The latest craze in manicures is not a fad so much as The (supposed) Answer to one of our biggest beauty pet peeves: How can I get my nail polish to last, or even make it out of the salon unscathed?

This is the reason I haven't treated myself to a mani or pedi in nearly two years.  Whether gingerly slipping on my flip flops (even in below freezing temps) or trying to fish my wallet out of my bag with a pen to pay after the treatment, it is a solid guarantee that I'll have dinged polish in the time it takes me to travel from the manicure station to my house.  Why would I pay for that when I can botch the job myself at home for free?

Shellac... or Axxium?

Two new products want to change our minds and attempt the impossible: flawless just-from-the salon nails for 2 weeks or more, for just a few dollars more than a standard treatment.  Axxium by OPI and Shellac by CND have been getting a lot of attention lately, so we turned to Tips Nail Bar owner and 15-year nail technician Leeanne Colley for the 411 on this supposed miracle cure:

How does it work?
Axxium is applied in 5 layers - 2 base coats, 2 lacquers, 1 top coat; Shellac is applied in 4 layers - 1 base coat, 2 lacquers, 1 top coat.  In both treatments, each layer is cured under a UV light for 2 minutes.  With proper technique, nails will be fully cured immediately after the last UV treatment.  You can safely root in your bag for car keys or pull on socks and shoes without fear of smudging or dinging your fresh nails.

Removal of both treatments is best done in salon using an acetone soak, says Colley.  Axxium will be completely removed in 15-20 minutes, Shellac in 5-10 minutes.  It is not recommended that you do this at home, but it is possible. (Acetone is the active ingredient in most nail polish removers)

How long does it last?
In each case, new nail growth will determine how quickly you'll seek a fresh treatment.  You may see some wear along the nail's free edge.  Axxium can last up to 3 weeks, while Shellac can go 2 weeks or more, depending on the strength of your natural nails.

Which colours are available in these treatments? 
Axxium is currently available in over 48 shades, including some of the most popular regular OPI colours.  Shellac comes in 12 shades, with 12 more to come soon.  Since a special formula is involved, standard nail polishes cannot be used in substitution.

Colley's Tip: if you want to change your nail colour short term, simply paint over your Axxium or Shellac colour with standard polish, then remove as usual - your original manicure will remain intact and fresh looking!

Is this healthy for my nails?
Your natural nails should remain in the same health as before your treatment.  Some technicians may over-file your nail before applying the product, but this is not necessary.  You should not peel or chip off the nail product at the risk of damaging your nail - soak it off instead at home or in the salon, recommends Colley.

Our Tip: As always, use your personal judgment regarding the UV treatment.  Some people have concerns about this technology, which has been compared to tanning beds.

How much does this cost?
Prices will vary by salon, but at Tips expect to pay $50 for an Axxium treatment and $35 for Shellac.  Removing the product will set you back $5 over the price of reapplication or going back to a standard manicure.

Where can I get this done?
Both Axxium and Shellac are widely available. Ask your local nail studio if they have one or both in stock.

Are there any comparable treatments out there?
The short answer is Yes.  However, Axxium and Shellac are the most popular and available.

Which treatment is better: Axxium or Shellac?
Colley prefers Axxium because it is more durable, flexible, and a good choice for weak and peeling nails.  Since many Axxium colours are the same as the standard OPI collection, you can use regular lacquer in the matching shade to touch up your new nail growth.  Shellac, however, does not have this option.

Are there any other drawbacks to these treatments?
Your nail free edge will wear faster if you file your nails after treatment, says Colley.  You should avoid filing to minimize fraying along the front.  Depending on the rate of your nail growth and the colour choice, regrowth may be very obvious (unless, as mentioned, you touch up with standard polish).

Would you try an Axxium or Shellac manicure?  Read our full review here!