Nails - Gel Overlays or Biosculpting??

Have you tried acrylic? You can have it as just an overlay straight onto your nail to make it stronger, they don't need to stick a false nail on either. So you can get it as short as you want.

I have bio sculpture on my nails and I love it. They can build up the length a little if you like, or if you have them now they'll keep your nails strong so they'll grow naturally before your wedding I used to have acrylics but when I had them taken off my natural nail was ruined underneath

I have just started with Biosculpture Gel and they are fab. They are just like having nail varnish on, which lasts for about 3 weeks-fab. Also, your natural nails aren't destroyed by them.

Definitely recommend biosculpture/calgel. I have this done every fortnight.

It's much better for your nails and if you have it on a couple of times your nails will grow out and look fab (they don't break with gel on).

Yeah I only want it for the wedding. I've recently had ascrylic extensions for my friends wedding and they got on my nerves about 2 days later because I don't like having long nails.

Definately like the sound of gel overlays so just looking for a salon near me that'll do it now!

Hijacking thread, sorry! Is this sort of thing expensive? I have real problems growing my nails without them breaking and I don't really like the look of falsies so want to find some sort of compromise that isn't going to break the bank!

It probably depends where you are in the country (I am in the South) as I'm sure the price will vary, but I have BioSculpture and the initial overlay is £30, then I have to have them infilled every 3 weeks or so which is £25. I have them french, so the growth doesn't notice as much as with a solid colour.

It is totally better than acrylic though, as the gel is just painted over your natural nail which continues to grow underneath. When I do have it removed completely my nails are still strong. Had my infills done today in fact!!

Really depends where you live re the price.

I live in Yorkshire and I pay £25 every two weeks for a full fresh set of biosculpture or calgel nails (whichever colour I'm in the mood for!)

Well i've been looking in my area and prices seem to be around £30 but go up to £40 so definately more expensive than acrylic extensions but i'm defo gonna go for gel bio sculpting as it seems a lot nicer on your natural nails from what ive found on the internet.

Ooh that's not too bad. Might have to give it a whirl. My poor nails get a lot of abuse at work so I need to do something to make them pretty/stronger!

I keep my nails short with wearing contact lenses + I get the gel overlays on my own nails - no extensions or sculpting. When I get them french manicured I just get the beautician to paint a white strip, even though there is no tip on my nails if that makes sense? Makes my nails look longer + I can trim them as they grow + still have a white strip - no one has ever noticed anything! Looks the part Lol .

WSS!

My nails are also short and my friend who is a beautician said that I should get CalGel nails a month before the wedding, and then have them redone a few days before hand. Basically, it's a gel nail polish which just gets painted straight on to your nail and lasts between 4 - 6 weeks. She said that having it done a month before the wedding means that my nails underneath will not break because the gel is so strong. Then if I get them redone a few days before the wedding, they will definitely see me through my 2weeks honeymoon. The gel is not harmful to the nails like acrylic is.

Hey!

Totally get what you mean — it can be confusing with so many different options out there. From what you've described, gel overlays sound like exactly what you're after. They go straight over your natural nails (no tips), so you can keep them as short as you like but still get that strength and smooth finish.

Biosculpture, Shellac and Builder Gel" (BIAB) is a really nice option too — it’s lighter and kinder on the nails, and it still gives you a long-lasting, clean look. Plus, it won’t damage your natural nails underneath, which is a big bonus if you’re thinking long-term.

If you just want a bit of shape, strength, and that neat French manicure style without extra length, I think either would work great. Hope that helps a bit!