I did one of my fashion experiments again recently

I know....I can hear you saying "Oh come on ShockQueen.....ANOTHER experiment???"

Hey....all life is an experiment.  It's up to us to see what we want to dabble into!

For this one, I had decided I was tired of my natural nails breaking, tearing, or getting ugly all the time....and I wanted something nicer! The following is copied from my LiveJournal:

14th-Mar-2008 12:42 pm - The Nail Files - Part One

So I did an experiment to see how I could keep my nails from breaking, and my method of choice was to get a set of acrylic nails done. Yeah, I know.....I'm crazy, but what else is new, right?

For anyone who hasn't done this, it's an interesting experience to be sure.

I went to a nice place in the mall, and after calling ahead to make sure there was time available, the nice lady asked if it was for me. I told her it was, and then she commented on how wide my thumbs were.

I have wide thumbs? Well, I guess measured next to their usual clientele, I do.

She didn't even flinch. I like that. So we go to select what type, and she showed me some fairly clear ones, and some french white ones. I figure since this was an experiment, why not go for broke? "White please" I said, and she started going to town. She had to get a bit creative for the thumbs, but she didn't do too badly (nothing that can't be corrected further come fill time), but the whole process was pretty straightforward.

Again, if you haven't done this before, this is what she did. She first clipped my regular nails down, and then did a light grinding to rough up the surface. She then glued the white ends, after which it looks like you have claws, and then they trim down to the desired length. Once that is done, they shape the end some, and then start applying the acryic overlay onto the whole shebang, shaping as they go. The only part that is coloured is the end - the rest is natural. After all the overlaying is done, then they shape the rest of the way, have you wash to get rid of the dust, and put on a clear topcoat - very nice. You then sit with your hands under UV lamps for about 4 minutes. That's about it.

Nice thing is, it does make your nails VERY hard, so I doubt mine will chip anytime soon. I just have to go back in 2-3 weeks for my first filling session.

It hasn't really affected my typing much, so I think I'll be keeping these a while, and have fun. Should be interesting!

16th-Mar-2008 12:23 pm - The Nail Files - Part Two

Well, it's been two days now since my appointment at the salon, and aside from a few more typing errors, my days have been pretty much unchanged. Truth be told, I've had natural nails just about as long as I have them now, so it's really not that much of a change - just more visible since the ends are whiter than what might be deemed natural. Nobody's really said anything, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a small change that's not really "out there". I've re-learned how to open soda cans, and haven't really dropped my typing speed, so if those were my two biggest hurdles, I have nothing to worry about, other than just making sure I do the upkeep every 2-3 weeks at the salon.

The good news is - I doubt they'll break anymore unless I do something really stupid, so I feel I've accomplished my goal. Go me!

17th-Mar-2008 09:01 pm - The Nail Files - Part 3: A Red Letter Day

Today was a really good day. Not sure exactly why, but I guess I'm still kinda riding the fun feeling after my salon trip on Thursday. At first I thought I would run into some heckles and giggles, but the few that have noticed have been very positive about the change, and are now considering doing it themselves. Granted, the only ones who have noticed were women, but hey...it's all good. One of my friends about work just about cracked the desk with her jaw when she noticed while we were talking. I guess she's gonna go do it too.

I even got a compliment from my own supervisor on how nice they turned out! That was a bit of a rush in of itself.

Do I need affirmation from anyone? I've never thought so, but I guess it doesn't hurt either when it is offered. I guess it's just nice to be able to push a small boundary and not get any flak for it from anyone.

I think the experiment will continue for quite some time, so I'll just set myself up for regular appointments for my fills and just be happy that I can go get some pampering once a payday.

19th-Mar-2008 10:18 am - The Nail Files - Part 4: Maintaining

Ever since my change last week, I've been doing research on nail care. Funny how something like this causes need for research. So I did some searching on acrylic care, and found that it's a good idea to re-do the topcoat that is used every 3 days or so - just clear nail polish really, so last night I went to the local Wal-Mart to find my target.

I looked through the aisles, and the associate there stocking asked if I needed any help, so I just explained what I was looking for, and she pointed it right out to me. She had tried actylics too, but just didn't care for them. I got some good Sally Hansen clear coat, and made sure to get the non-acetone remover. Then I got home and did the ritual - first, take off the old topcoat, and then apply the new. I'm sure I'll get better at this step, but they turned out just fine, and are back to full shine once again.

I saw another article that says some secretaries get acrylics since they type a lot, and need something sturdy. Well, I type a lot too, so I guess that makes sense. I know there are other options, but this is what i chose, and am quite happy with it.

21st-Mar-2008 10:54 am - The Nail Files - Part 5: One week later

Well, so far, I've learned to re-do my topcoat, and just learning how to maintain nails once you have them done. They don't seem to have grown much at all, so I should be good with setting an appointment two weeks from today. I've gotten used to them already, and aside from a few more backspaces in my typing, everything is all good. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess, but I've received lots of supportive comments from friends and colleagues, so this will be the norm for me for quite some time now. My friend Peeps thinks I should experiment with different colours, but I'm fine with what I have, and it doesn't require much forethought as far as maintenance goes. I've started posting on Yahoo answers lately in the fashion section, so that's been a bit of fun - I've even gotten a "best answer" letter on one of the ones I responded to, so maybe my interest in fashion has finally born some fruit.

and the experiment continues.....with much success.....

