This week’s nails.
Yes, my nail art has been getting progressively more intense of late which surprises me as I’ve never been a fan of traditional nail art. You know the kind, airbrushed palm trees applied by a suburban nail salon – it just isn’t my thing. But my trip to Japan in late ‘08 opened my eyes to the wonders of full deco style, Japanese nail art and a whole new level of craziness ensued.
At first I thought I’d be destined to forever look and not touch, or perhaps only get the chance to wear them on a special occasion. Lately, though, all my experimenting has paid off and I can now wear something this OTT without any dramas and they last up to three weeks! Of course, all this be-dazzled fun has lead to numerous stares, smiles and of course questions.
Who does your nails?
I do. I have had some great support and advice though from friends like Violet Le Beaux and her nail adventures ( she makes awesome sets of these for Etsy if you don’t feel up to it yourself), as well as brilliant inspiration from forums like this.
I can’t afford the time or the cost to have them done in a salon every week, so this is the best solution for my lifestyle.
Are they real?
No, they are stick on acrylics. This means that I can make several sets of different styles all at once, like a craft project to wear later.
How long do they stay on?
Generally, with a bit of care, they will last 2-3 weeks. Occasionally one will pop off but I carry glue in my makeup bag for emergency touch ups. The glue I use is “Fingrs” with the red top, they say it is professional strength.
Do they damage your natural nails?
To a degree. Just like applied acrylics or gels, they leave the natural nail softer underneath. It pays to remove them and give them time to breathe between sets to ensure that the nail beds stay healthy.
How do you get them off?
I don’t use any chemicals like acetone to remove them, simply warm water. I soak my hands in a bowl for 10-15 minutes and the water gets in and separates the glue, then I can just peel them straight off! This also means that washing dishes and activities like that should always be done with gloves to extend their life.
How do you do anything with nails like that? I couldn’t possibly do anything!
You’d be surprised just how much I can do. Washing, cleaning, washing dogs, typing, playing with kids, crafting, cooking, threading needles…. just about everything! The only tricky thing is stuff like trying to peel stickers and do up fiddly little buttons. The trick is all in the length you choose which is why for me, I generally choose the short sqaure length and only have long ovals for particular occasions. I do get a few more typos wearing these nails, but nothing too serious.
But what about all the bling, does it stay on?
Pretty much. I may loose a diamante or two in three weeks, but overall they are great. It is all in how well they are applied and how long you let them dry. I apply the decorations with superglue, give everything a finishing lacquer coat and let them dry for at least 24 hours.
Where do you get your ideas?
From that dangerous place called my brain! Seriously, sometimes I know exactly the result I want, other times I start with a colour or mood in mind and spend a few hours in front of the T.V painting one by one as ideas strike.
Are they expensive?
Not at all. A box of 200 nails is available at Priceline for $14.95. I tend to buy $3 polishes with the odd fancy $20 bottle thrown in. Diamantes, pearls etc I get from various craft supply stores, eBay, even the Reject shop. So each set comes out at only a few dollars if that. Pretty great for a three week manicure!
So, that should just about cover it, but if you have any more questions please feel free to ask away in the comments.
If this has inspired you to give it a go, check out these blogs for loads more information, polish reviews and great colour ideas.
