Okay, so I've had acrylics since I was 15 and now I think I'm ready to be done with them. Let me give you some background-my nails rip, flake, peel, etc. in short, they suck. I like having a hard surface to scratch with, use as tools, etc. which my natural nails would never do, so that's why I always got the fakes. But I had the acrylics taken off today and I'm looking for a new nail salon.
My old salon was the nicest in the city but still, some of them couldn't speak English so I couldn't really ask for what I wanted, they sometimes cut me which makes me feel dirty, and it's far away from my school. So anyhow, I'm looking for a new place and I see gel nails are supposed to be 100 times better than acrylics. I want that hard surface but I don't want the lifting, thickness, and damage that acrylics come with. Are gels better for this? Do they still use a tip or just the gel stuff? By the way, my nails REALLY suck now that I got the fakes off. Uh, I hate this feeling. Any advice/experience with gels would be awesome. Thanks girls.
I know nothing about gel nails, but I used to have nails like yours, and using this (and only this, no polish) 2x per week totally changed them. Just in case you want another option...
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
Jen, I've had gel nails for almost 4 years now and I love them. They aren't thick like acrylics, don't lift, etc. Pretty much the things you don't like about acrylics don't results from Gel nails. Gel appear way thinner and look more natural. I think you should go for them. I love them. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me! HTH!
Thanks for the rec Hb. If I ever break my nail addiction, maybe I'll try that. I've tried a dozen nail strengthners and none ever work for me.
SC33, I think I'll go for the gels tomorrow. The only thing I'm worried about is the price. Now I pay about $22 with tip for fills. I read that it's like $30 for gels. Also, the set is $55 and with my old salon, a set was $30. But it'll be worth it right? Also, are they hard like acrylics and do they hold up well? Do I need a fill every 2 weeks still? TIA
Thanks for the rec Hb. If I ever break my nail addiction, maybe I'll try that. I've tried a dozen nail strengthners and none ever work for me. SC33, I think I'll go for the gels tomorrow. The only thing I'm worried about is the price. Now I pay about $22 with tip for fills. I read that it's like $30 for gels. Also, the set is $55 and with my old salon, a set was $30. But it'll be worth it right? Also, are they hard like acrylics and do they hold up well? Do I need a fill every 2 weeks still? TIA
I pay $30 for a full, new set of Gels and $20 for each fill in. But, I'm sure it's based off of where you live, etc. Mine hold up really well. I only have trouble w/them breaking when the set is getting old and it's time for a new one, otherwise they hold up just fine. I go get fills every 2-3 weeks. A lot of times I wait three weeks. Get them! They are definitely worth the extra money you pay!
I would say hold off on having the gels put on for a while, and let your natural nails have a chance to breathe and grow a bit. When I had my acrylics taken off my salon had me do a paraffin wax hand treatment, and that worked wonders in smoothing out the appearance of my nails, and holding moisture in. So I would suggest get a wax treatment, wait a few weeks for the gels, and then go for it.
Jen- I have the exact same nails and you and had the exact same question a couple of weeks ago! I just got gels on and I LOVE them. Can't recommend enuff. They're about $5 more for fills than acrylics but you can go a little longer between fills. Go for them!