Slightly OT: Manicure Question

[Marty Moose]

Okay, this may be a silly question, but I am a total virgin when it comes to manicures and pedicures (never had a pedicure or acrylics, tips, etc.!) I've been pretty lucky in that I can normally grow my nails out pretty long...but I usually get into a cycle of growing them long, longer and then (crack!) one breaks and I have to cut them all and start over again!

I just know that one will break like a day or two before the wedding, so I've decided to go ahead and get them done professionally. I had planned to have them done at Periwigs, but am having a hard time fitting it into my schedule.

So my question is: if I have them done before we leave and the paint chips can I just have them repainted? Or do they have to completely redo them?
Also, whats the difference between acrylics, tips, silk....aaaackk!

Thanks!

 

[maryssasmom]

you can always have them re-paint or fix a mess up when you get it done professionally - and you can go to any nail salon to get that done - my place charges like $5 for a color change and $3 for a fix. I have gel and mine were done over a week ago and not a chip. strong, sturdy. and I don't have to paint them, that part is real nice.

 

[Kae]

Since you have time according to your counter, why don't you start getting weekly or every 2weeks manicures. If you have good nails it might just be the thing to stop cycle of problems.

Kae

 

[Gradar1]

Acrylics are where they place a hard tip onto the end of your real nail. They'll cut the fake tip to the length that you want, and then use a paste on the entire thing to make it a smooth surface. After 1 hand, you'll hold it under a light, so it can harden up. Then the nail technician will buff, smooth, and otherwise refine your nails, then you'll wash them, and she'll paint them the color of your choice. Acrylics don't break very easily, but if you smoosh your finger while wearing a nail, it can really hurt! It's not expensive to get them touched up if needed. I've never gotten gel nails, so I can't comment on how they do those.
I'm with kae, in that maybe you can get biweekly manicure/pedicures--they help keep your nails healthy. Manicures aren't too expensive, and then if you wanted, you could get acrylics or gels the day before your wedding.

 

[FutureMrsC]

I also think that you should try getting regular manicures- I'm not sure about everyone, but my nails take FOREVER to heal from having acrylics (and I don't keep them on that long either- maybe 2 weeks tops.)

If you do decide to get your nails done, I suggest going for the pricier "Solar nails." What the term "solar" has to do with it, I'm not exactly sure. They're lighter though (but SUPER strong) and don't require paint. As long as you don't go out and play contact sports or take up carpentry right before your wedding, I'm sure you'll be fine

 

[Marty Moose]

Thanks so much! I have been considering getting regular manicures & pedicures (it IS a necessary wedding expense, right? )

I think I'll probably wait and see how those go and if I decide to go "au natural" for the wedding I'll make an appointment at Periwigs just in case! I'm sure if I were to end up breaking a nail I'd want to make time to have them done!

Thanks again!!

 

[JandJ]

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but here's my story I also have nails that grow and grow. I usually end up cutting them because they get way too long. They rarely break but when they do they split so low it can bleed. I've been doing DIY manicures forever so I just do them myself. For a treat, 2 days before our wedding I had a spa day (massage, waxing, nails) and I had her just put a clear hardener on (I use OPI Nail Envy) and the day of the wedding I put on my color (a soft pink, Sally Hansen Diamond something or other). Everyone thought I was nuts doing them myself the morning of our wedding - the manicure person, MOH, my best friend, MIL - Everyone! But because I was so used to doing them myself they came out just perfect and I didn't have to worry that they'd chip before the wedding day.
Just my 2 cents. Good Luck!!

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

I think I can help alot since I am a nail tech. Dont get artifical nails, they hurt and ruin your nails, and are an expensive upkeep. Acrylics - to remove you have to soak in nail polish remover made out of acetone for 45-60 minutes. Gels - do not come off!!!!!! You have to drill them off and let me tell you, IT HURTS! If you have strong nails, and you grow them out, they will look soo much better! If one breaks, go to a salon that does wraps, and have them put a wrap on that nail the day before. Wraps come off so much easier, and look so much more natural, they last about 2 weeks before it starts to come off. Take lots of vitamins everyday, and your nails will be strong. Be careful of some nail "strengtheners" they can make your nails peel and break. It depends solely on your nails chemistry and the formula in the polish. Get manicures like every 2-3 weeks from now till you wedding, and you should be set! I hope this will really help.

 

[ItGirl753]

I think I can help alot since I am a nail tech. Dont get artifical nails, they hurt and ruin your nails, and are an expensive upkeep. Acrylics - to remove you have to soak in nail polish remover made out of acetone for 45-60 minutes. Gels - do not come off!!!!!! You have to drill them off and let me tell you, IT HURTS! If you have strong nails, and you grow them out, they will look soo much better! If one breaks, go to a salon that does wraps, and have them put a wrap on that nail the day before. Wraps come off so much easier, and look so much more natural, they last about 2 weeks before it starts to come off. Take lots of vitamins everyday, and your nails will be strong. Be careful of some nail "strengtheners" they can make your nails peel and break. It depends solely on your nails chemistry and the formula in the polish. Get manicures like every 2-3 weeks from now till you wedding, and you should be set! I hope this will really help.

Thank you for this advice! I wanted to start getting fake nails and my sisters advised against it. I am so glad to hear you say the same things they told me!