Gelish nails and the like

[lizardqueenie]

Just wanted to ask a question about these nails as i have seen some quite good offers locally & am thinking about having them done.

Do they have the same effect on your nails as say acrylic nail extensions? Ive had these before and they look lovely to start with but then if you ever decide to remove the false nail the natural underneath is thin and a bit sore.

Thanks :)

No they don't, they contain the same stuff as your own nail (kerotine I think) and allow the nail to grow and repair underneath. They don't extend your nails but they also don't damage them. One word though, be gentle taking them off, although they don't take the top layer of your nail off (like acrylic) you could take it off by rubbing at them too hard.

Personally I love them, a great finish and long lasting without the down sides if acrylic.

Oh and I forgot to say, mine get serious hammer as I work on a farm with large livestock. They still last two weeks.

I've had them full time for over 2 years, I now do my own, I took it off last night and didn't have time to redo (will do tomorrow), and my nails are intact underneath.

I used to have colour gel, now have hybrid; I would say gel (eg bio gel) lasts a bit longer, but its harder to apply to yourself; obv if you're going to a salon it doesnt matter. Hybrids (eg Artistic Colour Gloss) look and are applied like varnish but set like gel under a UV/LED light.

Either should last at least 2 weeks, I do mine weekly,but its only because I get fast regrowth so have a gap, unless I do clear or french, then leave it longer. Either way, you can paint over it with normal varnish if you cant get to a salon, so it buys you a bit more time.

Thank you both, that's really helpful.

I use DIY gel polish. Change it approx every 10-14 days (only due to regrowth really as it is still chip-free).
I do love how you can paint over with normal polish if you fancy a colour change - then when you take that off with normal remover, the gel manicure is still perfect underneath!