Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I have the gel mani now by Opi and while it's definitely much better than a regular, old-fashioned manicure it barely lasts the two weeks it's supposed to. I've heard that the permanent French lasts much longer but I'm wondering it's more damaging to the natural nail.

Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I believe it is way less damaging to do gel or shellac.

Mine always last longer than 2 weeks. I can go over a month.

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I don't know anything about a Permanent French but I had shellac done at the end of August. One nail chipped in less than 24 hrs, had it retouched, and all of it peeled/chipped off within 6 days. It's now exactly 4 months since I had it done and my nails are still weak and brittle. Never Again.

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

ive had mine for a month as well. i am getting them re-done tomorrow because my nails grew out and it looks silly.

just take breaks as much as you can btwn manicures. i can go a month or 2 without getting my nails done.

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I can keep my Gel manicure for about a month. I just file them down, because I like them really short. It is definitely alot less damaging than having arcylic or permenant french . I had arcylic for over 10 years , and after 3 years of not having nails, they are just now starting to get stronger ..

Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I think it's much less damaging. I've never really noticed any damage to my nails from color gel. My place normally uses Essie color gel and Gelish is also good.

Message edited 12/24/2013 12:16:50 PM.

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I had both Opi and Shellac and both destroyed my nails underneath. I don't think its much, if any better, than perm French or any type of fake nail.

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I think the issue I find with Shellac or Gel manicures is the removal.
Soaking your nails in acetone for the time it takes to get it off is not good for your nails.
Acetone is SOOOO drying.
I always make sure to wash my hands immediately after I am done and then put coconut oil all over my nails and cuticles.
I let it soak in overnight and then do my nails myself the next day.
I try to only do Shellac or Gel for special occassions, vacations etc.
Not every time.

Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I never had issues with shellac damaging my nails. I wonder why. I don't do it often so maybe thats why?

My nails are usually very strong as it is. Not sure what brand I used but I've gone a month with it. The nails grow and show the white in the bottom of the nail, but everything still looked pretty nice.

I just love that it doesn't chip. I'm not a princess - I clean and clean and clean and no chips! Amazed me.

Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I've only done a Gel French one time and yes, it destroyed my nails when removing it. The acetone soaking did not work, I had to pick and file it off, leaving my nails all thin and scratched up for months till they grew out. As much as I loved it, I wont do it again because of that.

Re: Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

I do a shellac manicure every now and then and I love it! NO damage to my nails at all. Maicure lasts at least 2 week (a regular manicure doesn't last a day with me!)...

I did permanent french once and was nails suffered a lot! Very thin after and took forever to grow and gain strength again.

Is a Gel Manicure (Opi or Shellac) Less Damaging than Permanent French?

If you get a permanent French in hard Gel, its meant to get rebalanced/refilled after every 3 weeks. Its not really meant to come off like acrylic. I've heard mixed reviews for OPI gel polish. Have you tried CND Shellac? It'll last the 14 days (make sure to put cuticle oil on them everyday) and has no damage to the nail.