It’s been a nice little luxury and something I have really looked forward to. Some much needed me-time. Each visit is $25 or $35, and I've always tipped 20% at the minimum, so it's not the cheapest little me-time activity, but I love it.
Well, this weekend Ian had the girls in the mountains for fun activities and a little break from the heat -- I was home solo with little Lochlan, laying low and -- ya know, nursing like 22 hours a day -- and my polish was starting to peel up on the sides.
I did the unthinkable, something I haven't done in the past 18 months. I PEELED IT OFF! This is a huge no-no, but my nails were honestly so weak to begin with from the gel and also the fact that one of the salons used an electric file too much on my nails.
So then I ran with Baby L to Walgreens and picked up this to hopefully strengthen my nails, and I'm also going to use some SeneGence products as well. My nails are in a bad way, just so thin, so I'm keeping them short to hopefully keep broken nails at bay. I might look into Color Street if I want some color on my nails, but they still need a bit of healing/breathing time.
I also need to grab some biotin capsules to help with growth!
So, are you a reformed gel nails gal? What helped you (besides good ol' fashioned time) to strengthen your nails back again?
(GEL: I'll be back for ya. Just when it makes a little more sense, time-wise.)
Well, this weekend Ian had the girls in the mountains for fun activities and a little break from the heat -- I was home solo with little Lochlan, laying low and -- ya know, nursing like 22 hours a day -- and my polish was starting to peel up on the sides.
I did the unthinkable, something I haven't done in the past 18 months. I PEELED IT OFF! This is a huge no-no, but my nails were honestly so weak to begin with from the gel and also the fact that one of the salons used an electric file too much on my nails.
So then I ran with Baby L to Walgreens and picked up this to hopefully strengthen my nails, and I'm also going to use some SeneGence products as well. My nails are in a bad way, just so thin, so I'm keeping them short to hopefully keep broken nails at bay. I might look into Color Street if I want some color on my nails, but they still need a bit of healing/breathing time.
I also need to grab some biotin capsules to help with growth!
So, are you a reformed gel nails gal? What helped you (besides good ol' fashioned time) to strengthen your nails back again?
(GEL: I'll be back for ya. Just when it makes a little more sense, time-wise.)
I've only had gel nails twice ... once as an impromptu "the wait at this restaurant is long and there's a salon so let's go for it" and once as a Groupon before Christmas! :) I wasn't a fan due to the weakness, so I've been a normal polish girl instead. However, a gel obsessed friend of mine switched to SNS and she LOVES it! It lasts 3-4 weeks, and she said her nails are healthier.
ReplyDeleteI switched to dip/SNS about a year ago and have never looked back! Dip lasts 3-4 weeks and does not peel. It also makes your nails stronger and healthier--mine grow like crazy!
ReplyDeleteI've found that gel works really well on my nails. I don't let them use the drill/electric file, and I make myself hold out for at least 2 (preferably 3) weeks before getting them re-done.
ReplyDelete(I did try dip nails a few times, but even when I had them do two THIN layers, they still felt like acrylics to me. Having that "weighted" feeling on my nails drove me crazy!)
You should try the SNS powder. It lasts a long time and hasn’t messed up my nails yet !
ReplyDeleteNowadays, I only get a gel mani and pedi if a special occasion is coming up. Otherwise its bothersome having to go back-and-forth every 2 weeks. Also it saves at least $1k a year, and makes it easier to do projects around the house and outdoors without worrying about my nails.
ReplyDeleteI use Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nail vitamins, Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength French Manicure w/ Pen Kit (I don't use the pen). I often apply Out the Door top coat as well (the manicure will last a week). All are nursing-friendly and my nails look aaaamazing in no time. Also, keep your hands moisturized. I use Working Hands Cream and it really aids in nail health.
ReplyDeleteI’m so jealous of everyone who gets the gel or dip and keeps the same color for multiple weeks. My nails grow like CRAZY and within 1 week, the outgrow drives me nuts and I have to change my color. For this reason I just do regular polish because it lasts just fine a week. I use the Orly top coat and it works great!
