JustJodie: Gel Nails V Shellac

This is how my crazy nail obsession started...

Getting my nails done has been a growing obsession from this time last year. I have an office job working for Admiral car insurance, this means I'm constantly at my desk tapping away at my computer, having my nails done in a way it gives me confidence. When I first started having my nails done I liked having shellac with the natural length of my nails, it gives a lovely finish to my natural nail, but shellac chipped very easily. The picture below are my nails I had to go on holiday last July, just to add I don't do my own nails. I go to a place in Cardiff and a lovely polish lady does them for me named Maggie, she does my nails to perfection. I'm the definitely the girl for the latest trends and inspiration when getting your nails pampered. I get my nails done about every 3 weeks sometimes sooner just because I love trying out new designs.

Gel nails are by far the best!

Around August last year I decided to change to having gel nails, the difference is unreal these nails will last up to 4 weeks maybe even longer. Where as shellac you'd be lucky to last 2 weeks. The benefits of gel is that you can use normal nail varnish over the top so if you get bored of one colour you can switch and change the shape of your nail if you wanted. Shellac unfortunately you cant change the colour of and if you use a nail file it chips the shellac. Gel nails are also much easier to take off, my beautician just files the nails down and then does a new set on top. One of the beauty's of gel is if you are really good like Maggie you can create tips to lengthen your nails, which I quite often had done before my real length. Finding the right place to get your nails done can be challenging, lucky for me the first place I went too I couldn't fault.

Currently the nails I have at the moment I have decided to go for a bright new pink colour to start of the new year. Having gel nails for a while now has allowed my natural nails to grow so they are my real length, with a rounded shape to make them look more natural. Recently I have loved having the pointed nails because its easier to manage on a day to day basis.

Tip- Do not get ripped off! I pay £18 for a set of gel nails without any design. If I want a design like the second picture, it varies from £20-£22. I hear so many people pay at least £30 pound which is crazy money.

If your looking for ideas or inspiration my previous nails here are below. These designs can be used at any time of the year, or if you want a new look for spring 2015 take a look. Personally I like to have designs its adds a little unique touch, each image below are all nails I designed myself and then Maggie my beautician does the job.