FFs. Gel nails!

[Angel786]

Waste of fricking time. Meant to be a 10 min msnicure. Here I am 45 mins later with wet bloody nails. . Used the uv lamp and everything.

Anyone else used gel nil varnish? What am I doing wrong?

[SquirtedPerfumeUpNoseInBoots]

Do you mean the gel polish? I've had it done loads of times. Dries instantly and lasts about 2 and a half weeks.

[Angel786]

That's the one. SiL bought me a gelac starter kit as a gift, usually used in salons. Have followed instructions and bought the uv light but nails are still not totally dry .

[SiamoFottuti]

and the AIBU is?

[Zingylemontart]

I had gel nails in April. My nails are still knackered. Never again. Sorry, that doesn't help with your problem. All I can suggest is wrap your nails in acetone soaked cotton wool and take the stuff off, sharpish!

[rhondajean]

If its the stuff I get, its not gel nails, its a hybrid nail varnish. I got a row at salon for getting it wrong!

Are you using the IV think for right time and at right setting? I always get it done at salon and its great, Dont need to think about nails for two weeks at a time.

Its different from proper gel nails, which I think are what zingy had, I got them and my nails took months to recover. This stuff should strengthen them and stop them splitting.

[Angel786]

Thx Zingy. Have come to the same conclusion, remove the stuff.

Siamo - Aibu to expect the product to work as advertised...

[Angel786]

Rhonda it's called bid gelac, sounds like a hybrid. I've followed the instructions with timings etc but still not dry. Am admitting defeat and going to revert to regular nail polish. This stuff is going on eBay!

[MumblingRagDoll]

Why sell it if it's crap?

[SquirtedPerfumeUpNoseInBoots]

It must be that you're not doing it right. That gel polish is great, dries almost instantly and lasts ages without chipping.

The only thing is the coats are really thin when I'm getting it done. Have you put too much on?

[rhondajean]

It sounds like the same thing, the brand I get is called shellac, I know theres one called gelish, and others. Its really good when it works. Google reviews for the brand you have and see what others say?

[slightlymad72]

My daughter has just informed me, (previous experience of doing at home gel nails) more than one layer of gel won't ever set even if using the UV light, even though 2 layers are required. the strength of the UV light for at home use is not strong enough to set them properly (told to her my a nail technician)

[OnEdge]

Do you have to wipe the surface off with stuff when you've finished ? Might find its hard underneath ???

[rhondajean]

Oooh I just did a google and theres a review on Amazon from a nail pro. She says the starter pack - if thats what you have - doesn't include the finishing product called the gel cleanser,which you absolutely need to remove the sticky residue.

Failing that, if you have followed all the instructions, Id send it back and complain. It isnt cheap.

[Angel786]

Thanks all! The starter kit lacks key things to start

Onedge and rhonda - Have now purchased cleanser ( on top of the uv lamp). My finger nails are scuffed and sticky, not quite the treat to self I had in mind.

Squirted and slightlymad - thanks, I hope by using v thin layers the 36w uv lamp will work in future...

Fingers x'd the cleanser does the trick...

[OnEdge]

You will be pleased once you've used that stuff, they go all smooth and silky. I remember going through exactly the same thing. Wanted to chuck it all out of the window

[rhondajean]

Oh I really hope it works for you, I love mines, please do post back and let us know if its working now!!