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Talk to me about getting your nails done…..

34 replies

OrlandointheWilderness · 27/02/2026 17:42

I’ve never had my nails done. Mine are short and boring - I don’t bite them or anything but they certainly aren’t pretty. I trail run and I’m a bit concerned that fake ones get dirty - but is that just me making stuff up!? I’ve always said I’d never be a ‘high maintenance woman’ but actually I’ve realised that was very defensive me talking and after losing ten stone I WANT to look pretty and nice and like I make an effort!
hands are square and workmanlike unfortunately 😂 no piano player fingers here!
I’ve no idea what happens at a nail place. Help me 😂
how expensive are they?

OP posts:
TwistedWonder · 27/02/2026 23:25

I have BIAB which costs me £28 but lasts a month

My nails are so much stronger and the polish lasts longer than when I just had gels

MonicaGellerHyphenBing · 27/02/2026 23:29

I get BIAB every 4 weeks, £39 a time. I couldn’t go back to the bare nail life! I’ve only ever had one nail break (opening my car boot a bit too enthusiastically), the BIAB is hard-wearing and allows your natural nails to grow.

thebabessavedme · 28/02/2026 00:03

WOW OP! 10 stone loss is fantastic! I am a long term acrylic nail person but I would advise a little longer before you have nails done, get a good nail strength polish, a cuticle oil etc, your nails will be adjusting to your new diet, give them a few more months and then go for it! Enjoy your new look.

pippapipps · 28/02/2026 23:24

I get biab every 3/4 weeks since last June when I got them done for a holiday and have kept it up since.
They look lovely but I do worry about uv exposure so the last few times I’ve put sun cream on my hands and fingers although my dd thinks I’m mad to do that

GreyTS · 01/03/2026 00:56

Do not not get fake nails of any kind, acrylic, gel or even Biab without tips if you have nice natural nails and a decent sized nail bed. Get a nice basic manicure clean healthy nails well looked after with maybe a clear or milky toned polish, so so classy. I have tips and a gel overlay but I bite my nails, chronically, I even crunch though acrylics, it’s compulsive and awful. My manicurist makes my nails look natural, it takes hours, layers of clear gel, buffed, no one can tell. Red for special occasions, I’ve spent thousands on the bloody things just to make them look like natural nails. So just be good to yours, the dior pink tinted polish, or the millions of dupes, think it was originally a nails inc thing, perfection 👌

JoeTheDrummer · 01/03/2026 08:55

I use these stick-on gels, they’re amazing and it’s very simple to do….

www.glaize.co

scobe · 01/03/2026 11:01

Go to your salon and ask for gel polish - choose a neutral shade while they are very short. Cost = £22. The Gel will last 2.5-3 weeks (wear gloves when washing up etc) - your nails will grow and not break with gel on - couple of visits and you’ll be able to ask for a shape you like and you’ll never have a need for Acrylics (which destroy your natural nails and cost more to infill) - unless you really like the Cynthia Erivo look :)

scobe · 01/03/2026 11:07

Just to add you do not need BIAB - it typically looks too thick on short nails. Takes forever (if you’re impatient like me!) and costs more. Gel polish first :)

Hhhwgroadk · 01/03/2026 14:25

My BIAB costs £26. I don't know what my own will be like when it is removed, but I have seen the manicurist's nails after and they are amazing and not weak, damaged or short! They had BIAB on when I first saw them and 6 weeks later natural with no polish at all.

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