Oh crap: I've accidentally got gel nails help!!

[sleepdodger]

Ok that sounds dramatic but can people who know about nails help me??
I am an un-girl trying to get more groomed!!
As a result after DS and going back to work I ventured into world of nails: I had shellac and v happy
Carried on for bout 4months till needed to give nails and wallet a rest
Cue away with work and decided to get them done but in language barrier (Chinese...) shellac it turns out is not nod head yes we do but gel... I hate gel nails as everyone says how they wreck your natural nails which given how she applied them I can see....
On the plus they're v neat, but what do I do now- how long will they last, dob they grow out, chip, peel etc? How do I get then off? What do I do to my nails after as I imagine they'll be mashed!!
Thanks all!!

I dunno but I got gel nails for the first time yesterday, do they really wreck your real nails?

They will last a few weeks depending on how quickly your nails grow. I found the first set weren't too bad it was the continued wear was the problem. You might need to treat your nails if you intend on getting them removed.

Yeah they wreck the nail bed. Mine were brittle and weak for ages after I had the last set removed :(

So how/why is shellac different?

I have had gel nails a few times (am having them done on Wednesday as we go away Sat) and I have never had a problem.

Sali Hughes wrote about them in The Guardian a couple of weeks ago. Worth a look.

I have gel nails and find they don't wreak the nail bed as long as they are removed properly. They last about 2 to 3 weeks on fingers depends how much you have your hands in water too but about 5 weeks on my toes. Don't worry just get them properly removed.

I've never had gel nails but i've had acrylic a few times. The first time I had them i religiously used my solar oil and when they came off they were stronger than before I had them. The other times I didn't bother and it ruined my nails. I'd get some nail oil and use it twice a day and hopefully the gels won't ruin your nails!

Mind you, I had shellac and it wrecked my nails. Once the coating came off they were like butter. It's taken months for them to renew themselves.

I had them 'properly' removed. Fact is they remove with harsh chemicals or with that little sander thing. Wouldn't put myself through it again when my natural nails will do. Also hated the fake feeling of the thick gel nails.

I've had them for years on and off and found the post nail damage comparable with shellac. I do go to a little Vietnamese place though and they use lots of filing and acetone.

I've had all my taken off and am using Jessica's Restructuring and the miracle nail oil too. They're looking miles better after a week's use and are fine as long as they're reasonably short.

Don't peel them off yourself or they will ruin your nails. If you get them taken off properly and then give your nails a rest for a few weeks before having them done again then you shouldn't have a problem. I love Jessica Gels, they look great for 2-3 weeks.

Viva you rebel

I'm always having acrylics put on, I keep them on for a bit then bite them off

I use a nail hardener for a week or two after and they've always been fine.