… we think the girls at Spa Maxx are pretty awesome. Check out this fun autumn-toned shellac manicure that Katie designed last week:

It drew compliments from friends and random strangers all weekend long — and lots of questions: How did you do that? Is that just nail polish? Is that real glitter? Where did you get that done? How much does it cost? Can you get it on your toes? How long does it last?

Here are a few answers.

First, a primer on shellac. A shellac manicure is different from ordinary nail polish in that it dries faster, lasts longer, and is virtually chip-proof. A shellac manicure is also multi-layered: Your technician will apply a base coat, a color coat, and a top coat, curing each coat under a UV lamp before applying the next. This process allows for greater creativity, as the technician can add pigments, glitter, foils, or other flourishes to your nails without smudging the color. Here at Spa Maxx, Katie can create something as simple as a French manicure or as elaborate as a bouquet of flowers, a family of ladybugs, or a swarm of bumblebees, and she loves working with clients to turn their nails into tiny works of art.

Shellac manicures at Spa Maxx start at $30 each. Shellac is also available for toes. Add shellac to your mani or pedi for just $10 above the regular price.

Depending on how fast your nails grow, a shellac manicure can last two weeks or more. Shellac is extremely durable, so you’ll probably outgrow your manicure long before you wear it out.

Shellac is ideal for people who are too busy to maintain a traditional manicure; those who are prone to hangnails or breakage; rough-and-tumble types (such as your blog host) who need a low-maintenance manicure that will resist above-average levels of wear and tear; and free spirits who want a unique look that expresses their personality.

Maintenance on a shellac manicure consists of oiling the cuticles daily to keep them from drying out (a process that takes less than a minute and is easily incorporated into your morning or evening routine) and visiting the spa once every couple of weeks to have your nails redone. The manicure pictured above took about 30 minutes; more elaborate designs obviously will take longer.

Interested in finding out whether shellac is right for you? Call Spa Maxx at (918) 744-5500 to schedule an appointment today!