What fake nails do you use?

[twnkltoz]

I normally get silk nails during comp season, then rip them off during the off season so my real nails can recover. I have an appointment at 1:00 (pacific time) to get them put on for saturday, but I'm going to be riding horses tomorrow and friday and I just know they'll get trashed. And, they're kind of a pain!! And expensive to keep up...my next comp isn't likely to be until June or July. Soooo....what's your experience with press-on nails? I know some of you use them...what kind? Do you use them in smooth with no trouble? There will be lots of spinning and hand grabbing.

[chachachacat]

Once I was doing a show routine with press-on nails. Toward the end of the routine, I caressed my partner's hair, as choroegraphed. My pinky nail came off and got stuck in his hair! :!: :lol:
Funny!
Good thing it wasn't earlier in the routine, I would have had a hard time not laughing!

[pygmalion]

I stopped getting acrylic nails. Now I get acrylic overlays instead. It costs the same, but looks a lot more natural than using the actual fake nail. The upkeep's about the same, and, unfortunately, the overlays seem to damage the underlyng real nail about the same. I just like the way the overlays look in real life.

[macha]

Horsedom and false nails seldom go well together. For that matter, neither do new shoes or clothes and horses. Seems horses like to "mark" their territory with a friendly nuzzle that often leaves a smudge of green, or, in this season, shedding horsehair.

Good luck whatever you find. And if it works really well, share it please.

[twnkltoz]

LOL so true...I went to dinner last week with a green spot on my boob!

[pygmalion]

Once I was doing a show routine with press-on nails. Toward the end of the routine, I caressed my partner's hair, as choroegraphed. My pinky nail came off and got stuck in his hair! :!: :lol:


You use the stick-on kind? Does that usually work out okay? The stick-on ones are less expensive and they're easier to take off. But do they stay on when you want them on? :?

I've always gone to the salon and had the nail tech go through the whole process with a think, thick coat of acrylic that they sand down. It takes 45 minutes, but, by the time they're done, those nails will not come off. And it's only about $20- $25 to get a whole set.

[twnkltoz]

That costs the same as a full set of silks (which look pretty natural)! plus, don't you need a nail to put the overlay on?

[standardgirl]

I used to get acrylic nails done professionally, for comps, or sometimes just for fun and looking pretty. This past competition, I did my own nails! I have to say that I did a great job. My teacher's wife and another female instructor looked at them, and they had no clue that those are not done professionally!
I bought a Gel Nail pack at CVS (much cheaper). Then I glued the nail tips on, and then I did the gel overlay, and the gel activator. It's actually quite easy! I even managed to do my right hand with my left.
Tha nails stay on for the entire comp. I didn't have any problem with them. Then I took them off the day after. They are really easy to take off. and They don't seem to damage the real nails!
Maybe you can try those. :D

[pygmalion]

That costs the same as a full set of silks (which look pretty natural)! plus, don't you need a nail to put the overlay on?

If your own nails are shorter than the length you want, yes, you need an acrylic nail as a base. Otherwise, no. The acrylic can go directly onto your own nails.

[standardgirl]

actually, I think I bought the kit in Rite Aid, not CVS. The packaging is white and green. It contains two full sets. The same brand makes both gel and acrylic kits. I like the gel ones better since those don't hurt your real nails as bad.

[DancingMommy]

I've used the home kit and my nails came out looking like some horrific science experiment. I have ZERO talent for that kind of thing.

I get my nails done professionally every two to three weeks. I use the acrylic overlay type unless I break a nail and then I get a tip put on that nail only. I keep them fairly short so I don't break them.

This is the product that my salon uses. http://www.odysseynail.com/defaultx.asp The guy who developed the system formulated it all himself and it's truly remarkable. I've been doing acrylic nails regularly for the last 17 years. The ONLY decent nails I've ever had done were done using this product.

Currently I'm sporting a combination of flesh-toned acrylic/red glitter acrylic (rather than pink/white). It lasts longer than polish and is terribly unique.

For my bi-weekly pamper session I pay $60. That gets me a 45 minute pedicure w/leg massage (YAY for Ken!) AND my nails done (backfilled). Backfills are harder to do because they have to insert the colored powder a certain way to make it look right.

I wore this one http://www.odysseynail.com/img/products/sized/Metallic-Lavender.jpg to the hospital when I had my first child. WAHOO!

This is what I have on now ---> http://www.odysseynail.com/img/products/sized/Metallic-Pinkie.jpg

I love this product line.

[twnkltoz]

Part of my motivation here is to save money...that's why I don't want to have my nails done professionally. My nails are never, ever, ever long enough.

[standardgirl]

Part of my motivation here is to save money...that's why I don't want to have my nails done professionally. My nails are never, ever, ever long enough.

try the tips plus the gel. It's a lot easier to apply gel rather than acrylic. Applying gel is just like bruching two layers of thick nail polish.

[twnkltoz]

Part of my motivation here is to save money...that's why I don't want to have my nails done professionally. My nails are never, ever, ever long enough.

try the tips plus the gel. It's a lot easier to apply gel rather than acrylic. Applying gel is just like bruching two layers of thick nail polish.

Thanks...I'll take a trip over to Sally beauty supply and take a look!

[twnkltoz]

PS...I also want something I can take off relatively easily right after the comp.

[macha]

Just dance well- nobody'll look at your nails :D

[standardgirl]

PS...I also want something I can take off relatively easily right after the comp.

the gel was VERY easy to take off, doesn't even required much polish remover.
I just "hit" the nail tips (fake) from the bottom (the said of the palm), and then carefully pile off the tip and the gel. Most of the gel will just come right off with the fake nail tip. You can then use the polish remover to remove the left over.

