Gel Manicures
[I’m finally getting around to posting my weekly Beauty feature … welcome, enjoy!]
Tips: Gelish Nail Harmony in Hot Rod Red (a classic cherry red)
Leopard Print Ring: Forever21 ages ago (similar)
I’d been hearing about gel manicures for awhile, and perhaps you had too. Perhaps you’ve already tried them, but likely you’re not sure what I’m talking about. Most of my friends and family were confused about it as well, and now that I’ve been getting them regularly for 6 months or so, I think I can certify myself an expert. Or something like that.
This is a bit of a long explanation with a few more pictures at the end, so you can find the rest behind the cut. Click “Read More” below
What
When I say “gel” manicure, I’m not talking about acrylics or tips or what we commonly call “fake” nails. I can say with ashamed confidence that ten years ago I started doing that frequently myself, white and pink french usually. Not only was the upkeep painful and time consuming, but the damage to my nails was considerable. My tastes in what I find attractive on my fingernails has changed as well.
When I joined the medical field, I was no longer allowed to wear fake nails as they proved to be a breeding ground for bacteria. I tried regular polish, and though it looked nice for a day (or less) it never lasted through a day at work, which included 70 handwashings a day; if not more.
I began to hear about nail polish that wouldn’t chip, that needed to be cured under a lamp of some sort. I did my research and found that there were many brands however google led me to believe that it was something I would only find in major cities. I was surprised to discover my regular nail salon was carrying the product and offering the service. I picked out a color and my manicurist got to work.
How
- First she removes any old nail polish or gel with acetone so my nail beds are nice and clean. Then she shapes the nails and cuticles as desired.
- Next a primer is applied that helps the whole process adhere to your natural nail bed. No “roughing up” of your natural nail is needed.
- A clear base coat is applied and as soon as each hand has a layer of base coat, you place it under a special UV light for about 3 minutes. Then she applies a layer of the color you choose and under the light you go. A second layer is then applied, and again you go under the light.
- Finally a clear shiny coat goes on and your nails go under the UV lamp for a double dose. Each time you go under the light it’s between 3-6 minutes. I’ve heard that darker colors need a bit longer under the light to cure.
Pros
- The nail is completely utterly dry after the top coat goes on and is cured for about 6 minutes.
- The polish is nearly impossible to chip, unless you start gnawing on it with the intention to peel, chip and maim.
- They stay shiny as glass the entire time you have the polish on.
- The major brands release new and exciting colors regularly, and you can add loose glitter to them if you like. There are also glitter polishes available.
- The polish lasts for about 10-14 days on fingers and up to 6 weeks on toes. It all depends on how fast your nail grows.
- It’s safe to use in the medical field and washing your hands 70 times a day doesn’t ruin them, I promise.
- They strengthen your natural nail and keep them from breaking
- It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish
- If there’s a color you like online but your manicurist doesn’t carry it, you can buy from amazon or ebay and bring it in
- It’s about $17-$23 each time … less than fake nails, more than a plain manicure
Cons
- The colors are still a bit limited, depending on brand and your salon
- It’s nearly impossible and rather expensive to do this for yourself at home (each color bottle is about $13-$20 and the other steps and UV lamps are pricey too, plus you need to do a steady neat job to avoid the cuticle)
- If you get a bad manicurist, they can ruin the whole job from the start. If any of the steps gets on your cuticle, it will cause the whole thing to “lift” from there as your nail grows. A skilled manicurist is necessary.
- You need to SOAK the polish off in pure acetone and then gently scrape the polish off from your nail bed with a special tool. You cannot PEEL the polish off, though it’s possible, it will take a layer of your nail bed with it — it’s painful and damaging that way. Ask me how I know. Show up 5 minutes early to your next appointment and the manicurist will soak it off for you.
- If your nails grow fast, you’ll notice grow out quickly and it’s not pretty. Consider pushing your cuticles back before your appointment.
- It could get expensive if you’re getting it done every 10 days, I usually do it about once a month. My toes last 5-6 weeks so I get a pedicure with that and let it be.
- If you didn’t pick a flattering color for that dress you HAVE to wear on Saturday … then you’ll have to get it re-done with a different color or consider ruining the job by painting over it with regular polish or soaking it off and polishing.
Now that I’ve been doing it for a few months, I can say that I have a brand preference and I’m picky about my colors.
I like fun bright colors in the summer, they usually match my outfits just fine. I’ve had a brilliant hot pink, neon orange and classic red. I’ve even had a seafoam green and robin-egg blue. I’ve had a classic pale pink and a deep burgundy. This weekend I’m considering classic black, but I always change my mind when I get there.
As far as brands go, I like Nail Harmony Gelish brand. To be honest I’ve only tried one other brand, CND Shellac. It chipped/peeled quicker than I expected and I ended up ripping it off before 10 days and really kinda hating the quality.
Tips: CND Shellac in Romantique
Toes: Gelish Nail Harmony in Black Cherry Berry (it’s darker in real life)
Sandals: Dolce Vita via Gilt
Green & Gold friendship bracelet: Sashi via MYHABIT (similar)
Brown & Gold friendship bracelet: Forever21 (similar)
Clockwise from top:
Nail Harmony Gelish in Shake It Till You Samba (super neon hot pink)
Nail Harmony Gelish in Go Girl (flattering bubblegum pink) also same color shown in lower left picture
Polka dot skirt: Target (similar on Etsy)
Nail Harmony Gelish on toes in Tiki Tiki Laranga (traffic stopping neon orange) same color in picture on lower right hand corner
Turquoise espadrille wedges — Dolce Vita via MYHABIT
Nail Harmony Gelish on tips in Tiger Blossom (red-orange)
Black and white chevron skirt: thifted H&M (similar)
Fish Necklace: Forever21 (similar)
