Bridezilla roars: Pamper those tips

“All (nail) art is but imitation of nature”

For someone who is not very lady-like, I am getting the hand of been pampered … ok, lame jokes aside, this post is dedicated to nails!

For someone who does manicure and pedicure once or twice a year, I am not that particular about my nails and got myself a $38 deal (www.deal.com.sg) from www.deniznailz.blogspot.com/ includes manicure with 3D nail art. His designs look decent on his blog but a fellow Oct’11 btb used his services for her photoshoot and said his work is patchy and the crystal drop after a day. The Oct’11 btbs started talking about acrylic and gel which sound so foreign to me. Decided to familiarize myself and do some research online. It is lengthy but informative! Handy for a novice!

Manicure are no longer just simply buff, paint and dry. We now have acrylic and gel nails and it has become more elaborate with air brushing, 2/3D art designs, and more fanciful names liked acrylic and gel.

Beautiful, good looking nails are now a fashion statement. Some go for the funky, vibrant designs while others opt for simple and sober look.

Both gel nails and acrylic nails bear same results as far as looks are concerned, though there are slight differences in them which set them apart. Though Gel nails are comparatively new and not as common as acrylic nails, yet there is not much of a difference between the two. In the acrylic nails, the components used are a liquid and powder whereas in gel nails, the ingredient used is obviously gel.

The application technique of gel nails is also different. The technician will apply several thin coats of gel and allow each coat to dry separately under a UV lamp for at least two minutes before applying the next coat. This process usually involves a bit of skill and professionalism so it would be better not to try it at home if you are thinking to apply it for the first time because the gel nails are hard to remove. And if you know how to apply them then the good news is that now you can also get yourself gel kits. If you ask me how these gel nails are better and preferable then I will tell you that these UV gel nails are stronger, more lengthening and are a perfect solution for those nails that break or damage or crack easily. Other good factors include their lightweight, natural look and it won’t remove easily. Applying gel nails to your original nails is a proper step-by-step process where the gel nail is sculpted. After sculpting, the nail is then allowed to be treated under UV.

Some important things need to be kept in mind before and after going for gel nails. You should make sure to get your hands manicured before going for any specialized nail treatment. Your clean cuticles and clear nails will ensure maximum results and besides it always enhances your blood circulation too. Gel nails look extremely good and attractive but can be a little more costly than the normal acrylic nails, but the results are worthwhile as the gel nails are like a permanent solution to the damaged, cracked nails. The nails show off a complete natural look and give your hands a brand new look. Make sure to keep your nails moisturized once you get removed regularly because it is very essential for the well-being of your nail, especially if your nails are prone to breaking or cracking. Do try Gel nails and feel the difference, they are really effective and stylish. A must have.

Gel and acrylic nails have similar results. They can lengthen short nails, strengthen nails, and make your fingers look longer and more slender. There are some various pros and cons that might help you decide which the right choice is for you. If gel nails, acrylic nails, and other choices are overwhelming you, then one thing you can always do is speak with a nail technician (manicurist) who can help you make a wise decision that will fit your needs.

As far as finishing touches, you can paint, do French tips, or create other designs on either type of nail. Some people think that airbrushing looks much better on gel nails because they have a more glossy finish, but that is a personal preference.

Pros of Acrylic Nails

• If you break an acrylic nail you can almost always fix it temporarily, and rather easily, yourself.
• The removal process is simple and straightforward if done by a professional. The nails can be soaked rather than filed off.
• Acrylics are very strong. When done correctly and with proper nail care, they can last a long time. They’re robust!

Pros of Gel Nails

• Gel nails often look more natural and glossy than other types of cosmetic nails.
• The curing time is faster than acrylics, sometimes clocking in at just two minutes when light-curing is done.
• Gel nail mixtures are odorless.
• There is less filing involved during the application process.

Cons of Acrylic Nails

• They can damage your real nails in a harsher manner than gel nails can.
• Acrylics can look less natural than gel nails, especially if done incorrectly.
• It can be hard to grow out acrylic nails.

Cons of Gel Nails

• They don’t last as long and are less durable than acrylic, even though they tend to cost more.
• Gel nails are harder to do yourself if you like to do home manicures.
• Nail polish may not stick to the gel finish as well as it does to an acrylic finish.
• If a gel nail breaks, you may be in for some trouble. It can sometimes be more of a shatter effect than a clean break, so self-fixing a break is not usually an option. You’ll need to make an appointment right away with your manicurist. Sometimes they do break cleanly; basic nail glue could be used in that case.
• Gel nails almost always need to be filed off. You can’t just soak them away.

There are so many variables when it comes to gel nails, acrylic nails, natural nails and everything in between that your best bet is always to go to a trusted tail technician. Sometimes the only difference between gel and acrylic is how they’ve been applied, so you want to hire a professional you can trust.

The nail salons listed below are recommended by Oct’11 btb and some are googled online. Fyi.

Nail Bliss: OUB Centre, 1 Raffles Place, #04-01 Tel: 6 533 5038
Nail Fashion: 180 Bencoolen Street, #01-62, The Bencoolen Shopping Mall
Nail Palace: Lots of branches in Singapore. #03-07, 302 Tiong Bahru Rd, Tel: 6 275 8646
Wink Nails: Third floor of Hereen’s ALT, Tel: 6 836 9296

www.cynfulnails.com
www.dolish.blogspot.com
www.homenails.com.sg
www.memoirs.com.sg
www.miraclez-little-shop.webs.com
www.nails-room.xanga.com
www.nailhaven.blogspot.com
www.nailspassion.com
www.nailzkorea.com
www.pinkparlour.com.sg
www.thistlebellenail.blogspot.com
www.twinklenailz.blogspot.com
www.uniquely-nails.blogspot.com