Back in the days when I get mine done profesionally, I PAID to get them take off... :? and my nails look horrible for months afterward

[twnkltoz]

Cool, thanks chiwenl!

[chachachacat]

Once I was doing a show routine with press-on nails. Toward the end of the routine, I caressed my partner's hair, as choroegraphed. My pinky nail came off and got stuck in his hair! :!: :lol:


You use the stick-on kind? Does that usually work out okay? The stick-on ones are less expensive and they're easier to take off. But do they stay on when you want them on? :?
.
No, they don't stay on! I used to glue them, and even then, they might come loose or come off. I don't recommend them.

I used to do the acrylic bit, when I was competing a lot, but it really wrecked my nails. I think I'll try the at-home gel, thanks, chiwenl.
How long will they last? Can you wear them all the time?

[standardgirl]

Once I was doing a show routine with press-on nails. Toward the end of the routine, I caressed my partner's hair, as choroegraphed. My pinky nail came off and got stuck in his hair! :!: :lol:


You use the stick-on kind? Does that usually work out okay? The stick-on ones are less expensive and they're easier to take off. But do they stay on when you want them on? :?
.
No, they don't stay on! I used to glue them, and even then, they might come loose or come off. I don't recommend them.

I used to do the acrylic bit, when I was competing a lot, but it really wrecked my nails. I think I'll try the at-home gel, thanks, chiwenl.
How long will they last? Can you wear them all the time?

I don't really know how long they last since I take them off right after the comp. Long nails make typing on a caculator impossible, and I am a math major in college! :cry:
But they seem to work really well, and stay, so my guess is it will stay like 2 weeks? then you can remove the polish, file the nail (make them flat) apply the gel again (just like getting a fill). :D

[chachachacat]

Thanks! :D

[pygmalion]

You could just get them cut down after a comp. :wink:

The overlays need to be refilled every two-and-a-half to three weeks. Otherwise, an acrylic cover or two will start to detach from your own nails. Ugly and painful.

The conclusion I drew long ago about salon-applied acrylics is that you shouldn't start with them unless you can keep it up. Maintenance is quick and relatively inexpensive, but ya gotta do it on schedule. Your nails will be very ugly while they grow out, if you don't.

[chachachacat]

My real nails just break and peel so much! I felt more "together" when I had nice nails.
You are so right about not even starting with acrylics unless you can afford, and stand, the upkeep. I used to be so perfectionistic, that I'd get annoyed at the nail person and fidgety with the long process. I got to where I hated to have it done, and of course, hated to NOT have it done, because it looked unkempt!

Arrgghhhh! Perfectionism! One can really go crazy with this in the competitive world - perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect costume, perfect jewlery, perfect shoes, perfect partner(which no one is), perfect self!(which no one is!)
Perfect in all the dances? No way, no one, ever! :shock: :doh: :doh:

[macha]

Makes me think horse showing's easier after all! :lol:

[delamusica]

I always use the cheap little press-on ones. (I'm a musician, and so I can't have really long nails for day-to-day wear or I can't practice!). I've never had a problem with them coming off during dancing - I do kind of press down on them periodically through the day just to make sure they're still stuck on well. Also, I like that I can run my thumb and forefinger under hot water to get the nails off, redo my hair and makeup (expecially when doing latin and standard in one day!) and change my clothes, and then just replace them with extra ones from the box (there're always a ton more in there than you need).

[delamusica]

No, they don't stay on! I used to glue them, and even then, they might come loose or come off. I don't recommend them.


What kind were you using? Mine have always been fine . . .

And they have them with different-sized arches to help them fit better now, too.

[twnkltoz]

Makes me think horse showing's easier after all! :lol:

lol I show arabians...they wear more makeup than we do! And, we get to wear gloves to cover up the hands. :)

[macha]

Lucky you! Arab halter showmen always get to wear nice clothes, instead of "yee haw" stuff. Paso Finos are a little better than some, but I still hate the goofy "no glitz" rule.

My one boy has some Raffles wa-a-ay back, but that's as close to Arab as I have now :( I really like arabs. My favorite was Figuroso :D

Odd how horses and dancing seem to go hand in hand. Something really poignant about both.

[Merrylegs]

2 suggestions come to mind:

I've never done this, but, has anyone ever thought to go to a nail school and ask to be a guinea pig for the students to practice on? I'm sure it's got to be far less expensive than a full nail salon with the technicians charging full price. I know hair salons do this type of thing all the time to give their junior stylists the exposure. I'm wondering if nail schools do the same???

I know a woman who does her own nails the night before a competition. I've watched her many times. She just buys the full nails at CVS (or Sally Beauty) and uses a super glue/nail glue to put them on. She'll file them to a shape she likes, still keeping them quite long, and paints them a natural whitish color. Here's the fun part: She glues rhinestones on top of her nails for an added sparkle. When she's done competing they come off a lot easier than the acryllic overlays and she gets the look for far less money as well. I'm guessing it's far less damaging to her nails than the acrylic.

My own nails take a couple of months to recover from acryllic overlays. Just when they start to get healthy, it's time to compete and then I start all over again.

I don't think I could do my own nails like that before a competiton, I'm already nervous to begin with. To have a "nail malfunction" the night before with no way to correct it would not help the situation. I guess a trial run would be a good idea.

[skwiggy]

Superglueing on the CVS nails is not hard at all. And they stay REALLY well, as long as you buff your nails well first, and give them a few hours to set before you start dancing. If you put them on at the last minute and expect to dance Latin or Smooth, you might be in trouble. They are far less damaging to your real nails than acrylic. But to get them off, you still have to soak your fingers in acetate nail polish remover, which is less than pleasant.

