QuestionI'm getting my nails done for the first time next week and i'm completely clueless!! I've heard so much about acryilic,UV gel,Gel-resins.. but I have no idea what they are.What is the defference between them? I have a habit of biting my nails and i just want to get them done. I didn't think this was going to be this hard! well what should I choose? and what is going to last the longest? and what should i do when one of the nails breaks? sorry for all the questions but i am so clue less. Thanks for the help
AnswerDear Angela
A "Gel-Resin" is actually a "misnomer". In the US and the UK, most refer to them as "dips". They are not gel at all. They are only an adhesive, then the nail is dipped into acrylic powder. I did them for 15yrs. While they are fine for occasional nails, I do not advise them for long term as they require frequent soak offs. Also, as they are more prone to lifting, the natural nail is filed more often, and thus at risk of being damaged if a technician is overzealous.
UV Gel is exactly that "GEL' in varying viscosities, similar to hair gel. It is nonporous and resistant to lifting. MUCH stronger than gel-resin. It is ALWAYS shiny and never dull. Requires less maintenance than gel-resins.
This page on my site will tell you more about the different systems: http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id16.html
As a former nail biter myself, my advice to you is to seek out a qualified technician who does either Acrylic or UV Gel (not gel resins). Please avoid nail bars, as most are either NSS (Non-standard salons) who are inclined to damage people's natural nails and/or they use MMA a toxic and illegal substance found in cheap acrylic (quality acrylic is safe as it contains no MMA).
To know how to differentiate, please see this page on my site: http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html
Keep in mind, as nail biter; very often your nails will be in your mouth and you won't know it. And even if you only apply pressure and don't bite them off, that pressure is not good for enhancements either.
See if you can't find a technician that will provide a weekly service for you, for the first month at a special price. As a biter, you will need that extra support. After that, only every 2 weeks.
ALSO do not pick/pry/force off the enhancements as it will further damage your nails and make it difficult for future enhancements to stick properly. And your technician WILL be able to tell if they were picked off or 'fell' off since nails that fall off don't leave tell-tale signs of damage ;-)
I would be more than willing to help you with this, either by email with support or as your technician of choice.
Stopping nail biting is tricky BUT YOU CAN DO IT.
Best regards
victoria
