This “littlest things” post is a bit different. In that I am not necessarily advocating or recommending something. Because there are pros and cons to the thing I am discussing.
First, my family and I are traveling to Maui today. And I plan on blogging while I am there, but it might take me a day or two longer to respond to comments. I will still be reading them, though, so please feel free to respond. That makes my day.
Before we go on a vacation, I always go and get a manicure and pedicure. The last few times I have traveled, I have indulged in a gel manicure. This trip to Maui was no exception.
Gel manicures typically last for two weeks. This is pretty fantastic. I never get regular manicures because the minute I get home, it seems I ruin my nails with doing dishes or other household chores.
It is either quit doing the chores. Mmmmmmm. Doesn’t that sound lovely?
Or quit wasting money on manicures.
Well, I have now had five gel manicures and I can say that they have lasted through all of the abuse I have thrown at them. Or thrown with them, as it were. Not a chip. Not a snag. Nothing.
But let’s ponder that.
How is that possible?
Because the stuff is like concrete. It costs an extra $20 in addition to the regular manicure price at the salon I go to. And to get it off, you need to get it professionally done at a nail salon. Which costs $5. Plus tip. Plus you know you will not want to leave the nail salon with your now-naked nails. So, it is a vicious cycle.
There are also some health concerns to consider when getting a gel manicure, as addressed in this article.. When I get a gel manicure, my nails will burn like they are on fire for two seconds each time they go under the light.
I always end up picking the nail polish off at midnight exactly two weeks after my manicure. And it hurts. And it isn’t smart. And my nails are thrashed. And I mean thrashed for two months after that.
So, why do I keep getting them?
Because for two weeks, I will have perfect nails.
And that feels so good.
Until it doesn’t.
Have you tried gel nails? What did you think? Are your nails healthy or brittle afterwards? What are your thoughts on this process? Has anyone tried the new gel nail polishes at home? Is the process easy and does it last? Thank you. I really am curious. I would like to see what other people’s experiences have been.
Oh, I can’t wait to hear/see your adventures in Maui – have a great time! I haven’t had a gel manicure, but about 15 years ago I was a receptionist at a salon where I got services for free. At that time, I indulged in the fake nails, which probably use similar products to the gel. I would have to get them “filled” every 2 weeks for the new growth on my real nails. I remember when I finally removed them – yeah, my nails were horrific! They were soft and mushy. Yuk! When I do my nails at home, I have been using those nail wraps and they stay on really well. I put a coat of clear over them and that helps. I actually want to do a post about them because I have found so many peacock patterned ones (of course)!
I would love to see a post about the nail wraps! I am so curious about them. Such as, are they hard to put on? Do you have to cut them? There are so many designs I would love to try.
I need to try paying the $5 and see if my nails are better. I just always get fed up the day before I tell myself I need to go! Patience! I need to learn some!
Have a fantastic Friday!
Jenni
My husband got me a Gelish kit a year ago for Christmas & my nails are rarely bare anymore. I do them at home about every week and a half (maybe they don’t last because I’m doing so many chores 😉 i usually don’t have to soak them off either. After my 1.5 weeks they generally start popping off themselves. (My toes will last MONTHS) I do usually have to scrape a little bit off here & there but in general they just peel off. I know they say that’s bad but I don’t see a difference in my nail quality after using the acetone either way. So. My nails get a bit brittle (but have ALWAYS been brittle my whole life.) while the polish is on my nails actually grow. Something that never happened in my no polish days. They were so weak they’d break as soon as there was any length to them. I have more tgan paid for the machine in the past 1.5 yrs & have only purchased 1 bottle each of the foundation/top coat! I am running out now but 1.5 yrs isn’t bad! I am pro-gel. Probably agong my hands a little quicker, but they are aging anyway. I do try & remember sunscreen when I do them. But not always.
I love that it lasts a week and a half. That is very useful information. Thank you! I will have to look into a kit. It probably would be worth it. I just paid for a professional manicure with gel and it was $30 plus tip. And my daughter got one, too. Man, kids are expensive!
My nails grow longer with the gel, too. But then I peel the polish off and the nails are ruined. I am going to get them professionally removed in a week and a half. Then, I will update this post to reflect if that made a difference.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. It is something I will actually go back and visit as it is great info!
Have a lovely evening!
Jenni
Have a great time! Can’t wait to see your trip outfits!!!
Thank you, Lyn. I need to get outfit pics tonight! I did not get any yesterday because we pretty much got here and went shopping to stock up on everything. Then we got in our pjs and grabbed a quick dinner in our room. We were all asleep by eight. I have no idea what we are doing for dinner tonight as my daughter is super sick right now. I hope she gets better!
Have a great weekend!
Jenni
I hope she feels better soon!!!
Thank you Lyn! Thankfully it was just a little bug. I am the one not in tip top shape today after too much piña colada indulging last night. I have no one to blame but myself. : )
Have a happy day!
