C8 Brand Spotlight · No. 06
Meet CND
The science that started modern nails — since 1979
CND: The Science-Backed Original Behind Modern Nails
CND (Creative Nail Design) is the professional brand that helped invent modern nail chemistry — from the industry's first liquid monomer to the patented SHELLAC 14+ day gel polish and VINYLUX weekly wear. Founded in 1979 and based in Southern California, CND builds salon-grade enhancement, color and treatment systems trusted by nail professionals in 65 countries.
If a client has ever asked for a long-wear gel manicure or a natural-looking sculpted nail, they're asking for something CND had a hand in inventing. At C8 Nail Supply, CND is the pro's-pro line — the enhancement systems, powders and treatments techs reach for when the work has to hold up service after service.
The Story
CND's story famously begins in a dentist's office. Dr. Stuart Nordstrom, a practicing dentist, realized the material he used for temporary caps was chemically similar to what nail techs were using to sculpt enhancements — and set out to make it better. The result was SolarNail™, the industry's first-ever liquid monomer for stronger, more flexible, non-yellowing enhancements. Through the 1980s the company grew fast and — unusually for the era — invested in its own multi-million-dollar research & development lab. That science-first approach produced a run of pro staples: Retention+® liquid & powder, Brisa® gel, Scentsations™ lotions and SolarOil™. In May 2010, after nearly five years of development, CND introduced SHELLAC® — the original patented 14+ day gel polish that cures in a lamp and removes without damaging the nail. VINYLUX® weekly polish followed in May 2013. CND has been part of Revlon's professional portfolio since 2013, and — with more than 10,000 certified Masters worldwide and the tagline "Nails. Fashion. Beauty." — still runs on the same Southern California science-and-education engine it started with more than 45 years ago.
What CND Is Known For
Tech Favorites at C8
What Techs Love About It
Across the pro community, CND earns steady praise for three things: R&D-backed consistency — formulas that perform the same jar after jar — the education behind the brand, from SHELLAC certification to the Master program, and removal that respects the natural nail, so enhancements and gel color come off clean. It's the kind of line techs trust when the work has to last.
CND FAQ
Where is CND based?
CND (Creative Nail Design) is a professional nail brand founded in 1979 and based in Southern California. It has been part of Revlon's professional portfolio since 2013 and is sold in salons and spas in 65 countries.
What is CND best known for?
Inventing the first professional liquid monomer (SolarNail), and later CND SHELLAC — the original patented 14+ day gel polish (2010) — and VINYLUX weekly polish (2013), plus the Retention+, Brisa and Plexigel enhancement systems.
Is CND a professional brand?
Yes. CND is a salon-grade professional line backed by its own R&D lab and a global education program with more than 10,000 certified Masters, though many of its treatments and lotions are loved by consumers too.
Where can I buy CND?
C8 Nail Supply carries CND enhancement and care systems in retail, case and wholesale quantities. Browse the collection below or call us at 714-868-7088 for volume orders.