STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

bloomie · Marc Jacobs

acrylic nail problems

Elle · Hermes

If you're having problems all of the sudden, I'd vote for your primer having gone bad. Maybe this is one case where those seemingly arbitrary makeup expiration dates are actually true?

I personally prefer natural nails, since they're always classy and appropriate IMO. I wear mine short and usually use just the Sally Hansen instant nail conditioner/clear coat stuff (makes nails look shiny and smooth, dries instantly) and L'occitane 25% shea butter cream (keeps cuticles smooth) and call it good.

-- Edited by Elle at 12:48, 2008-03-17

Kitty · Hermes

Maybe just try refreshing your products. Or, you could try going natural for awhile to let your nails breath a bit. I dunno, I personally prefer natural nails anyway!

member · Hermes

I had gel nails for the last several years, up until last summer. Looking back at pics of myself, I can't believe I ever had them. Now that I'm back to my natural nails - I much prefer them. I like to keep mine painted and short. I've been using Sally Hansen Miracle Grow as a base coat, Essie or OPI polish, and Seche Vite topcoat - this really helps to keep my polish from chipping. I say let them breathe!

cahabo · Kate Spade

I only did acrylic nails once when I was about 12. Didn't like them. I prefer my natural nails with no polish. I used to wear nail polish a long time ago, but it's just seems like too much of a hassle to me. A while back I used to buff my nails to make them shiny without polish, but that is a hassle too. Once in a while I will use a clear top coat if I want my nails to be extra shiny. When my nails need it, I use a cuticle cream. Another thing, I never file my nails unless they are snagging fabric.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Get rid of them. Honestly, unless they are very modest and in a light, unassuming color acrylic nails can often times look very trashy IMHO, please no offense. Its great to hear that your natural nails arent ruined from all those years of acrylics. Why don't you just get regular manicures to rid you of any cuticles and keep a rounded square tip. Even when my nails are short I get compliments on how they look as long as they are neat, filed to the same length and have a cute color on.

If you want a DIY option, I would hit the drugstore, buy cuticle oil, cuticle cutters/cuticle gel, orange sticks, a buffer block (with 4 sides so that you can get a really shiny nail without any polish) and a great hand cream.

-- Edited by XtinaStyles at 12:43, 2008-03-18

Kitty · Hermes

shopchicago33 wrote:

I had gel nails for the last several years, up until last summer. Looking back at pics of myself, I can't believe I ever had them. Now that I'm back to my natural nails - I much prefer them. I like to keep mine painted and short. I've been using Sally Hansen Miracle Grow as a base coat, Essie or OPI polish, and Seche Vite topcoat - this really helps to keep my polish from chipping. I say let them breathe!

What is it about looking at pictures of fake nails that make them look so bad? I Had the exact same revelation after looking at some pictures of me with fake nails. They looked so tacky!

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I had them in HS. My logic was that I was a cashier and my nails chipped less and looked better. I have a waitress friend who does the same.

I dont know if they actually look so bad or I just connotate them with fake tans, bad platinum highlights and juicy sweats.

member · Hermes

Kitty wrote:

shopchicago33 wrote:

I had gel nails for the last several years, up until last summer. Looking back at pics of myself, I can't believe I ever had them. Now that I'm back to my natural nails - I much prefer them. I like to keep mine painted and short. I've been using Sally Hansen Miracle Grow as a base coat, Essie or OPI polish, and Seche Vite topcoat - this really helps to keep my polish from chipping. I say let them breathe!

What is it about looking at pictures of fake nails that make them look so bad? I Had the exact same revelation after looking at some pictures of me with fake nails. They looked so tacky!

LOL Kitty. I don't know, but seriously. I was just looking at pics I took a while ago and I was like omg my nails look so fake and tacky - never getting those again!!