Fake Nails!

[Emmsmom]

I am getting a whole set put on this coming Sat. I am so excited! I am 34 years old and I have NEVER had them. The lady that will be doing my nails did her own and they were gorgeous. They are acrylic but look so real.

I am going to be paying more money for them but thats ok. She doesn't use the MMA chemical that so many of the Chinese run salons use. Plus she does it all by hand. She doesn't use the electric tools either. Her fee is $60 for a whole set and then about $25 or $30 every two weeks to have them shaped up and so on.

If you do get your nails done be sure and ask about the chemical MMA. They aren't suppose to be even using it anymore.

Ok Ladies how many have fake nails? DO you like them or hate them. Any pros and cons?

[red98vett]

I had them for years and loved them - but now it's so much easier without them - you'll find yourself going in ALL The time to get them fixed if they're too long -

this is the only pic I have of mine - I sure do miss them -

[Emmsmom]

I had planned on getting the sport length or even maybe a little shorter. I don't think I could handle them too long. My nails at the longest are a little shorter than the sport length. In the winter I can never keep them. I clean and so on during the day and then go out when it is cold and they all break off. I sure hope I like them. Besides, just getting pampered for the day will be nice! LOL

[Kimberley]

Vee...why does your head look like it's glowing???:cool:

I got nails put on this week. I haven't had them in years...actually, now that I've got them on, I prefer to just keep my nails short. BUUUT, with the Christmas season on hand, parties, etc., it does look nicer.

Btw...what is MMA?

[red98vett]

Vee...why does your head look like it's glowing???:cool:

I got nails put on this week. I haven't had them in years...actually, now that I've got them on, I prefer to just keep my nails short. BUUUT, with the Christmas season on hand, parties, etc., it does look nicer.

Btw...what is MMA?

cause my BIG hair was NEON ??? lol - don't ask me - I was at work - probably the lighting

[blowry]

I use to do nails...I had my own business for 8 yrs...got burnt out really fast...My daughter does them now so I still have them done but, now..SHE does mine instead of the other way around!...and I pay her what she paid me!! $0.00!! best price in town! LOL! In my opinion, I feel the price you are paying for a full set and your fill-ins is pricey...I don't know where you are from but around here prices have come down ALOT! When I first started out approx 15yrs ago...I charged $50.00 a set then...and my fill-ins were $23.00, I charged for breaks too...but as years went on I did lower my price on a full set and stopped charging for breaks...I had a very large clientele and they did appreciate the price change. There are soooo many nail techs out there today that people just kind of jump around...

Good Luck! they do make you hands look pretty..

[Emmsmom]

http://www.beautytech.info/articles/nypost499mma.htm

That is a little info on MMA.

I thought $60 was a little pricey too. I live in Northern Virginia. I called all over getting prices. She is about $10 more than most of the small hair and nail salons. Now if I was to go to one of the Chinese run salons the price for a full set would run me about $35 or so. I will be honest. Just the thought of going there really scares me! Just curious what is the proper thing to do when it comes to tipping? I usually give my hairdresser something so I thought maybe you do the same here..

[blowry]

http://www.beautytech.info/articles/nypost499mma.htm

That is a little info on MMA.

I thought $60 was a little pricey too. I live in Northern Virginia. I called all over getting prices. She is about $10 more than most of the small hair and nail salons. Now if I was to go to one of the Chinese run salons the price for a full set would run me about $35 or so. I will be honest. Just the thought of going there really scares me! Just curious what is the proper thing to do when it comes to tipping? I usually give my hairdresser something so I thought maybe you do the same here..

We have the oriental nail shops around here too...I was told, by my the woman where I got my nail supplies, that they use the same product that dentists use...I would go without nails before I would go there. (not trying to start a fight...just my opinion) The product is very hard to come off and they use the electric drill on the natural nail!! VERY BAD!
Most of my customers would tip me $5.00. Some would tip $3.00. If my prices went up the tip would decrease so they were still giving the the same amount of money.
If you find someone that you like and they do a good job stick with them..soooo many people are doing nails now and not all of them do a good job..you can walk out of a place with some pretty nasty looking fingers..

[Emmsmom]

Yep! The nails are hard to get off becuase of the MMA. They say the reason they use the drill is because of the MMA. It is VERY hard to get off. It can take several hours just to soak them off. MMA has not been banned in the state of Virginia so it can still be used. A very scary thought! If you look around on the link I posted you will see a few pictures of the damaage that can be done using the drills and the MMA.

[Emmsmom]

Vee...why does your head look like it's glowing???:cool:

I got nails put on this week. I haven't had them in years...actually, now that I've got them on, I prefer to just keep my nails short. BUUUT, with the Christmas season on hand, parties, etc., it does look nicer.

Btw...what is MMA?