[pygmalion]

LOL. Acetone can't be as bad as the solvent (who knows what?!?) that they use to remove acrylic nails at the salon.

I have no idea what it is, but it smells a lot worse than acetone, and it literally makes the acrylic fluff up and ooze off, one layer at a time. It's hideous. And the other option is to have them loosen the nail and basically rip it off your underlying natural nail. We're talking damage. *shudder*

The CVS nails sound like a possibility. It's at least worth trying once. 8)

[chachachacat]

LOL. Acetone can't be as bad as the solvent (who knows what?!?) that they use to remove acrylic nails at the salon.

I have no idea what it is, but it smells a lot worse than acetone, and it literally makes the acrylic fluff up and ooze off, one layer at a time. It's hideous. And the other option is to have them loosen the nail and basically rip it off your underlying natural nail. We're talking damage. *shudder*

The CVS nails sound like a possibility. It's at least worth trying once. 8)

Great writing, p.- "fluff up and ooze off"- very descriptive of something hard to describe! :D

[Merrylegs]

I think I need a nail salon referral! Whenever I've had my acryllic overlays removed they've grinded down the acryllic and then pried off the rest of the stuff. Needless to say, it ain't fun. To be able to have the acryllic fluff up and peel off would be great.

I've never been able to "soak in the Palmolive" solution Pygmalion mentioned. (Sorry I couldn't resist, the image of soaking your nails brings back Madge in the commercial.)

I literally have gouges and dents in my nail bed after the acryllic is removed. Does the soaking method leave your nails as damaged?

I don't love the idea of being exposed to even more chemicals so I might still be inclined to stick to the barbaric removal method I'm used to if the damage to the nails is still unavoidable.

[pygmalion]

It's clear to me I made the whole solvent approach sound entirely too pleasant. It's not. And, to make it worse, it takes quite a long time. Lots of Madge action. (I'd forgotten about those commercials. 8) :lol: )

At least, when they wrench the nails from your agonized fingertips, it's over quickly. :lol:

[delamusica]

I still vote for the press-ons - find a good brand that works with your nail texture/shape, press down on them here and there throughout the day and they won't fall off (if one does, there's plenty extra in the box) - and they come off with hot water!

[Sagitta]

Don't use any and never will!! :P :wink: :) :lol:

[twnkltoz]

I ended up buying some glue-ons made by Lee, at Sally beauty supply. The glue is pink, so it's supposed to look like a french manicure when you have them on, with this airbrushed design on the tip. It didn't really look french in my opinion, and I wouldn't wear them where people would be looking at them up close. However, I think they probably looked just fine from a distance, and they stayed on all day! While watching the pro show, I sat there with the little stick they provided and popped them all off with little trouble. I wouldn't mind going that route again, but I'll decide for sure when my next event comes up!

[pygmalion]

Yeah. I think a key is to find nails that are naturally shaped -- not always easy. :?

To be honest, when they're not damaged from acrylics, my own natural nails with a nice French manicure is my preference. Strong, natural nails can be beautiful, if they're well-maintained. Right at the moment though, my nails are super short because I recently had my acrylics removed and the damage is growing out. :?

[cocodrilo]

Don't use any and never will!! :P :wink: :) :lol:
Neither do I! Gross for your hands- and LOOK FAKE! My nails grow like crazy and sure I break one every now and then, but they grow back right away! There are a lot of women out there with beautiful hands who shouldn't worry about applying nails if they can't grow them. Is this a requisite look for ballroom (like the tan) or something?

[pygmalion]

For competitive ballroom, yes. *shrug* That, and fake eyelashes. Please don't ask me why. :?

I have beautiful nails that grow like crazy, too. They'd easily grow long enough to be visible on a competition floor, if I worked on them, a little. But acrylics somehow prevent the polish from cracking and chipping as readily, which is a big plus when you have to be show-ready. It's one less thing to worry about.

[Katarzyna]

I got my nails silk wrapped (first time ever) almost 2 weeks ago. I did a french manicure, and it's still there. Manicure never lasted more than 5-6 days without the nail polish chiping off. I think silk wrapped nails look pretty natural... at least mine came out like that...

But it was rather pricey...

[pygmalion]

Exactly. Regular nail polish, even professionally applied, lasts few days to a week at most. Acrylics last two weeks, sometimes more, unless you type for a living. You can't beat that. 8)

[cocodrilo]

I had my nails silk-wrapped when I was in college and the job was beautiful, but they lasted like 3 days! I am constantly washing my hands and they didn't seem to last so well being in warm, soapy water so frequently...

[Katarzyna]

Wow! I am hoping to keep mine for couple of months assuming I do a weekly gel manicure to strenghten them.

[pygmalion]

Yes. Sometimes you get a bad manicure, even if it looks pretty. The last one I had (the one I just had removed) started chipping in less than a week. Oddly enough, I noticed that the manicurist's technique was different than anything I'd seen. I'm not sure what he did differently, but my nails didn't last. Normally, they last about two and a half to three weeks without a chip, housework, dishes, heavy lifting and all. The acrylics I got back during the hurricane season lasted through three weeks of debris removal, too. His job lasted about five days. Not sure why. Referrals are everything.

I'm not trying to convince you to try it, of course, cocodrilo. I prefer natural nails, too. *shrug* But, just in case you decide to take up competitive ballroom one day ... :wink: :lol:

[cocodrilo]

I'm not trying to convince you to try it, of course, cocodrilo. I prefer natural nails, too. *shrug* But, just in case you decide to take up competitive ballroom one day ... :wink: :lol:
I have natural long nails, so I don't need to have anything attached! I give myself manicures once or twice weekly and just picked up all the new spring nail colors when I was in Seoul, that I'm enjoying using now!

