Anyone that has been for a mani in the last ten years knows that polish isn't the be all and end all. Longer lasting alternatives are available and no, they don't do any damage to your natural nail.
Gel:
Much thicker and chip resistant than regular polish , gel is definitely the way to go for a longer lasting manicure. The only downside being it can take a bit longer due to needing to be cured under a UV light after each coat:
Bit bleh looking so lets turn on the light:
Perdy.
Lamps usually cost around £50+ but it's worth it if you're planning on entering the big leagues and stocking up on the shellac. Gel usually lasts a minimum of 14 days without chipping, so make sure you pick a colour that you don't mind sticking with for over two weeks. Removal will involve foil and a lot of acetone so make sure you have plenty of hand cream handy. Handy handy cream. Plus you may need to buff off any stubborn stains with a good file.
Acrylic:
Acrylic is mainly used over extensions as a way to make them last longer and to give the tips a more desirable shape. You're going to need both monomer and polymer for acrylic nails (liquid and powder) and above is an example of pink polymer that you'd normally apply on the base of the nail. Once you've wet your brush in the monomer, you dip the end in the powder so that they combine and form a bead. You then proceed to pat the bead onto the nail (in order to make sure it sticks) and drag it toward the edge of the nail. Again you will need a UV lamp to help it set fully, and removal will require an acetone soak. With acrylic you run more of a risk with 'lifting' since the bond is slightly more tenuous, which is why it isn't exactly my staple overlay. Much prefer gel and polish., but that's just my personal preference :)
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