ReplyDeleteI go back and forth - naked nails, gel, dip powder - but lately I've been thinking about taking a break again, too. My nails grow so fast I find myself at the salon every 1.5 weeks for gel, and every 2 weeks for the dipping powder (lasts longer but costs about $15-$20 more than gel here in Columbus, Ohio). I keep them short when they're natural and that is about it - I am terrible - but be sure to post updates with what works for you!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved gel manicures but it is costly and time-intensive. I've never gotten anything regularly, just special occasions (pregnancy / right before baby's born, weddings I'm in, vacations, holidays if I have lots of events around them, etc). I got one right before our Mexico vacation the Thursday before last, and it chipped horribly Sunday (so it lasted about 9 - 10 days). That just doesn't seem long enough to me! I know I tend to wear my nails really hard but I wasn't even washing dishes or gardening or anything!!! I plan on getting the dip powder around my birthday before we take our family vacation to see how I like it. Hopefully it stays on well! And my nails will hopefully get back to good shape since I peeled them off yesterday and they are waaaaay weak/stripped/thin. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI always feel so put together when I get my nails done but it's a rare treat -- I usually just paint them at home if I have time. BUT when I do get them done, I do gel. I'd love to try the SNS/dip that others are referring to! My nails are not in the greatest shape to begin with, so could be an interesting alternative. Enjoy those baby snuggles! :)
ReplyDeleteI do gels and I think my nails seem pretty strong but yeah I have had places use the electric file and that totally weakens them. My place charges $35 for a gel manicure and pedicure so it's an affordable treat. One of the perks of living in NY and having a nail salon on every corner.
ReplyDeleteI have been doing my own gel nails for the last five years. I find that even when I have them done in a salon they do not last long for me. I usually get about a week or so before I take them off. I am able to take them off myself, and my nail is never damaged underneath. A lot of that is I like them to look near perfect or it drives me crazy. You would have to put a little money into the initial investment of doing them yourself, but it will be pay for itself in no time. I bought a light five years ago it is UV because when I first started doing them myself I was using shellac, but there are LED lights of course. I have had the same light for five years. I mostly use OPI polishes since I like my fingers and toes to match so I get regular polish for my toes. If you want to keep doing the gel you can do it yourself. Just watch videos and I have a very unsteady hand and my nails look great most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI do not like what the gel does to my nails and I am horrible about going regularly. I got a regular manicure about three weeks ago (t was at a really good spa not an in and out nail place) and took my own pink sheer OPI polish. I have had to paint over it twice, but it still looks good and fresh. I think I will be going this route this summer. I do the same for my toes - I either buy a polish or make sure I get a color I have so I can touch up.
ReplyDeleteI stopped getting the gel on my nails. The last time I had the salon take off it really left my nails in bad shape.
ReplyDeleteNoo! We will miss you at the shop but totally understand taking a break with 3 babes in tow. We always support taking some breaks from gel to give your nails a chance to breathe/strengthen.Totally agree with the others that you should try dip. It basically acts like a protective barrier for your nails but is a completely different process to put on. We look forward to seeing you when you nail-cation is over :-)
ReplyDeleteI use An OPI gel machine kit at home! It was given to me as a birthday present about 3 years ago and it’s still in great shape. I have had to replace the base coat and top coat, but that’s it! And after about 1.5 weeks, the polish EASILY peels off. (Salon gel stayed 1.5 weeks max as well.) You can pick up new gel colors at Ulta for so cheap with the coupon. My nails are never damaged after the polish comes off like they were with salon gel. My favorite gel polish brand is Sally Henson.
ReplyDeleteokay, i have not done gels even though they look AMAZING! but i have feared the commitment and removal process so much i just didn't invest the time or money. but i have recently started topping my nail colors with essie gel coat and it really does help SO much. there may be better gel top coats out there, i haven't tried that many! but... better than nothing!
ReplyDeleteSally Hansen vitamin e oil saved my nails after Acrylics ! From target !
ReplyDeleteDip is much better than gel, in my opinion! Love those manicures! 😁
ReplyDeletethe mountains for no particular reason exercises. Do My Homework For Free and a little break from the warmth home solo with little Lockean, hiding out and clean was beginning to strip up on the sides.
ReplyDeleteIt has been named "toys spider man" on two separate events. Young men and young ladies, baby or adolescent, they all affection these little structure blocks in shifting degrees. Be that as it may, why? What is it about them that makes them so overwhelming to kids?
ReplyDelete