The Scoop on Gel Nails
August 30, 2009 – 12:07 pm
gel nails manicure
Gel nails have become popular in recent years because the coating is thinner and look more natural. Gel nails also purport to be stronger, flexible and more resistant to chipping.
Going to a salon for a manicure used to be reserved for special occasions. The professional treatment was costly and had to be repeated at least once a week. Who had the time and money for such pampering?
Then came acrylic nails. If you were careful, they would keep your finger tips looking pretty for a couple of weeks. Of course, they did have a tendency to break off badly exposing an ugly nail which could only be repaired by a technician.
The desire for women to have beautiful hands fueled the industry and outweighed any potential problems acrylics presented. New nail salons appeared all over urban areas and teens as young as twelve wanted a professional manicure.
In spite of higher cost, gel nails have become popular in recent years because the coating is thinner and therefore look more natural. Gel nails purport to be stronger, flexible and more resistant to chipping. To keep them looking smooth and natural, gel needs to be inserted, between the nail and the cuticle as new growth appears. This temporary filling will keep nails looking their best for up to a month, after which the nail has to be filed down and new gel applied.
Although many women are switching from acrylic nails to gel nails, there remain potential problems:
- * The tech applying the gel can do a sloppy job as many are untrained
- * Some women have experienced a burning sensation as the nails are applied
- * Some techs use white powder with pink liquid to make an underlay and then put the gel on top of natural nails.
- * Nails can develop brown spots on the edges
- * After only a few days, some of the edges begin to lift off
- * Own nails can become damaged if the gel nail improperly removed
- * Depending upon the gel used, some are resistant to acetone and must be buffed off
If you have thin, peeling nails and can’t resist the call of “gel nails”, be sure you research the salon first. Visit in person and check for cleanliness. Ask customers what they like about their gel nails and if they have experienced any problems. Speak to the tech and ask about training. If they don’t want you to make inquiries, move on to another salon that is happy to provide answers.
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Photo: Edmond North Orchestra Boosters
9 Responses to “The Scoop on Gel Nails”
Hi,
I had Gel nails a couple years ago for a short time – maby, about a year or so. I never had any troubles at all. I was even thinking about getting them again later this year. They were beautiful and I loved how they looked. I never had any probs – but it is good to know what can happen. Thanks!
By Jeanne on Sep 4, 2009
I’m thinking about it too. My nails are starting to crack and split. I hate the way they look.
By rita morgan on Sep 4, 2009
My company manufactures both acrylic and gel nail products and I can tell you one is not better than the other. The main difference is gel can be slightly more flexible, but both are durable options.
Jessie Burkhardt
Sales/Marketing Coordinator for NSI
http://www.nsinails.com
By Jessie Burkhardt on Sep 9, 2009
I had gel nails applied three weeks ago and it has been nothing but problems for me from day one. When the tech applied the second product to my nails and placed them under the UV light it was an intense burn.. like someone had lit a fire on my nail bed. The day after application they began to lift, I have had to return 3 times to have them repaired, last visit she filed my nail down to the point I literally jumped off the chair in pain. I am really annoyed at the fact that I continuously have to get them fixed for this lifting problem… does anyone have any suggestions as to why they would be lifting every time?
By Sally on Oct 28, 2009
Sally’s comments are just what I was afraid of. Who needs to go through pain just to have nice nails.
By rita morgan on Oct 29, 2009
I had Gel nails applied for a wedding 3 weeks ago, in another state and then one popped off at home. I went local and they used powder. first ones were real gel- Cooked on( Ouch) and second time filled with powder. I want them off but dont like the option of filing them off especially since I see my nails right behind these ones. Can I let them grow off? Should I? I want my real nail to be s protected as possible with either route. I currntly have a french with pink and white gel and they look good except one is cracked off on the corner. Help.
By Mary D on Nov 4, 2009
I had gel nails applied over the weekend (Sat.). By Sunday a.m. after writing checks, I noticed one nail chipped. Later that day, another one. Monday at work, two more. What a disaster. My own nail started separating from the product as well. The nails look flat, no C-curve (which is very disappointing because my nails are quite lovely. I just don’t have the time to pamper them) and the nails flair out at the tips. In addition to that the nail tech (who supposedly teaches ladies how to apply gels), left dips on my nails and too much product at the base. Yes, I’m picky about my nails, but when you pay good money for any service, you deserve a quality product.
I’m going back to acrylics. I have this nail tech who does an outstanding job. The only reason I left her is because I live on the opposite side of town. I’d rather drive out there than have this gel crap on my nails.
I’m going back to
By Cindy on Dec 21, 2009
If the nail tech knows what they are doing with the gel, you should never have a problem. I’ve had gels for a few years now, with very minimal problem. Problems came only when I changed techs.
By Donna on Mar 24, 2010
So, I guess the trick is to find a very good tech. A recommendation from a friend is probably best.
By rita morgan on Mar 25, 2010