View Full Version : Nails/manicures how you do yours?
jadey23
09-01-2018, 11:18 AM
All natural, usually do my manicures at home, but before a special occasion I have them done at the salon, manicure/pedicure only. I make sure to buff, oil my cuticles, cut off excess dead skin, even oil my hands/feet with vitamin E/castor and let it chill before painting (make sure hands n feet are completely dry and washed before applying polish, and lotion gently after completely dry). Also making sure never to polish all the way down to the cuticle, stop right before. I never keep polish on longer than a week or 2, I remove it and let the nail beds breathe with no product for a day, then apply a clear nail strengthener for 2-3 days before painting again. I also take a keratin supplement which keeps them nice and strong. The brand is Neo-cell and I’m very happy w it. I get so many compliments on my nails and it seems like a bit of upkeep but in the long run it’s only saved me money and trouble.
Vyanka
09-06-2018, 01:22 PM
I think I'm gonna start skipping uv light manicures. Don't want a young looking arms with old looking hands.
https://dtknailsupply.com/blog/best-no-light-gel-polish
I have the first brand on the list and it does last.
Nyla19
09-06-2018, 03:25 PM
I tried the Sally Hansen brand on there and it sucks. It all came off right away.
SuperJa
09-07-2018, 09:36 AM
I've had a lot of success with the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro line. I use the base and top coat as well and typically get a week or more out of most fingers, generally I'll end up with a chip or two on my right hand that I have to touch up but doing one finger isn't a big deal. They're 5-Free, Cruelty Free and vegan as well as full of stuff that's supposed to be good for your nails.
SnuffleUffleGrass
09-07-2018, 10:28 AM
Cool hack- if you put a neutral flesh colored polish on first (base coat) it can temper a metallic sheen/sparkle finish topcoat and make it less …...hard-looking.
Also extends the supply of polish.
& I'm just going to buy OPI from now on. I'm too old for cheap nail polish.
carmen_b
09-07-2018, 09:09 PM
Found a beauty school that does $13 shellac! They look good except the ends are not perfect ( polish a little thin on the ends ). For the price and knowing they will last two weeks , 100% worth it.
Vyanka
09-10-2018, 07:59 PM
Bought this in the mean time to protect my hands.
https://www.amazon.com/OC-Nails-Shield-AMETHYST-Manicures/dp/B00KOCR17Y
I'll keep doing the uv until I find a really good chip resistant polish.
For fuck sakes. It's 2018, nail polishes shouldn't be chipping.
random stripper
09-10-2018, 08:25 PM
^ This is why I can't do regular manicures although probably the least harmful?
evalesauvage
12-22-2018, 03:43 PM
I do not go to the beauty salon I will leave a list of what I use to take care of my nails of hands and feet
Hands
https://www.ulta.com/pastel-block?productId=xlsImpprod3920493
https://www.ulta.com/patent-shine-10x-nail-lacquer?productId=xlsImpprod12251003
https://www.ulta.com/deep-comfort-hand-cuticle-cream?productId=xlsImpprod10791889
Feet
https://www.ulta.com/nailit-pro-manicure-kit?productId=xlsImpprod14901015
https://www.ulta.com/charcoal-purifying-foot-scrub?productId=xlsImpprod16541347
https://www.ulta.com/gel-toe-separators?productId=xlsImpprod18081009
https://www.ulta.com/pumice-stone?productId=xlsImpprod3440081
Jalena
12-22-2018, 08:06 PM
I do mine at home. Love the richness and quality of OPI and ICE but don't mind layering on an extra coat of a cheap brand if the colour does it for me. Typically i just do a single solid colour, often shiny/glittery, and if it's not shiny enough then I add a light glitter coat over it, usually a pale sparkly purple from ICE. I'm such a sucker for sparkly-shiny.
What I need to start doing again is the base and top coats. I tend to skimp on those because I'm lazy, but they do make a difference in how long a nail job lasts.
chanzep
12-25-2018, 12:31 PM
I have not got gels since October, now I work from home giving nails a break. I have been getting normal nail polish in dark colours lately.
chanzep
01-04-2019, 04:19 PM
I got Russian Navy gels again now, only because I was in a hurry and it's quicker, I saw on Pinterest girls using gel base and normal top coat for longer lasting nails. I'm going to try.
whodathoe
01-14-2019, 03:03 PM
Does anybody know how to keep press ons from breaking off?! I keep glue in my purse but it's still super embarrassing when it happens
We had a rabbit like you
01-24-2019, 11:47 AM
Does anybody know how to keep press ons from breaking off?! I keep glue in my purse but it's still super embarrassing when it happens
File the tops of your nails first , really well. And some glues are just better than others
Vyanka
02-12-2019, 02:12 AM
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/kristatorres/miss-illinois-says-her-cancer-was-likely-caused-by-gel
MissAdriana
02-16-2019, 06:41 PM
I think I'm gonna start skipping uv light manicures. Don't want a young looking arms with old looking hands.
https://dtknailsupply.com/blog/best-no-light-gel-polish
I have the first brand on the list and it does last.
omgg ew thats crazy so glad I stopped but seriously shes only 18 how many manicures did she even get?
