French on your 'real'nails

Well ladies, I don't want to get tips or wraps b/c I will be moving shortly after the wedding and I would rather be able to afford regular mani and pedicures rather then fill ins..

So, my question is this.. Every time I get a french it chips on the tips or peels by the next day. Maybe it is the coating the nail places put on them b/c they want you to come back every week.. But still I don't want to go before my rehearsal and have them look cruddy for the wedding..

so, does anyone who is not wearing tips or wraps have any advice??

Or any shops... Between maybe mineola-huntingtion!

I'm willing to travel for good nails.. lol

Re: French on your 'real'nails

i always had the same problem until i found the miracle top coat! its called 'formula 10'. i put it on everyday over my manicure & it really helps! however, i have a really tough time finding it. the only place that seems to have it is ulta 3 on glen cove road in carle place. i think they have several locations. its in the salon area with the other special nail stuff. good luck!

Re: French on your 'real'nails

Awesome and it doesn't peel?????

Re: French on your 'real'nails

I was supposed to go to DH's aunt to get my nails done...but I wanted to go with my BMs and she couldn't fit us all in...so I went to Annie's fancy nails in Greenlawn...let me tell you...I didn't even tell them that I was a bride...but I got this man who totally took care of me...and the polish stayed on forever...

DH's aunt just recently did my nails and she put this new top coat on it...kind of like what other places have by the dryers...well the next day she saw me and they had all chipped...she said that sometimes the top coat reacts that way with certain people...maybe that could be the problem?

Re: French on your 'real'nails

Is greenlawn, the huntington area?? by any chance do you know there number or on what road they are located? I figured I could go tomorrow and see, and if they work well for me then just go back on wednesday and get them repolished and be good to go...

Re: French on your 'real'nails

bumping incase anyone else can help.
I tried calling all the Ulta 3 and there are all out. and I tried the fancy nails and they are closed on sunday..

Re: French on your 'real'nails

I have 'real nails' too and always have the same problem. The poblem is that real nails don't 'hold' the polish. My mother's nails are always wrapped and her polish always stays for 2 weeks straight (except for the part that grows out.) I am cosidering wrapping my nails just for the wedding and honeymoon so I don't have to worry. But other then that, I'm not sure what to do. I've tried reapplying top coat eveyday, but that only makes it last maybe one more day then normal, so that's not a good idea either.

Re: French on your 'real'nails

I actually went to some Koren place over by khols and kids r us in levittown and it looks real nice and no damage yet and cost 9 bucks!!

So, basically if it last from today till wednesday I am going back there the morning of my rehersal and having them do it..

No complaints yet though.. but lol, watch me find a place that it won't chip and then the morning of the wedding watch me slice it with my razor! gosh!! I hate when that happens! argh

Well, I'm glad you can relate!

I didn't want to get wraps b/c I don't want to weaken the nails I have, and I know I would want them off as soon as the day was over. Plus, personally I would be ticked if one broke or something on my honeymoon or if I had to be a slave to the fill in..

Re: French on your 'real'nails

I love French manicures, but have become so tired of getting them done, and smudging them within 3 hours of being home. I have long, strong nails, so I don't want to wrap them.

I want to do something different for my wedding, because I don't want to worry about my nails while doing all the last minute stuff. Do you guys have any ideas what I could do instead. Thanks!

Re: French on your 'real'nails

Your polish is not staying on your real nails b/c of the natural oils your nails have. The polish does not grab onto it as well as if you have your nails wrapped or put tips on. I've been gettig my 'fake' nails done for 2 years now and love it! I am going to have to stop this after our wedding b/c we need to save $. I just get them wrapped and so far there hasn't been any damage. It's less harsh than acrylic and it's my real nail but with silk wrap over it to make it stronger.

Anyway, just thought I'd pass along that info. This is what my nail girl told me anyway!

Kelly

Re: French on your 'real'nails

I have been doing french on my real nails for about 5 years now. If your nails are strong and healthy I wouldn't recommend putting acrylic or silk on on them. The glue that's used to bond the silk wrap is just as damaging as the acrylic in the long run. One of my best friends is a nail tech and even she doesn't recommend either unless you have weak nails to begin with.
I did acrylic for 5 years and finally decided to grow out my own nails. Took about 6 months for them to recuperate, they were so dry and thin from the acrylic. Now their strong, super healthy and it's MUCH cheaper than having to get them filled every two weeks.

I tried silk too and it was just as damaging.

I don't think the natural oils in your nails have anything to do with it. Make sure you're using a good base coat for the polish to adhere to. And it IS the top coat that seals it in. I use something called LIQUID GLASS nail laminate. It dries like a very glossy hi shine HARD laquer. You can usually find it in CVS. No joke, 2 WEEKS no chipping AT ALL, even on my TOES (also french). Defiantely give it a try.

Re: French on your 'real'nails

Marnles -

I used to have the same problem with french. They are my nails, so they take a lot longer to dry than wrapped nails. Now I get my french airbrushed on. My place does not charge any extra for the airbrush (same price as regular french), but it is not like adding an extra coat of polish on the tip. What is even better about this method, is that if the line isn't exactly like you want it (too narrow, too fat, too crooked) they just wipe it off with rubbing alcohol (which doesn't disrupt the base polish) and re-spray it. I love it - and it takes so much less time!

Re: French on your 'real'nails

It is true that the polish might not be sticking to your nails properly because of the natural oils on your nails or the hand cream which is applied beforehand. Make sure your manicurist wipes your nails with polish remover right before the polish application. This will help remove any oils.

Re: French on your 'real'nails

jw7293-
Thank you so much for letting me know about this 'technique' I know nothing about. I cannot tell a lie, I hardly ever get manicures, and I do my own nails.

Do all or most nail places do this? I am going to look into it very soon. Thanks again!

Re: French on your 'real'nails

I don't think that most places do this - only some. Where do you live - maybe someone on here could give you a recommendation.