Gentle & Long-Lasting Nail Enhancements: Gels vs. Wraps

Question
I never get my nails done...and I'm 21 and have a professional job and want to look professional but in a natural way... but I would love to get something that will not damage my nails THAT WILL LAST. I am interested in the french manicure look with my natural nails and I'm wondering if you think gels/wraps would work for me. Thank you so much!! oh also.. i had my nails done.. with the acrylic and they really messed up my natural nails and I'm so not into that.. Thanks

Answer
If you do a little research, you will soon find out that it isn't the PRODUCT that's damaging your nails.  It's the tech you go to, each and every time.

Gel, Resin used in wraps, and Liquid and Powder (AKA ACRYLIC) are all in the same chemical family.  ACRYLIC.  And no one product is more or less damaging than the other.

Want proof?  Take a nail clipping and slather it in liquid and powder, or drop it in a bowl of monomer liquid.  You can leave it there for a month, a year, and all that will happen to the nail clipping is that it gets wet, and eventually covered in gummy stuff as the monomer evaporates.  And that's it.  

The reason Liquid and Powder nails get a bad rap is from the huge number of under-trained techs out working on the public TELLING them that that's what's damaging their nails.  They don't even realize they aren't telling the truth most of the time!  Just going to beauty school and getting a license is not enough anymore.  Choose your tech carefully, like you would hiring a long term employee, checking their background, getting referrals, looking for training outside of beauty school.  

Now back to the original question and off of my soapbox, lol, if you would like something natural, UV Gel is very light, and very flexible.  I like to use it for natural nail overlays, and in particular for french manicure clients, as it creates a beautiful, chip proof french look.  You do need to maintain them by oiling them daily, not using them as tools, and getting them rebalanced (AKA FILL) every 2-3 weeks, depending on you personally (how fast your nails grow, the types of activities you do, etc.).

If you are looking for a referral to a tech that likes a soapbox like I do, shoot me an e-mail at: heatherdavisnails@hotmail.com

:)