The Nail File: Acrylic Nail Training Diary

ShockQueen · 15th March 2008, 07:01

I hate having ugly, uneven nails that break whenever something happens that causes them to rip, chip, or whatever. I like having nice nails if I can.

So I did an experiment to see how I could keep my nails from breaking, and my method of choice was to get a set of acrylic nails done. Yeah, I know.....I'm crazy, but what else is new, right?

For anyone who hasn't done this, it's an interesting experience to be sure.

I went to a nice place in the mall, and after calling ahead to make sure there was time available, the nice lady asked if it was for me. I told her it was, and then she commented on how wide my thumbs were.

I have wide thumbs? Well, I guess measured next to their usual clientele, I do.

She didn't even flinch. I like that. So we go to select what type, and she showed me some fairly clear ones, and some french white ones. I figure since this was an experiment, why not go for broke? "White please" I said, and she started going to town. She had to get a bit creative for the thumbs, but she didn't do too badly (nothing that can't be corrected further come fill time), but the whole process was pretty straightforward.

Again, if you haven't done this before, this is what she did. She first clipped my regular nails down, and then did a light grinding to rough up the surface. She then glued the white ends, after which it looks like you have claws, and then they trim down to the desired length. Once that is done, they shape the end some, and then start applying the acryic overlay onto the whole shebang, shaping as they go. The only part that is coloured is the end - the rest is natural. After all the overlaying is done, then they shape the rest of the way, have you wash to get rid of the dust, and put on a clear topcoat - very nice. You then sit with your hands under UV lamps for about 4 minutes. That's about it.

Nice thing is, it does make your nails VERY hard, so I doubt mine will chip anytime soon. I just have to go back in 2-3 weeks for my first filling session.

It hasn't really affected my typing much, so I think I'll be keeping these a while, and have fun. Should be interesting!

ShockQueen · 15th March 2008, 07:06

Day 1: The day the nails get road-tested

Today was a day when I had to go in and work some overtime, so I thought this would be the perfect break-in period, since I do type some when at work. I guess when it comes to my frame, my hands are the last thing anyone notices, because no one seemed to - even with my increased clicking on the keys. The only thing it seems I have trouble with is pop-top soda cans. I guess I'm a little afraid of breaking one of the nails I just plunked down $50 for, so I cheated, and used a spoon to pry the tab up, and then did it the rest of the way.

If this is the greatest challenge, then I don't think this will be any problem.

The only complaint I have, is that there are some air bubbles visible under the clear overlay, so I think when I go to get my fill done in 2-3 weeks, I'll see if they can correct that some. Other than that, it's been all good!

jojo · 15th March 2008, 11:03

Similarly, every time I try to grow my nails they suffer from cracks, splits etc. No matter how careful I am, they get to a certain length (which is not more than a few millimetres) and begin failing.

I regularly have a manicure and polish (a pale pink with ivory tips which look very natural) and have suggested acrylics to the manicurist, but she has recommended not having these done since they are good in the short term, but damage your own nails long-term.

ShockQueen - Let us know how you get on in the future. Thanks.

thedesigner · 16th March 2008, 00:47

yes soulmate had acrylic nails and they ....ed her nails underneath so she doesnt now.
Its a shame cos they did look good = envious !!
So i say, dont !

ShockQueen · 16th March 2008, 06:46

Well, it's already been done, so now it's either maintain, or go back. For now I shall maintain, and see where it takes me.

ShockQueen · 17th March 2008, 04:14

Well, it's been two days now since my appointment at the salon, and aside from a few more typing errors, my days have been pretty much unchanged. Truth be told, I've had natural nails just about as long as I have them now, so it's really not that much of a change - just more visible since the ends are whiter than what might be deemed natural. Nobody's really said anything, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a small change that's not really "out there". I've re-learned how to open soda cans, and haven't really dropped my typing speed, so if those were my two biggest hurdles, I have nothing to worry about, other than just making sure I do the upkeep every 2-3 weeks at the salon.

The good news is - I doubt they'll break anymore unless I do something really stupid, so I feel I've accomplished my goal. Go me!

ShockQueen · 18th March 2008, 02:32

Today I was on cloud nine, as things just keep getting better and better. I'm really starting to believe that this change was just what I needed. Not a HUGE change, but enough of one for me. Although not many have noticed what I've done, the ladies that DID notice were very complimentary on what I did. I was talking to one of my friends when she just stopped and her eyes got as big as pie tins. She said they looked gorgeous, and she thought about doing it herself now.

The biggest lift was when I talked to my supervisor, and we had had discussions about improving self-image, and dressing better, so I told her that I did something that might be considered extreme, but wanted her opinion. She liked how they turned out, and said they looked very nice on me. That was all I needed to really cement the plan, and it gave me such a rush to hear her say that.

So to me that pretty much seals the deal - I'll be doing these for quite some time, since I enjoy them a lot (I'M HOOKED)! Like I said before, now I see the draw some have to doing these, and it's a lot of fun.

Now granted, I've never needed anyone's approval to do whatever I wanted, but it seemed that this change did garner positive attention, so that made it even better all the way around!!

ShockQueen · 19th March 2008, 16:26

Ever since my change last week, I've been doing research on nail care. Funny how something like this causes need for research. So I did some searching on acrylic care, and found that it's a good idea to re-do the topcoat that is used every 3 days or so - just clear nail polish really, so last night I went to the local Wal-Mart to find my target.

I looked through the aisles, and the associate there stocking asked if I needed any help, so I just explained what I was looking for, and she pointed it right out to me. She had tried actylics too, but just didn't care for them. I got some good Sally Hansen clear coat, and made sure to get the non-acetone remover. Then I got home and did the ritual - first, take off the old topcoat, and then apply the new. I'm sure I'll get better at this step, but they turned out just fine, and are back to full shine once again.

I saw another article that says some secretaries get acrylics since they type a lot, and need something sturdy. Well, I type a lot too, so I guess that makes sense. I know there are other options, but this is what i chose, and am quite happy with it.

r1g0r · 20th March 2008, 02:54

hey, SQ...

i've been wearing acrylics for so long it's the only way i feel normal. always playing with length and shape.

i think it's been somewhere between 5-8 years. wierd how time can fly

r1g0r (keeps mrs r1g0r on her toes)

ShockQueen · 21st March 2008, 17:07

Well, so far, I've learned to re-do my topcoat, and just learning how to maintain nails once you have them done. They don't seem to have grown much at all, so I should be good with setting an appointment two weeks from today. I've gotten used to them already, and aside from a few more backspaces in my typing, everything is all good. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess, but I've received lots of supportive comments from friends and colleagues, so this will be the norm for me for quite some time now. My friend Peeps thinks I should experiment with different colours, but I'm fine with what I have, and it doesn't require much forethought as far as maintenance goes. I've started posting on Yahoo answers lately in the fashion section, so that's been a bit of fun - I've even gotten a "best answer" letter on one of the ones I responded to, so maybe my interest in fashion has finally born some fruit.

and the experiment continues.....with much succes.....