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Thread: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

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    Question Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I'm looking for advice about artificial nails, and I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has any experience with this.

    I was a violinist when I was younger, which means you have to have really short nails so you don't get a flat hand when you play. It has been a lifelong aspiration of mine to have really long, gorgeous nails, but I am thwarted at every turn. Right before I started dancing, in late 2007, I got acrylic nails for the first time, and I kept them for quite awhile--but they did a HELL of a lot of damage to my nails and I had to do some serious damage control for like 6 months afterward. I got them at one of those Asian places that is in every strip mall and they filed the tops of my nails down with that electric thing, which is what did all the damage. I later ended up getting gel nails, which I had a better experience with than the acrylic, but there was still a lot of damage later as they still filed my nails down. The issue with BOTH of these types was that these nail salons were very inconsistent--sometimes I'd get a fantastic nail tech who did really thin fills so the nail was always almost natural-looking, and sometimes I'd get a tech so bad that the nails were like an eighth of an inch thick. I'd try to make appointments with the techs I liked, but unfortunately, the receptionists' English was usually so bad that it was impossible to get across what I wanted. Also, no matter how regularly I got them filled, they would eventually lift up and come off.

    I think I am done with getting nails at the Asian places, especially since I'm pretty sure they're actually not supposed to file the nails down with that electric thing but do anyways--it's supposed to be a major health risk, your nail ends up so thin that you can get bacteria into your nail bed and it will get infected. Plus the inconsistency is a problem. But, of course, the reason everyone goes to the Asian places is because the nice salons usually charge more than double what the Asian places do. But I would like someone who I can communicate with clearly and who can give me a really detailed description of the technical processes involved in all types of artificial nails. I've tried looking this information up online, but surprisingly enough, I haven't found a whole lot. I've yet to find a comprehensive website that seems even a little trustworthy.

    I'm not really interested in getting fake nails that I apply myself. I've tried those before and found them to be such an epic waste of time and money it was laughable.

    So, in conclusion, I wanted to know your personal experiences with artificial nails, especially if you've shelled out the money to get them at a real salon. I'm especially interested in silk wraps, but I can never seem to get anyone knowledgeable enough about them to explain the process to me. And anyone who lives in the capital district and has had a good experience, please let me know.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I've had gel and acrylic. Never silk wraps, which I think are just something that you put on your own real nails and doesn't give you any length that you don't have already.

    I like gels more than acrylic. I think (but am not sure) that they're harder, and a little smoother than acrylic (which kind of curves.)

    My favorite nails though, and I rate this highly because I can do them at home while watching a movie, and they're wicked cheap AND strong (I've serious lugged a king size latex mattress across a narrow hallway digging in my nails all the way and not one of those popped off) are the Kiss brand nails:

    http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-everlasti...9290562&sr=8-4

    I choose the short or the real short but they have longer lengths. They do come off after about a week with some picking, but that's about the time you need to put on new nails anyways depending on your growth.
    I got turned onto them by Oprah Magazine and have probably gone through 10-15 packs in two years (I don't wear them that often, but you can get two manicures out of one box of nails, or cut down the left over tiny nails to put on your toes.

    Two points--
    1. cut them down before you put them on.
    2. slightly file the tops of your nails to help it grip. But it's less damage from my experience than the massive amounts of filing done for acrylics, and, I think, gels.
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by DesuvsDeath View Post
    Also... I'm with you on the 'lack of information' bit... would be nice to hear back from someone who knows a bit more about silk wraps, since I know nothing about them and no one can ever seem to properly explain them to me.
    Agreed.

