Acrylic Overlays??? Should I do this?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

enjoys freebies · Wed May 02, 2007 10:31 pm Quote

This isn't really a skincare question, but a nailcare question. I recently quit biting my nails, and I'm growing my own nails (don't want to get artificial unless I absolutely have to! My nails tend to be rather weak and brittle. I'm thinking of having an acrylic overlay put on them. Has anyone done this??? Can you tell me the pros/cons?

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 7:38 am Quote

Hi there,my nails are are soft and peel so I had the Gel nails for about a year. My nails looked wonderful and I didn't have to worry about polish chipping etc.
Was quite expensive as I was going for infills twice a month.Then 4 days before Christmas I had them redone and they had all fallen off before Christmas day, so I never went back. My own nails were worse than before and it has taken me until now to get them looking reasonable again, with the help of OPI nail envy.
So basically, I think, that unless you are going to have the gel nails for ever it is not going to solve your problem.
I miss my nails looking perfect though and do keep thinking of trying another technician.
Hope this helps.
Mo Smile

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 7:43 am Quote

I have to 2nd everything Maureenall just posted, they will only make your nails worse over time, when I quit getting them it took the better part of a year for my nails to look decent again.

I have heard that Burts Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter works really well at strengthening nails if used on a regular basis.

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 7:58 am Quote

Thanks ladies!!! I've heard the same about gel nails and acrylics. But, I thought that acrylic overlays were just painting the acrylic over my own nails, rather than having to seriously rough up my nails for regular acrylics/gels. (Did that once before and my nails were awful!!! Never again!) I'll do more research before I do anything...and thanks for the tip on the nail strengthener!

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 7:58 am Quote

I agree with maureenall and VS--- if you have weak, brittle nails, overlays are just going to make the problem worse. Instead, why not give OPI Nail Envy a shot? It's not very expensive and it makes my nails feel almost as strong as acrylics. Also, it's a good idea to put some kind of nourishing cream or oil on your nails before you go to bed every night--- it will nourish them AND make your Nail Envy last longer. I use Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Oil (which is mainly apricot seed oil--- very good for nails and cuticles), but I've also heard very good things about Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter. HTH!

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 8:11 am Quote

I had Light Concept Nails(LCN), which is a gel, for many years with NO problems. Recently went back to the same salon for a reapplication after a year's break. Now the gels lift and peel off within a couple of days. Whats up? Any ideas?

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 10:29 am Quote

I agree ... it will make your nails worse. I had gels for 3-4 years and stopped. It took a while for my nails to become healthy again.

I recommend OPI's Nail Envy. Also, Mavala makes a nail cream called Nailactin - this worked pretty well for me.

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 10:40 am Quote

I would stay away from any sort of false nails -- they never look very sophisticated and they ruin your own nails.

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 12:23 pm Quote

manslayerliz wrote:

Instead, why not give OPI Nail Envy a shot? It's not very expensive and it makes my nails feel almost as strong as acrylics.

I've never tried the nail envy and am intrigued that they make your nails feel almost as strong as acrylics...I'm using Heart of Nails protein base and nail cream and I absolutely love it. My nails look great BUT I tend to hammer the tips of my fingers when I key...I'm not having problems now (since I'm off work and not keying so much) but when I'm working I am on the keyboard alot and my nails end upbreaking and peeling (even though I put hardener on the tips)...Do you think that the Nail Envy might be durable enough to withstand someone who keys with the finger tips instead of the finger pads?
Thanks, manslayer
pudoodles

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 2:37 pm Quote

Matte Nail Envy is the BEST! I love having a "finished" look on my fingers and toes, but I can't keep colored polish on them to save my soul (or any other handy cliche'!). Even if I splurge and have a pedi/manicure I *always* ask for matte Nail Envy. My digits look so darned nice!!!

Laughing

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 8:00 pm Quote

4sons wrote:

Matte Nail Envy is the BEST! I love having a "finished" look on my fingers and toes, but I can't keep colored polish on them to save my soul (or any other handy cliche'!). Even if I splurge and have a pedi/manicure I *always* ask for matte Nail Envy. My digits look so darned nice!!!

Laughing

What is matte Nail Envy? Is it different than the other Nail Envy everyone is talking about? I'm thinking matte is like flat paint, and doesn't shine. Am I close??? What does it make your finished nails look like? Can you apply it over polish? And...can Nail Envy be used as a base coat??? Sorry for all the silly questions...but I'm just so excited to have nails, I want them to be awesome! And...thanks for the advice ladies...will definitely stay away from acrylic and gels! Big hugs to you all!

enjoys freebies · Thu May 03, 2007 8:07 pm Quote

Geminiwoman wrote:

4sons wrote:

Matte Nail Envy is the BEST! I love having a "finished" look on my fingers and toes, but I can't keep colored polish on them to save my soul (or any other handy cliche'!). Even if I splurge and have a pedi/manicure I *always* ask for matte Nail Envy. My digits look so darned nice!!!

Laughing

What is matte Nail Envy? Is it different than the other Nail Envy everyone is talking about? I'm thinking matte is like flat paint, and doesn't shine. Am I close??? What does it make your finished nails look like? Can you apply it over polish? And...can Nail Envy be used as a base coat??? Sorry for all the silly questions...but I'm just so excited to have nails, I want them to be awesome! And...thanks for the advice ladies...will definitely stay away from acrylic and gels! Big hugs to you all!

HI geminiwoman! I've never used the matte nail envy, just the regular, but I can tell you that it makes a great base and top coat--- it's actually the only one I use. HTH!

enjoys freebies · Fri May 04, 2007 6:42 am Quote

Hi, Geminiwoman!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on kicking the habit! I used acrylic nails for about a year, just to force myself to stop biting. Then I went to a "natural nail care clinic" to have the acrylics removed, and started on a program to strengthen my weak, brittle nails. I used Mavala's Nailactin every night, and got professional manicures every 3-4 weeks. I got so many compliments on my hands when following this program, and my nails quickly became strong and healthy! Nailactin is a creme that will nourish the nailbed, and promote healthy growth. Perhaps use the Nail Envy (which I have no experience with) and Nailactin together?

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