Seriously, this could be my nail!
As green and natural as I try to be, I have one weakness and that is my nails. My natural nails are and have always been simply awful. Please don’t tell me I should change my diet or eat gelatin or try this polish or that strengthener. I have done it all and none of it works. Even pregnancy didn’t help the thin, weak mess at the ends of my fingers.
I have succumbed in the past to both acrylic tips and gel nails and I love them every time. What I hate is the cost and all that filing and the smell of chemicals. For about a year and a half I haven’t done anything because I vowed to stop being so vain as to sacrifice money and possible health all for the sake of pretty nails.
Then, I discovered Shellac. I don’t know all the ins and outs of it. I just know it’s miraculous. It’s a “hybrid” polish that goes on like a regular nail color but it’s cured under UV lights so it is long lasting and instantly dry before you leave the salon chair.
I have had two shellac manicures now-one light color and one dark- and I can’t say enough about them. The color lasts two weeks minimally and there is no chipping, or cracking. Keep in mind, I’m a mom so there are dishes and baths and playing in sand involved in my every day life and STILL this polish stays put! The hidden gem of all of this is that I now have long(ish), strong(ish) nails. Whee!
When you go for removal, there is no awful drill or sanding/filing involved. Just a little acetone polish remover wrap and it peels right off with no damage to your nails.
Yes, you’re still drying under UV light but I just try my best to only put finger tips under the light. It’s not perfect, but it’s no tanning bed either.
It’s my one spot of vanity left as an otherwise frumpy mom and now that there is Shellac, I don’t intend to fight the urge for pretty nails anymore.
*I was not compensated for this post in anyway. I just stumbled onto this stuff and am mildly obsessed with it so I thought I’d share. There is more about the nitty gritty of Shellac on this website. She does a great review and includes awesome real-life pictures of her nails over time.
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
Oh – I’m so going to find a salon this week that does that – that is EXACTLY what I feel about my nails. Weak, pathetic things, but gel/acrylic are such a waste of money! THANKS for the tip!
Does it also make them grow? I need help in that are also.
Yes! Because they’re covered in a strong polish mine are the longest they’ve ever been!