Quick Question

quick question.

does anyone know much/anything about acrylic/gel nails?

well i would like to know which is better

which is more durable?

ive had them like three times.. and they break after liek 2 days

just the basics and what not

OK, easy enough!

Acrylic is your basic liquid and powder enhancement.  It is more rigid, not flexible, but generally very durable.  This is the stinky one, too!  I personally love acrylic, but it is not for everyone.  Another thing with acrylic is that 90% of the corner "discount salons" use illegal products.  thats a whole other discussion!

Gel nails are odorless, flexible and super shiny.  They are in a gel form - no mixing - and are hardened under a UV lamp.  Gels are applied in several layers and each layer needs to be hardened under the lamp.  You will find that most "discount salons" don't do actual gels - they use acrylic (if it's stinky - its acrylic!) and may put a coat of gel on top for shine.  THESE ARE NOT GEL NAILS!!!!!!!  Gel is called that because it is made of gel - not a liquid and powder.  My favorite lie is when they say they are using "gel powder"  Umm, ok.  Whatever.  Anyway, getting off my tangent, gels are good for people who bang their nails areound - like someone who types all day - because the flexibility acts as a "shock absorber".  Gels are also wonderful for people who tend to lift with acrylic because gel sticks to  the nail in a superior fashion.  Because of this, though, gels cannot be removed with acetone - they need to be filed off.

Side note -- NEVER EVER EVER let someone rip your nails off!  That is one reason nails can be damaged after an enhancement service.  Another reason is letting someone use  a rill" on your natural nail-that is a biiiigggg no no!

OK, back to the topic:

Which is better?  That depends on the person.  A qualified nail technician should talk to you about your needs and figure out which product will work better for YOU.  I never do the same product or technique on everyone, if that worked, we wouldnt have so many choices!

If the nail is breaking, either the nail is too long, the technician used the wrong technique or product, or you need a new tech.

Hope this helps

Jessica

welll i got gels like 3 times..

and they always take like 15 minutes and break in like two days

how do you know a "good salon" and ii mean im 15 i work at subway and im a busser at a buffet restraunt.. i dont want to be having to pay for a broken nail here and a broken nail there.. and i just want something that.. isnt going to snap off everyttime i try to pick something up... do you get waht im getting at?

15 min for gels?  I highly doubt that you actually got gels.  They take at LEAST an hour - and that is for someone who is super quick!

Here is a website that lists what to look for in a salon: http://www.beautytech.info

And you are right, nails shouldnt snap off every time you pick something up - ANY kind of nail should stay on unless you really force it.

im justtt im nervous about the durability

im realllly deep into basketball.and i dotn want them breaking in the middle of a gaame. or worse hurtiung my fingers because of it.

any ideas?

I useto play on the varsity team in High Shcool(don't know what level you are are at) had gel nails and they all cracked and broke of withthin the first 2 pratices. My coach made me have them taken off b4 the first game! It was even i think a little harder to handle the ball because they were longer than my natral nails. So save the money and go with a manicure.