Nails

[Marsha]

Hi,

I was wanting to get my nails done, but I have no idea what I am doing. It seems like I have heard somewhere that there a couple different types I can get. I know about acrylic, are there any other kinds? Does anyone have any suggestions for someone who is just starting out with this kind of stuff?

Thanks Marsha x

[Cheyenne]

I used to get the acrylic nails when I'd get mine done. The only thing I didn't like about them was when the would come off. It's really tough to get that glue off sometimes. Maybe I just don't know the "trick". Now I just maintain my natural nails and don't bother with getting them done. Add gelitan to your diet, and you'd be amazed at how strong your nails will grow. ;)

[floria]

Marsha

Easy choice for me, nails a la natural. Since I work in hospitality industry, no stick on nails.

[semele]

When I used to get my nails done, I used to get gels because they didn't appear to be as 'harsh' as acrylics.

I just maintain my natural nails now, I don't have the time or the money to keep paying for beautiful nails.

[Marsha]

Hi Girls,

Thanks for your replies, I had a think about it and don't know if I'll get time to get them done on a regular basis ..I have seen how terrible they look when they are over due!

I might treat myself to a nice manicure instead :)

Cheyenne, how much geletine do you add to your diet? Can you buy it in tablet form, I've only seen the boxed geletine in the supermarket.

[Leigh]

I have had acrylics a few times in the past. My nails are terrible, they are for ever breaking, and never get very long.
They are nice to have, but after awhile they start to fall off, haven't got the time or money to get them fixed.Then you have to get the pliers out to get the rest off LOL. Your nails a buggered for months :(. They also make it abit hard to type.
What were the gel ones like semele?
The adding gelatin to your diet sounds like a good idea. I have used those polishes they say they will make your nails harder in 14 days, should have known better :roll:

[Cheyenne]

I just eat jello. lol Sometimes I'll mix it with warm water and drink it before it sets. Makes a great winter time drink that way, and you get all the benifits just the same. :) Another thing I do is; before I go to bed each night, I'll rub a little vasaline around my cuticles and on my nails. This helps to moistureize and strengthen the nail at the same time.

As for removing the acrylic's when it's time for them to come off, try soaking them in acitone nail polish remover for a few minutes. It softens the glue (and the nail) and they just sort of slide right off. No pain involved, but it can get a bit messy. :)

[semele]

As far as I remember, there is basically an acrylic tip and the rest of the nail is filled in with a gel substance that hardens as it drys. You then paint over the whole lot. There is only that small amount of glue at the top to hold the acrylic tip on so it isn't as bad for you.

Then again, you need some nail for it to stick onto so you can only get this if you have some strong natural tips already.

[Pam]

We always knew you were weird Pam Don't forget you eat jelly crystals too, while you telling all your secrets LOLOL


Now I know why I have always had strong nails, with very white tips! It's all the Jelly crystals I eat straight from the packet with a teaspoon!

I've had acrylic nails, but got tired of being unable to pick up something as simple as dropped coin! Found it too hard to sew and when I bought my piano that's when they had to come off. Personally, I think manicured natural nails look so much nicer anyway :)

They cost me a fortune to maintain as I had to go every 2nd week to keep them looking nice. I also had a coat of gel applied over the top of my acrylic nails, as I liked the french look and the gel gave the nails an extra shiny look.

[Annie]

I bought some tablets from the Health food shop the other day, I've got lousy nails and hair right now, due to stress, ill health etc..... so anyway, these tablets are called 'Hair, Skin & Nails', put out by Herron, packed full of vitamins etc. :)