I do tell my client to use solar oil on a daily base.is it damaging there nails?they seem weak and are repeat users
CND says:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:03 am
It is not recommended to buff continually, only when absolutely necessary. Repeated buffing can thin the nail and lead to peeling. If you constantly have remnants when removing, be sure the wraps are tight, the acetone is pure, and that you have waited the full 10 minutes for removal.
Thank You,
CND
Kathy M says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:17 pm
My mom wore Shellac for about 8 months straight and decided to quit using for awhile. Her nails are now very weak and keep tearing. She lives in another state so I am not sure if the nail tech applied properly or not. Anyone else have weak nails after wearing Shellac?
Her nails were very good before she started wearing.
CND says:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Weakened nails can be caused by improper application or improper removal of any nail coating.
Thank You,
CND
Sue says:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:44 am
I am just learning about Shellac and am wondering if you could apply tips before putting on shellac
CND says:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:05 am
Shellac does not add strength so if applied over tips there would need to be an enhancement in place to give strength to the added length.
Thank You,
CND