Acrylic Nails - I Didn't Know What I Didn't Know

[Carolyn Marie]

Yup, but NOW I know! And I'm going to pass on what I know to you, so you will know.

Before I went on VC I wanted my nails to look pretty so I got a set of acrylics. They looked awesome and I got lots of compliments. Although the salon staff all know that I'm trans, it didn't occur to them, apparently, that I might not know how to take care of the new nails.

Five weeks later, one of my nails just popped off. I was kind of mad, because I thought they didn't do a good job of "installing" them. So I went to the salon this morning, all set to argue my case.

The owner heard me out, shook her head sadly, and said I needed to come in after 2-3 weeks to have them filled, otherwise the nails will come off.

I'm thinking to myself, "What the hell do they mean by 'filled?"

What I said to the proprietor was, "Oh, yes, of course, why didn't I remember that?"

Turns out that "filled" is the process of cutting out the back part of the acrylic nail near the cuticle, and then filling it in with new acrylic that they apply like a paste, and then refinish. As your natural nail grows out, they have to do that or the acrylic doesn't adhere well.

It's one of those things that most natal women learn as they grow up, either from their mothers or through friends, or just through osmosis or being a member of the "secret society of women."

So now you're in on the big secret too, and you know that when the nail technician asks, "fill 'er up," you won't say, "yes, unleaded, please."

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Shelley Anne]

yep Carolyn Marie I've had my every two week appointment set in stone til the end of time.

Love

Shelley

[Guest]

Hi Carolyn,

Thank you for the lesson! I work in a hospital, and nail polish or acrylics are strictly forboten. I sometimes have the time for weekend nail beauty, and am looking for vacation to be colorful as can be.

But, someday in the future, acrylics will be on my nails too. so lovely!

Love, Megan

[Kyla666]

Lucky that my nails grow super fast my girlfriend hates me for having good nails lol

[Paula ult]

Carolyn, you are lucky only one popped off after five weeks, two to three weeks is the maximum i go in between fills otherwise my nails start to look bad.

Paula

[JJ]

Once every few months it is strongly recommended that you have them completely removed and let your nails breathe and reharden for a bit, There is a lot of good nail info on the net-Or was. I haven't looked in a couple of years.

I hated having anyone touch me so getting nails done was torture but when living female I always kept my nails long with acrylics because my hands were so mannish and square looking without them. So I learned to do it myself. Which is another option

If you decide to go that route just go to a beauty supply and pick up what you need after researching on the net. Not that hard if you are handy or artistic.

BTW another little thing they forgot to tell you about those fills-if you wait too long and the acrylics start to lift even though it is miniscule and you don't notice it can cause a glorious case of fungus, And that I promise you is something you don't want,

Enjoy your nails ladies. Gotta go clip mine

Hugs

Johnny

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

This is too funny. The same thing happened to a transgirl I met recently. Not only did they fall off but she lost them.

[Guest BreanneB]

No doubt 5 weeks is a long time. I will let you know how long mine last. I just got them redone. I had the shalack type for about 8 weeks total. Two different colors. They make them hard but when they grow out they are easier to see. but arent nice nails no lovely. I still get wierd stares from customers and people at the store considering I am still on guy mods most of the time. But I really dont care. Most of the women that come in to the nail salon I chat with them. Some even comment on how nice they look. But yah regular maintance is a must. Its also cheaper in the long run to just have them refilled. Later

Bre

[Guest Valerie]

When I have acrylic nails put on, I try to have them filled every two weeks. The longest I remember going without filling them in was three weeks. I was very busy at work and just did not have the time. At the end of this time I was at-sea doing 5 days of testing, when on the third day my middle nail on boht my hands broke off. Ouch did that ever hurt like hack. Whe I got back to port and the next day at home I had my nails redone and refilled.

Another thiing that I discovered is that when the acrylics start to seperate from the end of the nail it become very easy to get water inside, between the acrylic and the nail. This water will cause the glue to slowly dissolve.

I normally try to keep my acrylics on for about 5 to 6 months. After that time I have them removed and allow at least 6 more months to pass before I have them put back on. This allows the nails to recover from having the acrylivs put on.

/Love

Valerie

[Candykane]

I also have a standing appointment for every 2 weeks . I also get a pedicure mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm It is so relaxing And well worth the money. I do reccomend that if you have not gone to get a acrylic nails and/or a pedicure you might ask your girl friends. Some of them will tell you and if more then one mentions the same shop RUN DON"T WALK as good shops are hard to find and a great manicurist is hard to get an appointment with if you are new.

Candy Kane

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

Sadly, there are more bad salons than good salons. Check out yelp.com and search in your area for nail salons. Other users of the site can post reviews of nail salons if they feel that strongly about them, and some times it's a good indicator of a place to try...or to avoid! I use it whenever I travel and would like to find a nearby nail salon to get a fill.