[pygmalion]

Just for the record, I removed my acrylics in January (I think) and I, only now in June, have long, healthy, natural nails back. Acrylics are beautiful and low-maintenance, but dang! They damage your underlying nails so badly. :(

[chachachacat]

For competitive ballroom, yes. *shrug* That, and fake eyelashes. Please don't ask me why. :?

I have beautiful nails that grow like crazy, too. They'd easily grow long enough to be visible on a competition floor, if I worked on them, a little. But acrylics somehow prevent the polish from cracking and chipping as readily, which is a big plus when you have to be show-ready. It's one less thing to worry about.

Why we wear long nails - to extend the finger lines. It looks more graceful. :)

[Sagitta]

Here's a guys opinion. I like natural short nails, even on ladies. :wink: :)

Now I make my escape. :P :car:

[pygmalion]

For competitive ballroom, yes. *shrug* That, and fake eyelashes. Please don't ask me why. :?

I have beautiful nails that grow like crazy, too. They'd easily grow long enough to be visible on a competition floor, if I worked on them, a little. But acrylics somehow prevent the polish from cracking and chipping as readily, which is a big plus when you have to be show-ready. It's one less thing to worry about.

Why we wear long nails - to extend the finger lines. It looks more graceful. :)

I agree. They do look more graceful. Short nails look businesslike, to me. Long nails look graceful. Super long nails look like claws, IMO. :shock: :lol:

So I opt for long, but not too long. 8) :)

[cocodrilo]

I think those nails that are like an inch long look horrible. Over here, girls put all this crap on them- rhinestones, little scultpures even. Looks ultra tacky. I think natural, long nails look beautiful on women and I respect them for taking the time to make themselves look beautiful. (Same goes with pedicures!)

[Purr]

I've used Revlon's fake nails a couple of times with good results. The nails stayed on fine. Removal was easy, with an acetone based remover.

[pygmalion]

I'd forgotten how much I like my own nails. They grow long and strong naturally. From now on, if I need a little help with my nails, I may use the press-on nails recommended in this thread. That way, I won't have a five or six-month growing in period after removing the acrylics.

[Sagitta]

For competitive ballroom, yes. *shrug* That, and fake eyelashes. Please don't ask me why. :?

I have beautiful nails that grow like crazy, too. They'd easily grow long enough to be visible on a competition floor, if I worked on them, a little. But acrylics somehow prevent the polish from cracking and chipping as readily, which is a big plus when you have to be show-ready. It's one less thing to worry about.

Why we wear long nails - to extend the finger lines. It looks more graceful. :)

I agree. They do look more graceful. Short nails look businesslike, to me. Long nails look graceful. Super long nails look like claws, IMO. :shock: :lol:

So I opt for long, but not too long. 8) :)

How long is long, but not too long? Question for all the ladies.

[standardgirl]

I have nice nails naturally, but they do tend to break when they get long.
I have found it really helpful to get manicure every other week. When I don't get manicure and just put on nail poslish myself, my nails tend to break from time to time. Now, I get French manicure every other week, and my nails are healthy and strong, long and pretty for competitions!
woohoo! :D

[cocodrilo]

No longer than 1/2" over the finger(that's on the long side for me). Too long and they start to break or get unruly...

[Purr]

I'd forgotten how much I like my own nails. They grow long and strong naturally. From now on, if I need a little help with my nails, I may use the press-on nails recommended in this thread. That way, I won't have a five or six-month growing in period after removing the acrylics.

That sounds like a plan. It's easier, and a lot healthier for the nails, and the pocketbook. :D

I've recently started taking a high potency liquid vitamin supplement, along with my regular multi-vitamin and calcium supplements. I've been amazed at how much my fingernails have grown. Before, they were weak and spindly. Now, they're strong and a decent legnth, too. I may not even bother with fake nails anymore.

[redhead]

I have long good-looking nails and have never done acrylics. The problem is that every time a week before a comp I break one nail really short, to the point where it hurts (always the same one, it's like an indicator that comp is coming :) ), and it is really noticable. Last time, I bought press-ons and will never do it again; they did stay on, for the most part, but my fingertips were aching - boxed stuff will never fit your natural fingers well, and I felt quite a bit of pressure... On the bright side, I was very aware of what my hands were doing while dancing, so may be it added to my styling

[chachachacat]

Awareness of your hands for styling - that's another reason to wear long nails, which I heard from the late, great, Peta Siddall.

My last post was also in regards to competing.

[pygmalion]

My last post was also in regards to competing.

Yes. I figured that's what you meant and I agree. But I think slightly longer nails also extend the lines and look more graceful in non-competitive or even non-dance settings. 8) :D (And super-long nails always look like claws, IMO. :lol: :lol: )

[Twilight_Elena]

I have tried dozens of times to grow my nails, but the moment they get just a millimetre long I file them away. I like the way they look and how you can actually paint them (*sigh*) but I just feel so restricted by them. I'm just anxious that I will get them chipped.
So I was thinking of getting something done for this. I like french manicures and it would suit my style, but I have no idea at all about fake nails. Really, I don't. What are the different styles/ways/methods and which ones are nail-friendly, wallet-friendly, and/or last longer?

Twilight Elena

P.s. I'm slightly off topic here. :roll:

[standardgirl]

About the different methods of fake nails, I don't think any of them is actually nail friendly......it's more about which one damages your nail less. :?

