Question for DIS ladies.. regarding nails...

[WriteDisney]

First off, I'm a total newbie when it comes to getting my nails done. I've had maybe three mani/pedi's in my life (and I'm 24!). For our upcoming Disney trip I wanted to get my nails done. I've gotten french manicures before but have never gotten any "Tips" and have no clue which would be right for me and looking for suggestions. I just want something that would last longer then plain old french manicures on your nails (which chip really quickly).

They have Acryllic Tips Full Set or Fill in, Gel Tips Full Set or Fill In, Permanent French Tip/White Tip Full Set or Fill in, Solar Nail/ Solar Pink & White Powder Full Set or Fill In, or Silk Tip Full Set or Fill In.

Like I said, I've never gotten any "tips" and have no clue which would be best for me. We're going for 10 days so it'd be nice if they lasted that long plus a little while after our trip. I'm a total newbie here so I knew the DIS could enlighten me a little before I ask the spa (who might just try to get me to go with the most expensive).

Thank you!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My dd got "tips" for prom, not sure what kind though. They lasted for a few weeks.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

Acrylic nails will weaken (and generally make ugly) your natural nails. I wouldn't recommend them unless you plan to continue getting them.

I used to get linen wraps, which didn't damage my nails underneath, but since moving I haven't found anyone who does the wraps here the same way. So I'm getting acrylic now. Pink and white, it's a permanent french manicure.

 

[luvmy3jewels]

I'm so glad you asked this question, because I have been considering the same thing lately. I had a bad experience years ago with acrylic nails (my real nails ended up getting a fungus and it took months for them to grow back to normal). My local nail salon has listed gel nails listed as an option, but I have no idea if that is better than acrylics and what is involved. Hopefully someone on this board has a recommendation?

 

[frndshpcptn]

I do the pink & white gel permanent french manicure.

I love it. they are durable, natural looking, never chip and never smudge.

 

[shirleyb]

Hey, I'm 46 and I've never had a manicure, so don't feel bad. I can't wear fake nails or even nail polish at my job, so obviously it's never been a priority. I've thought about tips for special occasions (like this fall when I'm going on a cruise) but don't want to damage my nails since I wouldn't be able to keep it up.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I get mani-pedis all the time, but I only use my real nails.

I used to do acrylics but the damage to the nail bed was just awful. Plus, once in a while it would hurt when they'd run the drill over the new fill. I hated that. It took me nearly six months to get rid of the ridges they would drill into the nails, plus grow out a healthy set of nails. I have ten long natural nails now, but when they break, I just look funky for a while.

What is the story with the gels? I've also heard that linen wraps were great too.

What is a solar nail? I've not seen that around these here parts.

 

[WriteDisney]

Acrylic nails will weaken (and generally make ugly) your natural nails. I wouldn't recommend them unless you plan to continue getting them.

I used to get linen wraps, which didn't damage my nails underneath, but since moving I haven't found anyone who does the wraps here the same way. So I'm getting acrylic now. Pink and white, it's a permanent french manicure.

I do the pink & white gel permanent french manicure.

I love it. they are durable, natural looking, never chip and never smudge.

How long do they last? Do you have to go back in and get them removed? Is it something I could just do once for a special occasion.

Hey, I'm 46 and I've never had a manicure, so don't feel bad. I can't wear fake nails or even nail polish at my job, so obviously it's never been a priority. I've thought about tips for special occasions (like this fall when I'm going on a cruise) but don't want to damage my nails since I wouldn't be able to keep it up.

I'm glad I'm not alone! This is exactly what I'm wondering too.

I get mani-pedis all the time, but I only use my real nails.

I used to do acrylics but the damage to the nail bed was just awful. Plus, once in a while it would hurt when they'd run the drill over the new fill. I hated that. It took me nearly six months to get rid of the ridges they would drill into the nails, plus grow out a healthy set of nails. I have ten long natural nails now, but when they break, I just look funky for a while.

What is the story with the gels? I've also heard that linen wraps were great too.

What is a solar nail? I've not seen that around these here parts.

Yea I have no idea about those either

The spa I go to is very good, but they've also told me a few times that the pedicure/manicure should last a few weeks and is very difficult to chip. I chip mine within a few days (if not 24 hours), so I just wanted to know if this was something I could do to at least stop the chipping, but I don't want to have to make a long term commitment to them (meaning.. having to go back every month and keep getting them done).

I appreciate all the responses

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Linen wraps here.....the down is you have to go for fill-ins.
Polish does last much longer including French manicures.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I have silk wraps on my nails, and acrylics on two fingers were I didn't have any nails (I was a thumb nail biter). It is something you could do for an occasion, but you will have to have them removed. Usually they soak them off in acetone and then file the rest off. Also, this is something that you need to keep up with. I'm a secretary, so between the typing, filing, lifting boxes, etc., I need to go have them filled every two weeks. It's $20 plus tip each time, so it is somewhat expensive. I didn't go for the permanent french because I prefer color on my nails and the polish doesn't cover evenly when you're using color over a permanent French. At least that's what I've been told.

 

[newddmommie]

WriteDisney: I have acryllic nails and it is not something i would recommened just getting for a special occasion. I generally get a fill every 2 weeks. Once you remove them it takes a while for your nails to look good afterwards. If you just want to keep your manicure lasting longer, i would recommened polishing a layer of clear polish on everyday. It will keep your polish lasting longer without the permanace of acryllic.

