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Nails and More Nails:

This week, Airdrie gives Kerry Anne a lesson about artificial nails. Gels, acrylics, airbrushing, embedded gems, and removal; they're all covered. Don't do this!

Airdrie also gave Kerry Anne her first (and last!) set of fake nails before we recorded the podcast.

About Acrylic Nails:

The most commonly applied artificial nail enhancement is the acrylic nail. Acrylic nails are created from two separate products which are mixed and applied to your nails in the salon. The first compound is a liquid (monomer), and the second is a powder (polymer). If you see the esthetician dipping a brush into a little container of powder, you know you are getting the acrylic nails. Often a tip is glued-on first to elongate the surface of the nail upon which the acrylic mixture is brushed. Nails can then be shaped, polished, or covered with a UV gel compound.

Buyer beware: Often the natural nail is filed-down to accommodate for the added bulk of the acrylic nail. When the acrylic nail is removed, the nail underneath is weakened, and will need to completely grow out to become healthy again.

About UV Gel Nails:

The popular UV gel nail is a one step process. A clear gel (which is also an acrylic, but different that the traditional acrylic nail) is painted over the natural nail, and is cured under an ultra-violet (UVB) lamp. An exothermic reaction occurs, and your nails may feel slightly warm. It takes only about 3 minutes for your nails to be dry and ready to go.

Often the UV gel is applied over an acrylic base and tip to give you a longer length.

Some salons offer white UV gel on the tips for a French manicure look . Other salons will airbrush a white tip before applying the gel for a French Manicure.

For an extra charge you can have a design airbrushed onto your nails before the gel is applied, or have little jewels embedded in the gel before it cures. I've even seen women get their nail tips "pierced" and a little silver hoop put through the hole, like earrings for your nails. While Kerry Anne might call this feature "porny", it is a popular style with many women. Let us know what nail adornments you've seen at the local bingo hall, and we'll read your letter out on air.

Both acrylic and gel nails provide a long-wearing nail, and seldom chip or break, especially in the shorter lengths. They do, however, grow out with your nail leaving a space at the cuticle that needs to be filled-in every 3-6 weeks, depending on how fast your nails grow, and how much of a gap you can tolerate. "Fills" can become costly, and getting them done can become tiresome for the active woman, so find a nail place closed to home or work if you are committed.

If you are applying polish over your acrylic or gel nails, be sure to use a non-acetone polish remover to remove it, so as not to damage the finish.

If you want to abandon ship, be sure to have the nails removed by the nail technician. DO NOT try to save money and peel them off yourself. You may injure your nail bed. OUCH!!

About Salon Prices:

Salon prices vary greatly. Try to pick a salon based on recommendation, as not all salons use the best quality products. Some salons are also more ventilated and comfortable. Be prepared to spend at the most two hours in the salon, depending on what you are having done.

Drugstore Options

Most drug stores offer an plethora of instant manicure options: the glue-on or press-on nails. These are a quick fix, but do not provide results as nice as the salon. Airdrie likes them better than Kerry-Anne. I would recommend trying a glue-on set for fun, but don't expect them to stay on through a week's vacation or honeymoon. There's nothing worse than finding an old glue-on nail floating in the hot-tub at the hotel. YUK.

Artificial Toe-nails:

Options are available, but don't even go there. Airdrie tested-out the Revlon artificial toe-nails and found them to be horrible. The worst part is you can't wear runners or any other closed-toed shoe with them, which pretty much locks you into flip-flops or sandals. Save your money and get a good salon pedicure instead.

More information on Artifical Nails:

There is a great online resource about all artificial nails at Hooked On Nails, written by nail artist Marti Preuss. Preuss was given the prestigious honour of being chosen as one fo the most influential nail technicians of the 1990's by Nails Magazine.

Summer Reading:

A Certain Chemisty: A Novel by Mil Millington
Persuasion by Jane Austen

Reality Check:

We discuss the recent Courtney Cox-Arquette interview from magazine Marie Claire's August 2006 issue. Props to Courtney for having an honest discussion with the mag about post-partum depression, body image and her opinion on plastic surgery.

Today's Song: "Books Written for Girls" by Camera Obscura

Sunsets And Silhouettes