U/V gel nails anyone?

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I had my acrylics removed last week and my natural nails are already a mess. Does anyone have U/V gel nails?

 

[jsmith]

I had UV gels for about 9 months-i liked them and they did less damage to my natural nails than acrylics-two weeks after i took them off my nails were back to normal-but they were not nearly as sturdy they cost more to maintain and we went on a criuse while i had them-we spend LOTS of time in the water and they didnt like salt water at all-popped right off and there was no tech on the ship who could repair them. Im back to acrylics or i would have no nails-im a network technician for a military contractor and some of the work i do eats my natural nails and gels wont hold up to it either

 

[poohandwendy]

In my experience with nail clients, gel nails either work on people...or they do not. I do not even do them anymore for that reason. Far too much lifting, no matter how much you prep the nail. And if the client has their hands in water alot, forget it.

If I were you, and you decide to opt for natural nails, I would get a good manicure, cut your natural nails down and keep a good nail strengthener on AT ALL TIMES. It does take months for nails to recover from acrylic.

My recommendations for nail strengtheners: OPI Nail Envy or Nail tek

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

After having acrylics for almost a year, it seams my nails looked really thick after fills. Plus the fact that my contacts are a pain to deal with. After a few days post-acrylic nail removal, I have three natural nails that have broken. I guess I am looking for an alternative. Argh!

 

[MoniqueU]

It actually hurt me to put my bails in the UV machine. I figured that can't be good. I finally found a good nail place and just have acrylics.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

In my experience with nail clients, gel nails either work on people...or they do not. I do not even do them anymore for that reason. Far too much lifting, no matter how much you prep the nail. And if the client has their hands in water alot, forget it.

If I were you, and you decide to opt for natural nails, I would get a good manicure, cut your natural nails down and keep a good nail strengthener on AT ALL TIMES. It does take months for nails to recover from acrylic.

My recommendations for nail strengtheners: OPI Nail Envy or Nail tek

What is your opinion on OPI Nail Envy for a strengthener?

Oops...just read your reply closer. You answered my question.

 

[poohandwendy]

After having acrylics for almost a year, it seams my nails looked really thick due after fills. Plus the fact that my contacts are a pain to deal with. After a few days post-acrylic nail removal, I have three natural nails that have broken. I guess I am looking for an alternative. Argh!

I know, it's frustrating. Can I ask, how did they remove the acrylic? The best way is for them to be soaked off. However, those chemicals are really harsh and make your nails very, very brittle. Ripping them off takes a few layers of the nail away and of course, leaves you with very thin, brittle nails.

This is why you really need to always have a good nail strengther on. They don't really harden the nail, they protect it by helping make the nail less brittle...keeping the nail pliable enough to handle a natural bend without breaking.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I know, it's frustrating. Can I ask, how did they remove the acrylic? The best way is for them to be soaked off. However, those chemicals are really harsh and make your nails very, very brittle. Ripping them off takes a few layers of the nail away and of course, leaves you with very thin, brittle nails.

This is why you really need to always have a good nail strengther on. They don't really harden the nail, they protect it by helping make the nail less brittle...keeping the nail pliable enough to handle a natural bend without breaking.

They did not soak and they chipped them off. Then they buffed the nail with pumice and polish after that. How long will it take for the natural nail to regain its normal condirion?

 

[poohandwendy]

They did not soak and they chipped them off. Then they buffed the nail with pumice and polish after that. How long will it take for the natural nail to regain its normal condirion?

LOL, ouch. Ok, don't go back there. I hate to say that, and I rarely slam another professional...but that is not the proper way to remove acrylic at all. It just adds even further damage to the natural nail.

It will take up to four-six months for your entire nail to grow back out, depending on the length. They typically grow at the rate of 1/8-1/4 inch per month. (they grow more slowly during winter months and more quickly in the summer...ain't that a weird bit o'trivia, LOL)

But, the good news is that every single day you have new growth that is undamaged. So, you will probably continue to have some breakage and peeling at the free edge (white part) for about six months. Sorry. Keep your nails short, always file any jagged edges before it becomes a full blown rip and keep that strengthener on and it won't be as bad as you think.

 

[momrek06]

OP, I love acrylics...every year I take them off with soaking...generally I sit at the salon in the solution soaking and soaking until they basically dissolve...I cannot take any pain and that chipping them off is painful as he**!

This last time I was planning on taking a little break like a month and getting my nails back on.

I went EVERY week for a manicure = $20.00 includes tip. BEST $20.00 I spent all week.

Well after months of this my nails really started looking so healthy that NOV will be a year they are off and I LOVE acrylics but right now I am LOVING how healthy my OWN nails look.

Go and get yourself a manicure weekly....after a solid month or two then decide if you want the acrylics back on.

I travel allot and last Feb when we were gone to FLA for 3 weeks, I got a manicure in Celebration, a manicure in Disney at the GF and a manicure in Tampa while visiting my mom....manicures you basically can get anywhere when traveling...unlike the poster who had trouble on her cruise and was unable to fix her gels!

 

[poohandwendy]

Go and get yourself a manicure weekly....after a solid month or two then decide if you want the acrylics back on.

Very solid advice, but I have a bias because I make money on those weekly manicures...so glad you said it first!

 

[Poohnatic]

PAW,

Your opinion on silk wraps?

I've got very soft nails that now seem to be growing a lot faster (warmer climate, I suppose). They get to just past my nail tip, then bend or break.

I figured an extra layer of protection would be good, but I'm not a fan of acryllics for a strange reason. Very dry skin and acryllic tips don't mix.

I'm going to hit Sally tomorrow for the OPI you recommend, but I was thinking of going to silk wraps.

Suzanne

 

[DVC Jen]

I've tried them and couldn't do them. First the BURNED badly getting them on - some kind of reaction to the gel. Then I would break them constantly. I am used to having long nails. I have worn acrylic forever - but with these it seemed like I didn't have to do much to break one.

 

[poohandwendy]

Silk Wraps are nice, much lighter weight than acrylics. I definitely recommend them to people who want a very natural look and strength. But, again...any enhancement is going to damage the natural nail, at least a little bit. The only real downside to wraps is that again, if your hands are in water alot it can make the wraps lift.

 

[poohandwendy]

Just to give a rundown on the basic recommendations I make:

Silk wraps: For people who want strength over their natural nails, these people generally like their own nails, but want them to not break as easily (office workers, etc...those who do not have their hands in water constantly)

Gels: For people who cannot use acrylic for whatever reason...these do not work on everyone. But when they do work, they are very nice. More natural looking that acrylic, but not as lightweight as wraps. Also not great if your hands are in water all of the time.

Acrylic: For people who hate their natural nails, or have nail beds that do not have a nice shape, or have their hands in water alot.

Actually, water is not our friend when it comes to nail enhancements...but acrylic can handle it the best.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

PAW, you are a wealth of information. I believe my game plan is to use my OPI Nail Envy religiously and have weekly manicures done. I liked the strength of my nails with the acrylics, but was very difficult to handle my contacts. In the future, if I want enhancements, I will most likely go with U/V gels, but that is a long time down the road. Thank you, everyone!