Nails

[constantnc]

Help needed please - I am clueless.

I have always kept my nails short due to my work.
Now home and very busy with 3 babies in nappies....so lots of handwashing...
but I can't grow my nails as I have developed a nail biting habit since having the babies.

I'm thinking about getting some nails at the salon - but don't have a clue - they still need to be shortish, and easy to clean underneath (cooking lots, nappies etc....) but look nice - french manicure, I won't wear a colour.

Any help appreciated - i don't want to go to the salon looking like a plonker! TA

I'm not sure what you're asking but I think you're looking to get acrylics? You just need to make an appointment for acrylics at a salon, explain to them what you want and they will guide you. You can have them as long or short as you like and they now come quite thin so they don't look as 'fake' as they maybe used to.

I'd go for a nude all over colour rather than a French manicure, personal preference but I find French manicures quite dated unless you go for an ombre/blended effect. Good luck!

yes thanks - i didnt know what they are called....gels, acrylics etc...

see clueless...

i know there are different types, but i dont know the difference between them, or which would suit me best.

nude is plain in colour then yes?

thanks for your response

I would actually go for shellac. Your nails will stay healthier and you won't bite if you have colour! My DD had short nails through choice but now has beautiful nails that are a bit longer and they look stylish with a nude colour for work. Try this first because it's kinder to your own nails than acrylics.

Shellac or gel. Similar products. Try and go for the OPI range. They are very good.

The acrylics have to have be infilled at the base of your nail every 3 weeks. It is a powder that is mixed with acetone. They are cured under a light. Nails are reshaped then nail varnish goes on top. This is what I have but there are drawbacks because my original nails are quite thin now.

Shellac/gel will just soak off in the salon and then you get them to reapply. They cure under a light and are virtually chip/bomb/child proof. Your nails will be shaped by the salon and it really will help you have nice nails.

How long does shellac last please

I have acrylic with gel (shellac) over the top, the acrylic I have isn't cured by a light. I used to have just gel but the uv light to cure would give a burning sensation on my nail bed if having them done consecutively.

I would suggest if you only want a one off, then just gel, but if you want to keep getting your nails done then acrylic & gel. Gel alone on me lasts for up to 2 weeks with some chips, but acrylic with gel polish lasts for 3 with no chipping at all.

Thank you ladies for helping..
I will pluck up courage to get to the salon ☺

I used to bite my nails. Acrylics just made them worse. What worked for me was gel polish. I got her to file my bitten nails into shape, then she put around 3-4 coats of gel polish on. Keeps them hard so I won't bite them and they then grew naturally over the course of 5 weeks.
I now get a manicure every 5 weeks and finally have the nails I always wanted after years of either acrylics or bitten nails.
Now the urge to bite has gone as they look so nice!

I think if you just paint them yourself it will help you stop biting them.