Got my nails done finally after 2 years

I am glad I finally went and got them done and I finally found an artist here where I live that does gel x nails. They turned out so cute.

2024/9/24 Edited to

... Read moreOMG, you guys, I'm still pinching myself! After literally two years of bare nails, I finally treated myself to a fresh set of Gel X nails, and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, finding the right nail artist is like striking gold, and I think I've finally found my person here locally! For those of you wondering what Gel X nails are all about, let me break it down from my experience. They're basically pre-shaped gel tips that are applied over your natural nail using a soft gel adhesive. Unlike acrylics or hard gel, they're much lighter and more flexible, which I absolutely love. The application process is surprisingly quick and gentle. My artist started by prepping my natural nails – a gentle buffing and cuticle care – before finding the perfect size Gel X tip for each finger. Then, after applying a bonding gel, she carefully pressed the tip onto my nail, curing it under an LED lamp. It's so cool how seamlessly they blend! The result is a strong, durable, but still natural-feeling extension. Now, let's talk about the design! I was so inspired by all the modern French manicure styles I've been seeing, and I really wanted something chic but with a bit of a twist. We went for an elegant almond shape, which I think really elongates my fingers. The base is a beautiful clear gel, giving that 'my nails but better' look, and then for the tips, we opted for this absolutely gorgeous burnt orange shade. It’s not your traditional white French tip, making it feel super fresh and trendy. The close-up detail of the clear base transitioning into the burnt orange tips is just stunning – it’s such a subtle yet impactful design. I love how it looks like a sophisticated update on a classic. I've always been a bit hesitant about extensions because of the potential damage, but Gel X feels totally different. My natural nails are still breathing underneath, and removal is just a gentle soak-off, no harsh drilling! If you're in my area (or anywhere, really!), I highly recommend searching for artists specializing in Gel X. Look at their portfolio for porthcawl nails photos or similar local searches to see their work, especially for detailed designs like this modern French. It’s worth taking the time to find someone who really understands technique and artistry. These nails are not just cute; they're practical too! They've held up perfectly through daily tasks, and I'm already planning my next set. If you've been contemplating Gel X, this is your sign! It's an amazing way to get beautiful, long-lasting nails without the commitment or potential damage of other extension types. Plus, the sheer variety of shapes and colors you can get with Gel X is incredible. I'm already dreaming of my next burnt orange tip variation!

Related posts

Nails
Finally after 2 years I got my nails done. Not the same as the photo but I’m happy with what I got. ⭐️Overall rating: 10/10 #nailinspo #whatigot #pinknails #lemon8bookclub #nailsideas
🌸 stephanie 🌸

🌸 stephanie 🌸

387 likes

A blue ink drawing of a woman's face on lined paper, with text stating a woman texted her deceased father's number for four years and received a reply.
She texted her Dad for 4 years after his death!
For four years after losing her father figure, Chastity Patterson kept texting his old phone number sharing her victories, heartbreaks, and dreams. On the fourth anniversary of his passing, she sent a message about beating cancer, graduating with honors, and finding strength through pain. That
Kathy

Kathy

186 likes

A hand displays long, coffin-shaped nails with a perfect pink-to-white ombre design, representing the desired nail style. The text overlay reads "WHAT I ASKED FOR VS...".
A hand shows poorly executed, solid white, almond-shaped nails with visible gaps at the cuticles, representing the unsatisfactory salon result. The text overlay reads "WHAT I GOT VS...".
A hand displays neatly done, medium-length, oval-shaped nails with a subtle pink-to-white ombre, showcasing the user's self-taught nail skills. The text overlay reads "what I learned how to do!".
The last time I got my nails ”professionally” done
They wanted $80 dollars for this atrocity. I asked the manager to redo them, and I’ve never been back to a nail salon since then! This is when I decided to learn to do my nails myself, and after lots of practice I even learned how to do the pink and white ombre! I do my own gelx every 2-3 weeks and
𝕡𝕒𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕪𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙

𝕡𝕒𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕪𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙

