Help needed - nails

[Lastminutebride]

My teenager would like to get her nails done for the first time.
I don’t know the first thing about nails so need some advice. She tells me her friends have acrylic nails painted in a natural colour and kept short.
made acrylics the only choice? What would smith suggest for a teenager? She’ll probably just have them as a one off so I’m not too worried about maintenance I don’t think.
mum completely clueless so please help!

I’m no expert, but if her own nails are a decent length then I think a gel manicure would look great and I think (may be wrong) that gels are less damaging to your natural nails than acrylics

Her nails aren’t in the best condition so not sure if gel would work

As far as I can see people have acrylic nails when they want very long nails. Gel is good for short nails. I have BIAB to strengthen my nails (builder base then gel polish) which keeps them neat and hard wearing however as a one off I think just a gel manicure would work for your DD. Even though you think her nails are not in great condition, a good salon will make them look lovely after a manicure.

If she wants any length added acrylics will be best - then gel top coat.

If she is happy with the length of her nails - the salon will sort out the condition and can do a gel colour.

Both need to be removed by the salon

If it's for a specific event gel will be absolutely fine.

Acrylics probably do last a bit longer and are a bit more hardwearing

Go for a gel like BIAB, so hard wearing and not bad for nails. I always thought acrylic was to add length personally.

I tried gel a few times but it's not very wearing if you have an active lifestyle. Doesn't last long at all for me.

I have acrylics. They aren't great for your nails but they last 3-4 weeks. I start short and by the end of 3 weeks they are long. I have acrylics with gel colour on top. Definitely recommend acrylics.

If it's a one off go for a normal polish - it won't last long, but any other options (gels, acrylics) will need to be removed professionally at another appointment in the salon - if your daughter takes them off at home she'll damage her nails.

If she’s under 16 legally they shouldn’t serve her.

All nail coatings are acrylic in one way or another, same as all life forms are carbon based. Acrylic is for weak nails, gel extensions are for brittle nails, gel polish is for healthy nails that just need colour.

If she doesn’t remove them properly ie picks them off she will take a layer of keratin with the nail coating and ruin her nails till they grow out.

A lot depends on her age, her activity, what she wants and where her nails are.

But also what’s available in the area. Where am options are limited unless you are willing to travel.

Pintrest is good for helping pick a colour or style.