gel x nail extensions near me

7 BEST BIRTHDAY NAIL SET IDEAS WITH LASTING QUALITY

Calling all birthday nail enthusiasts with a birthday coming up! Ready to ditch the chip worries and rock a stunning manicure that lasts? Look no further! We’ve curated 7 of the best birthday nail set ideas specifically designed for birthday nails, ensuring both eye-catching designs and long-lasting wear. Get ready to celebrate your special day with fabulous nails that won’t quit!

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST POLISH: ESSIE GEL COUTURE LONGWEAR NAIL POLISH + TOP COAT KIT

If you’re aiming for a gel manicure look without the UV drying light, Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish is an excellent choice. This polish, which has a thick, non-dripping formula, applies like regular polish and dries to a hard, glossy finish that mimics a professional salon manicure. We wore these nails for over two weeks and experienced minimal chipping, comparable to professional gel manicures. Removal is straightforward with acetone, leaving your nails healthy and undamaged.

While lamp-cured gel polishes dry faster, Essie Gel Couture takes about 15 minutes to fully dry. However, its staying power is impressive, and we loved the vibrant colors and the well-preserved condition of our nails after removal. If you want a gel-like manicure without the need for a UV lamp, this polish is the best option.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 15 minutes
  • Lamp Included: No

BEST FOR TRAVEL: LE MINI MACARON LE MAXI DELUXE GEL MANICURE SET

The Le Mini Macaron compact kit is ideal for on-the-go manicures. We gave it top marks for ease of use, drying time, finished appearance, and nail health post-removal. Despite gel kits often being intimidating for beauty newbies, this kit from Le Mini Macaron is user-friendly and fun, even for beginners. The gel lacquer dries quickly with the included LED lamp, leaving nails glossy and hard in just one minute. However, the travel-friendly lamp is small, so you’ll need to dry your thumb separately.

While we loved the quick-drying, glossy finish, the polish began peeling within a few days and was completely gone soon after. Longer-lasting results might be achieved by using a nail-prepper product, applying thinner coats, or drying nails for a longer time. Despite the short staying power, our nails were not damaged, making this kit an excellent travel choice.

  • Shades: 2
  • Dry Time: 1 minute
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST VALUE: GELLEN GEL NAIL POLISH KIT

For a more comprehensive option, the Gellen Gel Starter Kit is a great choice. We awarded this kit perfect scores for ease of use and were impressed with the 12 included bottles of polish, various nail embellishments, grooming tools, and UV lamp. The instructions recommend drying each coat for 60 seconds under the light, but we found our nails were still tacky after a minute. Extending the drying time to 90 seconds yielded better results.

Once painted and dried, we loved the appearance of our gel manicures. The colors were vibrant, and the polish dried smooth with a glossy finish. However, the lacquer began to chip around day six and was completely peeled off by day eight, making soak-off removal unnecessary. While we wish the polish lasted longer, this feature-rich kit offers great value.

  • Shades: 12
  • Dry Time: 90 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR BEGINNERS: SALLY HANSEN SALON PRO GEL STARTER KIT

If you’re new to gel nails, Sally Hansen’s beginner-friendly Salon Starter Kit is perfect for you. This kit earned a perfect score for ease of use, thanks to its simple three-step process and lightning-fast drying time. Curing your nails with the included LED lamp takes only about 30 seconds.

Once dried, our nails were smooth, super shiny, and hard without any stickiness. Although the kit comes with only one color, additional bottles can be purchased separately. Despite the promise of up to two weeks of wear, our manicures didn’t last very long. The gel began to peel when we cleaned around the house, even with gloves on. This kit may not be ideal for those who work with their hands, but it’s a great option for anyone looking to try gel nails at home.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 30 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST BUDGET: SENSATIONAIL GEL STARTER KIT

Looking for a budget-friendly option? The SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit is a solid choice. The instructions can be a bit confusing, so we recommend reading through them thoroughly before starting. While this kit wasn’t the easiest to use initially, the process should be smoother the second time around. We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the lacquer dried with the included LED lamp, but for the best results, we suggest applying thinner layers of paint and taking your time.