    Also, the salon I get my hair done at offers something called OPI Axxium Gel System, and according to the salon website, the price is comparable to what they charge for silk wraps and acrylic. I googled it and found some interesting stuff, but not a whole lot of detailed technical information other than how they apply it. And the receptionists at my salon tend to be pretty ignorant about all the technical processes the salon offers, for hair as well as nails, and they say that one or two girls are specifically trained in the specific technical process and could answer my questions--so I may just call and make an appointment with this mysterious specialist to have a consultation, followed by a time slot for getting the nails done. I don't know, though...I'm terrified that despite the increased cost, the people at the salon will be just as clueless as the people at the Asian places. If I'm going to spend that kind of money on any type of technical process, I expect the person to know what they're doing and, what's more, WHY they're doing it.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    ^ That's true...any reputable salon will take customer dissatisfaction and complaints very seriously--especially if they fucked up, in which case (at least for hair) they'll fix it at no charge, whereas the cheap nail places are all about get-in-get-out and couldn't care less about quality or customer satisfaction.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I called my salon, and the woman who answered the phone used to work in the spa and was very informative. She recommended shellac, which I guess is just a layer of a gel-like polish that they put on your nail and then cure so it hardens. Your nail won't crack or break under it, but your nail can still breath, so if you get the shellac removed your nail isn't damaged. It needs a "fill" about every 2 weeks. There are no tips attached, it just literally lets your own nail grow out much longer without the fear of it peeling or cracking or breaking. The shellac supposedly won't dent or scratch, so it just gives that really smooth, glossy look you get from a nice set of artificial nails, except it's super thin. Not sure how nail polish will do on them, if I can apply polish and if it will last indefinitely like seems to be the case with artificial nails, or if the polish will last the normal amount of time (like two days) before it starts chipping or peeling, like I experience currently. Not sure yet how expensive it will be--I was set up with a consultation and service appointment with a recommended nail tech in the salon for tomorrow at 4. I'll see how it goes and update tomorrow evening after my appointment.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    On the shellac front - I went through a stage of having it. I'm not very hard on my hands anymore but it still started to peel after a couple of days - and I went to a good salon. I really really wanted it to work for me!

    I just have acrylics now. They're a pain in the arse but my nails look better for longer, for less....

    Anyway, I hope it works for you - maybe you'll have better luck. Also I recommend some solar oil because for some reason that did prolong it before it peeled.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Well, then, I guess the good news is if the shellac isn't what I'm looking for, it will be easily removed and I can go ahead with silk wraps or get gel again.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I like silk wraps best, but they're the most expensive and take the most time, but they're thinner and more like a natural nail. Gel is the most durable. Acrylic is cheapest, but chips more easily and imo yellows faster.
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    ^ Yeah, I think I'm really between the shellac and the silk wraps. You're actually the only person who has ever given me personal feedback about silk wraps, so I'm glad to get an idea of what to expect. I'll talk to the girl tomorrow and see what she says. But are silk wraps just on your natural nail, or do they put tips on? I am looking for long nails, but I think I'd have the patience to grow them out myself if I had something to ensure they wouldn't break or chip or crack.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Just remember when you finally settle on what type of nails you wanna and find someone who does them well....keep going to the same person! You will lessen the risk of a crappy job if you have a regular person do your nails...also if you go to the salon when they aren't too busy (that way the nail techs aren't in a rush)
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Ive had acrylic and am back on gel now, i dont like it when they put tips on and then acrylic over the top, i found those did massively more damage my my real nails that having build up acrylic, which is weird. Gel see, to grow out better on my nails and dont lift at the corners so much, theyre also harder and less prone to shattering. I ripped an entire nail off on the pole before now and it was bloody awful, i get them shorter now! But gel seem to burn more when they go under the UV lamp! Maybe my pain threshold needs some toughening up!

    I havent had much luck with asian salons, i dont like the mechanic drill, theyre too scary and should never ever ever be used on real nails as they literally rip hundreds of layers off and leave you prone to infection. Nail tech's are like hairdressers and waxers, once you find one you like, never let them go!!

