Gel Top Coat on Artificial Chips?

[cyndiwong]

Hi Everyone,

I'm not a professional. But I recently got into doing nails for myself at home and was looking for some advice. Hope this is ok here as I'm not a qualified "salon-geek:o

I've been using artificial nail chips up until now. This works out for me mainly because I can do all my nail art (I'm into really cutey designs =P) before hand, and then attach the nail chips onto my natural nails after they are all done. This way I don't have to deal with the problem of using my non-dominant hand (in my case, my left hand) to do anything.

My usual work flow is:
-clean nails, clean up cuticles
-pick out 10 best fitting nail chips. I often have to file them down a bit to get a perfect fit.
-apply base coat (I use OPI)
-apply polish (I use a mixture of brands here. Sometimes I use a bit of artist acrylic paint as well)
-apply decorations (ie: rhinestones, glitter powders, tiny beads and pearls, etc.)
-apply top coat (Again I use OPI. Usually I apply a couple of top coats too)

This will usually get me pretty close to the result I want. Lately however, I begin to realize that after a while, the colors will start to look a little dull. Especially on areas where there are some glitter, the finish does not look as smooth and shiny as the nails I used to get done at salons. I may be wrong, but I think this is because of the gel top coat that I used to always get on top of my acrylic nails. The gel coat seem to be thick enough to "embed" everything so the top finish is smooth and glossy.

I've been looking into this and was considering to buy a similar product to use on top of my artificial nail chips. I was wondering if you guys could tell me if this is the best way to go? Or is there any other way to achieve that glossy shine. I also looked into learning how to do L&P or gel properly, but the problem with that is I will be primarily doing nails for myself. It would be difficult to do nail art with my left hand. The advantage for using artifical nail chips for me is really that I can do the decoration part before I attach them to my fingers.

Suggestions?
Also are there any gel top coat products (and perhaps accompanying UV lamps) that you guys can suggest?

Sorry I know my question is kind of dumb :lol:. I want pretty nails but I'm not looking to be a professional nail technician.

 

[geeg]

Our advice as professionals to consumers like yourself Cindy, is to go to a salon to have your nails done. Or go to a salon and have your UV gel applied over the top of the nails you have done at home.

An amateur such as yourself should really not be allowed to buy professional use only products as far as we professionals are concerned.

Now you may be one of the smart ones who looks after her nails well and enjoys the nail art side of things but on a site such as this one, you won't get much help on how to 'do it yourself' at home.

You seem a nice girl and I'm sure have no idea how this post will rile up allot of professionals here on the site and I'm sure that is not your intention when you posted. :hug: For someone who enjoys nails why not learn and become a professional at something you obviously love to do?

 

[audrey]

hi love the art very pretty .i agree with geeg on what she has said ,and you obviously have a passion for nails so why dont you do some training and add your nail art as a bonus as you obviously have a nack for it xxx

 

[tonitigercharli]

Our advice as professionals to consumers like yourself Cindy, is to go to a salon to have your nails done. Or go to a salon and have your UV gel applied over the top of the nails you have done at home.

An amateur such as yourself should really not be allowed to buy professional use only products as far as we professionals are concerned.

Now you may be one of the smart ones who looks after her nails well and enjoys the nail art side of things but on a site such as this one, you won't get much help on how to 'do it yourself' at home.

You seem a nice girl and I'm sure have no idea how this post will rile up allot of professionals here on the site and I'm sure that is not your intention when you posted. :hug: For someone who enjoys nails why not learn and become a professional at something you obviously love to do?

Yep totally agree I think you could be a budding nail tech in the making! You have the passion and with training it will only increase your passion for learning x

 

[thinkpink2008]

i agree with everything said. if you do do the gel or l&p training you will most likely be amazed as to how many friends and fsmily would like their nails one and you can earn yourself a bit more cash!
hth

 

[Violet Star]

It does seem as though you have a passion for nails like others have said.

I really would suggest for you to either go to a salon and have your nails done. Or take on a Nail course (I would recommend CND) learn how to apply Uv gels professionaly once completed the course you do have the choice to just do them for yourself. Or you have the advantage of working on the public but only once you have done your Uv gel course or L&P.

I really would'nt recommened continuing to use Uv gel without any training as you could be causing harm to your natural nail and this can lead to disease or over exposure.
People do think oh its just nails but its not as unprofessionals using these products can cause some serious damage.

xx