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Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Got a set of gel nails today, question

[ Edited ]

They are very thick.The gel is higher than my cuticles if that makes sense.To me it looks weird. Is this the norm? Maybe I should try a different salon when it's time for a fill? Can a nail tech remove some of the bulkiness next time, with the Dremel file? I've seen many women whose fake nails look thinner, more natural. My natural nails were driving me nuts with how much daily maintenance they need and still peel and break regardless of products used. I wanted a pretty set of nails for my birthday next week and my upcoming cruise. 
Edited to add: is it because they are very short and filed round that they look like little pink gumdrops? I want to love them. Vey happy with the color, a warm baby pink. Looks good with my tan. 


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Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

@smoochy 

Lifelong artificial nail wearer here!  I assume you are speaking of hard gel nails.  I do wear these and they do NOT have to be thick.  Perhaps you had a less-experienced nail tech, or she just isn't as talented as others.  Either way, I recommend trying a different nail salon (or even a different technician at the same salon) and let her know you do not want them thick.  She can make them thinner.  In addition, request cuticle care.  I realize most salons charge extra for that but your finished product will look so much better plus they will be able to get the gel much closure to your cuticle so that it look natural.  Keep trying until you find the right nail technician.  It's as hard as finding the right hairdresser!  Here are a few pictures of my hard gel nails for reference.

 

5FB49944-FBFC-463F-8027-BBB05A312C46.jpeg

AAE28A06-ECAB-4076-BEA2-F71DC5FEB642.jpeg

8F69D8AF-9175-444D-B08C-417D9F838290.jpeg

 

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Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

@SurferWife  You're a doll for such a helpful detailed reply, 😘Thanks so much. Your nails, holy cats are they gorgeous or what. You could be a hand model. Yours are definitely thinner and more finished looking than mine. The way the product comes right up to the cuticle- that's what I want.The tech who did mine seemed rushed. 


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Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

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Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

@smoochy 

 

*I tried to form a gang once but it turned into a book club*

 

LOL! 

 

Question:  Can you simply apply a gel polish like a normal polish?  I keep seeing colors I would like to try but most of them have the word "gel" on them.

Honored Contributor
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Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

@SurferWife 

 

Ohhh, that gradient pink (with glitter) is what I want if I ever chance going to get my nails done.  My PT guy said (for the first year) if I get and infection, it's going straight to my knee Smiley Surprised  

 

I bought my own polish and did the navy with a glitter top on my toes.  It definitely does NOT look like a professional did it.  

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Registered: ‎10-07-2019

Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

@smoochy  Honestly, looking at the photos, I doubt that your nails are much thicker than @SurferWife's. There needs to be a certain amount of structure built into the nail. But proper shaping creates the illusion that the nail is thinner than it actually is.

 

Also, assuming you do decide to find another tech, don't be surprised if they recommend (or even require) removing the current product and starting over. There are some very valid reasons for this.

 

While I would personally prefer the enhancement to end closer to the edge of the nail plate, I would still much prefer the slight bare area than having my skin exposed to gel/acrylic. 

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Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

@monicakm  It depends on what type of gel polish you're talking about. If you mean the "gel-like" polishes that don't require a lamp to cure, then, yes, they apply pretty much like a regular polish. If you mean gel polish that requires a lamp to cure, you're talking about a product that involves a lot of "science." While I think it's certainly doable by us DIYers, there's a lot more involved in a gel manicure than just finding a pretty color and slapping it on your nails and using some random light to cure it. For you I think a major issue would be how comfortable you are that you can apply it without getting it on your skin.

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Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

I just don't care for the thick-look of some gel manicures.  But then, again, I just do my own nails.....a single coat of clear NailTek.  I don't have the patience to sit for proper manicure, I guess.

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Re: Got a set of gel nails today, question

Just to clarify: what I have is NOT a gel manicure where gel polish is applied. I had the plastic tips applied, nail bed prepared with dremel file, gel powder mixed with whatever turns it into the goopy gel. Applied, cured with UV light and hand filed to shape the nails. Looking at them now I’m thinking it’s partly the shape I’m not crazy about

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