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.