Shellac manufacturer spot-checking salons to make sure they use product correctly

MENTOR, Ohio - A nail polish guaranteed to last two weeks is a big hit among some women. Others say Shellac doesn't last.

We exposed these issues in a hidden camera investigation last November . Now, the manufacturer is taking action to back up its guarantee so you always get what you paid for.

Nail polish and chipping used to go hand-in-hand until Shellac hit the market. The product by Creative Nail Design promises no chipping for two weeks.

"This is the third time I've had it done and I love it," Vicki Wilson said. Wilson went to another salon before becoming a regular at Jenniffer & Co .

"We've had people who have gone to other salons and have had challenges," owner Jennifer Pealer said. "Sometimes people don't want to make the complete investment in a product so they will try to do shortcuts."

In our hidden camera investigation last November, 10 women went to five salons and asked for Shellac. We found they didn't always get what they asked for. Sometimes other brands were used. You need to look at the bottle to make sure you're truly getting Shellac.

To make it easier on the consumer, Creative Nail Design or CND is sending trainers to spot check salons. The inspection is unannounced.

"If we come in, it's not to be the Shellac police. It's just to assure that if we are honoring them and mentioning them on our website that we are committed to the consumer," said CND education ambassador Candice Manacchio.

Up until this point, any salon could get their name on CND's website. Now, salons will be certified.

Trainers teach salons to use proper products and techniques. The biggest problems are mixing other products and the application.

In our test, the French manicures didn't last as long as the colored Shellac. Manacchio said the French manicures simply weren't done right.

"The formula is not any different than the colors. It's all how it's being applied," Manacchio said. Once CND trains nail techs the tricks of the trade, the employees and salon are certified. More than 30 salons in northeast O hio already have the seal of approval. Look for it in the window or on CND's website .

"It is a costly product, but when applied right, used right, inventoried right, it's obviously profitable for a salon," Pealer said.

P ealer and CND both recommend solar oil to keep your polish lasting longer. Pealer said it's her salon's number one seller. You put a drop on your nails every day and rub it into your nail and cuticle.