 

[WriteDisney]

WriteDisney: I have acryllic nails and it is not something i would recommened just getting for a special occasion. I generally get a fill every 2 weeks. Once you remove them it takes a while for your nails to look good afterwards. If you just want to keep your manicure lasting longer, i would recommened polishing a layer of clear polish on everyday. It will keep your polish lasting longer without the permanace of acryllic.

Good idea! : I think I'm going to do that instead, wouldn't want to mess up my nails.. and I have no idea how easy of an adjustment it'd be for me and I wouldn't want to be thinking/worrying about it in WDW

Any brands that you think would work best?

 

[newddmommie]

Before I went back to getting my nails done, i tried Sally Hasen's Hard as Nails clear nail wraps. It's like acryllic in a bottle, but comes off with polish remover and doesn't damage your nails. For polish, i'd recommened anything OPI. Have fun on your trip! And enjoy the mani/pedi, it's always relaxing.

 

[Jennasis]

I did acrylics ONCE for my wedding to my ex eons ago. On the honeymoon ar WDW they were driving me bonkers (the length) so like an idiot, I basically chewed them off. The nail bed underneath was destroyed and my poor nails were weak and soft and peeling for months after.

'll never do it again.

 

[WriteDisney]

I did acrylics ONCE for my wedding to my ex eons ago. On the honeymoon ar WDW they were driving me bonkers (the length) so like an idiot, I basically chewed them off. The nail bed underneath was destroyed and my poor nails were weak and soft and peeling for months after.

'll never do it again.

I think I would do the same thing though, thanks for sharing so I don't try the same thing

Before I went back to getting my nails done, i tried Sally Hasen's Hard as Nails clear nail wraps. It's like acryllic in a bottle, but comes off with polish remover and doesn't damage your nails. For polish, i'd recommened anything OPI. Have fun on your trip! And enjoy the mani/pedi, it's always relaxing.

I'm writing those down! And thank you so much, I think I'm making the right decision

 

[castmemberb4]

I have pink and white solar nails without tips and they are much better for your nails than acrylic. My niece just had a set done for her wedding that is in 6 weeks she'll have them filled in as her nails grow then have them removed afterward. They are much easier to tolerate if you keep the length you're used to and don't get tips. Mine are barely longer than my finger but I still have a nice wide white tip. If you do decide to have them done DON"T peel them off have them removed at the salon so you don't further damage your nails, but like someone else said you will have ridges no matter what type you do.

The poster who recommended you get just get your nails manicured and add your own top coat is much better advice if you're not going to keep them and you're not going to be devestated if they chip (like for wedding pictures). Also if you're not married to the french manicure idea a solid color stays on your natural nails much better, before I did solars I could go two weeks with a solid color but a french manicure barely lasted three days.

 

[frndshpcptn]

With the gels (pink and white), they don't add tips. They use the gel to sculpt extensions if you want them. They are as durable as it comes - mine have never broken.

I get fill ins every 2-3 weeks.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

I have pink and white solar nails without tips and they are much better for your nails than acrylic.

I've heard this, but why?

Are your nails still filed down to nothing before they put the solar nail on or does it just go directly on top of your nail? When you take the solar nails off, is your nail damaged?

I see ads for solar nails all over here, but no really good advice as to why they would be better.

I'm a nail picker. Would solar be a good option for me? I can grow my nails to be beautiful, but I just end up picking them off. I don't want long nails, just nice looking nails, ones that I can actually use my fingers, you know, wash my hair, not having to worry that they'll pop off! But, I don't want to change my mind, take them off, and then have worse damaged nails than before.

 

[castmemberb4]

With the gels (pink and white), they don't add tips. They use the gel to sculpt extensions if you want them. They are as durable as it comes - mine have never broken.

I get fill ins every 2-3 weeks.

Some salons do !
When i sent my niece to my guy to get hers done he cut her natural nails and added tips, then did solar pink & white, I was so mad I've almost changed salons.

 

[castmemberb4]

I've heard this, but why?

Are your nails still filed down to nothing before they put the solar nail on or does it just go directly on top of your nail? When you take the solar nails off, is your nail damaged?

I see ads for solar nails all over here, but no really good advice as to why they would be better.

I'm a nail picker. Would solar be a good option for me? I can grow my nails to be beautiful, but I just end up picking them off. I don't want long nails, just nice looking nails, ones that I can actually use my fingers, you know, wash my hair, not having to worry that they'll pop off! But, I don't want to change my mind, take them off, and then have worse damaged nails than before.

Oh no I was afraid someone was going to ask this question.
They do file your nails down some but I don't know how it compares to acrylic b/c I've never had those. I know solar is not as thick as acrylic and I've been told the material lets your nails 'breathe' Not sure how true that is.
I've only ever taken mine off for two weeks (don't know why I thought I should let them have some air) I had him cut them short and they did seem weaker than they used to be but my nails were super strong before. He aslo smoothed them out pretty good, not many ridges.

As for strengh of solar nails they are very strong, there is not much I can't do with them especially when they're fairly short. When they start to grow out they can start to pop up on the sides and that's when I'm in danger of picking/chewing them. If you just get fill-ins pretty often that shouldn't happen. I did break on once b/c I caught a window that was falling out of it's frame, caught my finger between the window and windowsil, but my nail didn't break just broke the solar material off.