Needing manicure guidance.......

violann · ‎03-10-2010

I have been away from having manicures for a VERY long time, soIneed some opinions-

I understand that there are types of manicures, some involving lights.

Have I also read that the curing process (or some other part of the manicure) MAY cause health problems?

A relative gets a very expensive manicure, but it lasts six weeks. Is that type potentially unsafe?

Your input on the types of salon manicures would be very much appreciated 👏🏻 !

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

Some of the information available depends upon your own natural nails. Mine have always been poor --and my derm tells me they will always be. My favorite nail tech will not use the gel with UV curing on me because she has found that process to be best reserved for those with good nails to begin with. Then, the gel really looks great and lasts.

I have a very light natural manicure. Yes, I have to do it more often, but it keeps my nails as pretty as anything does and it isn't nearly as expensive as the gel nails, so I can go much more often.

Debzzz · ‎11-20-2015

The older style shellac lamps utilize UV lamps which can damage and age skin. The new CND shellac lamps are LED, much safer and no skin damage. I love my shellac, lasts 2 weeks plus with proper technique. I no longer use regular nail polish, it only lasts a few days with my active lifestyle. Then I have to use acetone (drying) to remove and start over. If nails last two weeks or more that is less drying chemicals on the nail. Some people say shellac damages the nail but I have found that is due to improper removal technique and rushing to service the next customer. It takes 5-10 minutes to remove shellac properly. I recommend finding a CND certified shellac nail tech. CND invented this technology and if done according to CND training it will not damage the natural nail. It adds strength and with shellac I have nice nails with no peeling. Hope that info helps. I am a long time nail tech with no ties to CND other than respect for their products and training. Hope that helps!

"The love you extend to others, will eventually find it's way back to you, no matter how many times it has left you hurt."

redwingsgal · ‎03-10-2010

I have had manicures for over 30yrs. I used to get the gel nails, but now I prefer shellac. It is just a manicure with shellac instead of regular polish. My tech uses an LED light.

There is no danger with LED. Once the shellac is set, the tech rubs alcohol on the nails to buff them to a beautiful shine. It is like steel. I never comes off or chips. I love it!!

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend, til death, your right to say it

JennaTheScorpio · ‎02-10-2014

When you go in there are 2 types of manicures- regular and gel polish (some call it shellac). Regular polish will only last a while, depending what all you do with your hands. Gel polish lasts 2-3 weeks or more. I suppose it could last 6 weeks, but I think would look very bad with new growth. Gel polish takes longer to get done. Also, you will need to have the gel polish removed differently than the regular, which also takes longer.

There is no damaging of the nail if everything is done right. But is is not for everyone if expensive and time are an issue.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@Debzzz wrote:
The older style shellac lamps utilize UV lamps which can damage and age skin. The new CND shellac lamps are LED, much safer and no skin damage. I love my shellac, lasts 2 weeks plus with proper technique. I no longer use regular nail polish, it only lasts a few days with my active lifestyle. Then I have to use acetone (drying) to remove and start over. If nails last two weeks or more that is less drying chemicals on the nail. Some people say shellac damages the nail but I have found that is due to improper removal technique and rushing to service the next customer. It takes 5-10 minutes to remove shellac properly. I recommend finding a CND certified shellac nail tech. CND invented this technology and if done according to CND training it will not damage the natural nail. It adds strength and with shellac I have nice nails with no peeling. Hope that info helps. I am a long time nail tech with no ties to CND other than respect for their products and training. Hope that helps!

My nails are horrendous and a gel manicure isn't even enough oomph for them. I get acrylics with a gel polish over the top.

The salon I go to FINALLY got the new lamps that utilize LED. They say CND SHELLAC BRISA and GEL on the top of them. The old lamps they used got so hot, a few times I pulled my hands out because they felt like they were burning.

I go 3 weeks between my nail appointments and that is as long as I can go. There is no way I could go 6 weeks. My polish might hold up but the regrowth at the cuticles would look horrible.

KentuckyWoman · ‎03-13-2010

I wore acrylics for several years and finally decided to stop. I had them removed and just go with natural nails now. My nails are brittle and peel so I have to keep them polished always. I usually do my own manicures but occasionally I will go to the salon. The salon I use will not use gel nails and uv lights for me. They do use the gel polish and it works well. I also use gel nail polish at home when I do my own. It usually lasts a couple of weeks.

sidsmom · ‎11-25-2011

@violann

Gettin' Fancy! Yeah, I used to do the bi-weekly manicures way back in the day. My nails grow too fast for a polish manicure to look good for any length of time, so I just go natural.

Ever so often, I get a wild hair & go to Elizabeth Arden Red Door & get a Cream Manicure. They do the cuticle removal, cut/shape the nail, massage, then buff to a shine. No polish. Really pretty & natural.

juperier · ‎10-21-2014

@violann Overall the comments already made are correct. Any type of manicure shouldn't cause damage when done correctly. There are many excellent nail techs who do a wonderful job. But, as in any field, there are some who don't know as much about nails and the products they are using as they should. Gel and acrylic nails have a lot of science behind them that makes them very different from regular polish.

A few months ago I was lucky enough to "meet" Doug Schoon online. He's an internationally known nail expert who is all about safety. Even tho I enjoy changing my polish way too frequently for gel to be appropriate for me, the geeky side of me has found the science part of the manicure world extremely interesting. I would certainly encourage you to read the info in the techinical articles on his website, particularly those related to the actual curing process...very safe if properly done.

By the way, "Shellac" is the name of CND's professional gel polish line, but it's become kind of a generic name for gel manicures. Sort of like "Kleenex" is for tissues.

juperier · ‎10-21-2014

@KentuckyWoman I think it's important to clear up potential confusion regarding different manicure types. I assume the gel nails you are referring to are those that are done with the gel in small jars that require curing. By gel polish, I hope you mean one of the "no-light" gel polishes. It would be extremely dangeroius to use regular gel polish that is designed to be cured with a UV or LED lamp without curing it. Bottom line is that no matter what route one decides to go, it is extremely important to follow the instructions for the particular product being used.