Talk to me about gel manicures

[Upsider]

I’m lucky to have strong nails so I’ve never bothered with acrylic nails etc. I rarely get my nails done at all. I keep seeing lovely examples of manicures, but turns out they’re all gel. I like the idea it lasts longer, but does it damage your nail if you have it done repeatedly?
An alternative would be a nail varnish that lasts well if anyone has any recommendations. Thank you

If applied and removed properly it won’t damage nails. It’s a non-starter for me as I have crap, weak nails that split and wreck gel when I’ve had it. Or the gel lifts after a couple of days.

There is a polish/hybrid called Vinlyux by the same people that make Shellac.

I get gel done every 3 weeks, have done for years and my nails are great. Very healthy and grow fast. I've always had good nails and have not noticed any difference over the years. It's not damaging to your nails as long as you are going to a good place and using proper products. Keep in mind that despite some peoples claims that "you need to let your nails breathe", its simply not true.

My tips would be:
Go to a good salon. You probably need to book in advance. If you can get in immediately, its not really a good sign. A lot of the quick turnaround salons, often run by Chinese/Asian (not racist, just a fact), don't tend to use good products and it can be very difficult to get the product off your nails.

Bear in mind that you are putting your hand under a UV lamp. For a minute or two every few weeks, not a problem but if you had any sort of illness or allergy that can be affected by sustained UV, its worth considering.

Most salons are booking you in for a simple gel polish (around 1 hour). If you are hoping for something fancier, ask them about it when booking so they can assign the correct amount of time. I always tell my girl when Im going to want a design, when Im going on holiday etc, and she usually books an additional 15 minutes so there's no rushing.

@Upsider

the beat way

@Upsider

the best way. I meant oops.
always gels

Thank you! I might have to treat myself after all.

I’ve had gel mani & pedi for years. Every 3 weeks for nails, every 6 weeks for toenails. No problems and I have strong, healthy nails.
Go to a good salon and make sure you let the salon remove them properly and you should have no issues. Honestly can’t remember the last time I used nail varnish, would be over 10 years ago, so can’t recommend any, sorry.

I get them done every three weeks with no issues. My nails are strong and healthy and super fast growing. The gel lasts on my nail without chipping.

I go to a pricy salon and the removal often takes longer than getting them done. They use good products but are much more expensive than most other places in town and you normally have to book your next two appointments in advance.

Same as others

I stretch mine to 4 weeks as I can justify the cost a bit more if it's once a month

I only managed to get in to the place I use initially by being able to book during the day in school holidays

Now I have a relationship with the woman who does my nails she books me in before her diary goes live for next month

I've got a 2 hour appointment next month for a gorgeous design for my birthday - I started off with a simple one colour mani 2 years ago. It's a slippery slope 🤣