Talk me in or out of doing this

I've been debating for awhile now about buying an acrylic nail kit from Walgreens and doing my nails at home. I don't normally wear acrylic nails, I have had them done in the past (and really enjoyed them).  I just am not sure if I should actually go buy a kit or not.

One, I'm scared it's a foolish purchase - it is only about $20 for the kit, so I wouldn't be out too much  money, but I'm just thinking I could royally mess up the application process. Two, I know acrylic isn't great for nails, and I could just grow my own out, so maybe I shouldn't..

However, despite all that I still just want to buy it and try it out. So what say all you?

I'm not aesthetically inclined, so I probably would just try to grow my nails out :P Trying to do acryllic on yourself? Yikes! lol I know I'd probably do more damage than good. .. If you've got a buddy who can do them for you though, you might be on to a good idea :) Let us know if you decide to do it!

I am practicing enjoying my body's natural beauty.  Actually, I keep my nails short in order to play piano and guitar.  There is more to life than putting sheets of polymer on your fingertips!

I had my nails "done" professionally last summer.  It was a gift.  Nice at the time (first two weeks).  I couldn't afford to keep up on the maintenance with them, and after 3 months I finally got sick of them and removed them myself.  Since the tops of the nails had been filed so the a'crap'ilic would adhere, it took my nails another 8 months to grow out to where they wern't breaking off all the time.  They weren't practical anyhow.  I agree with msheeran on the "natural beauty" part.  IMO, it is a waste of money (either professionally done or a kit).  They look like hell if you don't keep them up.  I've got better things to do with my time and money. 

The simplified answer to you from me is DON'T DO IT.

I bought a kit a long time ago, and I don't know if it was me or the kit, but it did not turn out as it does when it's done professionally. Not at all. I personally wouldn't bother. It looked horrible and was a pain to get off.

If you do do it, let me know how it turned out so I know whether it was me or not.

I like sagittari's phrase: "I'm not aesthetically inclined." I used to do the full hair-color, nails, pedi routine but I have found that I much more enjoy compliments when they are about the real me. I quit coloring my hair and it's grown in full of silvery gray. I can't believe how many women compliment my hair and think it's beautiful. I say try it girlfriend, save money, save yourself from the toxic exposure and see how naturally beautiful your hair can be. My husband loves it and thinks it's classier than the best dye job. I know that's not nails but it's similar - take care of your own nails, eat healthy to get the healthiest nails possible, give yourself a lovely french manicure and you'll really be able to enjoy the compliments. And you'll avoid breathing the fumes and suffocating your nail beds. And enjoy the $$ you'll save.

I don't know about the "doing it yourself" kit, but after a decrease in pay, I decided my acrylic nails had to go.  That was 6 months ago and my real nails are still sufferering from the 3 years that they were under that crap.  I agree with steeninco...  Why not put the effort into your real nails.  Start with a nice manicure from a local joint and then keep it going with home care.  Everyday I miss the "look" of my acrylics, but realizing how it hurt my own nails, I would NEVER go back.  Like Momma said DON'T DO IT!

You should do your research about nail salons around your location and see if they can do acrylics at a reasonable price.... I could never trust myself at doing that - I would ROYALLY screw up, but perhaps you have a steadier hand? 

I still have yet to decide, so I'm thinking that is a bit of a sign in and of itself. I've just had a hell of a time growing 'em out and wanted to give it a try, we'll see. Thanks for all the input.

I'm 24. My mom said I started biting my nails when I was 2 years old (after watching my dad do it on a car ride from Virginia to Ohio when we were moving). I was just able to finally stop biting my nails about 4 months ago. They grow pretty slow but it's worth it. I've had acrylics before (from the salon) and they destroyed my nails. I finally have nails that are starting to grow in stronger. You can also take a vitamin supplement to help your nails. 

Since you're still undecided I take that to mean you'll probably go ahead and buy the kit.  IMO the kit will not give you the nails you want.  If you want acrylics go and have them done, but as others have said, once you start, you need to keep getting them filled.  

It does weaken your nails and they do look like crap once you pop them off.  On the other hand they look lovely when they're just done.  The kit though sounds like it won't deliver -- unless you've had experience doing acrylic nails.  Also you can get some scummy infections so please be careful.

I'm always late to threads.

If you decide to let your natural nails grow, I have  a tip.  Get a vitamin E (found mine in the vitamin section at the pharmacy).  I was using vitamin E on a scar for a few weeks and noticed that my nails were getting stronger and growing like crazy.  I've always had very weak nails that peel and crack but they're beautiful now!

did anyone mention how bacteria can get all up in those nasty acrylic nails and fester - just waiting to get someone sick?

I cringe everytime I visit the MIL because she's got her hands in the food with those nasty ass acrylics I want to HURL.

if you're right-handed, how good do you think your right hand will look (since you'll have to do it with your left hand)? or if you're left-handed...

unless you're ambidextrous (have no dominant hand) I wouldn't even consider it

best of luck!

(i like the vitamin idea)

Original Post by nomoreexcuses:

if you're right-handed, how good do you think your right hand will look (since you'll have to do it with your left hand)? or if you're left-handed...

unless you're ambidextrous (have no dominant hand) I wouldn't even consider it

best of luck!

(i like the vitamin idea)

 I'd give my left arm to be ambidextrous.

I tried the kit quite a few years ago. It won't give you the results you'd like. You can't file your dominant hand as well as you'd like. You won't be able to paint the acrylic on your dominant hand anywhere near as well as you'd like.

The only reason why I tried the kit was because I smashed the middle finger on my right hand at work cracking the nail down the middle about half way to the cuticle. I couldn't get it to grow out because everytime the nail would grow a little I'd catch it on something and it would crack further down. I tried bandages, super glue and the nail kit. I even went to the nail salon and had the professional nails put on to try to get my middle nail to grow out long enough to get past the split. All that did was to damage all my nails.

Don't waste your money.

Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to give up on the idea for now anyways. I know my nails can grow nicely if I give them the attention, I've just been lazy about it these days, so I think instead of the kit I'll spend the 20 bucks on some nice polishes and files/buffers, and all that good stuff. Thanks for all the advice!