It looks like she has a Halo !:)

[Amber_lv]

the MMA is a very dangerous thing i also do my own nails( got burned out doing it for a living) the mma dries out your nail beds severely as well thats why your nail beds are white and chalky after a set with it . It also keeps the nails on for a long time with no lifting but it can cause serious problems including cancer! But i have had many people come to me after going to these shops and their real finger nails were falling off i had many clients come to me with severe cases of fungus because they don't sanitize like they should and honestly i like that it takes a little longer to do a set (more personal) than to whip them out in 20 min at those salons. I went to one to get some airbrushing done for my wedding (don't have an airbrush machine yet) all i asked for was polish ant air brush she started to file on my nails and get the liquid monomer out i'm like what r you doing just polish they just want your money she charged me $10.00 for it i about died!!!:eek: :eek: Just be very careful where you go and also ask to see the bottle of the product they are using if they can't produce one high tail it out of there quick!!! A lot of these shops but it in bulk with the mma so always ask!!

[Amber_lv]

opps sorry look below

[Amber_lv]

"Workers who breathe MMA for years can suffer kidney and liver lesions, reproductive problems and possibly lung and cardiovascular damage, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency." this is a quote from that link above you ever wonder why they are always wearing those doctor masks when you go get your nails done now you know why!!

[RLC12345678]

I used to have fake nails, but they ruined my REAL nails....my real nails are so thin and brittle now. I really like fake nails, but it is going to be awhile before I'll get them again. They are also too expensive for my budget right now.

[Amber_lv]

well i my first set of nails was when i was 13 yrs old and i have had them on ever since i am now 25 there have been times that i have had them off for a short time 6 months is the max!! But yes they do ruin your nails my nails are so thin and brittle that i can't take and leave my nails off they hurt to bad but i love having them on so i guess it's a good trade off but you do need to be careful.

[Emmsmom]

Ok ladies you are really scaring me now! LOL The first thing that I asked was if she uses MMA. She knew right away what I was talking about. She told me that it was suppose to be banned. She also knew the dangers. She also said that she doesn't use the drills. She said it is all done by hand.

I didn't think that it would damage your nails that bad! I have never had them at all so my nails are just fine right now. It is just really hard for me to grow my nails out. They are always breaking and chipping.

[Amber_lv]

Ok ladies you are really scaring me now! LOL The first thing that I asked was if she uses MMA. She knew right away what I was talking about. She told me that it was suppose to be banned. She also knew the dangers. She also said that she doesn't use the drills. She said it is all done by hand.

I didn't think that it would damage your nails that bad! I have never had them at all so my nails are just fine right now. It is just really hard for me to grow my nails out. They are always breaking and chipping.
You'll be fine get them done and take care of them also take them off every few months to let your nails breath and see how they do i'm sure you will be happy with the results!:thumbup: She sounds like she knows what she is doing good luck!

[blowry]

I used to have fake nails, but they ruined my REAL nails....my real nails are so thin and brittle now. I really like fake nails, but it is going to be awhile before I'll get them again. They are also too expensive for my budget right now.


Your natural nails should have grown out to be the same as before you started the acrylics..I have had acrylic nails for years...I did take them off for a couple of years...I was tired of doing my own and, with the exception of 1 damaged nail that I have which, I have always had, they grew back the same as before the acrylic...I can grow my natural nails pretty long and they are pretty strong but, they peel and that just drives me crazy....plus I'm a picker! if I have a hang nail I pick at it...with acrylic you can't pick anything! LOL

Have you tried a good nail strengther? You don't have to pay alot for one....even Sally Hansen helps to strengthen the nail...also try using an oil on them...olive oil or even baby oil rubbed into the cuticle will help.

[Emmsmom]

I use the Sally Hansen vit E oil for you nails. It really works well on your nails. I have pretty nails. They just don't grow very fast and when they do they tend to break off in the winter all the time. Plus they are very brittle to begin with. The skin around as well as the cuticle looks really nice. If you decide to use it then you should notice a difference I would say in as little as a week.

I guess I am gonna give in and get my nails. I ahve to admit I am very excited about getting them. I almost feel like I ma doing something that is taboo, LOL Now how crazy is that!!!

[Lissa]

I've done the fake nails thing on and off for a while, I know when I get them done my nails are always sore for a day or two but then they're fine after that. They just became too much to maintain...or rather I just didn't feel like maintaining them so I'm going without them for now. :p

[Marilyn]

I've done the acrylic nails in the past, but don't now, because I just don't have the time to maintain them right now....and I like to go a little more natural than that. I have lots of friends who still do, and they look really nice, so nothing against them at all.

One thing that will help your natural nails is drinking fresh brewed green tea. I really got into doing this for a while for the antioxydents, for heart health. I read you could live longer drinking green tea. My nails got much thicker and stronger, less brittle but I did not get the connection until I read recently that green tea can strengthen your nails. Just a thought.

