Beauty

[AngelPuppy1]

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@We rescue cats wrote:

I have a manicure every other Saturday morning, 8am, standing appointment, French manicure, gel polish. I've been goint to the same gal for 10+ years and as a result she has my equipment in a container, as she does some of her other regulars, we each have our own box with our name on it.So if you are concerned with sharing tools you can find a person that does this, or perhaps you can buy your own and bring it with you to each appointment. 

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@We rescue cats 

That's nice that she does this for yu!  So, it's necessary to get this manicure done every other week? I am not that regular on anything!  Half the time I don't even feel good so I would be canceling appointments all the time and they would get annoyed with me - LOL!  That's great and I am sure your nails look amazing - I really like the French style.

[AngelPuppy1]

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@San Antonio Gal wrote:

@AngelPuppy1  -  I used to get acrlic nails and loved them.  However, the upkeep was a pain and eventually my nails were so weak and in bad condition until they grew out.  

I don't do anything now, but I really like the different colors and decorations everyone wears these days.  

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@San Antonio Gal 

That's kind of what I am thinking.  All the years I worked I always kept my natural nails polished and nice looking.  Back then my nails were pretty strong.  Now that I've gotten older and retired, my nails are soft and not so good.  I rarely polish them except maybe on a whim when I go some place and think -- oh, I'd like to have polish!  I enjoy seeing all the beautiful manicures and designs and colors on others.  

[AngelPuppy1]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

I never use polish.  My nails are dry and brittle in our desert climate.  In the winter especially they constantly split and break despite frequent coating with oils and creams.  Polish and remover are extremely drying,  I just can't tolerate either.

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@Kachina624 

I can understand that!  I have dry nails and hands also and I don't live in that climate.  I am constantly using handcream, etc.  I bought the non-acetone remover but I think the constant use of that and polish, etc. takes a toll.  I rarely use polish although I love it.  It's just something I don't really bother with now.  I usually have a lot of other things that I need to do instead!  

[AngelPuppy1]

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@We rescue cats wrote:

I got my first manicure in the 1990's the cost was $6!!!! 

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@We rescue cats 

Isn't that someting?  I have no idea how much acrylics, gel nails, etc. cost now?  Probably a lot.  

[AngelPuppy1]

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@Dazlin wrote:

I started getting dip nails done about 8-9 months ago.

I love the lasting convenience,  and so strong.  It never chips, stays glossy, glassy until I get them done again, and they dry immediately.  Once he's done, I go wash and I just go do whatever.  I started getting them done because my natural nails are just thin and lousy looking, and always heavy cuticles.  Nothing I could ever do to improve them.  So much work to do myself and I'm guaranteed to smudge and chip them...I've ALWAYS done them myself.  

Now, that all said...I do not like the price $$,  and i give above 20 % tip, I don't like seeing the new growth until next dip manicure,  and I don't like going and sitting there for an hour...its quite a process to soak off, file, dip, cure.

I was actually thinking to take a break...but then I'm back to my lousy nails, that may stay manicured for about a week at most...and me doing all the work.  I'll never get them to look as good as being done in the salon...besides, only the dip nails have held up for me, and makes my hands look better too.   Never experienced any infection...he tells me to wash as soon as he does the last step.

One more positive...I had them done Tuesday and I plan on having Easter at my house...if I were doing my nails myself, I'd feel pressed to give myself a manicure...but, now they're all done...so at least my nails/hands will look nice.  

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@Dazlin 

If you don't mind, what is the difference between getting "dips" and acrylics, gels, tips, etc.???  Just curious!  I'm sure it's a real time saver after you get it done and then you don't have to bother.  How long until you have to get the next "dip"?  Thanks.  

[AngelPuppy1]

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@ALRATIBA wrote:

Absolutely NOT.   I'm strictly clear nail polish.   

If I wanted to attract attention, I wouldn't do it with my finger nail polish.

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@ALRATIBA 

O.k.  I understand.  

[wagirl]

@AngelPuppy1 --oh yes, I am doing just fine after all the cancer stuff--thanks--

Wraps are put on top of your nails and usually are adhesive backed that may use a UV light to cure them and make them hard---then you cut them, file them and polish. I had something different so sorry about my confusion, They come in natural as well as colors and designs. They start out on a peel and stick sheet and are soft to mold to your nail, then the light hardens them up. You can also use press on nails too--Cutting cuticles can ruin the natural seal between the nail and skin that's when infection can set up. If I had fingers that worked--I call them my monkey fingers--I would do the wraps myself---but dexterity issues are a  result from the chemo still--OMG--zip closure bags are my worst enemy!!! 

[Shelbelle]

My salon charges 45 for dip, 30 for gel, big price difference. 

[Sunshine Kate]

I don't care for decorative manicures, so I stay with basic.  

In my area people are going back to the basics.  I've heard nail salons are not happy as they make so much money off the decorative style.

I'm all for making $$, but over $200 for all that bling on nails is way to expensive, guess that's why I'm a basic person.

[smoochy]

@AngelPuppy1   nail processes and products can be confusing. Ok so to answer your questions, tips are plastic pieces that are glued to the ends of your natural nails. They are then cut down and filed to your preferred length and shape. It's how you get instant length. 

Your nails beds are then prepared for product application. This requires roughing up your nails with a dremel file. Dip is a colored powder mixed with glue. Your  fingertips are dipped into it until the desired color is achieved. Its activated with some kind of wet product smoothed over the nail. Acrylic and gel are similar- they are applied wet, then smoothed out and filed some more with the dremel and hand filing. Gel has to be cured under a UV light to get the hard shiny finish. They last 2-3 weeks and have to be soaked off. 

As far as price, dip costs the most I believe. Maybe someone can weigh in on this. My full set of tips and gels yesterday was $62 plus tip.