Manicures without polish?

I have horrible, horrible nails.

Regular manicures chip and peel after 2 days.

I got the OPI Axxium, that peeled OFF my nails after 2 days.

I got the CND shellac. It looks good after 6 days except for the ends - those were worn after 2 days and look awful. Plus I've heard that removal with the 100% acetone destroys your nails.

I want tips but those destroy your nails too, and truth be told, I can't afford them.

Would it even be worth it to get a mani like once a week (I'm thinking around $10 with tip?) - will that help my nails? I just need them to look professional and I feel like they never do.

I do them myself at home sometimes, but I have no time anymore. I haven't had a pedicure since the summer

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Right now I go every 2 weeks (but sometimes I go every week when I have the time) and get no color polish. I bring my Nailtiques #2 and let them put one coat of that on. It's the only thing that keeps my nails from peeling and breaking. If I put polish on it chips in 2 days and makes my nails weaker! I choose to go to the salon over doing them myself because they seem to break less when they cut them and file them for me.

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YES LB, Definitely!

I love going every wk....and my nails I have to say look great.
I always get polish but you dont have to, just get a topcoat, like Nail Envy.

Sometimes I go 2wks but honestly I tend to be rough with hands, washing dishes, i waitress p/t so after a wk and 1/2 they look like crap.

I enjoy that 45min alone, getting pampered unless my 3yr old has begged to come.

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Posted by Smileyd17

I enjoy that 45min alone, getting pampered unless my 3yr old has begged to come.

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I was going to suggest Nailtiques #2 as well.

Def do it!

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LB, here is what I do. Manicure every other week to clean up my hands. I cut my nails as short as possible and shape them. I use a color like Essie Sugar Daddy or OPI Bubble Bath-neither show when they chip and the short nails are easier to maintain. You can pick up a bottle of either and I get Out the Door top coat to touch up. Touch up with said top coat every two days. It works, trust me. This will also be my game plan when I return to work. If you have time, manicure weekly, but at least bi-weekly. But the combo of short nails and pale color with a every other day application of top coat will stretch your manicure.

Re: Manicures without polish?

Posted by munchkinfacemama

LB, here is what I do. Manicure every other week to clean up my hands. I cut my nails as short as possible and shape them. I use a color like Essie Sugar Daddy or OPI Bubble Bath-neither show when they chip and the short nails are easier to maintain. You can pick up a bottle of either and I get Out the Door top coat to touch up. Touch up with said top coat every two days. It works, trust me. This will also be my game plan when I return to work. If you have time, manicure weekly, but at least bi-weekly. But the combo of short nails and pale color with a every other day application of top coat will stretch your manicure.

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I get a manicure every other week with no polish at all. In between I use this: Onsen Nail Buffer
It looks like I have a clear polish on!

They sell this at the kiosks in the mall.

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I do it all the time b/c I have no patience to sit and let it dry nor do I enjoy it chipping the next day. If anything, I'll get clear and paint on my own time.

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I've been thinking the same thing. I think I am just going to go with clear coats of polish, so that the chips and peeling are less noticeable.

I got the CND Shellac and I have to say I loved it.... except for the price, I was charged $30 at my salon. I was told 2 weeks, because of the growth. Well, it lasted 10 days. A small chip at the tip of my nail and the polish just peeled off in one full sheet of polish. I actually removed the rest myself. Pure acetone with a cotton ball and let it sit on each nail for 2 minutes and then just peeled it off. Did not affect my natural nails at all - which was part of the love factor for me.

I would do it again, except not do any house work at all to avoid the chips in it down the line

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I never get polish on my nails after having a baby-- before her, I always got clear because of the chipping. I can't get it done every week, but I still like my nails looking manicured. Sometimes I pay extra for a buff.

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I usually get mani without polish and when I tell them its because I have a baby, then nod like they've heard it before. I used to used my own color and just do touch ups every few days. I also used to get a mani/pedi once week.

On occasion, Ill get polish and since it chips like the next day, I'm usually taking it off as soon as I get a chance.

I totally hear you, I have the same problem, nail polish wont stick and when it does it chips.

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No polish girl here. I just have them buff my nails.