Gel or acrylic nails on toenails

[Dancergirl]

I don't know ANYTHING about gels or acrylics, what would you recommend for toenails please?

What are the advantages over a normal pedicure with polish?

Acrylics are nail extensions so unless you want super long toenails I would stay clear!!
Gels are things like shellac so basically polish thats set with a lamp and won't come off until it's removed or grows out.
I have gel on my fingers but don't bother with my toes just a normal polish as it seems to last ages anyway.

I have very short toenails which are taking ages to grow out. I want them looking nice for my holiday in 3 weeks' time!

I have gel because it lasts all summer.

And I can't reach my toes very well

Then do you go back to have it removed pickle?

No, I let it grow off. By the time it matters, I'm back in close topped shoes anyway!

I used to always get shellac on my toenails for holidays until I discovered that a couple of coats of normal nail polish seems to last just as long.

Gel or shellac on my toes normal polish doesn’t cut it for me.

Normal pedi and polish for me. Had my toes done 5 weeks ago for a holiday (have been) and they still look great (although a little grown out). No need for gel in toes.

In the seasons when you can't always predict good weather, shellac is the safer option, as it means you can put on the shoes you walked in wearing again. Polish needs enough time to harden (so it lasts) which limits me to flip flops, possibly in a downpour. I tend to opt for shellac in spring and autumn and polish in summer, nothing in winter as only DH is going to see my feet then.

If your toe nail growth is already quite slow, applying Shellac will exacerbate the issue. I suggest normal nail varnish but use Seche Vite top coat on top of two coats of your chosen colour. They'll be bulletproof

A colour coat shouldn't affect growth, in the way dye won't slow hair growth.

Blood supply is reduced to the feet because the vessels are tiny down there & toes don't get much use, not as much as hands.

In summer you can use polish. In winter shellac means you can put your boots on straightaway.

I'm a podiatrist who re-trained in Shellac, which taught me more about nail structure than my degree ever did.

Gels and acrylics are extensions to make longer nails. I think you want gel polish which is painted on 'cured' under a uv light and stays shiny and perfect till the salon removes it. One brand name is Shellac.

Thanks all. I treated myself with a normal pedicure which was lovely. Lovely purple colour on toenails. They still look a bit short but much better than before and will hopefully grow a bit more before my holiday.