Jenni
I live for gel nails!!! It is quite an expensive undertaking and I am super picky about where I have it done. I have found that the serious damage you are talking about comes from the picking it off at midnight! If you soak it off at home you will avoid the damage. Just buy a bottle of pure acetone and employ the same method with cotton balls and foil squares. Let it soak extra long (I find the salons lose patience and begin scraping way too early) and it will peel off almost just like tinkerbell nail polish. Then your nails will be safe. If you feel like spending a little bit more on the investment i highly recommend the OPI premade soaking foils (you can order from amazon). Those and a bottle of acetone and you are set. I also recommend doing a little bit of filing of the clear coat before soaking as it helps dissolve the color easier and quicker. Use a courser file for this. I have the whole setup at home and do my own since I am super picky and don’t like my nails to be destroyed!!
Have a wonderful trip to Maui. I am very very jealous!!!!
It is quite an expensive undertaking. And add in a teenage daughter. Ouch! I know I need to not pick at them. I am so bad. I need to figure out the foil squares. I have never heard of them before. Is that what your salon uses? I have never had that here. I am going to try the salon removal next time. Then get them redone and then try removing them at home. After all of that, then I might update this post with my new info.
You have always had beautiful nails. And they have always been healthy and strong. I hope I have as good luck with the removal as you do.
I owe you an email. I just need the time to write it. It is gonna be long!
Have a great weekend!
Jenni
I love gel nails! I do them myself at home & it’s well worth the investment!
I definitely need to try this! : )
Have a sweet day!
Jenni
Have a wonderful time on your vaca!! I have never tried gel nails (but I have thought about it many times), but my cleaning lady does her own using a kit she got at Walgreens and they look great and tolerate her abuse from cleaning products and water. I also thought about purchasing one of these kits, but have not done so since I do paper crafts and have had problems in the past with getting nail polish on my projects.
Thank you Barb! We are right at this moment hanging out at the pool. We are trying to just take it easy. I keep applying sunscreen to my face and I am under shade, but it feels like I am getting burnt. Maybe I am just hot.
I love that it withstands your cleaning lady’s products. That right there makes me want to try it. I really need to get back into crafting. I truly miss it. I hope to do some more of it this summer. Maybe some gnome products?!
Have a super Saturday!
Jenni
I’m rather unusual. I am 48 years old and have only had 1 manicure in my life, and that was for a photo shoot. I actually think that painted nails look tacky. Not always but mostly I don’t care for them. I know….I’m weird! Anyhow, I’m also frugal and hate spending money so I’m sure I’ve saved a boat load of money because I haven’t wasted it on manicures and pedicures. And funny thing is that throughout the years, people have commented on what nice nails I have! And I do NOTHING to them! I eat well, and I use clippers on them only when I realize that my nails are getting too long to type or do chores or other tasks. And funny enough, in the photo shoot, the director of the ad campaign liked my nails so much, they only painted them in a clear coat. Many years ago, I did paint my nails a few times but I just really didn’t like the feel or look of them so I haven’t painted them since. And yes, I do think all the manicures women get can be unhealthy. I think there’s alot of toxic chemicals in manicures.
You are so fortunate! My really good friend has beautiful long nails like that. I just had a piña colada and a plate of chili cheese fries by the pool. So, I think I am out of luck. ; ). I admire beautiful natural nails and painted nails. I love that we can choose to do whatever and it is all acceptable. So much fun!
Thank you so much for sharing. I really love to hear from all different perspectives.
Have a terrific weekend!
Jenni
Have a fantastic time on your vacation!!!
I have never heard of gel nails and from your description I do not think I will be trying them anytime soon! LOL They look gorgeous though!
Thank you Cynthia. I actually am loving my nails right now. I just need to figure out what is making them brittle. And see if it helps to get them taken off the right way!
We are having fun! Thank you!
Have a lovely Saturday!
Jenni
I have never had gel nails, but I think I will stick with the regular old school way. Have fun in Maui. We have only been to Oahu once and Kauai 3 times. We love Kauai so much we keep going back but we are going to try Maui this year and check it out.
Have a safe trip,
Stacey
Thank you Stacey! We are having fun. It is HOT! Right now we are wimping out in our hotel room. My husband has wanted to try Kauai. But I like the familiar. Maui is amazing. The people are so great. Our vacation is flying by!
Have a gorgeous Sunday!
Jenni
Have a wonderful time in Maui!!! I had gel nails once, ten years ago when I got married. I do remember that they lasted awhile but were super hard to get off. And I picked them off too. 🙂 they also did ruin my nails for a few months afterwards but my nails looked so good for my wedding so I guess it was worth it.
Thank you Jessica! We are being truly slovenly. So, I guess that amounts to a good vacation, right?! ; ). I had no idea they had gel nails ten years ago. I am truly behind the times. Beautiful nails on your wedding day is definitely worth it! I really am going to try a different removal process to see if that works.
Have a gorgeous rest of the weekend!
