Gel polish?

[Sherilyn]

I'm a licensed hairdresser, but I never really got into doing nails. I did as much as I needed to pass the state board (California, USA). Now I find my own nails are in dire need of something. They used to be very strong and grow fairly long, now they chip, crack and peel. Doctors say it's natural, happens when you get older (I'm 56). I've read a little about OPI soak off gel nail polish and was wondering if that would work for me? I don't really want acrylic or gel nails put on (don't want to worry about the maintenance, plus I prefer natural nails) but I'd like something to keep my nails from chipping, peeling and cracking. Do you think it would work? What's involved? Is it just a matter of applying a few coats of this polish? Or is a curing lamp necessary? What are the steps involved?

 

[Prionace]

Usually gel polish is a technique where a regular manicure is performed but instead of aplying polish gel is used (1 bonding coat, 2 laywers of color and 1 of top gloss), the finished result is much like polished nails, but lasts longer (up to 2 weeks) and desn't chip.
However this tecnique does not reinforce nails as the building laywer is not applyed (hence the durability is shorter than regular gel nails, that last up to 4 weeks)
It has to be applyed by a professional and depending on what type of gel is used it can or can not be soaked off.
This technique will prevent your nails from peeling but will not provide the best answer for the chiping and cracking (an enhancement will work better)
If you plan to have gel polish i would recomend that you take on regular apointments with your nail technician instead of applying then removing at home by soaking. Too frequent soaking of the nails will leave them dehydrated wich will most likely worsen your condition.

 

[Sherilyn]

Hmmm. In California, or at least in the areas I live and work, it's been impossible for me to find a nail tech who speaks enough English for me to communicate what I want/need. I'm afraid to ask for acrylics or gels because it seems the only thing they say in English is "What color?" and at the end, of course, the price they're charging you!

 

[Jessicles]

My boyfriend is from California, and he said there are very few nail techs that speak English, so I get ya. I am currently IN LOVE with the OPI soak off gel lacquer. And yes, it does actually strengthen your nails quite a bit. I can never grow my own, they break and peel, but with this, I've got a decent amount of lenth (about 1/8" past the finger tip). I wouldn't recommend it if you want nails much longer than about a 1/4". I think you'd need more stength for that. But it is nice...really does last 2 weeks on natural nails and if you are doing them yourself, it's fairly easy to apply, though I would recommend still trying to find a nail tech you can trust. And you will need to purchase a lamp, which is not cheap. A lamp+a gel kit is probably going to be around $250-300.