I need to do something about my nails, what is the best option?

[asparagusffern]

I have a job where people are constantly looking at my hands, and less than perfect nails are making me self conscious. I have avoided gel nails as I've read so many negative experiences.

Which is the best/ least worst? Gel, BIAB, or should I just get a manicure with regular polish and accept getting it done more often?

My nails are in good, strong condition but my thumb nails are very ridged which is age related I think (I'm mid 50s)

I would start with a regular French manicure and see how you get on.

As long as you're prepared for regular maintenance, I suggest BIAB, with a gel polish over the top.

@DidntaskHow regular would the maintenance be?

Depends how you treat your hands, but maybe once every four weeks?

I would start with a regular manicure with regular polish and see how that works out first. Once you start going down the BIAB (which is just foundational builder gel allowing you to build up a nail bed to make a C shape and good apex) it does weaken the nails. How much it weakens them depends on the nail technician you have and their skill.

If you look at youtube at any good nail tech (Suzie from Nail Career Education) she removes her acrylic nails all the time but because she knows what she is doing her nails are in really good condition. Same with Nailcou, really good channel for all sorts of information.

I had acrylic nails, then gel nails for 15 years and now I do my own and have done for about 15 years. But I did a lot of research and learned from those who did my nails. I moved house so couldn't keep going to the nail tech.

opi repair is really good if used regularly. Then use no 7 ridge filler on top. My nails are great with that combo. Sometimes I paint them with a neutral colour and top coat if I have time. Then take the whole lot off after a week and start again.

I use Lily and fox nail stickers and find them absolutely fantastic. If you buy from the Australian site, it’s free shipping and takes about a month to arrive.

www.lilyandfox.com.au

if you paint sally hansons hard as nails over them, they can last 10 days to 2 weeks, but I change them every couple of days because they are so gorgeous. I always had terrible weak and very short bitten nails before I found these, and now my nails are lovely!

I’m so happy with them! I love the glittery ones they really cheer me up.

The first few times are rubbish, really fiddly but there are videos online and once you get the hang of it you can do a full manicure in 5 minutes.

Treat yourself to a few pairs.

I don’t like the gel or biab as my nails look too thick and also I had biab previously and my nail got stuck in something and it was so strong it nearly took my finger off, the pain of it!!!!
if that was a normal nail it would have just broken off. They were incredibly strong and lovely but not for me at all.

I’m very hard on nails!

Try Lily and fox and I hope you like them. Good luck x

Another Lily and Fox fan, been using for i think 2 years now. I love CND Vinylux top coat

Or nails on the run, they are UK based https://nailsontherun.store/

Look into Biosculpture Gel, they are not harmful to your natural nails. All technicians have to be trained and licensed by them before they are allowed to use their products.

Check out The Salon Life on YouTube, her nail care tips have transformed my nails. Also the Manicurist 'Smooth' and ''Active Glow' nail polishes.

Great suggestions, thank you!

I've booked a regular manicure and I'll see how I get on maintaining them after that. I always paint them but it's the cuticles that let me down. I'll watch those YouTube videos, thanks for the recommendations, they might help!

biosculpture sounds interesting thanks, I'll look into that.

Wraps are an interesting option, are they not really fiddly?

I’ve taken the opposite approach. My nails were really shit. Always wore polish, gel etc, but decided to work on my natural nails. I have got ridges, but take a nail supplement and rub Vaseline into my nails morning and night. Same for my toe nails. The change has been remarkable.

I have stopped all salon nails and use nail strengthening clear paint on my nails. Game changer! Looks sleek and expensive and makes my nails strong and long.