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by firemaiden04 View Post
    ^ Yeah, I think I'm really between the shellac and the silk wraps. You're actually the only person who has ever given me personal feedback about silk wraps, so I'm glad to get an idea of what to expect. I'll talk to the girl tomorrow and see what she says. But are silk wraps just on your natural nail, or do they put tips on? I am looking for long nails, but I think I'd have the patience to grow them out myself if I had something to ensure they wouldn't break or chip or crack.
    Yes you get artificial tips to start with, then you can keep them up, or have them removed and just use your natural nails once they've grown long enough.
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I had acrylics for along time. I didn't like them and honestly only got them for my stripper look. I stopped getting them a couple months ago. Of course my nails underneath were destroyed so I got manicures but with a gel nail polish. They are not gel like fake gel nails that give you length, they are just sort of a protective, thicker nail polish that does not damage your real nails while you grow them out. I did two manicures with this gel polish and then got regular manis. My nails look great now and I save some $ too since Manis are cheaper than acrylics. Plus I feel like my hands are so much cleaner this way

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by firemaiden04 View Post
    Agreed.

    Also, the salon I get my hair done at offers something called OPI Axxium Gel System, and according to the salon website, the price is comparable to what they charge for silk wraps and acrylic. I googled it and found some interesting stuff, but not a whole lot of detailed technical information other than how they apply it. And the receptionists at my salon tend to be pretty ignorant about all the technical processes the salon offers, for hair as well as nails, and they say that one or two girls are specifically trained in the specific technical process and could answer my questions--so I may just call and make an appointment with this mysterious specialist to have a consultation, followed by a time slot for getting the nails done. I don't know, though...I'm terrified that despite the increased cost, the people at the salon will be just as clueless as the people at the Asian places. If I'm going to spend that kind of money on any type of technical process, I expect the person to know what they're doing and, what's more, WHY they're doing it.

    I LOVE OPI Axxium Gel! They don't drill your natural nails at all, only buff a little bit, and it does thicken your nails, however you can't add any length with this. You have to already have naturally long nails, or wait for them grow out (this helps them grow out also).
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by firemaiden04 View Post
    ^ Yeah, I think I'm really between the shellac and the silk wraps. You're actually the only person who has ever given me personal feedback about silk wraps, so I'm glad to get an idea of what to expect. I'll talk to the girl tomorrow and see what she says. But are silk wraps just on your natural nail, or do they put tips on? I am looking for long nails, but I think I'd have the patience to grow them out myself if I had something to ensure they wouldn't break or chip or crack.
    Down in Texas they don't use the tips with silk wraps. They wrap these foil things around your finger, and then just extend the silk wrap solution out from your natural nail.
    Quote Originally Posted by AznExtasy View Post
    LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    So I ended up getting the shellac. Since it doesn't damage your nails while you have it on or during the removal process, I figured if I didn't like them, there'd be no harm done. Because my nails were all different lengths, she ended up cutting all of them fairly short so they'd be even. It was an interesting process, and unfortunately there were hardly any polish options, because I guess the polish has to be a special polish used with the shellac system. Ninety-five percent of the colors they had were absolutely terrible. Plus, you can't paint your nails yourself, so you're stuck with the polish indefinitely. If you keep your polish color when you get filled, it's very simple and literally just a fill, but if you change your polish color they remove the shellac and do it from scratch. I decided on the really light pinkish-nude usually used for french manicures, and they added a small dusting of white sparkles, so the nails just look really, really shiny. I figured this color will pretty much go with anything I wear. So, for the time being, there's nothing to really report. I'll see how they grow out and I'll continue getting them filled until they're long enough for me to really get an idea of how they're going to do. I posted a picture, and I'll post another one after my first fill, probably in 2-3 weeks.