Actually I find what ages women the most is their style. Be it nails/makeup/hair. White tipped french seems to be a 40+ year old woman thing. And 50+ year old women seem to love burgundy nail polish
chanzep
02-18-2019, 06:31 PM
Today I got a mauvey nude color . Opi my first knockewust .
lynn2009
02-18-2019, 08:58 PM
Today I got a mauvey nude color . Opi my first knockewust .
I love getting my nails done in neutral colors like that. It's a very classy look.
chanzep
02-18-2019, 10:48 PM
I had been getting dark colours all winter like Russian Navy, but fancied a nude today.
SuperJa
02-19-2019, 11:12 AM
I saw the middle nails and absolutely had to have them, but mine are a slightly hotter pink.
50986
I won't be copying the blue paint tho
blondhottie
02-23-2019, 01:55 PM
I'm usually too lazy to polish my fingernails (they chip way too quickly), but when I do, I use OPI nail polish. Always have my toenails done though! They last forever lol.
When I danced, I got acrylic nails and always a French manicure. Although I got compliments on them from customers, there was no difference moneywise, so I stopped getting them. They were a waste of money and time for me, and getting acrylics wasn't the pampering experience most men think it is lol. It felt like a chore to me.
miss.a.p1600
02-23-2019, 03:55 PM
Does anybody know how to keep press ons from breaking off?! I keep glue in my purse but it's still super embarrassing when it happens
I never had problems with the Impress brand. Some brands may have cheaper glue?
random stripper
02-27-2019, 01:21 AM
I ordered a kiara sky dip starter kit on amazon. It is basically dip powder nails. I'm nail retarded and a girl at work thought I went to the salon lmao. This shit hasn't chipped and I have had it on like 2 and a half weeks now... also you dont need LED or UV light :)
Only complaint is the top coat for this stuff is kinda stupid and works weird. But I can get it to work so whatever.
carmen_b
02-27-2019, 10:01 AM
I'm pulling it together much better with nails after going back to stripping. Pro pedi's for sure but I do my own hands ( I am hard on them at day job so I'm not wasting mani money ). I keep them short and re-paint every couple days so they don't look like garbage. I still can not stand the feeling on long nails and I don't think my dancing customers care.
trustfundkiller
02-27-2019, 12:14 PM
I really need to learn how to do my own acrylics. I'm so tired of spending money on them! I'm sure at first they won't look too hot but practice makes perfect, right?
yaya_cash
02-27-2019, 12:43 PM
I really need to learn how to do my own acrylics. I'm so tired of spending money on them! I'm sure at first they won't look too hot but practice makes perfect, right?
I don't like bothering to go to the salon much anymore. I've bought An electric shaver, callous remover and hair remover in one And nail tools to do conveniently at-home and save money. Plus what is the point of spending so much on your appearance when it's not for you and not really appreciated by others?
yaya_cash
02-27-2019, 01:00 PM
I really need to learn how to do my own acrylics. I'm so tired of spending money on them! I'm sure at first they won't look too hot but practice makes perfect, right?
And maybe you could attend a beauty school or class to learn to do your nails better..
trustfundkiller
02-27-2019, 01:48 PM
I don't like bothering to go to the salon much anymore. I've bought An electric shaver, callous remover and hair remover in one And nail tools to do conveniently at-home and save money. Plus what is the point of spending so much on your appearance when it's not for you and not really appreciated by others?
I like the look of my acrylics but they're such a hassle and I really do wonder if having them *honestly* makes me more money or not. I truly don't think men care what your nails look like, as long as they're clean and even, and the rest of you looks good. I've worked a few shifts with my natural nails and it didn't seem to make a difference. I also hate how time consuming they are. Every time I go to the salon for an acrylic refill and pedicure it's at least a 2 hour ordeal.
random stripper
03-03-2019, 04:49 AM
I never really bother doing anything to my fingernails unless I am either auditioning somewhere or just bored and felt like it. But this dip powder stuff is a miracle omg lol :D it lasts forever. The only reason it would go away is if you got tired of how it looks growing out and took it off. It does not chip whatsoever for weeks. I tried gels but also have concerns about radiation... Acrylics or cheap glue on nails I just can't do personally. I need something literally bonded to my own nail so I can still do everything and not feel like I will break a nail (or a nail will pop off)...
