Gelish, shellac, geleration by Jessica, Calgel etc

[fluffydressinggown]

I have heard lots and lots about these gel nails, I am very tempted, I love to have bright red nails and it chips so quickly (even with top coats).

Are they all the same thing?

Is one brand better than another?

Do they work on pretty short nails, I don't like the long talon look?

How much do you pay for them?

Thank you!

I had mine done for the first time in April 2011. Never again! My nails ended up really brittle and flaky, it took over six months to get them anywhere near what they were like before. If you're determined to have them done, they do look good - its just afterwards that you pay the price for pretty nails.

I love shellac, for the shine and the lack of chipping! My nails are absolutely fine when its removed, and nail tech reckons that's partly because I prefer to keep my nails v short. So, like what you want! I prefer bright colours, and sometimes sparkles, and think on long nails there's a danger they could look a bit old-fashioned, and I'd rather they looked cool!

I also use solar oil twice a day, which helps keep nails healthy.

TeamEdward - I can't remember tbh. I went to a Mint nail bar. Maybe that was my first mistake!

Have got geleration on for first time at mo and am loving them. In past have had calgel and I found that as long as I took them off properly (with the soaking solution) my nails were find afterwards. Friends have had shellac and really rate it. I just like knowing that I am not going to smudge or knock newly painted nails as I am generally a bit cack handed uncoordinated...

**fine afterwards

I've had shellac a few times thought it was great but when i took it off after a few times, even though i used oil too, i noticed my nails were getting really dry and peeling. I think you can have it for hols or occasions and it's great but not to have it on all the time.
It took a long time to get them back to normal.

I have Geleration on at mo and have tried Shellac. Love them both as I am hopeless at doing my own nails. Think they are a time limited thing and I go through phases with them. Currently in my 'getting ready for hols phase' so will get them done for a month or so and then stop. Currently paying £30 every 2 weeks but I do shop around for offers. IME they are fine as long as you don't give into temptation and start picking the gel off yourself.

I had geleration nails put on, and removed by beautician 2 weeks later.... They have ruined my nails. I have short nails which were in good condition. Now they flake, split and break. My fingers are sore!! I think if you have them replaced you won't have the prob , but as a one off... Never again!!!