gel nails

So I've decided to do a trial run on gel nails as this is what I plan on doing for my wedding. I've never had "fake" nails as I have really strong real nails and always look great. The reason I decided to try the gel nails (without tips) is because every time I get a French mani, the polish always rubs off in a couple of days and we'll be in Jamaica for 2 weeks! Also, we'll be leaving probably on Jan 2nd, which makes it diffucult because with the holidays, places may be closed and I need to get something that lasts.

Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you tried gel nails before, how long they lasted etc?

Here's a pic! (sorry, it's not that great!)

They look really good. I was also thinking of getting gel nails done before my wedding so I'd be really interested in seeing what people have to say about them

Hey girls, I just got gel nalis right before my BD shoot. I chew my nails like thers no tomorrow. I really wanted to have nice nails for the shoot and the wedding. So I tried them out for the shoot. Ladies they look great. Very natural and they do last. For me they last until I need to get them redone because of growth. But I will tell you they do have to thin your nail up a bit (Sand/fileit sown) to give it a rough enough surface for the gel to adhere. I love mine and am so happy I got them done.

That's true, they do have to file them. I went to a reputable salon, and they used an actual file to do it, not a drill, like some places, which totally isn't good for your nails as it thins them out too much.

I have had gel nails many times and I love them! I am definately getting them for the wedding, I think they look way better then the chipping polich of a manicure. They do make your nails weaker for a couple months after but they didn't take long to get strong again, maybe 3/4 months. I would have them all the time if I had the time to get the filled every 2 weeks. The first time around they will last about 3 weeks without needing a fill but after that it's about every 2 weeks.

I have had gel nails for years and I love them! Depending on how fast your nails grow and how long you wear them (like if you have really long nails) you only need to get them filled every 2-3 weeks. I get mine filled every 3. I think I've had one break 5 times in the last 10 years. Mine are longer than yours but they are not super long. they don't lift very often either compared to acrylic.

So Lisaloo if you get them done on the last possible day you can before you leave, you should be fine for the 2 weeks you're in Jamaica.

My girls & I went to get our nails done the day before we left for Hawaii. Myself & 2 of my girls got acrylic (white tips) & my sister (b/c she has fantastic nails to begin with) got gel. I have to say that her nails looked horrid by day 3. I don't know if it was the salt water or the chlorine from the pool, but her nails were sticky & her white french paint on the ends had chipped & gotten sticky, forcing her to get a touch-up before the wedding. The rest of us got acrylic with white tips, which was fantastic. I have done acrylics many times in the past, but had never heard of the white tips. When you use the white tips versus the clear ones, you don't have to use any polish (just clear as a top coat.) So needless to say, my nails looked great for 3 weeks before I needed a fill. Good luck, but you might consider white tips for no stress wedding nails.

seriously your sister got horrible nails done. I have NEVER heard of such a thing w/ gel. I can't stand acrylic, they're hard, hurt when you hit them on anything and look fake. I love gel whenever i get mine done I do gel. My gel last as long as acrylic and have held up just as good as when I first had acrylic. but, gel look much much more natural. You can get the white tip w/ gel too. I will have gel done before we leave. I usually don't need a fill for 3 weeks, but really depends on how quickly your nails grow.

I have had gel while on a trip in Hawaii, and when we go to our San Diego house, had them in South Africa, and in Australia. i picked those places cause thats where I've been in the water and I've never had my nails fall apart or chip in salt water.

I say stick w/ them. YOu'll love them, they look so natural and aren't as stiff as acrylic so don't hurt when you bump your nails on something

I've worn gel nails for years now, and I have only broken three of them. I ride horses, work on cars, and abuse them as much as possible. The difference with gel nails and acrylic is the in the material. Acryilc has more of a fermaldehyde base, and thus can turn more yellow and lift a bit more. Good gel nails are similar to dental veniers. Howevever, there are some gels or salons that say they use gels that contain fermaldehyde. The gel product used on my nails is called envogue. If you want good gel nails, the cheapie nail salons may not be your best best. Do your research and ask around.

I get mine filled every 2-3 weeks. 2 weeks in the summer, 3 in the winter,

Nothing makes the ring look better than pretty nails!

Thanks for all the tips ladies, I'm so looking forward to seeing how long mine last!