677 likes

A hand with long, white press-on nails featuring a subtle design, wearing a ring and beaded bracelet, with text indicating the cost of the nail sets is $6.24.
A hand with long, white press-on nails featuring a subtle design and a beaded bracelet, with text explaining the nails are done at home and last 3-4 weeks.
A text-based image listing the necessary items for applying press-on nails: press-on nails, nail glue, and nail trimmers, against a marbled blue background.
Most affordable & healthiest way to do your nails!
I am the type of person that always wants my nails to look good. It just makes me feel cleaner, confident, and more put together🥰 I wanted some low maintenance where I could do my nails once and have them done for the next 3-4 weeks. But, getting them done at the salon becomes expensive and damagi
karacardwell

karacardwell

2219 likes

A hand displays natural nails with some length and acrylic overlay, indicating the start of a nail journey in March 2023.
A hand shows short nails with square-shaped acrylic overlay, featuring gold foil and a logo design, from January 2022.
A hand displays square-shaped acrylic overlay nails with cute animal-like designs on the tips, marking nail growth in February 2022.
Acrylic Overlay Made my Nails Stronger
I began my nail journey in 2020, after a few years of getting gel polish and my nails always breaking, or getting acrylic with tips and my nail beds always ripping. I found a nail tech who introduced me to acrylic overlay, and I have loved it so much I have gotten my nails done once every month sin
Jalaya Gilmore

Jalaya Gilmore

1294 likes

A hand with iridescent blue press-on nails holds a Kindle covered in various stickers, with text indicating the nails last three months, highlighting the article's main topic.
A hand with iridescent blue press-on nails holds nail care essentials: a bottle of cuticle remover, a purple nail buffer, and a pink nail file case, used for nail preparation.
A hand with iridescent blue press-on nails holds two bottles of nail liquids: a nail dehydrator and an acid-free primer, essential products for press-on nail application.
How I Do My Press On Nails (Steps Included)
Going to the nail salon can be costly! I started doing my nails at home 2 years ago and I haven't gone back since! I originally started doing Gel X nails which I loved because I got to be creative and they lasted a long time. I soon began to realize that I didn't want to do Gel X every
Diamond

Diamond

636 likes

A hand with freshly done, light pink almond-shaped nails, wearing bracelets and a tattoo, against a striped background. Text overlay says 'Got my nails done after yearsss'.
Got my nails done after yearsss
Literally haven’t had tips in like 5 years since moving away from my nail lady of 10+ years and I can say confidently that I am very happy with them. I’ve been looking at pictures online for weeks trying to choose the right length color and shape and she helped me so so much. Don’t mind my knuckles
mayflowersx_

mayflowersx_

64 likes

The nails I wanted vs the ones I got! 💅🏼
I had a nail injury this January and swore I wasn't gonna get my nails done anymore. I felt like I had "boy hands" and while there's nothing wrong with saving a $100 on a fresh manicure, it was about time I got my natural nails shaped and pretty. I grew them out for 3 months and was
areohseawhy

areohseawhy

1736 likes

A hand with pink French tip nails featuring white hibiscus flowers, set against a Hawaiian beach background with blue ocean and palm trees. The text 'HAWAI'I VACATION NAILS' is at the top.
A hand with long, almond-shaped nails featuring yellow French tips and red hibiscus flower designs, holding a phone displaying other nail inspirations. The text 'inspo pt.1' is visible.
A hand with nails featuring yellow French tips and abstract red designs, against a blurred background of pink flowers. The text 'mine :(' indicates disappointment.
Vacation Nail disaster- before & after 🌺🐬🌈
Okay, so here's a little story time. I don't usually get my nails done, not because of the gym or anything like that, but mostly because I always get overcharged, and the nails never turn out the way I want. Over the past five years, I've visited many top-rated nail salons. Initiall
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

317 likes

A hand displays finished blue and white swirled gel nails, with text indicating a tutorial on doing nails at home. The image serves as a title slide for a nail art guide.
A hand with natural nails is shown next to a cuticle pusher tool. The accompanying text describes the first step of pushing back cuticles.
A hand with natural nails is positioned near a nail drill, nippers, and a nail file. The text explains the step of lightly drilling, cutting dead skin, and shaping the nails.
how i do my gel x nails at home
* i am not a licensed nail tech (yet 😉) so do with this what you will 🙃 after getting my nails done in the salon for 6 years i was determined to find a way to do them myself & gel x has lasted the longest while also being the easiest for me. it hasn't been an easy journey, it used to take
kenzie 🤎

kenzie 🤎

401 likes

A hand with damaged nails is shown at the top, contrasted with the same hand displaying repaired nails at the bottom. Text indicates a before and after comparison of nail repair.
A person's hands are opening a white and pink box labeled 'DR. DANA NAIL RENEWAL SYSTEM'. The box contains products for a natural nail repair kit.
A hand is shown using black nail clippers with a pink handle to trim a nail. The image illustrates the first step of clipping nails.
Years of acrylics ruined my nails! So I fixed them
✨This Kit has everything you need to maintain healthy looking nails while your healthy nails grow back ! ✨The steps took me no more than 20 mins & right after you can add polish if you like! ✨Repeat these steps every 2 weeks & keep nails short to avoid excessive breakage. ✨This
Emmeka.IRL