[red98vett]

I've done the acrylic nails in the past, but don't now, because I just don't have the time to maintain them right now....and I like to go a little more natural than that. I have lots of friends who still do, and they look really nice, so nothing against them at all.

One thing that will help your natural nails is drinking fresh brewed green tea. I really got into doing this for a while for the antioxydents, for heart health. I read you could live longer drinking green tea. My nails got much thicker and stronger, less brittle but I did not get the connection until I read recently that green tea can strengthen your nails. Just a thought.

Really ?? I have green tea and maybe need to start drinking it again - i know from hormone problems my nails are so brittle now and my hair is falling out by the ton....wonder if green tea would help that too ?

[Emmsmom]

I would love to try it. I just can't stand the taste of Green tea. I wonder if taking Green tea pills would work instead?

[SweetCuteness]

I've done the acrylic nails in the past, but don't now, because I just don't have the time to maintain them right now....and I like to go a little more natural than that. I have lots of friends who still do, and they look really nice, so nothing against them at all.

One thing that will help your natural nails is drinking fresh brewed green tea. I really got into doing this for a while for the antioxydents, for heart health. I read you could live longer drinking green tea. My nails got much thicker and stronger, less brittle but I did not get the connection until I read recently that green tea can strengthen your nails. Just a thought.

That's an interesting point, Marilyn. I've been drinking Green Tea for the last month or so for heart health and didn't notice until I read this that my nails really are stronger!

I had acrylic nails from the time I was 14 until about 6 months ago - I'm 23 now. I would take them off for a couple months here and there, but they were mostly always on. I like to let them breathe and grow out every now and then though. I'm going to have them put on again this afternoon!

[Emmsmom]

I tell you another reason why I would like to get them.. I have short stubby fingers. I am really hoping that with nails they will look a LOT better. LOL

[blowry]

I tell you another reason why I would like to get them.. I have short stubby fingers. I am really hoping that with nails they will look a LOT better. LOL


they will make your hands look more feminine and your finger will look longer

[Emmsmom]

Ok. I got my nails done and man do I like them.

http://tammytaylornails.com/Video/Tammy%20Taylor%20Webolutionary%20Nail%20Procedure% 20Video%20Encyclopedia/Tammy%20Taylor%20Full%20Nail.htm


Here is a video of how my nails were done. There was no drilling nothing at all like that. My nails are also NOT that long... LOL They are the sport length and are rounded. She also didn't put any tips on my nails either. My nails are a little sore when I put pressure on them from the side. I am sure it is only becuase I am not use to them yet. Other than that I really like them. Typing is going to be a challenge till I get use to them.lol

[Tink]

Michelle, I'm glad you're enjoying your new nails!
I can't stand the weight of polish on mine, so know acrylics aren't for me.
They look nice, but I can't imagine being able to wear them long term.

[Janet]

I've always had really strong hard nails, so never needed the fake ones. For the last 6 months or maybe a little longer...they are not as strong and after they grow out just a little ways from the tips of my fingers...are starting to grow downward. Does anyone know what this may be a sign of? I've tried checking on the Internet, but I don't find any information. If I ever did decide to get fake nails, I know I would never get the squared off ones like in the video posted above. In my opinion, those just do not look natural at all. I would prefer the rounded ones better.

[Emmsmom]

Mine were squared when she first did them. After that she rounded them. I can't stand the square look either. After my own nails start to grow out I am going to get her to put a thin layer of clear acrylic on them to make them really hard. I don't have any paint on them at all. I really love the natural look. I have only had them a few days and I can't imagine not having them! They make my hands look SOOOOO much younger. I couldn't ask for more! LOL

[Marilyn]

So glad you are enjoying them. When you said your fingers were short, Iwas going to suggest that they round the nails. That's what they did for me when I had mine, because my fingers are short also. Squared make them look shorter and rounded made them look much more feminine.

Enjoy!!!!!

[Janet]

I'm so physical...working with my hands in the house and in the yard..that I don't think they would last long on me. I probably would have to try them in the wintertime I think.

[Carolyn]

I'm so physical...working with my hands in the house and in the yard..that I don't think they would last long on me. I probably would have to try them in the wintertime I think.


I've had my acrylic nails for a few years now and I have to say they are sooooo strong! I do a lot of yardwork and my hands are always in water and I think I've broken maybe one nail in a year. They're my own nails covered with the acrylic so I don't know if that's why they're so strong. I have the permanent french manicure and I get them done like every 6-8 weeks.

I used to have LCN gel nails but I hated them. They would crack, split and break alot!

Sometimes I want to let them grow out and go natural again but my husband really likes the way they look and it's a little splurge I do for myself.:)