I have gotten gel, acrylic (both regular and pink&white), and silk wrap before. Now, I am back to my natural nail and I get french manicure every other week. My nails tend to break a lot when I just leave them alone, but I think the french minicure has actually made my nail stronger, and now I can actually hae long REAL nails. :D

[pygmalion]

So I was thinking of getting something done for this. I like french manicures and it would suit my style, but I have no idea at all about fake nails. Really, I don't. What are the different styles/ways/methods and which ones are nail-friendly, wallet-friendly, and/or last longer?

Twilight Elena

P.s. I'm slightly off topic here. :roll:

You seem on topic to me.

Hmm. Nail friendly fake nails? I don't think so. No sarcasm intended, but I haven't yet seen anything that doesn't damage your underlying nail to some extent.

Wallet friendly. Hmm. Least expensive is doing your own nails. From something I read a while back, the vast majority of American women do their own.

If you want to go to a salon, I have no idea how prices run where you are, but here's how things are here.

Basic manicure -- least expensive, doesn't damage the nail. lasts aboout a week, if you're careful. (If you do your own at home, use a base coat, or the enamel might discolor the nail. No damage otherwise) Takes about half an hour of salon time.

French manicure -- a little more expensive than the basic manicure, doesn't damage the nail, lasts a week and a half to two weeks, if you're careful and don't type much. Takes about half an hour of salon time.

Acrylic tips or overlays -- about the same price as a French manicure, but with nail- damaging acrylic. Lasts about 2.5 weeks before you need a refill, with less probability of chipping polish. Murder on your underlying nail, so, if you start it, keep it up. Refills cost about the same as a basic manicure, and are pretty quick. Takes about 45 minutes for the first trip, 35 minutes for a refill.

Pink and white acrylics -- about twice the price of basic acrylics, with the same problems. May last a little longer. About the same time investment as the basic acrylics. (They have a distinctive look that a lot of people are willing to pay extra for. 8) )

Silk wraps -- I don't have experience with these, so I don't know how they compare.

[Snuggles]

hey i just get the square plastic-y ones and use superglue to stick them on and then i rip them off at the end of the comp... but before you use them make sure u push your cuticles back otherwise pulling them off can hurt a bit... i have used them since i was 8 or so and have always loved ripping them off at the end of the day... kinda puts the final ending of the comp together lol... along with taking my eyelashes off...

[pygmalion]

Superglue? I thought that stuff was permanent. Sounds like it hurts. Ouch! :?

[cocodrilo]

Superglue? I thought that stuff was permanent. Sounds like it hurts. Ouch! :?
Nailpolish remover acts like a solvent and can melt the stuff off pretty easily.

[pygmalion]

Yeah. Acetone is good stuff. I just had no idea superglue was so wimpy. :wink: :lol:

[cocodrilo]

Yeah. Acetone is good stuff. I just had no idea superglue was so wimpy. :wink: :lol:
Actually, you'd be surprised at what that chemical can melt! Keep it uot of range of your plastic-lensed sunglasses & watch crystals. It's also good for removing those gummy lables from certain items. Just make sure the items aer not plastic or it'll remove some of the plastic, too!

[pygmalion]

Has anybody tried silk wraps? Thoughts?

And does anyone here get nail designs? Thoughts on nice, eye-catching color combos for the competition floor?

[cocodrilo]

Has anybody tried silk wraps? Thoughts?

And does anyone here get nail designs? Thoughts on nice, eye-catching color combos for the competition floor?
I doubt you'd be able to see a nail from a spectator's postion. You could always paint one nail a different color and see if it goes with that rainbow dress you fancied on another thread a while back, Pygmalion! :lol: :wink:

[ChaChaLicious]

my suggestion.... get dipped powder tips... its less harmful then acrylic nails and stay on longer and are stronger then the cvs type press-ons. they look beautiful and natural if done properly! i get my nails done for pleasure (aside from competitions) and dip-powder tips is the only thing that i like!

[ChaChaLicious]

as for designs... i usually get my ring fingers on both hands covered in rhinestones (just the nails... :) ) its a tad more expensive then a normal design but from what i've been told by judges and spectators,,, it looks great!b

[chachachacat]

Okay, what are dipped powder tips??
And why do french manicures last longer than regular??

[cornutt]

I don't use fake nails. I only use real ones. Ten-penny, hot-dipped galvanized ring-shank are good.

:lol: :shock: :lol: :roll:

[pygmalion]

Okay, what are dipped powder tips??
And why do french manicures last longer than regular??

I don't know about the dipped powder tips. But my French manicures have lasted longer because there's less surface area of the nail where you can see color. So chips or cracks don't show as readily. All you have to worry about is that little strip of white along the edge of the nail. If that chips, you're dead. :lol: :lol: Incidentally, that's also why I try to go easy on the typing, with a French manicure.

[ChaChaLicious]

dip powder tips are tips that use a gel base glue and are dipped nto a special powder for long lasting, natural looking nails. i love them.

[Twilight_Elena]

Okay. Okay. I just used press-on acrylic nails for an upcoming showcase. :shock: I'm part of the Latin gang now! I succumbed to their hooker-like appeal and cool finger styling. I feel defiled. The shame.
Painted them a nice, dark red. They look great. Feel uncomfortable, but it's getting better. I feel like I can't touch anything. :lol: Not used to them, really.
I can't really type. That's a killer.
My friend who uses them a lot said that her nails didn't really get damaged, and that if I take them off in a few days, the real nails will be fine. Thoughts?

T_E

[little_mouse]

I'm not used to long nails and I've always wondered how it is the first times that you dance with your partner and new nails...would it affect the way you grip each other's hands?...

[Twilight_Elena]

I'm not used to long nails and I've always wondered how it is the first times that you dance with your partner and new nails...would it affect the way you grip each other's hands?...

