Nails - tell me all

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

So I have decided to go and get a manicure. This has to be the 4th ever as I’m not exactly high maintenance, and the thought of having to sit still for any length of time gives me the itch.

However for the first time in ages my nails are all a decent length look really unkempt (like I’ve been hoiking tatties).

I don’t like the idea of any thought that needs ‘maintaining’ and don’t like the false nail look.

What do I ask for? What about colours? I’m quite pale skinned and don’t like strong or dark colours?

Finally - central London - prices can go from £ to £££ and I know you get what you pay for but what’s a sensible price?

do you like these OP? (if so, ask for a short opal shaped nail in lilac). I'm not too sure on pricing, sorry!

Are they real?

yes, i think so. if your nails were long enough you can ask them to shape them any way you like anyway

Are you near Great Portland Street? Great place called Lotus used to do my nails. Get a gel/shellac itl last 2/3 weeks without chipping. Hundreds of colours to choose from

I quite like gel polish nails after having them for the first time a few months ago. Glossy, last ages and don’t break. But if you don’t want maintenance then there’s probably not for you, as you’d have to go again to have it taken off.

I’d just ask for a square oval shape and pick a lightish colour, there’s 11 million to choose from usually. I can usually get a week out of a salon manicure. Normal polish is easy to remove.

You’d pay about £15/20 here, but I’m in the north so no idea of London prices.

I usually have a mini or express mani - i don't want all the massaging etc. soak, cuticles, cut, file, paint is all i want.

Usually you choose your polish first from the selection in the salon

I'm not in uk so can't help with salons

I’m not far from great Portland st so may take a mosey up there.

I don’t really want anything that is ‘stuck’ on - I get the shivers when I see false nails (I just get the fear that they will get ripped off 🤢). I had false ones (once) years and years ago - they looked nice but the state of my poor nails when they came off!

Gel nails? They’re not fake, the gel lasts weeks and doesn’t chip.

But they look so ‘think’! I assumed they were false! Is it just really thick policy then?

gel is basically longer lasting polish. if you ask for shellac gel then your nails can breathe whilst its on and so shouldn't weaken

This is getting technical! Last time I had my nails done I didn’t even get out of the salon before the polish was wrinkling up and scraping off. I ended up peeling it off!

Gel is dry as soon as it’s done and doesn’t chip or wrinkle.

Gel polish fan here too
Mine last 3-4 weeks

Gel does last but can ruin your nails. If you just want natural nails have a deluxe manicure with maybe a clear gloss on top