Let's talk manicures

PMeg819

O-Face, this is for you.

I don't want to jinx myself, but I think that after 20+ years of biting my nails I've stopped. For good. So I've been trying to give myself manicures, because I can now. but I really, really suck at it.

So favorite brands of polish? Any recs for Youtube videos or websites with good instructions, blogs, etc.?

Here's what I do.
1. Start by filing, shaping, etc.
2. Wash hands to get rid of crud from filing.
3. Nail polish remover to get rid of left over polish, rinse hands again and dry well.
3. Base coat, wait 30 mins, coat of polish, wait 30 mins, coat of polish, wait 30 mins, top coat.

My problem is that in 24 hours it peels off. Like literally just lifts off and is done for. I'm using Essie base coat and top coat. Polish is usually OPI. Suggestions?

zsazsa-stl

Buffing your nails makes the polish last much longer.  Some people thinks this damages your nails, but imo, a quick buff that keeps your polish on for longer has to be less harmful than using nail polish remover and redoing the whole process every few days. 

I am currently in a nail biting relapse.  I've been going 3 months on, 3 months off of the wagon for about 6 years now.  I wish I could stop for good.

hmonkey

cut your hands off.  HTH!

PMeg819

But then how will I touch people's hair?

DG1

Go get real manicures. For real. The shellac ones are more expensive, but they last FOREVER. The one I got on 8/2 is still going strong. 

Also, gloves gloves gloves! I don't use them for washing kids, but for dishes and other cleaning, they are real nail-savers.

Congrats on beating the habit. I bit for 20+ years, too. I didn't realize what a social handicap it was until I had quit.

**O-Face**

1.  I love Butter's base coat.  It is almost a tacky finish.  I am amazed that you wait 30 minutes between coats. 

2.  I also love Posche's top coat.  You can find it at Sally's.  It is like Seche Vite but doesn't have tip shrinkage (laugh away) and is cheaper.

3.  All brands have within those brand, colors that work better for me.  I will have one revlon polish that lasts DAYS and the next...peels or chips within one day.  It is just pick and choose.

loveshine1

I agree. Get some real manicures to start with.

I have awful nails - very dry that constantly peel, so I was over it. I got my first gelish manicure on Friday, and I'm so pleased with it. It will last 2 weeks, so the cost is the same as regular manicures.

PMeg819

Eh, I'd get manicures but I like being able to change out the color when I feel like it. For the past few weeks, I just don't have the patience to stick with a color for more than a few days (if it lasts) because I like trying new colors.

O, I agree on the "tip shrinkage". I did notice that with the Essie top coat.

**O-Face**

Yes, I typically re-do mine after 3 full days of wear.  Sometimes it makes it...and sometimes it doesn't.

I also have horribly peely nails...and no patience to do a treatment...so I just live with it.

scstar17

Mine always chipped and peeled badly within a day.  I learned that you should always make it build up slightly at the tip of your nail...does that make sense?  When you brush from the base up, lift at the tip each time.  If you grow some length, wrap the base, polish, and top coat underneath also.

I learned this from watching manicurists.  also, I have an inexpensive cuticle removing tool from Sally Beauty that I use to clean up all around before polishing.  I would also say to remove the polish you have on already BEFORE filing. 

Gatorsgirl731

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_lets-talk-manicures?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:4acbcb45-c81b-42d0-aac3-13387a4e7654Post:40dfc89e-5a21-447d-88b0-5528156b7bad">Re: Let's talk manicures</a>:
[QUOTE]Mine always chipped and peeled badly within a day.  I learned that you should always make it build up slightly at the tip of your nail...does that make sense?  When you brush from the base up, lift at the tip each time.  If you grow some length,<strong> wrap the base, polish, and top coat underneath also</strong>. I learned this from watching manicurists.  also, I have an inexpensive cuticle removing tool from Sally Beauty that I use to clean up all around before polishing.  I would also say to remove the polish you have on already BEFORE filing. 
Posted by scstar17[/QUOTE]

This is called covering the free edge.  I am a nail tech, and I will bed the main problem you are having is somewhere between washing, drying and painting your nails you are getting oill on them.  Any kind of oil, just touching your bare finger nail will cause lifting.  You should remove your old polish before you file, then use a buffer to smooth out your nail, it will also get rid of any snags on the free edge or tips of your nail.  Then wash and dry your hands, but before applying any polish, use either nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol on your nails to remove any oil. Also make sure you do remove any exess polish. Your daily activities will also mess with your nails, the poster who reccomended gloves was right. I love shelacs but can be expensive and you can't change when ever you want. For those of you that have peeling NAILS there is a product you should get called Nail Envy by OPI. It will sthrengthen your nails within the first two weeks, this is good for anyone, but really good for people who have problems with or have stopped biting their nails.

Gatorsgirl731

*bet the problem* not bed, I stopped bedding problems a long time ago.