A lot of damage comes from removal, and that's because people are impatient and bite/pick off extensions or the polish. I'm guilty of it too. Gel polishes are, thankfully, soft enough to remove with acetone. u/TheFluffyPen got the acetone and nail oil bit, right; you can use little orange sticks (wooden cuticle pushers) to scrape the softened gunk off. I recommend oiling up before and after you acetone, as oil can also help break down the adhesion of gel to your nails.
I've had a lot of luck with Beetles brand gel polish, from Amazon, as well as this lamp. That lamp is actually the second lamp I've bought, because I started with a low-power lamp that eventually broke from using it so much, so I did opt to spend a little more money on this one. It's powerful enough to thoroughly cure my opaque poly-gels which is always a plus in my book.
so sorry this is super late, but i used these: Beetles Nail Art Liner Brushes
Hi. I can't really relate to most of what you're saying, sorry, but I did want to suggest trying "nail wraps" or "nail polish strips" (example from Amazon). They are made of nail polish, but already dried and solidified, so you don't need to deal with the actual act of painting your nails with (cold) liquid nail polish. They're like a sticker that goes over your nails, and they come in every color / pattern imaginable.
I'm not sure these will help if it is an allergy like others are suggesting, and if it's sensory, it will only help changing the sensation of the initial application, it sounds like your nails may still feel like they can't breathe. Just wanted to throw it out there as something to try. I hope you find something that works for you!
Sorrg if this is npt the right place to ask. I bought this top coat and base clat for UV light curing gel nails Canada HMD Soak Off UV LED Base... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0745BHPGZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've been DIY for a year or so and had bought a kit, but the base and top coat my kit came with is running out. I'm a bit paranoid bc I have an autoimmune condition that affects my hands and fingers, and I didnt see the ingredient list until it was delivered.
It's weird that you find the acetone from the drugstore doesn't remove your polish quickly, because that's the best possible solvent to use.
Any bottle of pure acetone that you find at the drugstore should be fine. I get mine at Sally's but I've also bought the Onyx brand at Walmart before I started buying it by the gallon.
Here's a video showing how I remove my polish quickly and easily! The clips aren't absolutely necessary, but they sure do come in handy and they're not expensive, either!!
I have these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L83C4LH/
I store mine in the basement, with them standing up in an area not near any light or heat.
I like gel for all the reasons others listed but I found it easier to buy a brush-on gel polish remover like this one on Amazon (the one from Mini Mani Moo is good too but slightly more expensive). You buff the top layer of your gel with a coarse file and then apply the remover. Wait about 5 minutes and the gel starts to bubble up and then easily slides off. It’s a lot less drying than soaking in acetone and is a much quicker removal process.
I use nail wraps because I can't wait for drying time and I like designs. They almost always look good. If you want to try them without a big investment, I recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/WOKOTO-Sheets-Polish-Classic-Stickers/dp/B09YRGSFHK/ref=sr\_1\_6?crid=5KI5S2E1WGOW&keywords=wokoto&qid=1657306183&sprefix=wokoto%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-6
I have this Pink tool box with drawers I bought off of amazon, it works fairly well to keep everything together and is easy for me to stow out of the way when I do not need it.
So the ring of nails goes by swatch wheels, like these from Amazon or swatch sticks which has rings like these from Amazon. The metal ring holds them together.
This one is nice for smaller collections. I use it for my frequently used polishes and then keep the rest of my collection in a much larger one.
AFUOWER Nail Polish Storage Organizer - Holds 30 Bottles (15ml - 0.5 fl.oz) Travel Case Portable Storage Bag for Manicure Set (leaves) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KY17KRL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WXS2P3SEAFM7E9MY6GSA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have one of those shelf units from Amazon for nail polishes and I have it hanging in my closet. If I didn’t have room to hang one on the wall, I’d get a small utility cart which would be even more handy.
Here’s the shelf
I use rubbermaid storage containers like these and stack them into a storage ottoman. My polishes are separated into two containers, one holding nudes/neutrals, the other holding brights. I also keep a large cosmetic zip bag with my tools and a ziploc bag for nail polish remover in the storage ottoman.
I usually have problems with lifting. I’ve tried acrylic, poly gel, gelx extensions. Nothing worked til I started using hard gel. This one works amazingly well. No lifting even several fill-in later ! Modelones Hard Gel
I just got this one on Amazon (saw it on tiktok and was just like “yes”). It’s really nice, sturdy plastic. Holds 60 polishes (they have a smaller version as well). And it has that side compartment for tools and stuff (part of why I picked this one).
I have something very similar to this. Got it from my cousin so I don't know what brand mine is but this one is almost identical
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YKLRQ1D?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VKZES936HD464SFZR3K0
Foraineam 2 Pieces Double Side Universal Clear Nail Polish Organizer Box Nail Tools Holder Case for 48 Bottles with 8 Adjustable Dividers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TFCDMPM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_39DXGS3EN1D9C3V1YYBJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
2 for under $40. I have 4. I love them!!
