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Dec 2010  |  By Jamie Allison Sanders and Katherine Fernholz  |  Comments

The No-Chip Manicure: Pros, Cons and Everything In Between

Shellac. Calgel. OPI. Minx. In other words, the no-chip manicure.

Nail enthusiasts and experts alike have been up in arms or, in this case, hands—about the newest manicure trend to hit the nail salon. We got the skinny on the process, its pros and cons, and even how to make it work for your hot New Year’s Eve shindig.

On average, the no-chip manicure lasts for two to three weeks with—you guessed it—no chipping! It can and does work for anyone and this concept is here to stay.

“The no-chip manicure is not a trend; this is new, high technology, on the cutting-edge, and it is only going to get better,” says Alan Kossof, general manager at Teddie Kossof’s Salon, Spa & Wellness Center.

Here’s what you need to know about the process:

• Nails are painted similarly to a regular manicure
• One at a time, nails are placed under a UV lamp
• The UV lamp cures and dries the polish instantly, which means there’s absolutely no drying time!
• The total curing and drying time takes about 10 minutes, and then you can walk out the door with nails totally dry

Depending on which process you select, the color selection may vary. For example, Teddie Kossof’s offers Shellac as well as OPI and each manicure is priced at $45. Kossof says OPI has been found to provide better structure for weak nails, while the Shellac is intended for a healthy nail bed. Each manicure offers a variety of colors, including a layering technique from the Shellac line, which combines colors.

Plus, the no-chip mani is perfect if you want to really wow people at your New Year’s Eve bash this year when you have more important things to worry about than your nails. “It’s ideal for people who are going away or don’t have time to come into the salon every week,” says Yana Vodovoz, nail technician at Anasa Salon and Spa. Anasa offers Shellac with 12 colors available, priced at $49.

We do speak from experience when we tell you that removal is difficult if not done properly. It’s best to have it removed at a salon, since nail technicians wrap your nails in cotton and foil, place them under a heat lamp and expertly scrape off the polish.

The removal is the downside to two weeks of worry-free nails!