History
Creative Nail Design (CND) was launched in 1979 in Southern California by Jan Arnold and her brother, inspired by their dentist father’s invention of SolarNail™—the first non-yellowing polymer resin for nail enhancements (Creative Nail Design). Over decades, CND became the global standard in professional nail services, carving a reputation for high-performing innovation, artistry, and rigorous R&D grounded education.
Key breakthroughs include Shellac™ Brand Gel Polish introduced in 2010—offering 14+ days of chip-resistant shine—and Vinylux™ Long Wear Polish in 2013, a no-base-coat system cured by natural light with durable ProLight™ topcoat performance.
Today CND remains the ultimate partner in nail fashion—recognized for professional training, salon innovation, and being featured at Fashion Week and educational institutions globally.
Products & Services
CND’s flagship offerings include:
- CND Shellac™ Gel Polish: A patented three-step system (base, color, top) cured with CND LED or UV lamps; no filing removal thanks to their Butterfly Removal™ system (“breathable” polish that dissolves in acetone over tiny tunnels).
- CND Vinylux™ Long Wear Polish System: A two-coat system—color coat plus top coat with ProLight™, cured by natural light—for up to 7 days chip-free wear without base coat, ideal for fast salon polish jobs or retail take-home.
- Enhancement Products: Includes BRISA® Light Gels, RETENTION+™ Liquid & Powder, RescueRxx™ Keratin Treatment, SolarOil™ Nail & Cuticle Conditioner, and design-focused layering and artisan polish color lines (nailsmag.com).
- Education & Digital Tools: Shellac certification for pros, online and in-person training, design labs, and salon locator and trend tools through CND’s Perfectly Polished platform (Creative Nail Design).
Quality Standards
Formula & Innovation
- Shellac is patented, blending polish and gel into a breathable, long-wear formula cured in minutes without requiring buffing.
- Vinylux leverages ProLight™ top coat, reinforcing polish durability via ambient light, while eliminating base coat step.
Durability & Wear
- Customers regularly report 12+ days of Shellac wear with minimal tip wear and shine retention—it becomes protective shell around the natural nail (15 Minute Beauty Fanatic).
- Vinylux offers easier, tool-free color, lasting up to 7 days—even on natural nails—with quick removal.
Professional Education & Protocol
- Shellac-certified pros learn standardized prep—using CND ScrubFresh, LED curing in recommended lamps, and removal techniques to avoid nail damage (thesimplehaus).
- CND’s mission emphasizes artistry, individuality, and care for nails, supported by proprietary R&D and consistent product quality (Creative Nail Design).
Customer Reviews (Real Summaries with Quotes)
Glamour / Consumer Press
- A consumer trial after almost three weeks of Shellac wear still showed minimal tip wear and continued shine—one of the most impressive reports of longevity (Glamour).
- Shellac was noted for helping someone break a nail-biting habit because nails stayed glossy, strong, and lasted past seven days (Teen Vogue).
Blog Review (The Simple Haus)
- Enthused at 12 days wear with only slight discoloration near cuticle due to regrowth—not polish wear—and praised easy removal using acetone wrap method (15 Minute Beauty Fanatic).
Reddit / Nail Tech Community (r/Nailtechs)
- Some techs criticize Shellac’s formula as “very thin,” with small bottle size and fading color unless proper base and top are used. One commented:“I personally don’t like Shellac… formula separates, color fades weirdly without base/top.” (Reddit)
Facebook / Salon Feedback via Yelp
- A local salon review:“CND’s quick and quality service! Loved how Tom made my daughter feel special—his Shellac pedi lasted weeks.” (Yelp)
Customer Reviews Recap
| Platform | Sentiment | Representative Quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Press | Very Positive | “Minimal tip wear after 12 days… still shiny” |
| Blog Review | Positive | “Amazing longevity… protective and shiny” |
| Reddit/Nail Pros | Mixed | “Formula thin… requires full system to work” |
| Salon Feedback | Positive | “Quick and quality. Daughter felt special…” |
Reasons Why Salons Should Choose CND
- Professional Prestige & Education Network
Only certified pros can offer Shellac services, raising service credibility and client confidence. - Proven Long-Wear Color Performance
Shellac’s 14+ day chip-free claim backed by real clients and press acclaim; Vinylux offers 7-day polish longevity without base. - Salon System Ecosystem
CND empowers salons with polish, geler systems, treatments, education, and tools—all branded under trusted professional standards. - Innovation-Driven Product Range
Patented formulas (Shellac, Vinylux), new gels (BRISA), treatments (RescueRXX), and top-tier digital engagement support are unmatched. - Nail Health Consideration
Shellac’s breathable formula and non-filing removal process (Butterfly Removal™) reduce acrylic-type damage when used correctly. - Retail & Upsell Opportunity
Salons can retail Vinylux home kits, oils like SolarOil, and polish accessories, creating repeat revenue beyond services.
Summary
CND (Creative Nail Design) stands as a cornerstone of professional nail innovation—a brand born from chemistry and built through artistry. Its introduction of Shellac™ in 2010 redefined industry expectations for gel polish wear, curing, and ease of removal. Vinylux™ followed, offering salon-like polish durability without base coats or lamps. Their education-first model, patented formulations, fashion collaborations, and trend leadership make CND an industry leader for over 45 years (15 Minute Beauty Fanatic).
Customers praise Shellac for resilience—wearing impeccably for over a week or two; Vinylux delivers quick color with lasting shine. While some pros note formula or convenience drawbacks, most feedback on polished results and minimal damage outweighs concerns.
For salons, CND offers a robust, prestige-backed polish system, professional certification paths, reliable product development, and salon-retail synergy. Whether you’re offering Shellac-based-long wear services or Vinylux polish, CND empowers salons to join fashion-forward, tech-savvy, and client-focused nail care.
