No idea what to do with my nails.

prymar08

I am a Zookeeper, so I have a very physical job and work with my hands often. I do not want to get tips on my nails, because it will be very impractical once I get back from the honeymoon and I'll just have to get them removed right away. I am afraid that if I get them coated (gel?) to grow out they'll still break, and I have to work right up until two days before the wedding. Are there any cute alternatives that look semi-fancy?

Summer2011Bride

Gel or Shellac polishes go right on your natural nail, just like regular nail polish does. The bonus is that it's virtually chip-free for two weeks. Now with your job, I can't guarantee that will be the case. But can you just wait to get your nails done until the day before the wedding when you're done working? That way they'll look great for the wedding and will hold up for most, if not all, of your HM. No need to grow your nails long either.

Wisteria0923

I'm considering gel, it does seem to hold up well. I feel like acryllics can really date wedding photos (like the oval nails of the 80's, and the square ones we like these days). I work with my hands as well, and a french manicure won't last 2 minutes.

SteLo

I've been getting shellac or gel manicures recently because I've heard so many great things about them and now I'm hooked! I've had my french manicure for 2 weeks now and it still looks great. Of course, it is growing out but my manicure is not chipped, still super shiny, and I still get compliments on it.  I'm going to try to go another 2 weeks so that I have a fresh manicure by my shower on 6/30. Another good thing about a french manicure is that you can't really see that it is growing out, but the polish is natural.  Try it out! I think you'll like it.

bucky2012

I LOVE gel manicures. They last a couple weeks - but with your job, I wouldnt get it until you are off work just in case you chip. They are also work great with long or short nails and you can do any color if you arent interested in a french manicure.

AllisaurusRex

Another cheap easy alternative would be the new ImPress Press-On nails, They are like the glue-ons but the adhesive is already on them, and they go on and come off much easier and don't damage your nails. This is something you can do yourself as late as the morning of the wedding, since it takes 5 minutes to do and looks great immediately with no dry time. I first tried them about 6 months ago when they were first coming out and fell in love. I wear them frequently now. They just came out with toenails too within the past month or so, and they are great as well. They are available in french manicure and a whole array of patterns and colors. There is a plain one too that you can paint with your own polish. They will allow you to have the length and look of acrylics without the damage or hassle of having them removed. Alot of girls might think twice about using these for their wedding (I love them, but will be getting acrylics for the wedding because they last longer) but these are great and really a very good option for anyone in your situation. I would certainly advise trying them before the wedding (even just over a weekend, since they remove so easily) to make sure you like them. I have come across some unsavory reviews but I think that is because people have too high of expectations and try to do too much with them. Obviously, you don't want to be doing dishes or going swimming or taking excessively long showers in them because the adhesive will soften and they won't stick as well. They are not acrylics or even glue-ons and can't be treated as such. Keep that in mind, and I'm sure you'll love them too!

prymar08

Thank you so much for all of your information!

gymbugmj2k

in my opinon, your nails are one thing you DONT want to have to think about/worry about on your wedding day!  Who cares if they're short? they'll be in 1 or 2 photos and that's about it. 

i'd go the simple manicure or gel route (probably gel if you're worried about chipping).  But forego the tips or any other fake products.  FWIW i'm doing a regular french manicure the day before the wedding and using it as my 'time out' to just relax and collect myself before the wedding day!

puppetrick

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-beauty_no-idea-what-to-do-with-my-nails?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:358Discussion:ba27f85a-fed3-402e-a13e-9f346624b0a9Post:8be99ea3-7353-4dd0-b221-e66c77b9103b">No idea what to do with my nails.</a>:
[QUOTE]I am a Zookeeper, so I have a very physical job and work with my hands often. I do not want to get tips on my nails, because it will be very impractical once I get back from the honeymoon and I'll just have to get them removed right away. I am afraid that if I get them coated (gel?) to grow out they'll still break, and I have to work right up until two days before the wedding. Are there any cute alternatives that look semi-fancy?
Posted by prymar08[/QUOTE]


Woodland Park or Pt. Defiance? :)

prymar08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-beauty_no-idea-what-to-do-with-my-nails?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:358Discussion:ba27f85a-fed3-402e-a13e-9f346624b0a9Post:7273121e-b17b-4b88-86ba-5d127e5b5248">Re: No idea what to do with my nails.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to No idea what to do with my nails. : Woodland Park or Pt. Defiance? :)
Posted by puppetrick[/QUOTE]

Point Defiance!