Gel nails

[teaandtoastwithmarmite]

I've been having my nails done (gel on own nails) for a few years now. After moving to this area I'm on my third place and after a few times they seem to not be as good as they were. Am I expecting too much? These one starting peeling at the edges after a few days and now two weeks later most are broken. They were good for a while but they've just put their prices up and it feels like they are putting less on that before. I'm rubbish at complaining so will probably just quietly find somewhere else.

I think the quality really varies between salons, some do an amazing job, they last for ages and are kind to cuticles. Some just don’t seem to get it right and they peel, chip or crack, and worse when they hack your cuticle and cut you!

I don’t like complaining either so I’d probably just go somewhere else

When I said they were breaking easily and peeling they said to use cuticle oil and take vitamins. I've being doing that but it does feel they are putting less on. I will have to cancel my next appointment so I don't know what to say

I'm new to having my nails done but when I researched I heard of builder in a bottle gel. It's supposed to help strengthen your nails. I've had mine done 3 times now and the gel hasn't lifted and my nails underneath appear to be strong.

I think the builder gel still ruins your nails once you take it off, but your nails feel strong while it's on.

I've developed an allergy to any sort of gel or acrylic nail so can't have mine done anymore and very sad about it.

I get 3 weeks out of mine.
Admittedly the odd one may have a little chip at this point.
I had them done once by someone else and they literally started to chip before she had even left the drive!
I think it is down to the prep - base coat/top coat etc and the technique of the person.
If you are regularly getting less than 2 weeks out of them I'd try somewhere else.

I used to get mine done in salons pre COVID. They never lasted longer than a couple of weeks and usually chipped or lifted within 1 week, even with builder gel on. Since COVID I do my own now. Initially they lasted a similar time to salon done, but now with practice and trial and error I get at least 2 weeks from them, 3 if we've been away. Maybe try doing your own and see what happens? So much cheaper and more convenient too.

That doesn't sound like they're doing them right, I'd try somewhere else. Mine last for ages, they grow out way before they start chipping or peeling off.

I do my own too. Usually get 2 weeks no problem

It's massively down to prep - filing, buffing, cuticles, dehydrating the nail bed etc.

Then cap the nails with each coat too (run brush across tip as well as applying normally)

I have shellac on my toes it lasts months no chipping. I have my hands done now and again too from the oriental nail shops the shellac lasts!

I get 3-4 weeks from mine with no chipping or lifting. My nails have grown from little stumps to glorious talons in 3 months. She uses BIAB then 2 coats of gel. Takes about 1 hr 15 minutes and costs £33. I could get it done about £5 cheaper but she does such a good job I daren't risk anywhere else.

They have to make sure the nail is slightly "roughed up" so the base coat has something to stick to. But not too much, otherwise it won't be smooth. Also have to make sure there's no dust or debris on the surface from the roughing process, otherwise the gel won't be completely flush with the nail which gives it an opportunity to lift. They should be making sure the gel (at any coat) doesnt touch the cuticle otherwise it may lift. The gel should be on the nail only.

Regarding builder gel, it doesn't strengthen the nail, it's a layer which hardens under the lamp and hardens similar to acrylic. The nail underneath remains the same.

I used to get acrylics but switched to builder for a more natural look. Then I done a day course in gels purely to do my own...I sometimes do relatives or the odd friend but I'm no expert so wouldn't dream of charging!! I watched a good few YouTube videos on builder gel and now do my own. Saved an absolute fortune over the last 3 years, even after buying all the bits, as my nails grow fast so was having them done every 2 weeks!

Thanks everyone sounds like I'm not being unreasonable. Thing is that I've had them done by this lady before and they have lasted well. It's swings and roundabouts but more lately they haven't lasted and they even asked me what I'd been doing for them to break lol. She did my wedding nails last year and they looked lovely but the last few times have not been good.

She did blame the lamp once but changed it so she was aware there was a problem

Also I asked for recommendations on Facebook and one lady was messaging me. She sounded really good and I was about to book an appointment with her and I said '£30 is including removing what's on them now isn't it? She asked me to send her a pic as someone had said they'd had gel and they were acrylic and it took two hours. I sent the picture attached and she said she charges £10 'to remove someone else's work'. Is this normal? When I declined she said I'll make it £5. I said I would message her when they'd grown out but this sounds off to me.

There's hardly anything to take off

Not removing others work is standard. You need a proper CND salon because shellac doesn’t need buffing before or after.

Ah ok. Thanks I didn't realise that it was

I said I would let this grow out to give my nails a bit of a breather anyway so wasn't rude or anything

Get SNS. I used to do gel and they lasted 2 weeks. I do SNS and get 6 weeks. I don't care about the growth, I just hate chips.

Not heard of sns

Those who do their own gel nails, can you recommend what kit you use?
I've been having builder gel for 3 months and have a good length now but I'm not sure how much longer I can afford it at the salon. I'd love to try doing my own.

My toes last for ages - a good six weeks most of the time. I can usually get a couple of weeks from fingernails. Long soaks in bath or swimming pool make them more likely to soften and peel in my experience.

Thanks everyone for all the advice.