Oooer!!

[Kaz]

For the first time in years. I have short nails!! I've decided to give my nails a rest from the gel nail extensions I've been having for years now - the new set I had the week before we went to Cyprus had already cracked a little by the time we got back, I got them mended but they were 'going' again, which is ridiculous!

It has all got very 'high maintenance', probably as my nails underneath need a break from it. Sooo I googled to see the best way to remove them, but they recommend soaking in acetone for 20 minutes - didn't fancy that - so I've cut them right down and filed the edges smooth, I will keep the length short, and repaint them as the gap grows between the bottom of the remaining gel and the cuticle and eventually let my natural nail grow back in.

I reckon it will take a couple of months for the nails to be fully natural and a reasonable length again. Then I might go to get the natural nail manicured and painted, or possibly for a special occasion the shellac gel paint, but I'll not be having the fake ones again - too much bother and expense

[manxie]

don't like fake at all much prefer au naturelle lol

Manxie xx

[Diflower]

Good for you Kaz
I do believe however short, natural nails are always far nicer than any kind of fake - so long as they not bitten

[Kaz]

Oh I'm not a biter any more. I did bite them as a kid and as a young woman, but my problem is they are quite weak and split. I'm going to really pamper them, buy some good quality nail care products, but if they are still weak and prone to split I will just get them painted with the gel polish, or you can even buy them in the shops now and do it yourself

[Ally]

I keep my nails mega short..just a teeny bit of nail to prize my lip balms open.

My colleagues get their nails done with gel? And they are lovely. Cost 12 euro and a couple for an infill? Is that the right word?

I do paint mine alot - I love dark berry colours.

[Kaz]

That's a LOT cheaper than over here Ally

I like the berry colours too

[Osc]

It is indeed very high maintenance, Kaz, it will be interesting to see how you get on. I've almost always done my own except around the time of Miss Osc's wedding when I went through a phase of having manicures. My nails usually have a breakdown in winter which I have learned to manage and I mostly only paint them when I go out. I feel they benefit from not having nail varnish on them all the time and I regularly put nail oil on them.

[Ally]

That's a LOT cheaper than over here Ally

I like the berry colours too

Ooooh is it? They'll be pleased.

No wonder the nail salons here are always choc a bloc.

[Kaz]

It cost me about £35 for a set of gels and £17 for infills the last few times.....

[Kaz]

Osc I will keep you updated