Gel nails - good or too expensive?

[TracyK]

I'm thinking of painted nails for a do at the weekend - but my skills are non existent and the last time I had a normal manicure -one nail chipped 2 days later and was ruined.

I've heard gel nails last for ages - are there different/better makes to go for or are they all much of a muchness?

Funny to come across this thread because I treated myself to Gel nails last week for the first time! Must say i am loving them.

I went for an off-white tip so they are very natural looking but close up, you would know they are not real.

It's only been a week and I have realised that my nails grow very fast as I can see the gap appearing. I booked an infill appointment for 2.5 weeks after getting them on so it looks like the maintenance may be an issue. Maybe other posters could help on that. Not sure what the cost is going to be.

HOWEVER, they are absolutely gorgeous.....it's such a treat to have fab looking nails - they make my hands look amazing.

I had them done in a good salon and paid 35 for them - I do have friends who have nail qualifications but I wanted to go somewhere recommended in case it was a disaster. I may use my friends in future for infills etc as that will be cheaper.

Funny things that I've noticed since I got them is that I can't pick tiny things up - like coins from the floor. Find it a bit harder to get my contact lenses on and also can't quite do the ring pulls on tins of beans etc...
However, they are really strong and because I can't pick at little things, I haven't touched my cuticles since I got them - would normally be a bit picky at the skin around my nails.

Someone told me they are v addictive and once you get them, you can't stop getting them...I can see what they mean now!

Sorry for the lengthy response...but hope it helps!

Tacky and overpriced imo

I was going to go for quite a bright colour - but short and square shaped - my friend has them done - but she's on hols just now - so can't ask her!

Well, I went for the natural look and you can then paint any colour over them and take it off as you would with your own nails. Not sure about getting coloured ones...I'm sure that's possible too.

Gel nails will damage your nails, no matter what they try to tell you to the contrary.

If it's chipping normal manicures that are a problem, you should try and find a nail tech who offers Shellac.

It's a new hybrid nail polish that dries instantly and lasts up to 14 days without chipping.

I had them done twice, and within a week, they needed filling. Eventually, the cost was too much, so I decided not to continue. Then I realised that my nails were destroyed, and it took me about 6 months for them to grow out and go back to normal. Never again!