Long acrylic nails

[CadburySpira]

I’m not sure if I’ve been watching too much Towie, but I’m really liking the look of long (probably acrylic) nails right now! I’m considering getting them done, I currently have Shellac but they are not as strong as acrylic so I can’t get them that long. I love Mrs Hinch’s nails and hands actually. Can long nails ever be classy? Talk me down! Or tell me about your long nails!

Why are you all posting pictures holding invisible dicks?

GiveMeFive I will never be able to look at nail pictures without thinking of that again

I like long ombre nails, they are not considered practical or classy but I think they look lovely. Mine are shabby and unpainted at the mo but I might book a nail appointment because of this thread, to cheer myself up

Do what you want xxx

I remember my midwife and health visitors telling me to have mine taken off when DS was born. I don't understand why people think it's impossible to use your hands when your nails are long? if anything it makes a lot of tasks easier as you have 10 hard, long, strong tools to use.

@give I'll never be able to unsee that!! Cue me in hysterics at innocent Pinterest photos haha

I love them but as a cleaner I find them impractical. Plus I snapped one off underneath my real nail as well and it really hurt!

Ooh, a lot more encouragement than I was expecting! GiveMeFiveMinutes that is hilarious!

I used to have acrylics years and years ago but I never had them too long, and always oval. I've been getting shellac for about the last 3 months and I have to say I think shellac is worse for nails in that my whole nail gets filed down each time, whereas with acrylics they only file the regrowth bit. Does anyone else think this?

I think they are lovely OP. Acrylics aren't practical for me so I do my own shorter nails with same colours.

I love long nails but then I am a nail tech. I don't understand why people say they are impractical unless you have long stilettos. I have mine on the longer side and have done with all my kids and never poked or scratched them and manage to wipe my arse easily enough.

I have however just taken mine off because I'm moving house shortly and about to start packing and cleaning so I know myself when I'm in "the zone" and cleaning like a woman possessed I end up bashing them because I underestimate their length. That and the chemicals end up ruining them because I always rip my rubber gloves and can never find my spare set until I buy more at the next weekly shop where I then discover 3 pairs laying in full view under the sink.

I like acrylics. Not keen on the super long ones I've seen on the likes of Cardi B etc but I do like them.

Just had mine done for a holiday, I won't be having them re done just taken off after but I think they're brilliant to have for special events/parties or trips as saves the hassle and holds up well.

I love acrylics! I don't have them very long as I find them impractical when I do. My own nails are really soft and always break (usually right down into the nail bed so really sore!) the acrylic keeps them super strong.

If they're filing down your nail for shellac then you need to change salon! It's not necessary to buff beforehand and it can cause a lot of damage to your nails. My old salon did this and it took my nails months to recover.

My new (and lit expensive!) salon never buffs before shellac application and the worst thing that happens to my nails is that they're a bit dry after the varnish comes off.

My own nails just don't grow long, I have tried taking supplements specifically for it for months on end but I just can't grow them.

I have had acrylics on and off for 25 years and about 20 of those have been done in a salon. I do my own acrylics at home but now use sculpture gel which comes in a nail varnish style bottle, so no messing around with a brush and a pot of gel.

Long nails can be problematic if you go from short to long overnight so to speak. Last week I had long ovals, this week I have short square ones.

I use tips so can make them long.

Do what you want with your nails. I think the image you posted is better than bitten/chewed nails. I used to be a nail biter and stopped when I was a teenager.

Really Nowisthemonthofmaying? Every salon I’ve ever had shellac has buffed after removing the old colour. I agree with you though that it can’t be right! I could never understand how it could be promoted as good for nails! My nails must be so thin under this, last time I swear it felt like she might file through to my skin!

Is it actual Shellac you have it another brand of gel polish?

Shellac is a brand name and does not require buffing. Other brands of polish can require buffing prior to application. They should never be buffed off though they can be buffed before soaking off to "break the seal" especially if an acetone resistant too coat is used.

cookiemonster3 yes it’s actual Shellac I have been having. I’m not going back now, I’m going to soak them off myself, wait for my nails to recover and then maybe get acrylics. As I say it’s not the only salon I’ve been to that file my nails down but you may be right that it wasn’t Shellac I had those times, I can’t remember.

I'm a manicurist who doesn't like long nails :) Although it is worth clarifying that I can't stand such a length only on myself. I know that some of my colleagues from courses in manicure technology and art calmly do their job even with extreme nail length. But in my work, my comfort is important, and I know that I won’t be able to be calm during the procedure because I'll be uncomfortable with long nails. If the client asks for such - I'll do it without problems. And I like it on her hands, but not on mine.

@CadburySpira I used to love acrylics but now I am a total convert to BIAB gel. It's a sort of hybrid between acrylics and gel - a get that promotes strength and growth in your own nails.

I was previously a nail biter and had terrible nails and you'd not believe how they look now (the app won't let me upload a photo to prove it 🙄)