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Post by SallyPA on Jan 19, 2016 21:28:35 GMT
My oldest is turning 13 soon (ack! How did that happen so fast?!  ). For her birthday, she has asked for the stuff to be able to do her own nails at home. I've looked on Amazon and see several starter kits and many different lights. I see a gelish kit for around 100 and a Sally Hansen kit for 50 and I've read those reviews. A friend bought a light at Sally's for her daughter but the closest one is a couple hours away. But the peas are the BEST for product reviews and recommendations so I'm here! Any recommendations? What is the difference between gel and shellac and do they use the same type of light? Can you mix brands of polish? Anything else I should know? |
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Post by marzbar71 on Jan 19, 2016 21:35:47 GMT
Did she specifically ask for gel/shellac supplies? I had my first no-chip (shellac) manicure back in November and I'm still dealing with cracking, peeling, breaking off nails. With a good base coat and top coat, regular nail polish can last up to a week.
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Post by melodyesch on Jan 19, 2016 21:50:08 GMT
I bought a gelish mini starter kit from Amazon plus one gelish polish just to see if I would like doing my nails at home. Of course you have to buy the UV light but I don't think it was that expensive for the small one. The mini starter kit was around $30 and the products lasted a surprisingly long time. I would recommend that route. And I watched a gelish video on how to apply the products.
Very, VERY important is that you cannot get even a little bit of product on your cuticles. It has to make a seal and when you get it on the sides or bottom it doesn't seal. That leads to peeling. When I do it right it lasts me a full two weeks.
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Post by belgravia on Jan 19, 2016 22:04:40 GMT
I used to get shellac manicures, which I loved, but they were pretty hard on my nails. Recently I started doing my own nails, and I'm using regular polish and a gel topcoat. I use Essie gel setter, which dries super shiny and gives that plush gel look, without the hassle of curing it with a light. My polish usually lasts a week or so, but it would probably last longer if I reapplied the gel top coat every few days.
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
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Post by Gennifer on Jan 19, 2016 22:25:25 GMT
I wouldn't want my daughter (14) doing gel manicures, personally. She has plenty of nail polish, plus some of the stamping plates with different designs, nail files, polish remover, etc. I gave her a fishing tackle box to keep it all in, and it was a nice little gift.
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Deleted
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Jun 15, 2024 12:14:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2016 22:57:21 GMT
I bought this Gel set except I bought the french manicure one. I've been using it for months and absolutely love it. Hated the white nail stickers though and didn't use them. Most stores sell different brands of bottom/top coat, nail polish and I've tried a few. Some come off much easier than others. I get a solid two weeks and sometimes longer. Very, VERY important is that you cannot get even a little bit of product on your cuticles. It has to make a seal and when you get it on the sides or bottom it doesn't seal. That leads to peeling. When I do it right it lasts me a full two weeks. I get it over my cuticle's every time. And I've never once had it peel. |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by ellen on Jan 19, 2016 23:04:13 GMT
Have you considered something like Jamberry nails? I'd be more inclined to buy the heater and some strips and some coordinating polishes.
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Post by pmm on Jan 19, 2016 23:33:50 GMT
Sally's has online ordering. I have a set from Sally's. I like the gel manicure but it doesn't matter if I do it myself or pay a pro I never get more than 10 days out of it.
My nails have always been dry and brittle...even as a teen. Regular polish doesn't even last overnight on me.
My only concern for her is that it can be very hard on your nails. When I take mine off if I don't reapply with in a day my nails usually break and I have to file them super short. I wear them short to begin with because of work policies.
If I had it to do over I would use one of the no light set ups.
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Post by gar on Jan 19, 2016 23:39:09 GMT
I second the opinion that gels can be a "once you've started it's hard to stop" thing. They can leave nails weak and that can take quite a while to grow out.
I would look at alternatives such as equipment for stamping, different finishes, nail art, gems, tape etc if she doesn't have it already.
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Post by maryland on Jan 19, 2016 23:44:25 GMT
Did she specifically ask for gel/shellac supplies? I had my first no-chip (shellac) manicure back in November and I'm still dealing with cracking, peeling, breaking off nails. With a good base coat and top coat, regular nail polish can last up to a week. What base and top coat do you use? My manicures never last long, and I use Sticky for basecoat and Seche Vite for topcoat. My nails start chipping after one or two of days. If I am out of town, I can get by with just minor chips after 3 days because I am not doing any work like cleaning!  Any tips? |
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,636
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jan 19, 2016 23:46:05 GMT
Did she specifically ask for gel/shellac supplies? I had my first no-chip (shellac) manicure back in November and I'm still dealing with cracking, peeling, breaking off nails. With a good base coat and top coat, regular nail polish can last up to a week. Seriously. Consider this. I spent quite a while doing gel just the way you're supposed to: 3 times on, 1 time off to "rest." My nails were absolutely trashed - they are still thin and breaking. I will never, ever get a gel again. And I go to an upscale salon. I wasn't going to some fly by night joint. |
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Post by SallyPA on Jan 20, 2016 0:04:37 GMT
Are you ladies with bad experiences talking about artificial gel nails? I'm only talking about the polish. She is painting her nails several times a week just because they chip/crack/flake/whatever, and she's a perfectionist. She loves to go to the salon and get them polished with shellac/gel (I don't know what the difference is) and it lasts 2 weeks at least and looks fabulous the whole time. We've not had any issues at all getting the polish off or having damaged nails underneath. We have a huge amount of regular polish and stamps and stickers and have tried jamberries. Just looking into this other option for her. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions so far!
