QuestionI would like my nails to gain strength and natural length. I went to a salon and explained that I was having a hard time getting my nails to grow and I wanted them to look very natural. They, in turn, fitted me with tips (first time user). Although they are nice, I think that I would like to stay with my natural nail, but enhanced for strength. Would I get this benefit from a simple manicure regime?
AnswerIf your natural nails grow out healthy normally, then I would suggest committing to a regular manicure routine. Key word: "commit."
Many people who have beautiful natural nails fail to grow them satisfactorily because they have unrealistic expectations of the results they can achieve from natural nails; ie, expecting their natural nails to rival artificial enhancements in terms of maximum length and durability-- or because they lack the attention span, time, and patience required to see their natural nails reach their potential.
Natural nails are high maintenance. Weekly professional manicures are a great start, but expect to perform your own maintenance at least once in between trips to the salon to push back cuticles and change your polish. Also be prepared to accept that natural nails will reach their maximum sustainable length before acrylics. So it's likely that you'll have to settle for shorter nails than you would with acrylic, for instance, and instead aim for 10 nails that are consistent in length and impeccably maintained.
If it turns out that natural nail maintenance is more work than you have patience for, you could try to find a reputable salon that offers gel overlays, or silk or fiberglass wraps. If you opt for a gel overlay, make sure you are really getting gel. Keep in mind that gel is NEVER a powder-- it's called "gel" because it's a jelly-like substance. It comes that way from the manufacturer-- it is not a powder-- ever. If you'd like to read my personal rant on the matter you can try here: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=115093385
You'll have to scroll down a ways to get to "them ain't gel nailz."
Another product that has recently come on the market is Mani-q by a company called Young Nails. Mani-q is a rubberized gel formula that can be soaked off with acetone. It makes a great foundation for a natural manicure. It's just a very thin, flexible gel that can add some support for your own nails.
Of course, now that you have tips on your nails-- I'm assuming that some sort of product was applied OVER these tips? Probably a powder and liquid (which is acrylic, btw.) This means that you will have to have this product removed. Make sure to have it removed by soaking in acetone so as not to rip up your natural nail in the process. This is a slow process, especially if the salon used an MMA acrylic which is extremely dense and difficult to remove (and also considered unfit for cosmetic use, but is very cheap.)
If your nails were aggressively drilled or filed when the tips were put on, it could take your nails several months to grow back out, and your nails will be more fragile in the process. It'll just take more patience.
Take some time and call several salons in your area and ask them about their suggestions and what services they offer before deciding which one to go to. Try to find someone who specializes in natural nails, or at least shows genuine concern over what you want to accomplish and shares your interest in maintaining the health of your natural nail!
