Acrylic Nails

**Ruby22** · 09-14-2010, 01:52 PM

Hey everyone!
I guess this question is more directed at the ladies- but I wanted to get some feedback. For about a year now, I had the luxury of getting acrylic nails put on/filled every month. I needed it for the line of work I was in before moving, but now it's not so justifiable.

I originally got fake nails because my natural nails bend so easily and won't hold paint more than a day. I got lots of compliments on my nails after getting them done...but now vanity isn't affordable.

It costs me $23 a month for nails- I have already stopped getting the occasional pedicure (I do them at home). For those of you have thin nails that won't hold paint, any tips and tricks for keeping them looking nice? Do those nail enhancing top coats/gels really make your nails stronger?

Thanks in advance!

**Mom2-3** · 09-14-2010, 01:58 PM

I keep my nails short and clean (no polish) I am addicted to my nail buffer! lol It keeps them shiny and smooth. Sometimes I put a clear polish on, but most of the year they are natural.

Good luck.

**Rhayne** · 09-14-2010, 02:04 PM

I too have thin nails and a couple months ago I bought Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails in nail color natural. I apply it once every 2 weeks or so and I have noticed that they are a lot stronger now. Even after it comes off they feel hard and strong. Nail polish never stays on me very long either OR i pick it off. This stuff lasts at least 4 days and by then my nails have become stronger.

**hotprincesscm** · 09-14-2010, 02:14 PM

Make sure you have a healthy diet. Nail problems can be caused by lack of nuitrition. Other than that....try some of the nail strengthening products out there...I love OPI products. Also before applying nail polish...use a nail file and lightly rough up your nails, it creates a porous surface for the nail polish to stick to, then apply a basecoat, two layers of your color and a good quality top coat, and let dry thoroughly....it should last 4-7 days that way. I went to beauty school and am a licensed cosmetologist...we were trained in hair nails and skin....Hope this helps some.

**NikoSan999** · 09-14-2010, 02:25 PM

I agree with princess. OPI nail products are the best. Cost a little more but worth it in quality. Also seems to wear somewhat longer. Not so much now but used to put a coat on every other day. They were hard as a rock. Nails didn't split, peel or crack. Best value for the money.

**Momto5RN** · 09-14-2010, 02:40 PM

i am allergic to something in nail polish -makes my eyes itch and a rash over myeye lids for some reason even though i dont even touch my eyes when i put it on - so dont wear any - plus the time ivloved in keeping them up if they chip - is just time i dont have
my nails at the top are thick and white colored so it kind of looks like a french manicure - but for free LOL

if you really like to do it and can afford it ( IE paying all other bills on time no charging anything etc ) then thats your thing you use to treat yourself.

to be honest i really do not pay much attention to peoples nails
unless i am at work and checking my patients for circulation purposes .

**savvy_sniper** · 09-14-2010, 03:54 PM

Base coat first; then polish.

**Telephus44** · 09-14-2010, 04:06 PM

OPI is the best. Also, try using a buffer to smooth the nail first, it seems to sit better.

I plan on going back to acrylics soon. It was too difficult when taking care of my son as an infant (all those buttons, snaps, adjusting the car seat, high chair, etc- it was hard with longer nails) but I plan on going back in the next 2-3 months.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 09-14-2010, 04:10 PM

I use a thickener and strengther from Sally Hansen on my nails. It's worked awesome so far. I just started using it last week. My nails are really prone to breaking because I've been doing a lot of renovation work. The only nail that I've chipped has been my thumb nail and I think that was when I was opening a can of paint.

I'd get a thickener/strengthener and wear it without polish. You apply one to two coats, leave it for three or four days and then apply another coat. After seven days, you remove the entire coating and reapply.

**AnW819** · 09-14-2010, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Ruby22

Hey everyone!
I guess this question is more directed at the ladies- but I wanted to get some feedback. For about a year now, I had the luxury of getting acrylic nails put on/filled every month. I needed it for the line of work I was in before moving, but now it's not so justifiable.

I originally got fake nails because my natural nails bend so easily and won't hold paint more than a day. I got lots of compliments on my nails after getting them done...but now vanity isn't affordable.

It costs me $23 a month for nails- I have already stopped getting the occasional pedicure (I do them at home). For those of you have thin nails that won't hold paint, any tips and tricks for keeping them looking nice? Do those nail enhancing top coats/gels really make your nails stronger?

Thanks in advance!

I hear ya! I love getting my nails done!!! It does get pricey though. I will get a pedi every once in a while though, because my feet get gross and I suck at at-home pedis. I have no advice for you though

I stopped getting my nails done, but will get them done on occasion like my birthday.

**frugalfriend** · 09-14-2010, 10:58 PM

Off topic a bit, but where can I find OPI nail polish? I haven't seen it anywhere in stores.

**prudent lass** · 09-14-2010, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfriend

Off topic a bit, but where can I find OPI nail polish? I haven't seen it anywhere in stores.

I buy mine at Trade Secrets (fave colour is "I'm Not Really a Waitress"), but I've also seen them sold at hair salons. The OPI website has a tool that'll give you all the vendors in your zip code.

Re: the OP, I have the same nails as you. I've used the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails product and it really seems to work. Lately I've been opting for the short and clean look though. It's just easier. I also bought one of those cuticle trimmers to keep the edges tidy.

**Luckybustert** · 09-15-2010, 10:22 AM

My acrylic nails are one of the last things I'd give up if I had to. Fortunately, I haven't had to make that choice yet. (I have given them up at times in the past though...hated it!) I really like the OPI colors too, and I think half the fun is their names! Right now I'm wearing Yodel Me On My Cell - I normally wear only reds so this is WAY different for me!

Have not found anything that would let my natural nails grow out to a presentable length...they always break, split and peel no matter what I've used.

**Rhayne** · 09-15-2010, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Luckybustert

My acrylic nails are one of the last things I'd give up if I had to. Fortunately, I haven't had to make that choice yet. (I have given them up at times in the past though...hated it!) I really like the OPI colors too, and I think half the fun is their names! Right now I'm wearing Yodel Me On My Cell - I normally wear only reds so this is WAY different for me!

Have not found anything that would let my natural nails grow out to a presentable length...they always break, split and peel no matter what I've used.

Ooh, I love that color!