I don't think so. The correct hold is not close to your figers, but on your palm. So the fingers are unaffected by it.

T_E

[waltzgirl]

I've discovered another way to attach the drugstore press-ons--toupee tape!

After a year of continuously wearing the glued on kind, my nails were so damaged I wanted to grow them out. They are still very short and not pretty, so I wanted to wear long nails to a party where I'd be dancing.

The little adhesive spots that come with the nails don't stand up to dancing at all, IME, so I put a couple coats of Sally Hansen Hard-As Nails (the standard clear kind) to protect my nails, then cut pieces of toupee tape to completely cover each nail and stuck the fakes on.

They stood up to putting on pantyhose and a busy evening of social dancing! They came off easily, the tape residue peels/scrubs right off, and my nails were none the worse for wear.

Putting them on was a bit fiddly, because it was a bit tricky to get the paper backing off the small pieces of tape. Toupee tape isn't as secure as the glue, so I suppose a badly messed-up connection or hitting someone at the wrong angle could pop one off. And I'd recommend using hand sanitizer rather than washing your hands, because water seemed to loosen them. But if you want to wear fakes without damaging your nails or just wear one to cover a broken nail, it works.

Gotta love toupee tape--the duct tape of cosmetics!

Oh, and I read a tip about painting fake nails somewhere online (probably here!) that worked great. After you file the nails to fit (if needed), stick them to the sticky side of a strip of adhesive tape and paint them on that. It's much easier and quicker, then when they dry, you can just attach them.

[standardgirl]

leave your nails growing for one month and you are good for the comp! Natural, safe and cheap. :) This is my *new* way of doing my nails now. ;)

[waltzgirl]

leave your nails growing for one month and you are good for the comp! Natural, safe and cheap. :) This is my *new* way of doing my nails now. ;)

Great if you have strong nails. But doesn't work for everybody. I like my nails fairly long (but well short of claws :) ) but they won't grow that long on their own.

[standardgirl]

Great if you have strong nails. But doesn't work for everybody. I like my nails fairly long (but well short of claws :) ) but they won't grow that long on their own.

I use the diamond strength hardener, believe you can get them at Walgreens. They stop my nails from breaking. Luckily, my nails grow long enough for standard/smooth (I guess you need longer nails for Latin/rhythm?)

[waltzgirl]

I like my hands (some days I think my hand styling is the only good thing about my dancing :) ), so I like to emphasize them, even for smooth.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Where do you get toupee tape?

[waltzgirl]

Where do you get toupee tape?

A wig store. Or I'm sure you can get it online.

[delamusica]

I've discovered another way to attach the drugstore press-ons--toupee tape!

Genius! I'll be sure to try this next time.

[RIdancer82]

Where do you get toupee tape?

Sally's Beauty Supply carries it....

[waltzgirl]

I'll be sure to try this next time.

Let me know how it works for you. If I were doing it for a comp, I'd definitely practice putting them on and rehearse with them on, just to be sure there wasn't anything that would knock them off. With any kind of fakes, I also paint a few extra and keep them in my dance bag, so that if one does pop off on the floor, at least I can replace it as soon as I get a break between heats. (That's never happened, but I like to prepare for all contingencies ;) )

[AMeader]

Does anyone have more information about gel versus silk wraps? From this thread, those appear to be the "least damaging" (besides basic manicures). What exactly is the process for gels and wraps? Does your natural nail bed get filed down? I've had acrylic tips before, which RUINED my nails for months, and I am trying to avoid that.

[Larinda McRaven]

Gel will do the same thing. The process is identical, the medium is different.

[Izzy20]

I've had gel and arcrylic. Both times I had my nails turn green. Now I'm sticking to broadway fake nails. File them down to fit my nail, paint them and glue them on the morning of. The only time I've lost nails was when it was a two day comp. However I find if you use higher quality glue they stay on better.

[hereKittyKitty]

Gel will do the same thing. The process is identical, the medium is different.

Yup...I agree.
I use Kiss custom fit stick on nails in medium. As long as you apply to clean dry nails and don't apply lotion to your hands until after they are on, then they stay on pretty well.

I was told by someone who was a beautician, if you go to a higher end nail salon, that they will not file down your nails and that this is an unnecessary step.

[Artemia]

I have long, natural nails. I credit their length to the fact that I don't get fake nails, etc, and because my nails love me even though I have a very manual-labor-intensive job.

I have my first real comp coming up, and I will be getting a manicure/pedicure to prepare. HOWEVER, I am doing it right before my spray tan, so I would probably kill the french manicure if I go for that color.

Should I do a nude? My costumes are blue/jade and purple/black... but dark nails on my hands seems kinda awkward (I love black toes though).

I have never been to a comp or stared at people's hands, so any thoughts you guys have would be appreciated!

[ireniecat]

Don't try to match your costume. The point is to make your nails look neat and polished and looong... and stand out from your tan and to extend your lines. If you can't do French, do something light, opal-like.

[Artemia]

Thank you, Irenie!

Should I do the same opal like color on nails and toes?

[ireniecat]

Do whatever makes you happy on the toes :)

[anniep]

For competitions, I get a 20 pack from Sally's Beauty Supply (about 5 dollars)... they're already "painted" in the French style. I use Sally's quick dry glue right before I compete, and I am able to pry them off by the time I have to go to work Monday. It's a little painful to get them off (I usually use one to pry the others off), but the whole process is cheap, quick, I don't loose them during the dances, and they don't damage my real nails that much.

[AMeader]

Seems as though glue on nails are the way to go, for those of us who aren't blessed with long nails strong enough to withstand everyday life!

