Fake nails?

Question

I want to get fake nails (done professionally at a salon), but have a few concerns. I have heard that they ruin your nails. True? Also, how long do they usually last and what is an average price to have them put on? Do I have to have the salon take them off or can I do it on my own?

Answer 1

1) True - acrylics, gels, silk wraps are all hard on your nails. Your natural nails are filed down & roughed up so the fake nail material will adhere.

2) They last indefinitely but you will have to get them filled as your nails grow. As your nails grow, there will be a flat gap between your cuticle & the end of the fake nail because your own nails are thinner. They will need a layer of acrylic applied to even them out.

3) Moisture can be trapped in between the fake nail & the natural nail if the fake nail starts to separate or lift off. This can contribute to fungus growing or a bacterial infection.

4) You can take them off yourself but you risk injuring your nail bed. It's best to have a professional remove them.

5) DIY - tricky - you can damage your nail bed & the materials can be toxic if not handled properly. Nail techs are required to be licensed for a reason.

Bottom line - fake nails are a commitment of time & money. Cost varies by region. General range $40-$80. $15-20 for a fill - usually every 2 weeks.

Links for more information:
http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter243.asp
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070516164622AAbfxNW

Answer 2

I love acrylic nails, theyre great! They can make your real nail a little thinner, but everytime I myself have taken them off my nails were fine...given that they were a little beat up from having the acrylic on them. They last 2 weeks, and that is when you go and get a fill done on them. The average price to put them on is the range of $20-30. I pay $25 to get white tips on so it looks like I have a french manicure, that costs $25 and then I tip my nail lady $5. When you take them off, you can take them off on your own - with acetone nail polish remover, or you can go to the salon and pay for them to take them off - where they'll do the same thing you would do at home. =) If you get them, I know you'll enjoy them. Fills every two weeks cost $15 a piece...so figure $30 a month on upkeep. They say to get a new set on every 3-4 months.

Answer 3

i currently have mine done. And yes, they peel off layers of your fingernail, but after a week, everything goes back to normal. There is no permanent damage. and usually, iff you paint them over with a clear fingernail polish after you've decided to take them off, the damage is alot less noticable and everything goes back to noirmal faster. Mine usually cost about $25 and to get them filled every two weeks is about $18. You can take them off yourself, most people do. The people at the salon would probably think you're crazy if you asked them to do it. And taking them off yourself is not at all painful if you do it the right way. Soak your hands in hot water before you decide to take them off, it makes it easier. Good kuck and I hope you like them. I recommend french tip for your first time, and don't get the nails cut too long, because it's always hard to function you're first two or three days!

Answer 4

Hey! I had fake nails for years.. I love them, i think they are feminine and very sexy.. My man loves them also.

They do make your nails weaker.. but they will get stronger again. Mine usually last two to three weeks before I needed a fill ($15) a full set can run $25 - $35).

You can take them off your self when you are tired of them,, I just pull mine off or you can go in and have them taken off for $5 - $10..

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

i had fake nails and when i removed them using acetone, my natural nails were weakened. acetone is pretty harsh. so i guess you could say, yes, they do ruin your nails. you will need to get them refilled every couple/few weeks. prices vary depending on what you have done. you can count on them costing AT LEAST $20. you can take them off at home using acetone. it doesn't happen quickly though. you have to be very patient. you know, i loved the way they looked, but i will never get them again. they aren't easy to use and are really hard to get off when you get sick of them. also, you have to keep up with the refills. that can get expensive.

Answer 6

They can ruin your nails if the place who does it doesnt use professional or nice quality materials. They last about 2-3 weeks and they are about 20-25 dollars to put on.

Answer 7

I've tried fake nails before and they are so hard on your nails. My advice is to let your natural nails grow out and just get manicures there cheaper and your nails look so much better and they will be healthier. Also if your nails don't grow right you should take a multi vitamin like b12 I use it and my nails look great.

Answer 8

they do weaken your nails because they have to rough up your nail bed for good acrylic adheason, they last around 6 weeks ( depends on how good they are where you get them on) prices range from $15 to $75 (also depends on where you go) and you can soak them off in your own home, with a jar filled with marbles and pure acetone ( you wiggle your fingers in the marbles while the acetone soaks, it helps break yuo the acrylic)

Answer 9

they do spoil your nails if the people who do it, don't know what they are doing.
second of all i think the last up like two to three weeks, but it depends on how good the person put it on.
good luck.

Answer 10

fake nails are naaaasty