thanks Kim that is very kind of you and i would appreciate any information you can pass along to me.

taking care of my nails is important to me and i get great satisfaction from doing them myself.

Not Impressed
 

With Ultas Red Carpet Manicure Gel...

I followed the instructions to a tee...the gel took hours to set even having my nails under the light as instructed ....

I think im going to save my money and invest in the "gelish" brand and the light system. The gelish brand is what my nail tech uses when i can go to see her so i already know that is a brand that sets properly with the light system.

I have terrible nails. They barely grow, and when I do get a little length on them, they bend and tear. They are getting better, though, because I found a fantastic product. Nail-aid Collagen Nail Builder. I know a lot of people love Sally Hansen products, but I've always found them to be lacking. Never did a thing for me. Also, Sally Hansen products are animal tested, which is a deal-breaker for me. Nail-aid is made in the USA, not animal tested, and contains no DBP, toluene, or formaldehyde. It's fabulous stuff. The Collagen Nail Builder promises visibly longer, stronger nails in one week, and it absolutely delivers. My nails still have a way to go to be truly healthy, but I can definitely see progress.

...okay, this year I have started having Shellac CND done when I have a manicure and it is amazing! The colors and the lustre stay beautiful for 2 plus weeks....before that I was having manicures with regular OPI nail polish and was lucky if I got three days. The other great thing about Shellac is that it keeps your nails strong, and therefore you get better growth.

I can't wait to try this!

That is so many different kinds of awesome. I'm totally doing this after my next manicure.

For anyone who has done the shellac manicures, I found a product that I am in LOVE with:

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...rterA9A891.jpg


This is called "Sensationail" by Nailene. It's a kit that costs about $50 and they have about 12 different colors.
The kit comes with the LED light and all the stuff you need. It takes about 10 minutes to do your nails and they are hard as a rock after.

I am in LOVE.

This ends up costing less than $5 per manicure!

Has anyone here tried a "gel" manicure, yet? I've heard they last a long time. And do you know if you can get one if you have tips w/acrylic?

What type of gel are you thinking about? Something along the line of Shellac by CND, OPI also has a version, actually there are many versions out there. Although you can use acrylic and gel together the person doing the process should be able to do it right. I would suggest finding someone in your area that uses Young Nails. It is the product I use as a licensed nail tech/cosmetologist. I have used OPI and the CND Shellac of those two I prefer OPI. As far as tips go, I only sculpt my nails and steer clear of using tips, mind you this is just my preference and may not be something your nail tech does.
I wish you luck in finding what works for you.

I wish I could grow my nails naturally, but I can't. I usually bite them (yuck!) but it's a habit I have never been able to break. So.. I get the fakes. I get acrylics with gel. This serves two purposes, long nails (ya!) and no more biting. I spend about 60.00 a month on fills and about 30 for a new set which need to be replaced every 6 weeks. It's kinda expensive, but I like it! It just HURTS like a mutha when I have to get the old ones ripped off and new ones put on. Every time I say I'm not gonna do it, and just get a regular manicure but I always change my mind lol :)

When I get my acrylic tips, they put a clear gel on top instead of a top coat. You have to put your hands under a UV light for 3 min so they dry. My nails look perfect until my next fill, always. You can pick a color if you want too. They have all kinds of gel colors at my nail salon.

Starry, why are you having your acrylic nails replaced? There is NO reason to have them removed. EVERY time they *rip* off the acrylic they are taking more of your natural nail. This is what makes the natural nail weak and causes damage that really can not ever be undone. I will guess by the price you are stating here is that you go to a non-traditional nail salon? It should NOT be painful to get your nails done! If it is hurting during the service or after find a different salon. I have all of my clients to their natural nails, they just have an overlay of either acrylic or gel. Nails is what I do, staying educated is important to me so I am sorry if this comes off as being mean. If you have any questions please by all means send me a pm.

I go to a Vietnamese nail salon. I have had my nails done for over 15 years and I always have to get them replaced. They use a white tip or a now a white powder that eventually grows out and needs to be replaced. I know it hurts like a mutha! Maybe it doesn't need to be done, maybe it's a money making scheme who knows. I have been to many nail salons and they always do this tho.

There really is no reason for this other than to take your money. It can be replaced without removing everything. I do it all of the time for my clients, who say it is now nice to know that getting your nails done shouldn't hurt.
Where are you at in San Diego? I might be able to hook you up with a salon that might make getting your nails done not so painful...

I've been having this done for about 6 months--Shellac is used at my salon.

I found that when i put gel on french tip nails sometimes the gel discolors after about a week. The gel is thick and not removable with nail polish remover so when it discolors i have to return and have it professionally removed. I went back to just using clear coat, which i can remove and reapply myself.