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Original poster

Alternative to gel nails?

22 replies

bluebell1981 · 29/04/2018 11:09

I've only ever had gel nails done once or twice but the removal of the gel on the last occasion destroyed my nails - they still aren't the same 6 months later!
Going on hols soon and would love something similar done that would last a week or two, but not destroy my nails! Are there any better alternatives?

OP posts:
HildaZelda · 29/04/2018 13:47

I use the Primark ones when I go on holiday. Lots of different sizes and colours/patterns. Only a couple of quid. The glue that comes with them isn't the best though. I buy one from Superdrug instead. It's much better. You may have to re-glue the odd one, but I usually get a week out of them.

www.superdrug.com/Superdrug/Superdrug-Finishing-Touches-Brush-On-Nail-Glue/p/279066

www.primark.com/en-ie/search/search-products-results?q=nails&c=beauty

lovemylover · 29/04/2018 16:02

I wouldnt use glue on nails as i have ruined mine, taking ages from last year to grow and look decent again

Original poster
bluebell1981 · 29/04/2018 16:06

Yeah would rather avoid glue tbh. Was just hoping there's some 'better' gel, or removal of it, but maybe it's asking the impossible!

OP posts:
ayedidye · 29/04/2018 16:11

My friend swears by 'calgel'
I was going to try this as i felt my nails were ruined by shellac however I'm 38 weeks pregnant and can't get gel nails.

I will try once I've had the baby.

Original poster
bluebell1981 · 29/04/2018 17:09

Must look it up @ayedidye !

OP posts:
Atalune · 29/04/2018 17:34

Haven’t had it, but have heard great things about minx nails.

ayedidye · 29/04/2018 18:00

@Atalune minx was the in thing before shellac I'm sure? Now I could be wrong but I thought that was more like a sticky bit of foil on your nails?

ayedidye · 29/04/2018 18:02

www.minxnails.com/t-how-to.aspx

Sounds good! Now to find where they do them!

Atalune · 29/04/2018 18:50

Yes like foil press ons so not as bad for the nail bed maybe?

WhipItGood · 29/04/2018 18:58

Shellac on the limited time I had them also damaged my nails too Sad A shame because I loved the look and durability of themSad

There’s Vinylux. It’s a polish with a gel topcoat. (But no setting under a lamp) Not as indestructible as Shellac tbh, but quite a good home polish. I think some salons use it too if you wanted it done as a standard manicure.

SadSongsAndWaltzes · 29/04/2018 19:04

I find shellac, or similar alternatives, to be okay, but it does depend on how you remove it. If you get it removed properly at the salon with acetone or buffing it doesn't damage my nails. But if I can't be bothered or find the time to go, I end up picking and peeling it off, which does destroy them!

Original poster
bluebell1981 · 29/04/2018 19:26

I'll have a look at that @WhipItGood , thanks!

I've had it properly removed at the salon, she seemed to remove several layers of nails - it destroyed them and really put me off!

OP posts:
ayedidye · 29/04/2018 19:47

That minx website says you can use that as an underlay for gel nails. That sounds like a great idea but might take a lot of phoning around to find somewhere to do it.

SadSongsAndWaltzes · 29/04/2018 20:38

Oh dear, sorry I wasn't much help!

ayedidye · 30/04/2018 17:55

Ladies just been in Superdrug, they have nail guards. It says you can apply them before gel nails! £2.99. Might be worth trying.

Hogtini · 30/04/2018 17:58

Bio seaweed gel?

AllyMcBeagle · 30/04/2018 18:08

OPI Infinite Shine polishes usually last about a week on me, so not quite as long as gels, but the big advantage for me is that you can apply and remove it at home with normal polish remover and I haven't had any damage at all.

You need the special base coat and top coat so it's normally cheaper to buy them in a set like this:
Full size - www.opiuk.com/shop/iceland-infinite-shine-trio-1.html
Mini polishes - www.opiuk.com/shop/inifinite-shine-mini-four-pack-spring-18.html
(nb other colours are available)

Original poster
bluebell1981 · 30/04/2018 18:30

Ooohh lots of ideas to look into!!

OP posts:
DrWhy · 30/04/2018 20:23

I find the OPI version of gel nails OK as long as you don’t let anyone file the surface of the nail beforehand - helps it adhere better but damages the nail and then o remove it myself with foils and acetone but very gently pushing it off and being careful not to scrape the nail surface off.

AuntyElle · 30/04/2018 20:30

It so depends on how good the nail technician is. I’ve had CND Shellac applied by a ‘brand ambassador’ who didn’t remove any natural nail, she very conscientious, and it was great. Equally I’ve had my nails ruined by supposedly same product applied with too much filing during removal and then again before reapplication.

AuntyElle · 30/04/2018 20:31

she was* very conscientious

emoshional · 01/05/2018 06:25

Essie Gel Couture polishes and top coat. Finding these has been an absolute game changer for me. You can get them in Boots, Superdrug etc.

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