so can anyone tell me about gel nails please?

[MrsBottesini]

Wise mners of S&B, is it worth getting the kit to DIY it? UV lamp and stuff? (and how easy/difficult is it to get it all off again?)

I would be interested in hearing about the results with this kit.

I have mine redilled every few weeks and every now and then have them removed and a new ones done, and over the year it's quite expensive.

I also have to drive into town, park etc so it is a time consuming affair as well!

Anyone used this kit and can compare results to having it done professionally, please?

that's exactly the point, it sounds like a great idea doesn't it (as long as it's not too messy!)

If a kit you can buy yourself and can use without any training is as good as a professional job how do you think Nail Techs are still in business?

The product quality is low, the lamp is crap, they will lift in a week and if you're unlucky the badly cured gel will give you an allergic reaction. Also, unless you wear the same colour all the time the cost of building up a good colour selection will be more than your annual salon cost.

If you don't want to spend the time or money travelling at appointments find a good mobile technician and have your nails done at home.

Hth's

Horses, not assuming it will be as good nor probably as long lasting as the professional job, but I asked about them just for convenience (wrt appointment availability vs full time work) and occasional use tbh. I don't think anyone imagines that they will be in the same league as a professional job ....do they?
Constructive opinions were called for. :)

I have had Gel nails professionally done and have the sensationail kit. Application is a doddle but I know my own limitations and stick to paler neutral colours I am not neat enough to attempt bright or dark colours on myself. I find as long as I follow the instructions to the letter the kit lasts just as long as salon manicure but is not as neat which is purely down to my application. Removal is a pain I just pick a night when there is something interesting on the tv so it does not seem such a chore. It does not damage your nails unless you try and pick it off !! But I am a stickler for hand cream and cuticle oil. I was a regular at salon for years but school holidays work and family illness meant that I was finding it increasingly impossible to stick to appointments. I did not want to be wasting my technicians time by booking and not turning up so bought the kit to use until my life returns to a more even keel. I would not say I have saved a huge amount of money because colours are expensive but if you buy from the sensationail website direct they often have offers and polishes are cheaper than Boots. I would say the kit it very definitely worth it for toes which are easier to do yourself and last 6 weeks or so which is perfect in the summer. Hope this helps.

thank you limoncello, exactly the sort of info I needed. thank you so much
(I also have one of those crazy lifestyles, children, one with sn, dh recovering from cancer and it is virtually impossible to make any appointment and stick to it reliably.) massive thank you for taking the time to reply, esp advice re pale colours and nothing too dark and glossy. will leave that to the salon if ever I get my life back
hope you find nice time to be salon pampered soon too