    021.jpg

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    hknails.jpg

    i think these have been my favorite nails so far though. Full acrylic by my favourite nail tech. My nails grow really fast. I do love acrylics, i gave them a break for about 4 months last year to allow my nails a break (Id had falsies on for about two years straight) but they were fine underneath after id had them soaked off, just kept applying moisturising nail wotsit on them.
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    A point that I want to quickly make, since I do my own nails- Don't demonize the electric drills, just the idiots who use them. I've used multiple drill systems, from the $7 ones you can get at Walmart to some of the more expensive salon types, and have never seriously damaged my nails with them. They're just fine to use for filing and such, but you should never use the gritty buffing bit on the natural nail plate. That one should only be used on acrylics (maybe gels, but I'm not sure) to buff out any inconsistencies in the thickness. To texturize the natural nail plate for better adhesion, they should use a buffing block followed by an acrylic prep solution.

    I used to get acrylics at the Asian places, but stopped after a few months because I wasn't satisfied with the end results. I hated the lifting at the corners and it was almost guaranteed that I would smear the polish because of the way they rushed me out after doing them. All around, I just don't like acrylics.
    Never had gel nails, but I'm interested in trying them when I go back to dancing. I think that they're actually a tad softer than acrylics, but seem stronger because they're not as brittle.
    Never had silk wraps either, but only because of how high maintenance I've heard they are. This website seems fairly informative- http://www.beautiful-healthy-fingern...rap-nails.html
    Gel polish- these seem to be most commonly known by the first big brand name, Shellac. A few of my friends get these done, and there's even kits to do them at home now. With other brands developing their own lines of gel polish, the color range is ever increasing. They seem to be the best of both worlds, offering a bit of extra protection for your nails (though not much) without the damage other false nail options can cause. I love the idea of them and would gladly shell out the $50+ to buy an at home kit, but I just couldn't commit to a single nail color for more than a couple of days.

    Overall, I think having your nails done professionally is a good way to start if you're trying to grow out your nails, but stick to some of the less committed options like silk wraps and gel polish, possibly gel nails. As you become more accustomed to the length and shape you prefer, start trying to maintain them at home as well, such as filing the tips to maintain length. If you don't already take a multivitamin, start, preferably a prenatal formulation. I can't stress enough what a difference good health makes for your appearance.

    I was an incessant nail biter as a child, but always wanted long nails. My mother got my sister and me our first set of acrylics, and helped to maintain them for the few months I mentioned earlier, so that I could finally experience long nails that I couldn't bite through. It effectively broke my habit. Nowadays, I manage to keep my nails so long that, some times, more than half the length is the nail tip!
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    So it's been one week since I got the shellac done, and the shellac is beginning to lift at the bottom of the nail, near the cuticle, where the nail is growing out. I don't know if this is just the shellac itself, or if this is human error, as the tech who did them never soaked my hand or pushed my cuticles back before applying the shellac, which meant that on some nails the shellac wasn't sitting flat on the nail itself, but was partially on top of the cuticle, which would obviously mean that once the nail starts to grow out, the cuticle isn't coming with it, so there's space between the shellac and the nail. I've had to actually clip some of the lifting shellac with nail clippers to try to get rid of the white edges, and it's supposed to be at least another week before I get a fill Pretty disappointed. Maybe I'll have to suck it up and go with gel after all. No matter what money I'm making, I can't (and shouldn't have to be able to) afford $50 a week on my nails.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I called the salon and told them what had happened with the shellac. They said the tech was DEFINITELY supposed to soak my hands and push back the cuticles beforehand, so they're going to take the shellac off and apply gel today. The gel isn't free, because it's more expensive than the shellac, but I'm getting a discount, which I have no problem with. I'll update after my appointment.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I think it difficult for real nails to hold any type of polish, at most I had 2 weeks worth of no chipping. I tried shellac and a gel overlay but both began chipping after 2 weeks, and looked bad.

    I find it best when you get shellac or gel overlay on top of fake nails. I have gotten powder and gel (its a acrylic either way), clear or white tip with powder&liquid on top of the nail tip and natural nail. I usually get this if Im saving money, but most asian place here know how to do them. It lasts me a month without an chips or cracks (i get french). When I got this type of method, I decided to use clear tip and get shellac on top, color lasted a month. They also were limited on color and had 6.

