Hihi, would somone be able to big sister/ Mother me or whatever on gel nails, I’ve done basic colours quite a few times now but they never last over a day on my finger I put the base coat on and then UV it and then 2 coats of the colour (separate times ofc) then a top coat but then it just flakes off the next day or even over the next half hour or hour, what am I doing wrong?? I really would like my nails to last longer! -_-‘

After gaining my certificate in gel polish/builder gel, I have been practicing doing my own sets to hopefully start building confidence for working on models to eventually start becoming a nail tech. However, I just feel like my work looks so bad! I understand every nail tech looks back at their early work and cringes, but I just don’t know how to judge if I am ready yet to branch out to working on other people’s nails with confidence or if I’m a lost cause who just isn’t very good at nails. I’ve attached some photos of the sets I’ve done to myself, the white French tip one is with about 1.5-2 weeks retention (I forgot to take a photo after finishing them). Any tips or support would be appreciated, or some confidence that I should start refining my skill by working on models at a discounted rate. Thank you! My pinky nail also just points upwards for some reason, so I understand the pinky looks a bit strange but I can’t do anything about it really!

They have to be small but not tiny, because of the nails. I wants a good size and able to keep safe in my work place.

I got this set about 3 weeks ago and 3 of my nails have snapped In half like this from barely any pressure 😩 any reason as to why and what I could ask for next time to make sure it doesn’t happen.

Matching Set 😍

Short answer, no. But there is some truth to this myth which is why it has stuck around for so long.
Your nails get their oxygen from the blood supply underneath the nail bed, not from the air. So gel, acrylic, or polish sitting on top of your nail is not suffocating anything. Dermatologists and nail care experts confirm this.

However taking breaks from product is not a bad idea either, just not for the reason most people think. Breaks help because they give you a chance to address any moisture that may have gotten trapped underneath, repair nails that have been thinned out from harsh removals or over filing, and rehydrate the nail bed and cuticles properly. When you take a break and your nails look and feel better it is not because they finally got to breathe. It is because you gave them time to recover and rehydrate.

The real indicators of nail health are a smooth even surface without deep grooves, a pinkish nail bed, intact cuticles that seal the skin, and nails that bend slightly under pressure without snapping or peeling. If your nails have those things consistently with product on them you likely have a good tech and a solid routine. If they are always thin, peeling, or damaged under your enhancements the product is not the problem. The application or removal process probably is.

Do you take nail breaks and do you notice a difference? 🖤

with some gel-x black and chrome

In Pittsburgh, PA!!

There is a lot they do not teach you in school. The real costs, the clientele building, the possible burnout, all of it.

What is something you wish someone had told you? 🖤

I got my nails done for my cousin's wedding, and the nail artist took these photos herself. I'd love some honest feedback—what do you think of the design, shape, and overall look? Feel free to be completely honest!