Nails

[PumpkinSpicedTea]

I don't get my nails done often, usually for weddings etc. My go to is a French manicure.

I'm considering getting my nails done for a wedding I'm going to next weekend. I wondered if someone can explain the best type of nails to get? One of the salons I like do a basic polish but they're fully booked.

I'm wondering if I should go for gel as they last longer? What's the main difference of gel/biab etc etc? I wouldn't want crazy long nails or anything fancy just a plain colour or French. Thank you.

Gel polish is easily available but it is a pain to get off in my experience but does look good. For a wedding I'd be tempted though.

Like you, I have my nails done only for special events. I agree with @polkadotorganisedchaod, gel nails are very difficult to remove. I would also add that my nails look a complete mess once I have finally removed all traces of the gel nails. For this reason, I would say go with your usual French.

Gel nails look lovely and last so much better than standard nail polish. You can have a gel french manicure too.
Just book an appointment for 2 to 3 weeks later to have the gel removed. It leaves your nails much healthier if they remove it properly (as opposed to you picking the nail varnish off and removing layers of nail with it😬).
I haven't tried BIAB, but like Gel better than Shellac.

I wear gel polish all the time and my nails are fine.

Removal is a pain, but can be done with no damage at all

I also wear BIAB, same, no problem with my nails when removing

The damage happens when nail techs go at them with an electric file and file away the nail plate. Take them off yourself at home and you are looking around an hour but I do it sitting watching TV. Using a coarse emery board file off the top coat only - remove the shine, not the colour. Then wrap acetone soaked cotton pads or balls and wrap in foil. Now the best method is to keep them warm whilst soaking so I tuck my hands somewhere warm, under my pits, behind my crossed legged knees. Give it 10 mins and try to push off with an orange stick. Push, dont gouge or force it. Go again with the acetone soaking. Seriously some gels lift really easy, others take forever but acetone wont lift the nail plate. Will dry your nails and skin, but cuticle oil and hand cream slathered on over night rectifies that

BIAB you can file down quite a lot. Just till as thin as you can without getting to the nail plate