How many of you have your nails done?

[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!

[Barbara]

I never had fake nails. I think the glue they need will always attack your real nails and I'm not surprised they become very thin- which at our age can be a problem anyway, Donna.

But in the US I sometimes get the polish on- when I went to visit Sara we both had painted flowers on our big toes- loved that.
Around here it is so much more expensive I rather do it myself. Even managed a French manicure- I love that