Jenni
Hope you have a wonderful trip! And you found your bathing suits : ) Either that or you will need to buy new ones there ; )
I have tried gel nails and like you, didn’t manage to keep them after the 2 weeks. They peeled off kind of on their own. I’ve come to a decision in my life that I don’t care about having perfect nails. They are just too hard to maintain. I already have several hogs…keeping my red hair red and my eyelash extensions. I can’t be so high maintenance doing my nails as well. It is just too much. I do get a pedi once a month in the summer…but otherwise on my hands it is just too much for me.
bisous
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne. We are having a great time. I managed to find one swimsuit. Thankfully it is my favorite one, so that makes me happy.
I am the same as you in the summer. I cannot keep nails up. How do you like eyelash extensions. I am very curious about them. Have you tried those growing formulas? That is what I would like to try but I just know with my luck I will end up with the bad side effects. My friend is currently trying it, I will have to see how they end up growing.
Your red hair is fab! Have a brilliant Sunday!
Jenni
Have a great time in Maui, honey! You all deserve a nice break!
And thanks for the warning – I have two friends who do their own gel nails and swear by them, but this stuff sounds kinda terrifying. (I mean, I’ve never even had a mani at a normal salon, haha!) I was never really that drawn to the idea anyway, and now I’m definitely never getting gel nails! Brrrrr!
Thank you Gwen. We are having a good time. I am missing the pups, though. And cooking. If that isn’t weird?
Have you done a pedicure? I would rather do a pedicure 1000X over instead of a manicure. They are the best. Of course, I have odd shaped toes, so anything to help them. ; )
I actually like the gel manicure. I just don’t like the upkeep or the removal or the way my nails look afterwards. But during? So good!
Have a happy week!
Jenni
Pedicure’s are the best. My toes would never have polish on them otherwise. I don’t like the smell of nail polish remover and taking it off. I have the tiniest toenails outside of my big toe. You can do 4 of them with 1 dip in the bottle.
Oh my gosh! I have the same toe nails! It does save on polish, but they are so hard to do well. Because the nail polish gets everywhere! Or maybe I am just not very patient!
Have a great week!
Jenni
Maui is a perfect reason to get a gel manicure. I have always wanted one, for all the reason you listed. I wanted to get one before I had Macy, but it just never worked out. I have heard all the horror stories of removal, as well. I love the color you picked out!
I can’t wait to hear how your vacation is going. Rest, relax and enjoy your family. (Don’t blog unless you want too…this is vacation after all.)
Thank you Alicia! I have found time to blog whilst laying. In bed. On the beach. At the pool. Lots of laying. I think I misinterpreted the Hawaiin lei.
I am going to try getting them professionally removed and then with acetone. I will update the post with my results. Knock on wood something works. Otherwise, I probably would not get one again.
Have a terrific Sunday!
Jenni
I have not tried gel nails and your description kind of scares me a little bit (the removal process, plus the burning…)
I have this thing about cuticles too. I hate having my cuticles pushed back or trimmed. Can’t do it.
My daughter has that same thing with her cuticles. I hate having cuticles. I always end up pushing them back or playing with them and mangling my hands. I am removing them professionally in a week, so fingers crossed ; ) they are not destroyed!
Have a happy day!
Jenni
Maui? Jealous and Enjoy. I went about 20 years ago. Was nominated for a reward program at work and got a Free trip, from my perspective, just doing my job, but the person who nominated me thought otherwise….I digress with happy memories of a wonderful vacation. I was soooo relaxed when I returned.
I have LCN which is kinda similar, but I have a permanent french manicure and since I like the white tip part normal sized, they look pretty natural. You would file off the LCN ( gel) instead of soaking off. Nails aren’t the worse for wear. I put the color on my toes, which is fun during the summer.
Years ago, I had silk or linen wraps and boy were your nails thinner. Not as thin and fragile as acrylic nails used to be, which was damaging.
Looking forward to your posts from paradise!
Thank you Bronzi! That is so cool that you won a trip through hard work. I am sure it was very well deserved. We are having a great trip. Only two more nights. I am missing home. Mostly cooking. I hate spending so much money on eating out. I cannot wait to cook some food!
I have never heard of a permanent french manicure. I love french manicures so I will have to look into that.
I cannot wait to do my posts on Maui. We have done some fun and random things. Today is just a beach and pool day.
Have a super week!
Jenni
Ok, I am a licensed manicurist is Southern California. I would like to clear up a few things. Gel polish is a generic term as in car. There are many makes of cars such as Kia or a Ferrari. Shellac is the ” Ferrari” of the gel polishes and least harmful to the natural nail. Many salons say they have Shellac, but it is usually a lesser brand. Your nails should NOT HURT in the first few seconds of curing. Check out CND’s website to find a certified Shellac salon. P.S. I love Gnomes also and found this post while trying to find some gnomes! 🙂
Wanda @ weekend wanderlust.co
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and let me know. I will now look for Shellac. They’re not supposed to burn?!?!?!?! They always tell me the burning is normal! Aaaaaahhhhhh! Sorry it took me so long to respond. I typically do it the same day, but we are on vacation and I am behind!
Glad to meet another gnome lover! My family was not thrilled I took some on our trip. : )
Have a great week!
Jenni