Emmeka.IRL

109 likes

A young woman with red and black braids, wearing glasses and a blue Rust College face mask, holds signs indicating 'Freshman Year' and '4 years of college' with an arrow.
A young woman takes a mirror selfie in a bathroom, wearing a light blue face mask, a striped crop top, and blue jeans.
A young woman takes a mirror selfie, wearing a black t-shirt, light pants, and red sneakers, with text 'RUST COLLEGE Holly Springs, MS' overlaid.
4 YEARS ⬇️ THE DRAIN 🥺💔??
LONG POST ALERT BUT PLS BARE WITH ME. I really didn’t think I would graduate from my HBCU, let alone on time. I graduated high school at age 17 in 2020, during the COVID pandemic and came straight to college on a full ride scholarship. Looking back, if I could decide to not graduate early I would.
Kenzieee🫶🏾

Kenzieee🫶🏾

650 likes

A hand with long, natural nails featuring French tips, with text overlay 'HOW I grew MY NAILS' indicating a guide to nail growth.
A collection of dietary supplement bottles, including 'Sea Moss' and 'Biotin Collagen & Keratin', illustrating the first tip for nail growth: taking supplements.
Four skincare products, including essences, a serum, and a moisturizing gel, representing the second tip for nail care: incorporating skin and nail care routines.
How I FINALLY grew my natural nails 💅🏽
If you’re trying to grow your nails.. girl, I gotchu. These are the 4 things I did that not only helped my nails grow but also kept them from breaking. 💊 Número 1️⃣ : Supplements If you eat a balanced diet this might not be needed, though I still highly recommend 🫶🏽 Getting some minerals and
Lily🌻

Lily🌻

486 likes

A person's hands and feet display matching yellow spring nail art. The long, clear acrylic nails feature yellow tips, intricate yellow swirls, and delicate white flower decals with small rhinestones, set against a white furry background.
Help me choose my Spring Nails
So i finally got back into giving myself maintenance after having my daughter 2 years ago. So Im due for my next fill in and wanted help choosing which nail inspo should I try next. I love yellow but I work in the healthcare setting and so I’ve been doing plain looks. #travelwithme2024 #Lemon8D
Charrell Mason

Charrell Mason

1188 likes

How To Remove The Press On Nails💅
"Nail emergency? We've got your back!🙌 Tired of boring nails that chip after 2 days? Our handmade press-ons are: 💎Salon-quality (but 10x easier!) 💎Reusable - Wear them 50+ times! 💎100+ designs from office-chic to party-glam Plus: No more waiting 3 hours at a salon! Apply while bin
MoonnovateNails

MoonnovateNails

99 likes

Why Muslim girls can’t get nails done
Only took 2004 years to find a solution 💅💅💍
Versa Beauty

Versa Beauty

4 likes

How to make your press on nails last
I’m a press on nail girly through and through and after years of wearing them I’ve finally mastered how to make them last two weeks! Step 1: apply cuticle remover and use the stick to push the cuticle back and clean them up. Step 2: buff the nail to allow the glue to grip better. Step 3: wipe t
HappeningsofK

HappeningsofK

741 likes

A hand with light-colored, long-lasting builder gel nails, introducing tips, products used, and application steps for achieving durable manicures.
A collage showing a nail art liner brush, a bottle of FZANEST "Milky White" Builder Gel, and a bottle of Beetles Base Coat, highlighting the products used.
A two-part image demonstrating the application of base coat down the center of the nail and builder gel using a side-to-side motion.
Long Lasting Builder Gel Nails!⭐️
This is how I get my builder gel nails to last me 3+ weeks or until I refill them!!✨ “FZANEST” Builder gel, has to be my favoriteee builder gel ever! I use the shade “Milky White”! I’ve been using it for over 2 years now and have finally got it down to what works best for me!💌 Here are a f
KAITLYN

KAITLYN

321 likes

Two volumes of the manga 'YARICHIN BITCH CLUB' by Ogeretsu Tanaka are displayed on a striped surface. Volume 1 and Volume 2 covers feature anime-style male characters and colorful mushroom illustrations, both marked with 'EXPLICIT CONTENT'.
finally got it after watching the ova years ago
I rarely buy physical ones but omg I missed the feeling of unboxing a new manga #boyslovemanga #yaoi
Crystal ❤️

