Comments on: The Scoop on Gel Nails

By: Sue

Sue — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:35:54 +0000

I tried the gel nails for the first time two
weeks ago at a pricey shop. The first week went well. With the second week the gel began lifting leaving the nails bare.
I went back to the shop, the owner gave the technician instructions of things to try.
She removed all the gel nails which created a mess. The gel nails were rubbery. I asked it this was normal and was told no.
I paid the full price again and am sincerely wondering If they know what they are doing. I will not return. The nails look awful with high and low points.

By: Denise

Denise — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:12:57 +0000

I am over 60 years old and never did anything with my nails. I always thought I had ugly fingernails because of the way they naturally shapped. They would curl over my finger if I let them grow a bit. They would also chip and break very easily, especially in cold weather. A year ago I commented on the looks of a co-workers nails. She told me she had gel nails. I had never heard of them. I got the referral of her technician and decided to try it. It was the best thing I have ever done. After all these years I have beautiful nails. People often comment on them. Something that never happened to me. I have been filling the nails every 3 – 4 weeks and I use the clear gel with white French tips. They stay shiny and are very durable. I work in a Middle School and get my hands into a lot of things and really beat up on my hands. I do believe the key is to find a great technician. Keep looking if your not happy. Once you find one…..you will love it!

By: rita morgan

rita morgan — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:25:18 +0000

What great information! I might actually try them now that I know more about it.

By: Juliette

Juliette — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:17:41 +0000

So sad that people have had such horror stories about their nails! I’ve had gel nails for three years now and I’ve never had a problem. I have naturally very thin nails and because I work with my hands that could get painful and very ugly a great deal of the time. I was quite nervous about the health issues when I first had them done and discussed it at length with my esthetician (also the business owner). She stressed the many techniques of gel application and that the electric rotary file can be very dangerous as it can very easily take off far too much of the natural nail. Also, far too many technicians out there are not trained well enough to do the procedure safely. She only files by hand as this gives her total control. I have seen her turn down clients who have come in with health problems affecting the condition of their nails. She refuses to compromise anyone’s health for beauty. I wish all estheticians practiced this responsibly. Do you research and ask a lot of questions. Even though I have very busy hands (three small children and I sculpt and craft for a living,) I only have my nails done every four weeks. One important thing is to keep them fairly short. Really long causes more problems. Like any other good product requiring application, the result is only as good as the professional. Make sure they know what they’re doing!

By: rita morgan

rita morgan — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:42:55 +0000

So, I guess the trick is to find a very good tech. A recommendation from a friend is probably best.

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:51:19 +0000

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: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:54:50 +0000

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: Mary D

Mary D — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:30:09 +0000

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: rita morgan

rita morgan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:01:16 +0000

Sally’s comments are just what I was afraid of. Who needs to go through pain just to have nice nails.

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:02:48 +0000

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?