This is the file I use. Use the softer side on the nail surface.
Also what kind of lamp do you have? Usually with mylee stuff I cure for 30seconds for all layers and then do a last 60second blast on the topcoat.
Glass files are amazing it's just a bit tricky finding a real one some times. A lot of glass files are really just glass with a film layer of an emry board, or a really badly etched file on it. I love love love Bona Finde czechBona Finde czech glass files glass files. I used them in salons and I can file with them faster than an emery board file and they are easy to clean, and I can put them in Barbacide. I tend to use the same one for three months in the salon before it needs to be replaced.
This file on Amazon is what I use. It works very well as a file but can also be used to buff nails.
I find it much more pleasant to use than an emery board and it's effective without much pressure. The advantage to me is that glass lasts much longer and doesn't clog. For about $8 usd, it's definitely worth it. Also, because it leaves such a fine finish, I would think you'd be less prone to splitting or chipped nails.
I only scanned the other comments but I didn't see anything about a quick dry topcoat. Highly recommend using one! You apply this one while your nails are still wet. The quick dry time is so good when you're in a rush. Aaaaand I find that one seems to help smooth out any mistakes/streaks/imperfections in the application.
The main things I can think of are you might be using gel-like polishes, or your lamp might not be getting enough wattage. I know I tried starting with this lamp when I switched to gel last year, but it came with a USB port and no power brick, and the only connectors I had were the Apple bricks that max out at 5 W.
To make it easier on yourself, you can use these kinds of hole punch reinforcements as a guide.
Absolutely would recommend for reasons others have stated. I use Sally Hanson insta-Dri Tope Coat and its awesome. https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Insta-Anti-Chip/dp/B000AA5VD6
Not only will it protect your mani , it will elevate your look and make your nails dry a lot faster.
Here’s a picture of my nails with the transparent polish and subtle blue reflection that I love and want to find similar polish of: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-PK8Z9c/i-vXxsJvB
The blue flecks are leftover from a sparkly polish I removed before applying this.
Hi there! A couple coats of any sheer nude color should provide enough coverage to compensate for staining while looking natural. You could also try glue on nails. There are natural looking and convincing options.
Here is an Amazon link for glue on nails you may like: https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Products-Everlasting-French-0-07Pound/dp/B004U1YULU/ref=sr_1_26?crid=11FBXIOHVF5MB&dchild=1&keywords=kiss+press+on+nails&qid=1629618567&sprefix=Kiss+%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-26
I keep hearing good things about beetle Polish. Would this be a good buy? and thank you for the advice .
I have a bottle of this stuff. It's transparent enough that I needed 4 coats of it to make it mostly opaque the one time I tried that, but it looks reasonably nice over other colors.
This is great husbanding! 10/10!
So, you mentioned about something to transport all her tools. I bought this cart which I use for nail polish tools and accessories. I don't know about your wife, but I have a UV light and a drill, files, brushes, etc. I've had this cart for a while. It's study and works well. I bought some cheap organizers from the dollar store to organize my smaller items.
For the nail polish itself, I bought these acrylic shelves that can screw into the wall or the inside of a closet door or whatever. I have not put mine up yet, but I have recieved them and they appear to be good quality with anchors (if needed) and screws included. Might not be exactly what you were thinking of, but it's an idea anyway.
If it's an LED/UV light meant for drying gel polishes, you need to get an LED/UV lamp. Here's the one I have, and it works beautifully.
I pretty much only use gel polish. I love how long it stays on and that there's no dry time. But, like you said, removal can be tricky. I shredded my nails more than once by not being careful when taking it off (or by picking it off... don't do that). It's not going to permanently damage your nails, you just have to wait for the damage to grow out, but it still sucks.
My recommendation is to buy a set of nail polish remover clips from Amazon. I have a set like these. They make it much more convenient to soak the polish off with acetone. Gently remove any soft or loose polish, then soak them again for a few minutes to get any stubborn bits.
It takes a bit of patience but it's worth it. My nails are in great shape right now. Also, you can try a "bursting" base coat. They are supposed to make the polish lift off the nail easier once you soak them in acetone. I've had mixed results.
I'm happy to help with other gel questions too! Good luck!
This is from Amazon for $7 or it comes in a set of 6 colors for $18, I’ve linked both below!
AIMEILI Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Polish - Prunus Persica (110) 10ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C9YY752
AIMEILI Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Polish Multicolour/Mix Colour/Combo Colour Set Of 6pcs X 10ml - Kit Set 30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQY7T8R
MelodySusie Portable Electric Nail Drill, Professional Efile Nail Drills for Acrylic Nails,Nail E File Nail Kit for Gel Nails, Manicure Pedicure Polishing Shape Tools Design for Home Salon Use, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H05EDK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0wyHEbZ4X5X6T
Here is a link for a drill I have I got off amazon and I love it
Color changing polish depending on the angle of view. Flips from purple to blue to red depending on light and angle.
https://www.amazon.com/ILNP-Birefringence-Purple-Yellow-Shifting/dp/B016NCLAXE