[tanya_the_dancer]

So, is it OK to have toenails in different color? I am thinking about getting french manicure done next time I compete, but I also do latin, and I am not sure that pale polish for french nails will look good with open-toe sandals. So far I was using hot pink polish for both, and I like the way it looks with sandals.

[ireniecat]

Yes, completely OK to have toenails a different color :)

[Larinda McRaven]

I wear metallic silver on my toes. I don't ever try to match them.

[fascination]

I wear a brown color by OPI...it is a vibrant color that matches my tan...and french tip acrylic on the hands..occasioally adding a bit of glitter

[latervet1]

i will usually have natural nails for comp but found that if i get french manicure done the white chips off easily (stays forever on my toes tho) so i started using that dry press on polish that you can buy at walgreens. little nail shaped strips that you rub on your nail, file the end off. it comes in colors and french but it stays much longer and i can easily do my nails in the car or on a plane w/out worrying about getting it everywhere.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Has anyone tried this:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/would-you-believe-a-manicure-that-really-lasts-14-days-1460024/#photoViewer=1

[gracie]

I grew my own out. I've had silver, purple, and fuscia recently on both finger and toenails. Got a weird look from Pro with the silver!

[tanya_the_dancer]

I have long natural nails, too. However, I found that ordinary nail polishes (even supposedly higher-quality ones, like OPI) don't last that long, they start coming off on after a couple of days (for me, soaking in a nice hot bath usually sets off the peeling process). I read about some sort of longer lasting polish from CND today, the problem is that you have to go back to the salon to have it removed. OPI apparently has their own longer-lasting product too called Axxium, but I couldn't find any reviews of it or figure out from their website if it can be removed at home. I want to do french manicure for my next comp, but if I am paying for a manicure, I want it to last more than a couple of days.

[wooh]

Tanya, as long as I don't go to work (put gloves on once, and anything will come off my nails), I tend to get the longest wear out of swiping all my nails with polish remover right before I start, Revlon base coat, Revlon polish with some sort of shimmer (glittery ones tend to hold better, and if you have to touch up, I feel like it's less noticeable with a glittery shade), then a Revlon top coat, then something that supposedly fast dries it all. There's also a brand I see at the drugstore, that the bottles sort of remind me of OPI, and I've had good luck with it too.
The biggest thing that makes a difference for me though is to give it a lot of time between coats. If I really want it to last, my nails will be a couple of hours project. I've noticed that when I get them done at a salon, it often doesn't even last as long as when I do them myself. Of course, I've never used the kind that you can only get off at the salon. (That doesn't sound like it could be healthy for nails!)
And this is all of course with natural nails. (Acrylics, wraps, all the fancy stuff is strictly prohibited by my job, and well, once I'd seen what will grow in the acrylic, I was scared off anyway.)

[tanya_the_dancer]

That's pretty much what I do. I haven't tried waiting longer between the coats though.

[Larinda McRaven]

CND sounds fantastic.... I even have a ultraviolet lamp from years ago when I used to do my own gel. So I could do them at home. I would just need to figure out how to take the polish off. And when I do I will let you know.

It also sounds like a good process for growing out your nails without the use of acrylic or tips.

Their website was ssllloooooooooww the other day when I tried to look around. Today it is down completely. They must be overwhelmed.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Try www. creativenaildesign. com. That seems to be working.

[AMeader]

Wow! I agree, CND looks awesome. I know my nail salon just started offering Axxium by OPI, which I think is similar... has anyone tried the CND in a salon? Anywhere around the Northeast?

[tanya_the_dancer]

Wow! I agree, CND looks awesome. I know my nail salon just started offering Axxium by OPI, which I think is similar... has anyone tried the CND in a salon? Anywhere around the Northeast?

Did you try Axxium yet? I searched for Axxium reviews btw, and got several negative ones and one positive.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I found out today that my salon offers CND. So I'll have it done in a couple of weeks. I saw it on one of the employees there, she said she had it done about a week ago, it looked like she just put it on.

[AMeader]

Haven't tried the Axxium yet, although I am considering trying it for my next comp in a couple of weeks. I know some of the negative reviews come from the fact that you need to go back to the salon to get it removed... I don't think everyone realizes that b/c it's not really advertised. But I will let you know if I try it!

[Amanda Coyle]

Thanks for all the tips (no pun intended!)

[j_alexandra]

I've never had the courage to use fake nails, even though my own have always been thin and weak. I like the look of a French manicure, but it never lasts; my nails would split or break. I've been tempted to try the glue-on ones, but am uncomfortable with the idea of soaking in acetone to get them off, so I decided to live with thin, weak nails.

Then I tried Nailtiques. I followed the directions on the box: one coat a day for 10 days, take it off, then use as a base coat when I get a manicure (I take the bottle with me to the salon). Holy cow. My nails have never been so strong; you'd think they were fakes. They definitely don't split or break easily, the way they used to, even though I do a lot of manual labor. They definitely should last through a competition.

[Amanda Coyle]

I've never had the courage to use fake nails, even though my own have always been thin and weak. I like the look of a French manicure, but it never lasts; my nails would split or break. I've been tempted to try the glue-on ones, but am uncomfortable with the idea of soaking in acetone to get them off, so I decided to live with thin, weak nails.

Then I tried Nailtiques. I followed the directions on the box: one coat a day for 10 days, take it off, then use as a base coat when I get a manicure (I take the bottle with me to the salon). Holy cow. My nails have never been so strong; you'd think they were fakes. They definitely don't split or break easily, the way they used to, even though I do a lot of manual labor. They definitely should last through a competition.



that's good to know! thanks for sharing that!

