CND Shellac Base & Top coat overview
| ORIGINAL BASE COAT |
WEAR EXTENDER BASE COAT |
XPRESS5 TOP COAT |
ORIGINAL TOP COAT |
DURAFORCE TOP COAT |
NO-WIPE TOP COAT |
SPECIAL EFFECTS TOP COATS |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAIN BENEFIT | EXCELLENT ADHESION | SUPERIOR ADHESION | FAST REMOVAL | ULTRA SHINE | ULTIMATE PROTECTION | NO TOP FILM | ARTISTIC FINISHES |
| POSITIONING | Classic Base Coat provides adhesion layer |
Wear Extending Base Coat provides 3 week wear |
Thin, scratch-resistant Top Coat |
Classic Top Coat provides ultra shine |
Protective Top Coat for thin or damaged nails |
For Artistic Effects | Artistic Top Coats for special effects |
| FINISH | N/A | N/A | High-gloss Shine | High-gloss Shine | High-gloss Shine | High-gloss Shine | Matte Glitter Pearl |
| REMOVAL TIME | N/A | N/A | 5 minutes* | 8 minutes* | 15 minutes* | 8-15 minutes* | 8-10 minutes* |
| NAIL TYPE | Normal | Normal to weak** & uneven surface | Normal to weak** | Normal to weak** | Normal to weak & brittle nails** | Normal to weak** | Normal to weak** |
| STRENGTH & PROTECTION | N/A | N/A | • | •• | ••• | •• | • |
CND is a professional nail care brand from the United States, globally recognised for high-performance nail systems used by salons and nail professionals worldwide. With a strong focus on innovation, advanced technology, and strict quality standards, CND delivers reliable, salon-quality results for natural nails, enhancements, and long-wear manicures.
Founded in 1979, CND (Creative Nail Design) has played a key role in shaping the modern professional nail industry. The brand is widely respected for its scientific approach to product development and close collaboration with nail professionals, ensuring that every system meets the real demands of salon services.
CND is the creator of Shellac, the original gel polish system that transformed professional manicures by combining long-lasting wear with gentle removal. CND Shellac delivers up to 14+ days of wear, high shine, and smooth application while helping protect the natural nail, making it a global standard in professional salons.
The CND product portfolio covers a complete professional nail system. Key product lines include Shellac, Vinylux long-wear nail polish, Plexigel strengthening and enhancement solutions, Brisa Gel and Acrylic systems for sculpting and extensions, as well as Pro Spa hand and foot care products designed for salon treatments and retail use. In addition, CND offers essential prep products, nail treatments, removers, tools, brushes, and professional LED lamps.
CND products are developed through extensive research and testing, combining cosmetic science with practical salon expertise. The brand has received numerous industry awards and recognitions for innovation, product performance, and its contribution to professional nail education and standards worldwide.
All CND nail products are created with a strong focus on nail health, safety, and consistent results. Trusted by professionals for their durability, precision, and reliability, CND systems support high-quality nail services across a wide range of techniques and applications.
Explore CND professional nail products and discover advanced solutions for gel polish, nail care, and salon-quality manicures.
CND Shellac is a professional gel polish system designed to deliver long-lasting wear, high shine, and consistent salon-quality results while supporting the condition of the natural nail. Proper preparation, correct application, and safe removal are essential to achieve optimal performance. This page provides an overview of professional CND Shellac techniques demonstrated in official CND educational videos.
How to Prepare Nails, Apply CND Shellac, and Safely Remove the System
Correct nail preparation, professional application, and proper removal form the complete CND Shellac service cycle. In this video, you will see the full process, including nail preparation, base coat application, colour application, top coat application, and the correct professional method for removing the CND Shellac system. The video demonstrates how following official CND techniques helps achieve smooth coverage, strong adhesion, long-lasting results, and protects the natural nail during removal.
How to Create a French Manicure with CND Shellac
The CND Shellac system can also be used to create precise and elegant French manicures when applied using professional methods. This video demonstrates how to perform a French manicure with Shellac, focusing on clean smile lines, balanced proportions, and a natural, refined finish suitable for professional salon services.
All techniques shown in these videos follow official CND professional guidelines. Proper nail preparation, application, and safe removal help ensure consistent results, extended wear, and support the long-term health and appearance of natural nails.