Idk anything about gel nails but...

[tobee]

... why do people get them done if they destroy your nails? Or is that a myth? Does it just that it does for some? Or is the longevity worth it?

They didn’t destroy mine at all but I became allergic to them. A shame because I loved that they lasted three weeks and were pretty unchippable…

Probably depends on how they are put on and removed. I've been having gels for years, a health condition means my natural nails were brittle and constantly snapping. Gels have given me decent looking nails that don't chip, last 3/4 weeks and on the odd occasion I have them taken off, my natural nails remain long and seem stronger

I never have the extension tips mind you, but I don't need to anyway now my natural nails r
grow long

I'm a nail technician and educator. Gel nails, or any enhancement for that matter don't ruin your nails, it is down to bad application or harsh techniques that cause damaged nails.

I had them and loved how they looked and lasted. But - the gel held a couple of my oddly shaped index finger nails so rigid they both detached from the nailbed on one side. They have since recovered. When the gel was removed my own nails were wrecked. I'm having to grow out the damage. They're just not for me. I find stick on nails used occasionally a much better option.

Theyre great if you can keep up with getting them done every 3 weeks. Sadly I couldn’t afford that so had to let them either grow out our try and remove them, which was a nightmare. I’ll never get them done again.

How do you "rough up" the nail to get the polish to stick without damaging them? When I've tried doing gels at home without filing over the nail, they start peeling within a day. When the salons do it - either with the little drill bit machine or with a file - they last weeks but my nails are destroyed.

Gel doesn’t destroy your nails. Incorrect application, removal, and cheap, unregulated products can cause damage and allergic reactions.

What’s the best way to remove them?

@ChonkyRabbit by using a 180 or higher grit file. Unless overfilling, they don't cause damage but successfully etch the nail plate enough to get adhesion between the nail and product. Using anything lower than 180 will cause damage as it's too course for the natural nail.

They’ve only ever ruined mine when I’ve picked them off or not gone to have the gel removed properly. That’s a definite no no as you end up pulling off the top layer of your nail and they go all weak and bendy.

I get builder gel every 3 weeks and my nails are fine, but my nail lady is excellent and everything is done properly.

I think as I expected they’re fine if you have the money and time to get them done every 3 weeks, which sadly I don’t.

Also having my nails done stops me biting them or the skin around my nails, it’s an expensive way to stop it but it works, so my fingers are in better condition now!

Mine get ruined from removal I think. They look so scratched up and go thin and keep breaking for weeks after. I pretty much have to grow them completely out before they are back to normal!

How does etching not cause damage though?

@ChonkyRabbit because if it's done carefully you won't get damage such as overfilling. With any enhancement you need to etch the nail to create a successful adhesion (hence yours peeling after a day without etching the nail) This doesn't mean it's damaged, and upon removal once buffed (smoothing nail plate) there is no damage present. The high grit files are designed to be gentle enough to work on natural nails without causing damage.

Won’t etching and buffing thin your nail?

I think all you can say is it causes LESS damage, not no damage.

@WhereHasMyPlanetGone not if it's done carefully no. A lot of people believe you're 'removing the top layer of nail' by etching the plate which isn't true. You're just removing the shine and creating a rough surface for it to adhere too. Personally I pride myself on the health of the natural nail so am always extra careful and take my time.

Ah this interesting to read! I really didn't have any idea!!

Definitely does no good to my nails - I no longer have them done as a result.

I had them done once and they made my nails go thin and bendy. Admittedly I did pick them off, but I am not the sort of person who would ever be able to leave gel nails be.

I’ve had acrylics for years and my nails are fine underneath. I just love the length, thickness, never chip, never lose colour etc

Not sure how anyone can say they don't wreck your nails. They literally file the whole nail surface area before painting on the first coat. It may be 'just' roughing it up but if you don't want to keep the gel up and want to have it done once and then paint your own nails next it looks shit because your nail is rough and the nail varnish doesn't go on on properly and it looks rubbish and not smooth without nail varnish so it's basically trapping you into paying for gels again or having rubbish nails until the roughness grows out which takes a good month or two.

Professionally. Gel needs to be wrapped and soaked in acetone to break it down. If you have to ask, you shouldn’t be doing your own gels/removing your own.