How many of you have your nails done?

[critter crazy]

As a side note, I just went and looked on-line as i had never heard of Gel Nails! Hmmm....I wonder if anyone around here does them?? they sound nice! I have always had acrylics! Never knew there was anything else out there!


Are gel nails thinner?? If they are, I realy need to get some, cause that was one of the reasons why I stopped acrylics, the thickness bothered me, along with the hell they put my real nails through!

[Taz_Zoee]

I have had acrylic nails for almost 20 years (May of 08 will be 20). I got them put on in high school for my brother's wedding and never stopped.
My nails are paper thin, but I don't have the pain like you were talking about. But my nails were thin to begin with and I was a nail biter.
I can't imagine not having nails and I dread the day if/when it ever happens.

I have known people who have had gel and I haven't heard of that happening to them. Sometimes people are allergic to some of the chemicals used. That may be what happened with you and that's what caused the pain.

[moosmom]

Critter Crazy,

Acrylic nails are painted on and dried. The nail gel goes over your actual nail and they have to "bake" it. The nail gel is REAAAAAAALLY thick and has to be applied in layers and baked (dried) in layers. It's more expensive. But having done both I can actually compare them. The Acrylic ones seem to stay on better in the long run.

Cassies Mom,

A pedicure??? That sounds wonderful! Maybe I'll try that next.

[Freedom]

I spend my money on rescues.

[critter crazy]

The nail gel goes over your actual nail and they have to "bake" it. The nail gel is REAAAAAAALLY thick and has to be applied in layers and baked (dried) in layers. It's more expensive. But having done both I can actually compare them. The Acrylic ones seem to stay on better in the long run.

Hmmm.....gosh cause the way they described them on-line they were way different.....

Benefits of Gel Nails:
1) Odorless
2) Natural Feeling
3) Thin
4) Flexible
5) Crystal Clear
6) Light Weight
7) Natural looking
8) No lifting!

WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?
The short answer: GEL NAILS are an extremely natural-looking enhancement: thin, clear, flexible, non-yellowing, nonporous, resist lifting. Gel nails can be used for natural nail overlays (actually one of the most difficult techniques--but it looks the easiest), tip overlays, and sculpted onto forms for short extensions, and to help encapsulate a damaged free-edge as it grows out.

http://www.nailsplash.com/gelnails.html#what

[cali]

not to run it in anysone face but...my long, thick white claws are all natural , I dont need to get my nails done lol

[Karen]

I'm allergic to nail polish, so have never had my nails done, as I'd not survive the fumes without and oxygen mask. And my nails are fine the way they are, I think I'd be worried about my nails if I has "stuff" on them, and life is too busy for more worries!

[RedHedd]

not to run it in anysone face but...my long, thick white claws are all natural , I don't need to get my nails done lol

Me too. I'm fanatical about my nails - take Biotin, use cuticle oil and lotions/creams a lot. I follow the regimen prescribed by the gals on the Makeupalley.com nail board. My nails have never been better. They're polished at all times and the polish stays on, doesn't chip. The trick is using good quality products (a good basecoat and topcoat are key), a glass file, not using my nails as tools.

My boss gave me a gift certificate for a mani-pedi at a local spa for my birthday. It's a nice gesture and I know I'll use it, but I really do prefer doing my own - it's a twice weekly healing ritual for me. It's ME time - I'm so worth it and so are you!

P.S. The fakes (gels, acrylics, etc.) damage your nails horribly. The healing/repair time can be very long. I've never had fakes (never had to; I've always had good REAL nails) and would never want them.

[Babyboonie]

I am very rarely without my nails done - mainly because my own nails are just so thin and break really easily through years and years of nail biting. I've had both gel and acrylic and didn't like either. Gel seem to include lots of filing and then being "baked" and to my acrylic ones are too thick and heavy. My nail lady does fiberglass and these are much better. They let the nail breathe underneath and don't cause any damage to the nail bed. They stay on real good too - usually last me 3 weeks unless I get maintenance and they last twice that. Costs about £25, including an American manicure (slightly softer than the French manicure).

[Edwina's Secretary]

I am lucky with naturally strong nails. I have them polished but cut and shape them myself. It is very inexpensive here and they can do a better job (I did my own most the time until moving here.) Usually...

I have a pedicure once a month. I have finally started having the "flower with fake gems" on my big toe. It is a SoCal thing....

I cringe though if I have to sit next to someone getting fakes put on. The drill, etc. makes me nervous!

[jackie]

Critter Crazy,

Acrylic nails are painted on and dried. The nail gel goes over your actual nail and they have to "bake" it. The nail gel is REAAAAAAALLY thick and has to be applied in layers and baked (dried) in layers. It's more expensive. But having done both I can actually compare them. The Acrylic ones seem to stay on better in the long run.

You need to find a new nail tech. My gel nails we really thin and light.

I went to a different salon once in a pinch, and she put the gel on way too thick, and they looked like bricks.