Shellac Manicures in Koreatown: What to Know Before You Book

A shellac manicure at Sarang Nails & Beauty is $35 and takes about 40 minutes. Shellac is a gel-polish hybrid that cures under UV light, so it goes on like polish but wears like gel — glossy, chip-resistant, and dry the moment you leave. For most clients it lasts two to three weeks without chipping, which is why it's the most-booked manicure at our Koreatown salon.

Shellac vs. regular polish: which should you get?

Regular polish (a classic manicure is $25 with us) is perfect if you change colours often or want a quick refresh. It dries soft, so it's prone to smudging in the first hour and usually lasts about a week. Shellac costs ten dollars more, takes the same amount of chair time, and trades that flexibility for durability: no dry time, no smudges, and two to three weeks of high-shine wear.

How long does shellac actually last?

• Two to three weeks is typical before regrowth at the cuticle starts to show.
• Hands that are in water a lot — dishes, swimming, frequent washing — may see two weeks.
• Toes hold shellac even longer, often four-plus weeks, since they're protected by shoes.

Removing shellac the right way

Never peel it off — that takes a layer of your natural nail with it. Shellac removal at Sarang is $10, and it's a gentle soak-off that keeps your nail bed healthy. If you're coming in for a fresh set, just let us know you have shellac on so we can build the removal into your appointment time.

Making it last: simple aftercare

• Apply cuticle oil daily — it keeps the polish flexible so it bonds longer.
• Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning.
• Don't use your nails as tools (opening cans, peeling stickers).
• Book your next visit around the three-week mark, before regrowth becomes obvious.

Want to add a little something? French tips, chrome, cat-eye, and ombre nail art start at $15. You can book a shellac manicure online any time, or call us at 416 901 2230 — we're at 633A Bloor St. W in the heart of Koreatown.