Now toenails I feel like I should keep them up. My toenails are thin/easily break. And I know when I used to cam that when I didn't have my toenails done I kept losing out on money. When I had them painted- it brought me more money. I don't know if it applies to stripping, but just felt like pointing this out. A lot of guys do not like the natural toenails at all.
trustfundkiller
03-03-2019, 05:04 AM
I never really bother doing anything to my fingernails unless I am either auditioning somewhere or just bored and felt like it. But this dip powder stuff is a miracle omg lol :D it lasts forever. The only reason it would go away is if you got tired of how it looks growing out and took it off. It does not chip whatsoever for weeks. I tried gels but also have concerns about radiation... Acrylics or cheap glue on nails I just can't do personally. I need something literally bonded to my own nail so I can still do everything and not feel like I will break a nail (or a nail will pop off)...
Now toenails I feel like I should keep them up. My toenails are thin/easily break. And I know when I used to cam that when I didn't have my toenails done I kept losing out on money. When I had them painted- it brought me more money. I don't know if it applies to stripping, but just felt like pointing this out. A lot of guys do not like the natural toenails at all.
Interesting. I could see that. Natural, unpainted fingernails are one thing but unpainted toenails freak me out for some reason. Maybe because I always have polish on my toes and I'm not used to seeing them unpainted.
lovelydancer
03-04-2019, 08:13 PM
Fingertips - SNS ombré French manicure
Toes - Gel French manicure
I like my nails looking clean, simple and done.
GirlWithAPlan
03-09-2019, 01:40 AM
I caught a fungus from a salon years ago. It took a really, really long time and a nasty pill to kill it.
I don't do my nails at all. I use nail hardener and paint them. I know fake nails are pretty but I will never go down that road again. Men never noticed my nails before, and they don't now. I just paint them whatever color I like and keep them clean. Now foot fetish men, yes, they notice. I take extra care of my feet for that money they shell out.
caramelcraze
03-31-2019, 02:18 PM
I do my own toenails with Sally Hansen no uv gel polish & scrub my feet like mad in the shower lol. That stuff lasts forever and the color selection is pretty good. It’s a bit more expensive than other polishes, but Target often has great deals for it.
On the other hand, my fingernails are something I spend the extra money on having done in a salon and get loads of complements regularly. Long black acrylic coffin shaped nails are my signature look. Occasionally I’ll switch it up, but they get far less attention when I do. :(
LullaBelle
05-05-2019, 08:55 PM
** Bump bump!
I used to really enjoy getting acrylics as I did get a lot of compliments but after my nails became so damaged I stopped getting them altogether. I used to be in banking and the straw or should I say the acrylic that broke the camel's back was when I was playing tug with my dog and several of my nails got caught in the rope. Due to how weakened my real nails were from constantly having my acrylics, my real nails literally snapped underneath. I had to let them grow out forever before I could take them off. I haven't had them done since :( That was my fault for having them on for so long - I got them done continuously for 6 months without taking a non-acrylic break so my nails could breath.
Now, I do my own nails at home and keep them very short and use a crystal Nailtek file: https://nailtek.com/store/index.php/products/crystal.html
I find it's more gentle than using the jagged sandpaper/throw out file from the store.
I don't have many polishes but the brands I have are non-gel due to my damaged nails: ORLY, Essie, O.P.I, and some Sinful Colors from the drugstore.
KatDaniels
05-05-2019, 09:12 PM
Good thread! Been doing my own acrylics for over 20 years now! Ugh makes me sound old lol Used to work in a salon. I've learned to become quite ambidextrous lol I use the CND product.
whodathoe
05-07-2019, 04:27 AM
I finally learned how to make my press ons stick. I use either acrylic or crazy glue; I prefer acrylic but I ran out of the liquid so when I redo them today I will use crazy glue.
Anyway it’s cheap
500 nails are anywhere between $1-8*
Kiss Brush on glue or crazy glue $3
For polish I try to use more expensive brands. The shine last longer.
Measure nails to make sure they fit. DO NOT FORCE THEM to fit! I would also write down the nail #s that way you don’t have to measure every time you want your nails done
Prep the nails. Cutting the nails short and filing them. When filing, focus on the edges of the nails; that’s where most lifting occurs
Apply glue to nail and “spread” around with glue tip
Press to nail for 30 seconds and repeat per nail
Paint as usual
Another tip: if you want gel polish but don’t have gel polish you can apply a gel topcoat AFTER the polish dries and cure it
Ladycaxe
05-07-2019, 04:49 AM
I love acrylic nails. I started wearing them a year ago and never looked back. Dunno if/ when I'll go back 2 having natural nails.
