Manicures

[Jennifer]

I think I've only had my nails done a few times ever (proms/weddings...that's about it!). I've been reading a lot about the shellac manicures and I am really curious. My busy season with Matilda Jane starts next week and I'd love to have pretty nails for a change. Normal polish chips within days, if not the same day, for me. I need a manicure that can hold up to a couple of weeks of crazy.

Have any of you tried this and how do you like it? What colors are good? Did it last? If you have photos, would you share???

I've been reading the Pioneer Woman's take on hers, but I think hers are the actual gel nails and not shellac...I could be wrong.

Help me out?

[SeattleSheri]

I actually bought the LED light and do this myself ($50, takes about 30 minutes to apply). It usually lasts about 2 weeks. I'm very active with my hands, so this is the best option for me. Removing it is trickier (you can either go back to the salon) or dip cotton balls in acetone and adhere them to your fingers using aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes). Or if you're like me, you can spend 5 minutes peeling it off by hand. You do have to be careful that it doesn't peel your nail off with it and cause damage. I usually just go with red, but I also have a pale pink color.

[emmasmommy]

i had mine done last summer with shelac and i LOVED it. i have a bit of an obsession with dishes so my hands are in water a lot and like sheri said, it lasted a little over 2 wks. i'd definitely recommend it!

[crecia27]

I third that, they last and still look great SO much longer than a manicure and don't destroy your nails like tips do.

[4noisyboys]

I didn't have good success with the gel done at the salon. The first time lasted 3 weeks. After that, they were peeling within a week. I tried it a few times and ended up going back to my plain old nails .I get a maniure every 3 or 4 weeks though, but I don't polish. I just use the buffer.

[dana]

i get mine done w/ shellac all the time - and have been doing it for about a year or so. i've used several different brands (gelish (sp?), opi, some other brand LOL) - and have success with them all. i've used all different colors too. my girl is REALLY meticulous about applying the polish - she goes slowly and applies thin coats, and it lasts at least two weeks (my bigger problem is that my nails grow and i have a space at the nail bed w/ no polish LOL) ...

i will say that my technician has mentioned that i have GOOD success and that not everyone is the same.

[origami]

I had a gel manicure a while back and used a pale shade so that when it grew out it would not be so noticeable, I have to watch my budget so salon manicures are a special treat.

[ayaandjudah]

I got a shellac manicure and LOVED it.

You do need to get it redone every two weeks, but otherwise it's wonderful.