Like most women who wear nail polish, I've had the frustrating problem of having my polish chip, sometimes within minutes after I've had a manicure.

Not any more.

Now that I've discovered Creative Nail Design's Shellac Hybrid Nail color system, I'm hooked. It’s the nail care product I've been dreaming of.

Shellac Hybrid Nail is a cross between gel polish and regular polish. It is applied to the nails just like regular polish. However, it dries under an ultraviolet lamp, and the finish is a high glossy shine that lasts 14 days or more.

I know, there are many products on the market that promise long-lasting manicures, but this one is unlike anything I've tried.

I visited LaChelle Robinson, a licensed nail tech at Plush Nail Lounge, for my Shellac service.

First, she gave me a basic manicure to shape my nails and push back my cuticles. Next, she polished my nails with a specially formulated base coat, two coats of nail color -- I choose the neutral shade Romantique -- and then a topcoat. After applying each application, she placed my hands under a UV nail lamp while the polish cured -- for a total of about 15 minutes.

As soon as my service was complete, my nails were dry. That in itself seemed like a miracle. I almost always smudge my nails by accident when I reach for my money or keys in my handbag.

My manicure lasted for three weeks without chips or scratches. I couldn't believe it; they looked just as good as they did the day Robinson applied the product.

Shellac is totally addictive. I love the fact that it doesn't use harsh chemicals and it's hypoallergenic. Also, there is no buffing, no need for a fill-in or drilling, which means there is no damage to the nail bed.

The best part is that it takes only 10 minutes to remove, a process that should be done by a nail tech with acetone remover.

Shellac comes in 12 colors. I am hoping they'll add more.

Robinson said she's been performing the service since it was introduced in May.

"I've had nothing but positive responses to the service from clients,” she said. “Everyone loves it, and more people are starting to request it."

She charges $20 for a Shellac manicure and $45 for a Shellac pedicure. Her shop is at 2940 N. Graham St. Phone: (704) 340-1144.

Other nail salons in Qcity that offer the service are: Siditty Kitty Nail Salon, 1912 Commonwealth Ave. (980) 297-6841, The Nail Cabaret, 4329 Monroe Rd., (704) 208-8119 and Noda Nail Salon, 2424 N. Davidson St. (704) 909-7518.  For more information, visit www.cnd.com.