Opi Gel Nails

s_glover

I am going away on holiday for 2 weeks in a few weeks time. I am thinking it would be nice to get my nails done with OPI gel the day before I go. I’ve never had gel nails before and am wondering if those of you who have experience of this would be able to give me some advice please.
Whilst I’m away I won’t be doing hard work (housework, gardening etc) however I’m sure there will be lots of swimming in the pool, possibly sea and sun (hopefully!). I’d like to get quite a bright colour so any chips etc are likely to be quite obvious. Do you think they are likely to stay in good condition for the 2 weeks whilst I’m away? The last thing I want is for them to be looking shabby and worse than just plain nails!

Kittycat1981

If done correctly they will not chip nor looks shabby. Gel varnish hardly ever chips, its really difficult to remove (soaked off when removing)

You will see "growth" from where your nails are growing but that will hardly be noticeable (well depending on how quickly your nails grow)

I have gel polish done quite a lot on nails and toes - lasts my whole holiday no issues.

AbbieCadabra

gel polish should last the full 2 weeks ok but it might be an idea to have a trial run beforehand as it doesn't suit some people, depends on your nails. if normal polish lasts ok, then you should be alright.

i use gelish & use a swimming pool daily, still get 21 days wear for me with no chips/wear, apart from re-growth.

i would check with whoever is doing them though re:colour choice & suncream. some colours (think it's the more the orange based ones) are more prone to fading in the sun/chlorine & i think it's best to wash your hands after applying suncream too. definitely buy a decent cuticle oil & apply regularly, 2-3 times a day, whilst you're away.

s_glover

AbbieCadabra wrote: »

gel polish should last the full 2 weeks ok but it might be an idea to have a trial run beforehand as it doesn't suit some people, depends on your nails. if normal polish lasts ok, then you should be alright.

i use gelish & use a swimming pool daily, still get 21 days wear for me with no chips/wear, apart from re-growth.

i would check with whoever is doing them though re:colour choice & suncream. some colours (think it's the more the orange based ones) are more prone to fading in the sun/chlorine & i think it's best to wash your hands after applying suncream too. definitely buy a decent cuticle oil & apply regularly, 2-3 times a day, whilst you're away.

Can I ask a couple more silly questions please (can you tell I’m a novice at this)? In what way does it not suit some people? I’m usually fine with normal polish, although it doesn’t usually last long before it chips but then I am pretty heavy handed (housework,. Gardening etc) when not on holiday.
Thanks for the advice about colour and suncream / sun.
What is the purpose of the cuticle oil and can you recommend a decent one please?

AbbieCadabra

for some people, any type of polish just won't last, even gel polish will only last a few days. i don't think it's a common problem as i know so many people that get on with gel fine, probably just down to your skin/nail type i guess. if you're ok with normal polish, i wouldn't worry about it.

cuticle oil hydrates & conditions the nail & cuticle. if you don't use oil, the nail is likely to dry out, keeping it moisturised will help all polish last longer. i use solar oil or cuccio pomegranate & fig (i do usually buy off ebay but try boots/amazon for others available).

have a great holiday!

Pinkpegasus

I had my nails done with gel for the first time a couple of months ago. I have long, strong nails anyway and just got them as they came as part of the package I booked via Groupon. I only wear nail varnish on occasion anyway.
My nail looked lovely and felt great, chose a lovely burgundy/purply colour. Then two weeks later, they had grown quite a lot and they gel obviously grew up too. Me being a bit daft, tried removing the gel with nail varnish remover and wrecked my nails. Im still growing the purple out and its only on the tips now, but I have to constantly wear nail varnish until it disappears as I don't want them done again.
Just make sure you get the salon to remove the gel when it grows up x

s_glover

Pinkpegasus wrote: »

I had my nails done with gel for the first time a couple of months ago. I have long, strong nails anyway and just got them as they came as part of the package I booked via Groupon. I only wear nail varnish on occasion anyway.
My nail looked lovely and felt great, chose a lovely burgundy/purply colour. Then two weeks later, they had grown quite a lot and they gel obviously grew up too. Me being a bit daft, tried removing the gel with nail varnish remover and wrecked my nails. Im still growing the purple out and its only on the tips now, but I have to constantly wear nail varnish until it disappears as I don't want them done again.
Just make sure you get the salon to remove the gel when it grows up x

Thanks PinkPegasus. I have read previously that you really do need to get them removed professionally and that trying to remove them yourself / scraping the nail will damage your nail bed.. The place where I am thinking of getting them done does removal for £5, so pretty good value I think.

lynsayjane

s_glover wrote: »

Thanks PinkPegasus. I have read previously that you really do need to get them removed professionally and that trying to remove them yourself / scraping the nail will damage your nail bed.. The place where I am thinking of getting them done does removal for £5, so pretty good value I think.

I do my own gel nails and remove myself. If you do decide to try this the best method is to have cotton pads, squares of tin foil and acetone. File over the gel to remove the shine, soak the pad with acetone, place on the nail then wrap with the foil. If you leave them to soak for a good 10-15 minutes (I do it while watching tv to avoid boredom/wandering/fidgeting) then remove. What's left of the gel should come off with a very gentle buff with a file. Never attempt to file them off totally, apart from taking ages it's the over filing that damages the nail bed.

I have previously used the Jessica GELeration but will be moving to the OPI range as I need new stuff. Their colours look fab and it's more readily available. Having had acrylic nails for the last couple of years I'm resting mine at the minute. I've been using the Jessica Phenomen Oil and the condition of my nails has improved greatly in a short space of time. With gels you're best with a cuticle oil rather than a cream.

With regards colour, I'm terrible and would choose something that would match all the outfits I'm taking away with me :rotfl:

pollypenny

I regret having gel on my nails. I always have a pedicure treat when in the USA and this time I opt for a manicure too, with gels to last.

Big mistake. My nails and hair grow quickly, I have a trim very three weeks if I can fit it in.

The regrowth looked terrible and I had some chips. I've just doesn't ages taking it off, following instructions on Wikihow and am left with a mess of rough looking nails. The one little finger nail that I picked at is in better shape.

sillyvixen

i had my nails done with opi gel before my wedding and it lasted 2 1/2 weeks - no chipping the only reason to remove it was because of nail growth.
although it has taken 3 months to grow out the dry flaky nails left from where the polish was applied!!
i would have it done again but only for special occasions - not as a regular thing.

AbbieCadabra

i've been using gel polish (DIY using sensationail lamp & gelish products, acetone for removal) for over 18 months now with only a few weeks break when i couldn't wear it (due to minor operations). my nails are still in great condition after removal, no flakes, splits or anything. i do use cuticle oil at least once a day & i've been able to grow my nails longer than i have for a long time due to the protection/strength that gel gives. as with some other treatments, perhaps gel just isn't suitable for everyone?