Crystal ❤️

219 likes

A person's feet, showing one big toenail with yellowing and thickening, representing a past nail issue. The other toenails appear normal. Text overlay indicates the user's past struggle with nail problems.
A hand holds a bottle of nail solution, described as improving nail appearance and eliminating common nail problems. The text mentions it works deep within the nail with natural ingredients.
A person's feet, with all toenails appearing clear, healthy, and free from discoloration or thickening, showcasing the improved condition of the nails. Text overlay states 'These are my nails now.'
THIS used to be my nails…
That yellow, thick nail? yeah… that was mine I kept trimming it, thinking it would grow out normal but it never did — it just stayed ugly and worse until one day it finally started growing back clean #toenailfungus #yellowtoenails #thicknails #beforeafter #clearzalbadnailrepair
Rebecca

Rebecca

1 like

Let these be this years Halloween nails😍
All done by me💗
Itzel Montano

Itzel Montano

145 likes

Finally got my new nails
Just got my nails done in Oxford Ohio
Emmalee Pease

Emmalee Pease

247 likes

Muslim girls can finally get nails done 💅
Done being sidelined
Versa Beauty

Versa Beauty

2 likes

Summer just begun, Nails have to stay done🥰😍
It’s finally June, do you know we getting littyyy I had to create a Louis Vuitton set for sure Summer nails inspo💅 #summer nails ❤️ #fresh white nails 💅🏽 #louisvuitton #polygel toes #acrylic nail inspo Georgia
Jenslove

Jenslove

338 likes

This years birthday nails done by yours truly 💅🏾!
I think this is the best birthday set I’ve done yet! Had to make these extra special for my birthday vacation!! How are we feeling about this set y’all 🩷? #birthdaynailinspo #bdaynails #gelxnails #gelx #nailsoflemon8
shaerowela

shaerowela

113 likes

Atlanta, get your nails done at home!!
Why leave the house to get your nails done?! 👀💅 my girl @jaded.nail.designs is my GO-TO for my nails and if you know me, chances are— I’ve already sent you her way so time to SHARE her with everyone else 😜 We did a lime green French with a chrome finish this time and I’m obsesseddd. She’s be
Andrea Andrade

Andrea Andrade

41 likes

Finally graduating after 7 years 🫀
#recentgrad #collegestudent #collegelifestyle #gradstudent #gradstudentlife
Chrissy 👑

Chrissy 👑

5 likes

A cubicle desk setup featuring two monitors, a laptop, keyboard, mouse, and a pink tumbler. The image has text overlayed that reads, 'FINALLY GOT A JOB After 3 years!'.
A person in a yellow sweater and light-wash jeans takes a mirror selfie in a restroom. The image has text overlayed that reads, 'Gives me a reason to dress up for myself'.
A close-up side profile of a person with long, wavy brown hair and light-colored square glasses, wearing a textured gray sweater.
I finally got a job after 3 years !
Sorry for being MIA for a bit – I needed a social media break to realign my focus and recharge. Sometimes stepping away is needed. BUT HEY ! I recently just started a new job after 3 years of being unemployed!! I recently graduated this past spring with my Masters in Business Administration . Af
Britts Corner

Britts Corner

1089 likes

8 yrs in nails and this STILL blows people’s mind
#nailhealth #nailcaretips #NailArt #beautytips #nail
Megan

Megan

2 likes

An older woman's hands display square-shaped nails with vibrant, colorful abstract designs in orange, yellow, green, and black dots, set against a background of red and yellow flowers.
An overhead view of an older woman's hands showcasing square-shaped nails with a clear base and colorful abstract designs, surrounded by red and yellow flowers and green foliage.
A close-up of an older woman's hands with square-shaped nails featuring a clear base and colorful abstract designs, resting on a white furry surface next to a business card.
Do your Grandma get her nails done?✨
I did my grandma birthday nails for her and they’re her real nails🥰 I’ve been doing my grandma nails since I became a nail tech over 8 years ago 💅🏽 Do any other beauty industry girlies glam their grandmas up and do her nails, hair, or makeup? #birthdaynails💅 #lemon8challenge #nails💅🏾 #nailte
Caylin 💓