[AMeader]

I have an appointment Saturday to try out CND Shellac. Yankee is coming up in a week... I'll update you re whether teh Shellac holds up!

[tanya_the_dancer]

I had my nails done with CND in french manicure. It was 100% dry within minutes - no worries about getting back into my purse for the car keys. It looks shinier than any other polish I have used so far. Colorado Starball is next week, so we'll see how they will hold up.

[AMeader]

I had my nails done with CND in french manicure. It was 100% dry within minutes - no worries about getting back into my purse for the car keys. It looks shinier than any other polish I have used so far. Colorado Starball is next week, so we'll see how they will hold up.

Agreed! I got them done in a hot pinky-orange this morning (the color name is tropix? tropical?) and they are super shiny!

[tanya_the_dancer]

Agreed! I got them done in a hot pinky-orange this morning (the color name is tropix? tropical?) and they are super shiny!

An update - I've done them a week ago, today is the competition and they still look shiny, and nothing is peeling.

[Amanda Coyle]

Sometimes I just use nails from CVS and some strong glue. It takes a bit of time for them to dry completely and set in place; so you have to wait for maybe a couple of hours before you hit the floor for your competition. Also, your real nails probably should be buffed pretty well before applying the fake nails.

[latingal]

hmm...am going to have to try this Shellac if I can find somewhere that does it near me!

[Amanda Coyle]

Sometimes I just use nails from CVS and some strong glue. It takes a bit of time for them to dry completely and set in place; so you have to wait for maybe a couple of hours before you hit the floor for your competition. Also, your real nails probably should be buffed pretty well before applying the fake nails.

I have found than my real nails get less damaged doing this than with acrylic. But the part that is not so pleasant is having to soak my fingers in actate nail polish remover. On the other hand I've never had a problem keeping my fake nails secure doing this.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Final update - one nail peeled off day after the competition, on the 11th day after I had it done. It was the one that took most abuse, though. But it did not last 2 full weeks as I was hoping.

[laylamah]

Natural nails! I've never used fake nails... I heard that they leave your nails feeling very uncomfortable after they're removed, so I never bothered to try them.. (*wonders how much truth there is to that myth*)

I'm going to go for a French manicure mid-week (competing Friday)... my nails tend to chip just a few days after a manicure, so I can't be too cautious :(

[tanya_the_dancer]

I'm going to go for a French manicure mid-week (competing Friday)... my nails tend to chip just a few days after a manicure, so I can't be too cautious :(

If your salon offers CND Shellac polish, try that. It lasted 11 days, looked perfect, withstood some serious abuse (I think it protected my nails some, too, one of the things that happened to it usually resulted in a broken nail, but not this time, just the polish on that finger came off on its own while the rest of them still looks good). The only downside is that you need to go back to the salon to have it removed, it has some special removal stickers.

[jjs914]

For people who use the glue-on nails from a drug store, how do you choose the brand? Are some better than others? Any other tips?

I've never worn any kind of fake nail, but it's about time. I'd prefer not to get nails put on at a salon, since I spend much of my work day on a computer and can't imagine doing that with fake nails.

Thanks for your tips!

[fascination]

if you don't get them too long, salon fake nails are fine with a computer keyboard...and much less likely to break or come off...however, if you go the drugstore route, IMO, it is more about the glue than the nail...use alot of it...and have spare glue and nails on hand for repairs...I prefer to go with salon nails one week before a comp...

[ireniecat]

What fasc said. The length of the nail, the type of keyboard you have and your own personal comfort will play a role in how well you'll manage with the computer. I usually find it awkward the first day, but then get used it and find it awkward again when the nails come off.

As for the brand, I like Broadway Fast French in Medium length. I'm not sure how I ended up with that brand, but I've been using them for ages. The glue is really key. Make sure to put the glue both on the fake nail and your own natural nail. Carry extra glue. Although the only time I've lost nails at a comp was when I rushed through applying them and didn't use enough glue in the first place.

[jjs914]

Thanks Fasc and Ireniecat! I am also contemplating trying to avoid the constant and expensive upkeep that salon nails must require. I'll do some more thinking about it though!

[fascination]

I don't know how often you compete but I simply don't use any nails in between comps so I find it quite cheap

[chica latina]

I just use the Kiss brand that already has glue on.. It takes me less than 2 min to put them on. Usually buy the short, French manicure one. I use a new pack every day, since I remove them after dancing; what i love about them is that they don't damage your natural nail at all.

[jjs914]

We'll probably do about 10-12 comps in the next year...which just makes having salon nails put on-taken off-put on seem like a lot of work.

I'll try the glue ons first (thanks chica for sharing the brand you use) and then keep in mind the salon option for future (thanks for your input fasc).

[Joyful Dancer]

I just discoverd the "KISS" brand at my local CVS. I used the "glue on" type and the short length. I am on a computer all day long and also sort through a ton of paper every day. Sooo my fingertips get a fair amount of abuse. I've had this set on 5 days. I've dancing tonight so we shall see how they truly hold up for that purpose.

[hereKittyKitty]

I just use the Kiss brand that already has glue on.. It takes me less than 2 min to put them on. Usually buy the short, French manicure one. I use a new pack every day, since I remove them after dancing; what i love about them is that they don't damage your natural nail at all.
This is the same type that I use. I made the mistake of putting lotion on my hands before applying once and they came right off. But they work great on dry nails.

[chica latina]

Thanks for the tip about the lotion.. I'll make sure I never do that.

[Joyful Dancer]

The Kiss nails did very well in my lesson last night.. and so far still doing well at the keyboard of my computer.. I did apply them with a copious amount of glue.

[jjs914]

Thanks for the tips, everyone!