gel nails

moneylover

this continues to be all very useful, I shall print it all off and take to a nail technician have been recommended one in Chelmsford where I live by two separate people.
I did bite my nails for 14 years! Then just stopped - much good it did me as they have never looked any nicer for it!
I have a feeling your own nails have to be quite good for Shellac, but I might be wrong.
I agree no electric filing etc.
I really admire people who manage to do their own nails, lash perms etc. If my life depended on it I couldnt do a 10% reasonable job!!

moneylover

Molly41 wrote: »

I have ruined my nails with having one set of gel nails applied. I cant believe the damage they did!

but that doesnt seem to be other people's experience? Did they use an electric filer on your nails?

bagginslover

If you can apply nail varnish, you can apply gel it's just the same, a little thicker to spread perhaps, but that actually makes it harder to make mistakes as it doesn't flow as much. Seriously, it's very easy, and so much cheaper.

Magnolia

I had one set of acrylics and it took my nails 18 months to recover!

You do need your nails in reasonable condition to have shellac nailvarnish so go and see a nail tech and see what they suggest.

If your shellac nails looks bumpy and uneven then the product was put on too thick or the tech used a nearly finished bottle of top coat that had thickened too much.

amyb_2

Like everyone has said... more than likely once you chose an artificial enhancement you are stuck with it... as they don't improve the condition.

I have acrylics; as they are best suited to me. I have then applied at a good salon and they look natural - nice lenght and not thick.

I like acrylics best as they are strong and i can paint them any colour at want like normal nails (just use acetone free remover.)

They cost £50 for a new set (approx every three months); and infills cost me £20 (every two weeks) - i could drag them out a wee bit longer but then i get the growth which makes them looks false.

moneylover

Yes, I think they look natural if painted, its just that they look false when French becuase French polish and artificial nails are associated. I agree that the thinner the better - is that just a sign of a good technician or what?
And of course, once they are painted they will look natural no-one would know but as you say you get the gap at the bottom and that maybe is emphasised with varnish on becasue it must look a bit bumpy

lou49

I go to a very good local Vietnamese nail salon (seem to be lots of these in north London, don't know about rest of country) and have been having gels for years. Don't care at my age about nails underneath,( I bit for years, would still be nibbling so they'd never grow) and it's worth it to not being ashamed of them. Like trying the new colours (blue atm!). I was always told that bitten nails grow more quickly, and I do think it's true and don't always get in for a 'fill' as often as I should, but so worth it!