Caylin 💓

99 likes

A hand with green press-on nails is shown, with text overlay stating "How I get my press on nails to last 2+ weeks" and a "Swipe" indicator. The image features decorative green flower shapes and the Lemon8 logo with a username.
A bottle of cuticle remover is shown with the text "STEP 1" and instructions to "Rub cuticle remover over your cuticles and let them sit for 30s." An arrow points to the product.
Various nail tools, including nail files, clippers, and a cuticle pusher, are displayed. The text "STEP 2" instructs to "push cuticles back, cut nails short, and buff the nail to where your nail has no more shine."
How I get my press on nails to last 2+ weeks 💅💋💗
I am not a professional but with a lot of trial and error I have finally mastered press on nails. I became allergic to gel polish 2 years ago. I was only able to do dip and although I love me a good dip manicure. I don’t get to have the fun trendy designs. Now that press on nails work for m
Sydney Lipscomb

Sydney Lipscomb

8 likes

The room is finally done!
Nickwilkins

Nickwilkins

2635 likes

Finally! After 11 Years…
I got my daughter’s tattoo when she was a baby (she was my first), but I just got my son’s. I knew immediately what I wanted for her but had to really think on his. He reminds me of a sloth 🦥 because he moves sooooo slow. He also likes wearing hoodies and playing the game amongst other things. Shou
Britt622

Britt622

40 likes

A close-up of three fingers with severely damaged, ridged, and peeling nail beds, resting on a pink gloved hand. Text overlay introduces the nail transformation story.
A hand with long, square-shaped acrylic nails featuring a pink-to-glittery-orange ombré design, showing significant regrowth and 'rings of fire' at the cuticles, on a pink gloved hand.
A close-up of three fingers with severely damaged, ridged, and peeling nail beds after soak-off, with a white circle highlighting a 'caved in' area on the middle finger's nail bed.
This before and after is crazy 😱
This new client reached out to me because her cousin had just gotten a set by me and she loved them! She had an appt booked at her go to salon but she’s been upset with her nails for YEARS so when she saw her cousins nails she felt that it was finally time to try someone new! How blessed am I that
Kel 🪷

Kel 🪷

852 likes

MY NAILS SHOULD GET A AWARD 🥇
It’s official I love press on nails now ! After years of getting acrylic nails I’m done with the damage it causes no more thin nails 💅🏾 Have you ever tried press ons ?? #pressonnails💅 #nailsinspo #nailideas #healthynails
Princessnappy

Princessnappy

553 likes

OMG finally after 6 years ❤️❤️
She finally howled and barked. But she only does it for grandma #spoiled #husky #dogs
Jackie 💋

Jackie 💋

1 like

A back view of Khloe's long, wavy, highlighted hair, showing significant growth. Text indicates she grew 2 inches in 2 months, dated May 07, 2025, representing the successful outcome of her hair growth journey.
A back view of Khloe's shorter, curly, highlighted hair before her hair care consultation. Text describes her struggles with damage, breakage, lack of moisture/protein balance, and dullness, dated March 03, 2025.
A text graphic outlining Khloe's hair care plan, detailing daily routines like scalp massage and curl refresh, weekly routines including wash and deep condition, and monthly routines like hot oil treatment and clarifying.
Finally!! Some hair growth after years :)
Khloe went 2 years without seeing any noticeable growth… then she grew 2 inches in just 2 months. Here’s exactly what changed: we built a routine that focused less on adding more products and more on consistency + protection. — Daily scalp care (light oils + massage to boost blood flow and no
Abrie Freeman

Abrie Freeman

22 likes

After 2 years I have finally been hired
After being rejected for being overqualified and under qualified, I was given the opportunity of a seasonal position as a barista at a gym. My b.s degree is in biological sciences with a minor in computer science. -completed I am currently pursuing a masters degree in artificial intelligence
Taty 🧚🏾‍♀️

Taty 🧚🏾‍♀️

248 likes

After five years i finally got to watch Ali SB
#lemon8diarychallenge #espn #texas #canda #softball #vidaurri #14
Valerie Vidaurr

Valerie Vidaurr

2 likes

This image displays five oval-shaped artificial nails with a light blue and off-white design. The patterns include smiley faces, a heart, and wavy shapes. The text overlay reads "WHAT I WANTED" with sparkle emojis, indicating the desired nail design.
I got my nails done!
It's been quite a few months since the last time I got my nails done. I finally had the time and means this month to treat myself and this was the result! My tech is literally the most talented person ever! #nails #nailinspo #selfcare
Maria

Maria

475 likes

See more