Gel nails question just want short and clear

[Picksey]

I just want clear gel nails. Can I just buy a base and top coat set (and lamp of course) and build up using those or would I need some other clear product in the middle of those two? If so what is this product called?

My reasoning is a bit odd. I want gel nails to try to stop skin picking having read that this can really help as nails are thick so hard to use them to pick. I can't have colours at work and don't like the 'flesh' coloured polishes. I just want to have something that looks like a clear nail varnish but is thicker and durable to stop me picking.

I want to do it myself as I'm not a salon person and would feel I'd need to explain why I just want clear thick nails (skin picking is embarrassing). Also can't really afford a nail salon either.
If anyone can give any advice that would be great. I'll need to go to bed soon but will be back tomorrow.

It’s not specifically what you asked about but I follow a woman called Anna from ‘The Salon Life’ who makes loads of videos on natural nail care. It might be worth checking out some pf her videos first to see if there are any other options. The things she advocates most for is using oil, after washing hands, doing hot oil soaks etc. And you can literally use anything you have in the cupboard too. This might soften your skin which would potentially reduce the picking.

I know some people do their own gels but I think you do have to be careful too. The Salon Life vidoes explain why generic lamps aren’t always the best option because they don’t always cure the polish correctly and that can lead to allergies and sensitivities. That said, she does advocate for everything being your own choice, she just helps to make you fully informed, if that makes sense.

As for your actual question, I don’t think you need a colour. Maybe just use a couple of base coats and then top coat.

I should add The Salon Life is on YouTube (all videos on there), Instagram and FB, though she doesn’t post on FB as often.

My nails have changed so much for the better even in a short space of time as I had peeling nails and dry skin issues. I promise I’m not paid by her either!😂

Ive been using the Rimmel strengthening polish. It's a nearly clear very pale pink. I've been putting lots of layers on. It's really thin and dries really hard. It really built up my nails. I also suffer in the same way so I know what you mean. I went to about 8 layers.

For gel polish I recommend the Mylee brand. It doesn't itch like the cheap crap does.
Use a nude-for-you builder gel, 2 coats then a top coat. The builder gel comes in different colours and does what it says, it's like really plumpy polish.
Get the Mylee gel remover too, it's in a blue bottle. It takes it off really well without damaging your nails.

Thank you both. Would this work on it's own to build up layers and cure inbetween?
this out! amzn.eu/d/906DfNP Mylee 5 in 1 Builder Base Strengthening Gel 15ml, UV/LED Nail Polish Coat for Hard Strong Nails Tips & Extensions, For Nail Art Decoration

I should have been clearer is not my nails and fingers I pick for some reason. It's acne mostly on face but also back and neck. I've been doing it so long it's subconscious and I find myself doing it without realising. I'm hoping thick nails will be difficult to scratch and pick with so will remind my brain I'm trying to stop!

Sorry I don't think that link is right I don't know how to do them. It's a 5in1 Mylee builder gel

I would get them done at a salon- if you do them yourself they just never come out as thick. Plus you get three weeks out of a proper set. When I do my own it’s like a week.
Just say to the nail tech you want the feel and look but can’t have colour- no need to explain why. You could have a very light rose tint or something just to look healthy.

I don't think a salon would judge you for not wanting colour and you don't need to explain - lots of people can't wear colour at work so they're probably used to the request

Yes I use that builder gel, it's decent. Agree that you should buy the gel remover in blue bottle too, so good.

I also use the Mylee 5 in 1 builder get and like it. I have the clear and have used it with a base and top coat when I don't want color but do want to strengthen my thin brittle nails. As other said the gel remover is also brilliant, so long as you have taken the shine off your top coat really well with a file before you put it on.

I also use mylee builder gel and have always been a terrible picker/biter. It has transformed my nails. Totally recommended it!

Also if you're prepping your nails properly they should last 2-3 weeks! There is a mylee Facebook group with some great tips!

This is my thing!!!
Mylee builder gel is excellent, that would be perfect, however I find you do need a base coat to stop it peeling, if you want a shiny finish you will need topcoat as well .
No wipe topcoat's are the best and don't forget to lightly buff the nail before you apply base coat !

Ps @Picksey , mylee have multiple how to videos on YouTube , and I find the clear builder lasts longer for some reason, if you get the gel remover be careful not to get it on your skin , it can burn 🔥

I'd go to a salon first to see if it does help.

Salons are not snotty, I get my nails done every 3 weeks with gels and it's up to me how they are shaped and what colour I have, including clear.

Thanks for your advice everyone I really appreciate it and couldn't find an answer any where else online. I will price up the basics and compare to a couple of salon visits.
It may not help me but I am hopeful as I've filed my nails right down this week and it is a reminder when I try to pick. But my nails are one thing I don't have a problem with so I don't want them super short!
At least I could have long lasting toenail polish if it doesn't work. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a kit for what I want they all come with lots of colours and extensions so l would need to build my own. Thanks again

Tbh the nails will be one layer of helping you stop picking.
It's an ingrained habit that you are wanting to break. It's pretty deep psychology stuff actually!
Breaking the triggers, and the impulse and replacing it.
Gel nails is a really good idea.
Good luck

Have a read of Atomic Habits by James Clear. Interesting stuff.

Thank you. Yes it's definitely a multifaceted issue. I've done it for years and only recently found out it was a recognised condition with a name.

Was just jumping on to say I also recommend atomic habits by James clear. I'm in the process of trying to break a couple of habits and this book is helping a lot. Best of luck xx

My husband picks his skin and even has significant scars and patches (they look a bit like psoriasis but they’re not, they’re literally damage from him picking so much). I think it was once mentioned to him it can be a form of OCD. He has never and likely will never change though.

Not saying yours is OCD by the way OP! I hope you manage to get on top of it.

Oh yeah it's a major major habit. I thought I could just stop. Stop like that. Noooo way.
In the process of removing the triggers, removing the ability, replacing activity with my hands. It is a big thing to break.
Good luck OP and the nails idea is great

Oh OCD is not offensive don't worry. Possibly a mix of that and an anxiety outlet. OCD trying to make things perfect (get everything out of the acne spots although that makes the scars worse se and more long lasting). Picking without really knowing I'm doing it is an anxiety thing. I catch myself doing it driving, working etc. Picking your back is easy to pass off as just itching so perfect for doing in public when you can't pick your face!!

Driving gloves! Breaks that unconscious cycle.
Fidget squidgy thing at my computer.
Knitting while on a train journey.
Busy hands doing other things.
Try that too.