Gel nails at a salon, would you recommend?

[MidnightVelvetthe5th]

I realise that I'm 100 years behind the times asking this but I can't decide whether they are a good thing to start or not. I've just thrown away over 30 nail polishes including some expensive ones as I just don't have the time or inclination to do them myself, however I go to the hairdressers every 8 weeks religiously and they do gel nails. Also if I paint my own then no matter what topcoat I use they start to chip after 2 days so it's all just a faff.

I've not had artificial nails before, partly because the acrylics with huge white tips aren't my thing, I prefer short vibrant nails.

How much are they generally? And can I have them one after the other or do I need to let the nails breathe? My natural nails are lovely and strong, am I wrecking them for life?

I'm undecided, any help or thoughts would be great

[WhoisLucasHood]

I have gel polish, Gel2 which lasts for about 3 weeks without chips. I've had acrylic, gel and shellac. Gel II is similar to shellac as a gel polish but seems sturdier somehow yet still leaves your nails unharmed after you soak them off. I like the heat colour change colours. I don't have it on all the time but would recommend it if you find a salon that does it.

[Buttwing]

When you say gel nails do you mean extensions? Or just having the gel over your natural nail?

I have gel over my natural nail-shellac (or similar) I love it. I can get three weeks out of it. I have it back to back. My nails aren't brilliant anyway and I'm guessing the gel doesn't enhance the condition of your nail but as long as you have them professionally removed it doesn't seem to do too much damage.

I have mine short and squarish, I love a dark red or a grey or a bright colour if I've got a bit of a tan.

[Shortandsweet20]

Shellac or gel is the best, I think extensions would possibly ruin your nails, not sure I've never had them.

Shellac or gel wouldn't ruin the natural nail aslong as you don't rip it off yourself when it needs re doing, that can rip of some of the first layer of the nail and just ruins them.

Mine cost £20, last me about 2 weeks. My nails grow ridiculously quick with shellac on so sometimes it's more like a week and a half. But definitely better than having normal polish as it always looks nice!

[bigbadbarry]

I'm lucky if they last a week so special occasions only (and not before goingaway, nothing worse than them peeling off when you can't get them properly removed for a fortnight) :( sad because they look great. Apparently I have oily nail beds (which means I have nice nails naturally) and it's just the way things are, nothing to be done.

[itsbetterthanabox]

No it won't ruin your nails if you go somewhere good.
What ruins nails is bad techs and poor aftercare.
Gel polish is great there's many good brands but avoid anywhere that uses ones called bluesky or CCO as these are fakes, no reputable place would use them.
You can have gel polish back to back, nails don't breathe. Just make sure you don't pick or bite it off and you have it removed properly, that you wear gloves when cleaning and that you use a good cuticle oil on the nail and cuticle daily. This aftercare is important.
Cost depends on where you live in the country and the brand being used, it varies between £15-25 usually for a full set.
It's definitely worth it. My nails don't break with gel on as it protects plus they always look perfect and shiny.

[itsbetterthanabox]

Bigbadbarry
There's things your nail tech can do to enhance your wear time.
A stronger dehydrator plus a primer and possibly a smoothing or correcting gel base would help significantly.

[bigbadbarry]

Itsbetter I go to nailsinc because they have a good reputation (don't they?) and they've got it up from 2 days to a week for me!