    I like gels overall, The lady i go for this doesnt drill my nails and shapes the nail all by hand, no drills at all. I noticed the thinner application she uses the less cracks and chips I get compared to other techs who applied a big chunk of gel. After each (usually 3) thin applications on each nail she put my hand in the UV light for 3-4 mins after each application, it burns but it settles down. In the end of the process my nails are very thin and natural looking. Watch how they apply the gel or whatever you choice (power and gel, or called power and liquid, uv nails sometimes too) the thinner the better it seems to turn out whatevertype of method you decide. Find a good place, I always had better luck with the home businesses where they did nails from home. My gel lady (lives far away now) says there is no point in drilling the nail as its damaging and useless. She even removed the nails without ripping them apart but filing them down manually.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    update us please..... I hate my nails right now and I want to live vicariously through firemaiden....
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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by firemaiden04 View Post
    I called my salon, and the woman who answered the phone used to work in the spa and was very informative. She recommended shellac, which I guess is just a layer of a gel-like polish that they put on your nail and then cure so it hardens. Your nail won't crack or break under it, but your nail can still breath, so if you get the shellac removed your nail isn't damaged. It needs a "fill" about every 2 weeks. There are no tips attached, it just literally lets your own nail grow out much longer without the fear of it peeling or cracking or breaking. The shellac supposedly won't dent or scratch, so it just gives that really smooth, glossy look you get from a nice set of artificial nails, except it's super thin. Not sure how nail polish will do on them, if I can apply polish and if it will last indefinitely like seems to be the case with artificial nails, or if the polish will last the normal amount of time (like two days) before it starts chipping or peeling, like I experience currently. Not sure yet how expensive it will be--I was set up with a consultation and service appointment with a recommended nail tech in the salon for tomorrow at 4. I'll see how it goes and update tomorrow evening after my appointment.
    I've never tried acrylics or gel. Since I started dancing shellac is all I've done since I've seen so many girls break nails. I LOVE shellac!!! I usually go to VIP nail in Delmar, which opened recently. It's really nice inside. It is an Asian salon but all the people I see are very fluent in English. I go to Jeter because he massages my back while the nails dry lol. I think they do shellac on your toes now too, but I've never done it on my feet. What they usually do is a base coat with a strengthener, then the color. You stick your fingers into a UV nail dryer to dry the polish in a special way. Then another coat of the color, a top coat, and the UV again. You can get them filled, but I prefer to start fresh each visit. They look soooo pretty and glossy, rarely chip, and are so much better for your nails than acrylics or gel. They start to look like they need a fill about every 2 weeks for me, but my nails grow crazy fast. Good luck!!
    Last edited by sexyscarlet; 02-26-2012 at 10:02 PM.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    Oh wow, I just read your last two posts. They are always supposed to start your nails off like a normal manicure. Where did you have them done? The only places I've had them done did a great job. One was in the Walmart (no judging ) in Glenmont with Mike, and the other (my fave) was at VIP nail which I was wrong about, it's actually in Glenmont, too. VIP had a bunch of different colors there and different brands. I hope this doesn't turn you off from shellac cause it sounds like it would be perfect for you if done correctly.

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    Default Re: Advice on Artificial Nails--Gel, Acrylic, Silk Wraps, etc.

    I have gel nails right now, hate acrylic, and really interested in silk wraps. I love long nails, but not the square obviously fake kind, long natural oval nails. I've been getting fills on my gel (found a new tech who does an awesome job) but I would love to grow my real nails if possible which is why the silk wrap sounds promising.

    For those who don't want to do shellac or their nail polish chips a lot or have strong natural nails already use: GELISH top coat.
    I got mine at Sally's and my grandma swears by it on her real nails! (which are beautiful long and oval) When I'm using a polish, I use the GELISH as a base coat, use the colored polish and layer the Gelish as a topcoat. This seriously makes my polish last for weeks!

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