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Post by marzbar71 on Jan 20, 2016 0:07:48 GMT
I did not have artificial nails - just the no-chip manicure cured under the lights. maryland - I use the OPI base coat. I can't use Seche Vite - on my nails it just made polish peel off. I use the Sally Hanson quick dry in the red bottle and have had good luck with it. Honestly the best polish for me has been the Wet-n-Wild MegaLast in the bottles that kind of look like Sally Hanson bottles. I see they are coming out with a gel polish that doesn't require light curing as well. |
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Post by wagleg on Jan 20, 2016 1:21:12 GMT
I got the Gelish set this weekend. I have had crap nails since my teens. I have been getting the gel powder on my nails, but wanted to reduce my spending so I am trying the shellac.
This is the first time I've tried it at home. So far 5 stars. I am a nurse and wash/clean my hands near 100x a day. Now it's only been on a day, but I don't have any chipping.
I used the OPI base and top coat and one of the brands that Sally's sells for the color.
I would definitely recommend the Gelish set with the light.
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Post by SabrinaM on Jan 20, 2016 4:59:43 GMT
I dropped a small fortune on all the gel polish and the light. After about 3 polish and soak rounds I switched to a regular polish/fast drying top coat and won't go back!!
I like Seche Vite top coat, Opi Quick Drying drops or my new favorite recommended by a Pea Glisten and Glow HK Girl Fast Drying top coat. I also use CND cuticle remover, a good rounded cuticle pusher and cuticle clippers.
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,018
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Post by Gennifer on Jan 20, 2016 5:08:53 GMT
Are you ladies with bad experiences talking about artificial gel nails? I'm only talking about the polish. She is painting her nails several times a week just because they chip/crack/flake/whatever, and she's a perfectionist. She loves to go to the salon and get them polished with shellac/gel (I don't know what the difference is) and it lasts 2 weeks at least and looks fabulous the whole time. We've not had any issues at all getting the polish off or having damaged nails underneath. We have a huge amount of regular polish and stamps and stickers and have tried jamberries. Just looking into this other option for her. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions so far! Yes, I'm talking about gel/shellac polish, the kind that is cured with a light. It is damaging to nails, and that's not something I would encourage (or even allow, if I'm being honest) at such a young age. If she's not showing any signs of damage right now, it's probably because she's young and has healthy nails to begin with, but - given enough time - it will cause issues. |
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Post by SallyPA on Jan 20, 2016 5:15:54 GMT
Yes, I'm talking about gel/shellac polish, the kind that is cured with a light. It is damaging to nails, and that's not something I would encourage (or even allow, if I'm being honest) at such a young age. If she's not showing any signs of damage right now, it's probably because she's young and has healthy nails to begin with, but - given enough time - it will cause issues. Ok thanks for the information. I think I'll get some of the other suggested products for her instead. Or she can go to the salon again once or twice. I am not a nail girl and can only have a clear coat for my job. So I appreciate all the advice! |
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Post by chaosisapony on Jan 20, 2016 5:16:04 GMT
I do my own soak off gel nails at home. The most important thing I've found is to not skimp on the light. You can get a good UV one off ebay for around $25 or so but I prefer LED. The higher the wattage the better. I found a good quality LED light for $60 on Amazon. Then she'll need the base/top coats and any brand of color. I haven't really been happy with the gel supplies I've gotten from Sally's so I'd recommend any other brand.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,636
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jan 20, 2016 12:29:33 GMT
Are you ladies with bad experiences talking about artificial gel nails? I'm only talking about the polish. She is painting her nails several times a week just because they chip/crack/flake/whatever, and she's a perfectionist. She loves to go to the salon and get them polished with shellac/gel (I don't know what the difference is) and it lasts 2 weeks at least and looks fabulous the whole time. We've not had any issues at all getting the polish off or having damaged nails underneath. We have a huge amount of regular polish and stamps and stickers and have tried jamberries. Just looking into this other option for her. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions so far! I am talking about gel polish. I've never had artificial nails. |
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Post by karinms on Jan 20, 2016 14:38:37 GMT
Wasn't there something in the news about how damaging the lights can be recently? I believe they were finding some cases of skin cancer caused by repeated use and recommended using sun tan lotion on your hands before using them.
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Post by caspad on Jan 20, 2016 20:29:27 GMT
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,636
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jan 20, 2016 22:36:57 GMT
I agree with Vinylux. Lasts long, doesn't trash your nails. |
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Post by candygurl on Jan 20, 2016 23:02:28 GMT
I'm a big fan of the Red Carpet Manicure set you can buy at Ulta or through Groupon. Have been using it for 2 years and it's so easy! It last 2 weeks but usually I just change after a week because I get bored of the color! The polishes are $10 but I always use a coupon so that helps. You do need to stay away from your cuticles but the more you practice the better you get. For removal, it comes with stuff to you, but for my nails I am able to peel them off with minimal nail damage. It doesn't ruin my nails but it does for my sister, so she only gets gels once in a while. Even in a salon, her nails get damaged so I think it just depends on the person. I have used Gelish, China Glaze and Fingerpaints gel polishes ( all bought at Sallys) with the Red Carpet light and they all work fine.
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). For her birthday, she has asked for the stuff to be able to do her own nails at home. I've looked on Amazon and see several starter kits and many different lights. I see a gelish kit for around 100 and a Sally Hansen kit for 50 and I've read those reviews. A friend bought a light at Sally's for her daughter but the closest one is a couple hours away. But the peas are the BEST for product reviews and recommendations so I'm here!
Any tips?
