I don't ever get manicures because they only last about 24 hours. Recently had the chance to get a Shellac mani and it is fantastic. It's been on three weeks today without any chipping. The only problem now is the grow out. I'm really out of the loop for this type of product and I'm wondering about the Gel manicures. They seem to be more available in my area. Is it a similar product and will it last as long? And do any of you do these at home? What's best and cheapest?

And if I don't get any really good answers to my question, I'm going to complain that you people are treating me badly. So there!

Sorry, I don't have an answer but am wondering the same thing. Had my first manicure with the gel polish 3 weeks ago and it's growing out. Is it possible to remove the gel polish at home or do I have to go back and have it done at the shop? Love the look and the durability but not the expense.

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Do you mind my asking what you paid for the Gel? I was told where I got the Shellac that ordinary polish remover would take it off. I think that's what she said anyway. I had mine done in a real pale pink and the grow out isn't as obvious at with a darker color so I've been avoiding trying to take it off. It has made my nails feel so strong compared to what they are really like. I dread going back to constant torn and rough looking nails.

acetone remover should remove the gels --I'm not familiar with the shellac, but I'm guessing acetone would take it off. NON-ACETONE remover will remove regular nail polish but not touch any gel or acrylic portion of the manicure.

I know if you get acrylic or gel nails, you go in about every 2-4 weeks (depending on how fast your nails grow) for a "FILL". They don't necessarily take it off, but buff the old down and fill in the growth area, and then re-do the "fake" nails.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Don't mind at all. It was $32.00 which took me by surprise. I had a gift certificate so paying for it wasn't a problem but maintenance will be. I'm just not willing to pay for a fill every 2 to 3 weeks.

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Yes that's my problem as well. Love the stuff but can't pay for the upkeep on it. I had a Groupon for a local beauty school and for $40 I got a mani, a pedi, hair cut and style. Had to pay $10 extra for the Shellac. Not sure what they charge for a Shellac mani by itself. I will call them tomorrow and ask. And now that I know you get fills, I'll have to find out what that costs. I just assumed you took it off and started all over again. Getting fills sounds more labor intensive than just starting over.

The shellac is really hard to get off at home, even using Acetone remover. You really have to soak it. If you try and peel it off you remove some of the nail. The shellac is durable but it it hard to keep running to the salon for removal and to have it redone. Also, and I know this sounds funny, but it felt like my nails couldn't "breathe" with it on. It cost $25 at my salon. I will stick to clear polish.

Well I have had for the past year forever french, there are many stores around our area who put the nails on...Love the look so natural and clean . However because business is slow and everyone is trying to make some money the prices have come down, me and my younger dd go together every 2 weeks for a fill in and a pedicure all for 17 for both a really good deal........To wildwood hope all works out however I have heard some really good things about gel manicures and that they really do last a long time here they go for 12 dollars every 2 weeks......Peace.....Catherine

I currently have acrylics and am thinking of switching to shellac, because of the durability. By the end of the week, my polish is totally worn off my nails now! I do know it's $28 for a fill for shellacs, while the acrylic fill is only $18.

Catherine- HOLY COW! That is SO cheap for the two! I pay $53 for a fill and pedi, once a month (otherwise, the other week is just the $18...both, plus tip)

Well I made some phone calls. The school that did my Shellac, gets 25 for the original and 15 for fills. Gels are the same price there.

In the shops, I've found $28 to $45 for either Gels or Shellac. I didn't ask about fills because I called before I knew there was such a thing. Catherine, wish I could find a place that was as cheap as yours. I might be able to find a better price farther from my house but with gas what it is, that wouldn't help much.

I'm not sure I want to spend 15 plus a tip once every 3 weeks for nails. We have another school that I've gone to for years for pedicures, but for some reason they don't offer Gels or Shellacs.

This was my first time at this particular school and other than the fact that I love the Shellac, I was not impressed with their services. The gal that did the pedi had to sit on the floor, with all of her equipment on the floor next to her. They have the chairs but you have to pay additional for that and I refused. Sitting on the floor doesn't strike me as being acceptable for not only the girl and her well being, but for sanitary reasons as well. On top of that the pedicure was very poorly done. I didn't get the Shellac put on for the pedi and I'm glad I didn't. I don't usually get pedicures in the winter. No point once it gets cold and I have to start wearing shoes and socks again, so lousy or not, it will do until next spring.

You can buy a kit to do Gelish at home. I bought mine at Sally's for right around $70, which was two manicures at the salon.

Maureen

I did find that the school I went to will do a Shellac for ten dollars. You don't get the shaping, the massage or anything else. You need to show up with your nails filed and shaped and your cuticles cleaned up. That's something I can handle for that price.

I need to take a run to Sally's and see what's available for home use.

Wildwood sincerely happy you were able to find a place to fit your bjudget...enjoy with Peace. Catherine