Gel nails?

LauraMax

LauraMax

Cathlete
I have really strong nails that'll grow forever. Problem is that b/c of my psoriasis they're deformed--pitted, serious ridges, & they don't grow straight.

So I'm considering getting a gel overlay. I tried the gel once about 15 years ago & it chipped off pretty easily, but I really liked how much more natural they looked compared to acrylics, b/c I have no intention of painting them or growing them long (I just want my hands & nails to look semi-normal). I'm hoping the quality has improved over the last 15 years.

Does anyone have these & if yes, could you share your experience? Do they adhere well? What's the maintenance like?
 
I have had gel overlays for about two years. They look very natural and I only have to get them maintained every three weeks. I keep them at a medium length not sure if longer nails would require more up keep.

Teri
 
I had gels for *years* and loved them! I had fills about every 3 1/2 - 4 weeks, no colored polish, just a french. Very natural and if I still worked in the big-time professional world, I probably would still have them. Highly recommended
 
LauraMax

I have a suggestion to add to this mix. If you can find a really exceptional nail technician, she/he and perform miracles without gels or overlays. They can get rid of ridges and pits as well as shape problems nails with a little work. If you find this person, follow them anywhere. They charge more of course, because they are worth it. I have thin, flaky, ridgey nails and my tech makes them look really decent.

Stay away from chop shops that perform assembly line work. Too often, they water down their disinfectants and don't sterilize their instruments. I know from bitter experience they are hot beds of infection and turn out shoddy work.
 
Also see if you can find Krystal (or Crystal) instead of gel - Crystal actually look more natural and last longer. I've done both, and the gels chip (I'm horrible on my nails), but the Crystal lasts.

Carole is a manicurist and she recommends fiber as being stronger and more natural. I haven't used that but I'm told they won't file your nails like they do with the gels or krystal.

I think the best thing to do is ask your friends who have nice nails where they get them done and how they like the place. I pay more for mine at the place I go, but whenever I "stray" I ended up with chips or the nail coming completely off (the overlay - not my actual nail).
 
I apply silk overlays on my clients and they are really natural looking and smooth your nail out beautifully. You have to be very picky about your nail tech because some of them can make them very thick and acrylic looking. I also use gel over the silk for extra strength and shine that lasts for at least three weeks. They have an occasional chip, maybe one in three weeks, but if the tech uses a good non-acid bonder you won't have a problem. They are more fragile than acrylic but they look much more natural and are 10x better for your nails than acrylic.

Nicole

Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.
-Earl of Derby-

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?uid=7738930
 
Hum... I will probably catch a bunch of flack for this but...

If you look at what is up to date - silk, acrylic and gels are not it. For at least four years, the fashion in nails has been natural. Look at the ads and fashion magazines... acrylics and gels are a thing of the past. Sorry.. short, natural and red is in...

I'm glad because it is so much healthier for your hands.. only natural nails in the hands of a good nail tech are a good thing.
 
I have had acrylics for years and I recently switched to gels, which are kept short and natural looking, only those who know me know that they aren't real. They wear great and are easier on the natural nail.
 
Laura..I am the Carole, Christine was referring to. With psoriasis I would be careful about Gel. I have been a manicurist for 17 years and I did try Gel for a few years. When my sister developed an excema like condition around her nails (which was from the Gel) I quit using it. Now this kind of condition can pop up anytime while wearing Gels, some might get it, some might not. I stick to a glue based product that not many people develop an allergy too, such as a wrap (silk, fiberglass and linen). I think Krystal which Christine wears would be good too and I am just looking into that. Hope this helps...:)
 
Laura-
I have had acrylic nails for 13 years and was looking for a replacement. I tried gels; they were not for me. After searching for a manicurist who was skilled in silk or fiber without success I tried gels.

The gels chipped and yellowed within a day or two. I do a fair amount of cleanning and laundry and the gels just were not durable on my nails.

I went back to my very skilled manicurist even though she is in a different county.


Judy "Likes2bfit"


If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.



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http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9978144&uid=4817615&members=1
 
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