$40 for a fill (gel) (glitter and rhinestones as well) that last 2-3 weeks isn't much of an issue for me
The gel pedi is also $40. But lasts long so worth it. I mean def think it's a lot just for lil piggies. I wouldn't mine learning how to do gel toes on myself.
I used to go medium-long but I did a short almond set and love it I might stick with it. Plus easier to pole w/o worrying of bending nail in half :'(
Also since have medium-dark skin I just realize super bright colors look gr8 on me. I'm lime green rn. Probably do yellow next :]
I love acrylics. I mean it might thin out ur nails but, who's going to be seeing them?! . My nails are actually quite long underneath. And I mean they will heal lol. Acrylics look nice and are super fun basically an accessory. To me :]
Oh yeah the nail salon definently takes a while. 2-3 hours. honestly I just do it on a day I dont plan on working later. Generally Wednesdays, I Never work on Wednesdays.
chanzep
05-21-2019, 09:59 PM
Now I have gels. OPI Cajun Shrimp.
DeepThoughts
05-23-2019, 02:02 PM
I only do gels a little in the summer cause I like to use the colour changing nail polish. They are so much fun. I dont bother in the winter cause my hands are usually so cold it never changes the colour they just stay at the cold colour and I feel like im not getting my moneys worth :D I do it all at home. The rest of the year I just use basic nail polish. I love a french manicure but I often get requests (from my husband or clients) to wear other colours, pink and black being requested most often. Im always on the look out for a really good pale colour though. I prefer my nail colours to look classy. I would love to hear your favs for 2019.
Elektra Luxx
05-24-2019, 05:37 AM
I'm going to do a red, white and blue, Forth of July theme for the upcoming holiday.
SnuffleUffleGrass
05-24-2019, 12:07 PM
Now I have gels. OPI Cajun Shrimp.
I've grown to love the wackiness of OPI polish color names...
BTW OPI and other luxury nail polish brands do end up at TJ Maxx and Ross Outlets. Never hurts to cruise by and see if they have something you might like.
chanzep
05-25-2019, 04:48 PM
I always look at my TJ Maxx. Mine is next to a ULTA so very handy.
whirlerz
05-25-2019, 04:54 PM
Doing my nails rn.
I get my toes done occasionally, (rn wearing OPI sweet heart, very pale pink).
Just filling fingernails.:)
KenzieJ
06-14-2019, 07:07 PM
I get powder gel nails. I've had them on continuously for almost 3 years. I used to do my own polish but I could never get it to stay longer than a day or two without chips. I wore my nails plain for a long time but I always have problems with getting dirt underneath.. I have no idea where it comes from. That's really the only reason I go to the salon every 3 weeks for a fill or full set. My nails are like a sheet of paper.. So Fucking brittle right now. I need a break!
Pinksugardoll
06-16-2019, 12:20 AM
Cajun shrimp is one of my fav colors :D
I have long acrylics and I get compliments on them from customers ALLLLLL THE TIME. I always get some version of Barbie pink, hot pink, or red, I get my toes to match and those get complimented too.
I started doing get pedicures a few years ago, my toe polish would always chip from stage and gel doesn’t do that.
You may think customers don’t notice but honestly, they aren’t going to say to you, “oh your nails aren’t done, Diamond, what the hell?” And it also may not prevent you from getting a dance. But I get comments all the time about being very well put together and being so feminine.
And finally, you know who else doesn’t bother getting their nails done?? Your customer’s wife. And he’s here at your club because he is fucking bored with her. Jussssstttt sayin.
whirlerz
06-23-2019, 07:09 AM
I don't get my hands done, but I get a polish change on my toes.
I keep fingernails short, I've bent my long natural nails back too many times
slowpoke
06-23-2019, 07:23 AM
Long nails will take the letters off your keyboard.
Elektra Luxx
06-23-2019, 10:45 AM
^^^
True. The "A" and "D" keys on my laptop have a little quarter moon shape worn away and my nail aren't that long.
BTW, I had to replace a one broken key on said laptop and it cost about $10. Sheesh!
bananaqueen
06-25-2019, 09:12 AM
I grow mine (nails not toes haha) as long naturally as I can and give them shape and clear polish.
I do really like the look of French manicures.. so classy and pretty especially with a soft pink
If I had extra upon extra cash, I'd probably hit a salon or the luxury of having her/him come to my house!
GlamLifter
07-21-2019, 01:54 PM
Gel with French tips. I get them done every second-third week.