28th-Mar-2008 12:07 pm - The Nail Files: Part 6 - The Two-Week Mark

It's now been just over 2 weeks since I had my nails done, and they are holding up really well! I've put on some Sally Hansen clear polish once or twice just to keep up appearances, and then a week from tomorrow, I go in for my first "fill" appointment. I had thought about seeing if they have a color that gives them a more "pearlized" appearance, but we'll see what happens.

I'm doing some research to see if I can swim with them - just going to make sure it doesn't damage the investment I've put into these already. Other than that, no problems! It's become pretty much of a normal thing at the workplace - no one seems to even give it second thought anymore (not that I'm complaining).

I also switched from keeping my stuff in my pockets to one of those organizer handbags that looks a bit like a small satchel, so that way it's easier to get to everything. Just one revelation after another I suppose.

31st-Mar-2008 10:23 pm - The Nail Files - Part 7: Closing on fill time

I've made some observations about the care and feeding of acrylic nails, much of which I've found online through beauty websites or Yahoo answers. While the nice UV coat does do well for a while as a topcoat, a nice thin layer of Sally Hansen is nice for maintenance between fill sessions. Also, if you are doing anything mechanical, like filling brake fluid, keep it off your nails - that stuff may not damage the acrylic, but it will strip the polish off - minor annoyance, I know.

At this point, I can tell they will be definitely ready for a fill come Saturday (Friday if I can push it up), so I'm looking forward to that appointment. I might do something different, like a pearlescent sheen or something, but I don't know....it depends on what I'm in the mood for.

Just another part of my life to upkeep now....but with a dash more style. I actually got a compliment from a gentleman who is enlisting my services for website artwork, which was pretty cool. I guess when you take special care of yourself (or more likely, do something truly out of the norm), it gets noticed, and in a very positive way. Gives me reason to update the rest of my appearance now. This could be dangerous.....HAR!

6th-Apr-2008 09:27 am - The Nail Files - Part 8: The First Fill

I had my first filll appointment yesterday, and everything went well. She got to a late start, which you should expect, especially on a Saturday. It actually seemed to take longer for a fill than it did originally. She noticed I had some yellowing on the nail, which she took care of. I was told that bleach can do that, so I just have to be careful when washing dishes, doing the brake fluid in the car (caustic stuff I guess), and no swimming for me, due to the chlorine. I didn't have her trim them down any, which we'll see if that was a mistake or not, but on the next appointment, I'll have her file them down some for sure. She did hit the skin a couple of times, but overall, she did yet another amazing job!

I was told perhaps I should be using lotion on my hands more, so since I have ready access to said product, that shouldn't be a problem. I kept them the french manicure style, so no wild colours as of yet. I think you can paint them different colours and still have the french underneath as long as you use the non-acetone remover on the colour layer (just put a topcoat protect layer on first). Next appointment in 2 weeks!

13th-Apr-2008 12:07 pm - The Nail Files: Part 9 - Getting Ready For First Filing

It's been over a month now since I started the experiment, and they have been holding up really well - I'm impressed! I think it's time to have them trimmed back JUST a touch to keep them at the proper length, because while I am getting used to typing with my nails, I just don't want to get hampered by them to the point where I slow down too much.

Last time, I just had the backfill done, but this time, it'll call for some filing and rebalancing to keep the look the way I want it to. I figure I'll just have them put more white acrylic on where needed, so that way I don't have to worry about the painting part - might cost a touch extra, but hey, for less worry, it's all good. I've been using the Sally Hansen nice and shiny "hard as nails" stuff, which really makes them look nice. I haven't experimented with any other colours yet, but at least with the two-tone acrylic in place, I can do so, and go back whenever I feel like it. I haven't broken any yet, so I'm doing good!

30th-Apr-2008 07:38 pm - The Nail Files: Part 10 - Colour And Conclusions

So it's been about a month and a half since I started this experiment, and I think it's continuing to go well! I've managed to not break any of my nails off, and I've started learning how to paint them. Right now, they're a nice shiny platinum color, and so far there have been no ill effects from this change. The color comes right off when needed, so I'm safe there. This upcoming weekend, I intend to get some nail art done that I thought was just awesome looking. We'll see where this road leads. I hope to do up a picture of them once they're done too. I've gotten used to the idea of having fashionable hands, and people I work and exist around seem to have acclamated to the changes rather well too. It's given me incentive to re-do my fashion wardrobe, which now includes flared jeans, some moderate heels, and fashionable barrettes to keep my hair in place when I don't want it in my face.

Granted I still get my fair share of stares, but if they can't handle it, it's not my problem. I've evolved from carrying my stuff in my pockets to carrying a discrete purse around, which I enjoy a LOT more, and doesn't make me look like a pack mule. Once again, I have asserted my individuality, and it has had a very positive result.

3 Nov-2008 12:50 pm - The Nail Files: Part 11 (update) - The Aftermath

About a month ago, I had decided to not do any more fills and just grow them out naturally again.  The cost of $30 every 2-3 weeks was a bit much, and I didn't want to have to pay to have them removed.  During this time, I encountered a huge stumbling block - my middle nail cracked hard after catching it on a doorway, which also tore part of the natural nail under it.  I soaked off the acryics in acetone, and buffed out the natrual nails underneath. With the exception of the one damaged nail, they weathered everything beautifully!  I now just wear nail polish with a top coat, and eventually will have all my nails even length again.  One of my friends said they look even better now than with the acrylics, so in the end I did keep one new habit, so it wasn't all in vain.  I'm just now hooked on OPI polish and love to keep my nails nice.

It all came out good in the end.  I call this experiment a huge success overall.