The brand claims up to two weeks of wear, but we noticed chipping after about a week—slightly longer than regular polish but not as durable as a professional gel manicure. Although this affordable kit comes with only one polish color, you can purchase additional bottles individually to expand your collection.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 3 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR NAIL CARE: RED CARPET MANICURE PRO 45 STARTER KIT

If you prioritize skincare, it’s important to care for your nail beds and cuticles too. This comprehensive kit includes everything from cuticle oil to sealing top and base coats, along with cleansers, foil wraps, cuticle pushers, and more. The gel hardened into a shiny gloss on our nails in just 45 seconds and stayed smooth with minimal chipping for nearly two weeks.

We did notice that the brushes were a bit uneven and frayed, making it challenging to cover all the edges perfectly. However, with a steady hand, we applied the glossy shades, confident that our nails and skin were protected. After removing the polish two weeks later, we were pleased to find our nails as strong as ever.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 45 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST OVERALL: MOROVAN NAIL KIT

Morovan’s Poly Gel Kit earned perfect scores for drying time, finished look, staying power, ease of removal, and nail integrity post-removal. We only marked it down for ease of use due to a slight learning curve. However, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow, and the illustrated how-to booklet was very helpful.

This set includes everything needed for a professional-level manicure, plus some fun embellishments and extras. It comes with eight polish shades, including six solid opaques and two ombrés. The kit also includes a primer, a dehydrator, a base coat, a top coat, an LED lamp, and various tools for grooming your nails and cuticles.

The most challenging component was the nail extensions, as the kit includes extension gel and shaping foil to help you create your desired length and shape. Once the gel was applied, the drying process was smooth and straightforward.

After two weeks, only two extensions had fallen off, and the stunning color and shine remained. When it was time to remove the polish, the gel came off easily with the help of a scraping tool. If you’re up for the challenge of DIY gel extensions and want a long-lasting manicure, this kit is an excellent choice.

  • Shades: 8
  • Dry Time: 2 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN AT-HOME GEL KIT

STAYING POWER

One of the main attractions of at-home gel nails is their promise of professional-level longevity. The products, tools, and formulas should provide similar results to what you’d get at a salon. However, many kits we tried didn’t last more than a week. Various factors can influence this, including improper use of the kits, daily wear and tear on your nails, and not thoroughly removing natural oils from your nails before painting. For best results, carefully read all instructions and follow the manufacturer’s nail care suggestions, and consider wearing reusable gloves when cleaning and doing dishes.

INCLUDED SHADES

While some at-home gel kits come with multiple polish shades, many starter sets only include one or two. However, additional colors are often available for individual purchase, allowing you to gradually expand your collection with shades you’ll actually use. An extra bottle of white nail polish is great for classic French manicures and the trendy “glazed donut” nails.

CURING LAMP

Most kits come with a UV or LED lamp, which is essential for curing and drying gel polish. As celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein explains, “Gel polish needs a UV light to cure/dry and provides a chip-free manicure that lasts much longer than regular nail polish.” Depending on the lamp’s bulbs and wattage, each coat will take anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes to cure. Most of our top picks, except for Essie’s Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish, include an LED/UV lamp.

REMOVAL

Gel manicures typically require soak-off removal. This involves soaking 10 cotton pieces in pure acetone, placing them on your nails, wrapping them in foil, and letting them sit for about 15 minutes. After soaking, the polish usually scrapes off easily. If you prefer not to make multiple trips to the store, consider the Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Gel Starter Kit, which includes foil wraps, gel polish remover, and more.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it! With these seven fantastic nail set ideas, you can celebrate your birthday with stunning nails that last. Whether you crave a classic French manicure, a touch of playful glitter, or a bold, eye-catching design, there’s a perfect option for you. So go forth, embrace your beautiful nails, and rock a birthday mani that shines as bright as you do!

BEAUTY SALON NEAR ME: FIND OUT THE BEST BEAUTY SALONS IN YOUR AREA 

The salon is a haven of transformation and self-care, where individuals can immerse themselves in a world of relaxation and wellness. These spaces are dedicated to nurturing beauty, both inside and out. However, as the beauty industry continues to evolve, salon traditions have shifted towards more specialized treatments. They have become more professional, offering service sets and catalog tools. If you want more information about the best beauty salons near you, choose the right salon with the help of our article. Then, use this information to book an appointment at a salon in your area!

HAIR SALONS

A hair salon is a special place where people go to take care of their hair. In a hair salon, you can get things like haircuts, new colors for your hair, and other treatments to make your hair look nice. Hair salons have skilled people who know a lot about making your hair look good. They can also do things like blow-drying, conditioning, and styling to give your hair a fresh and beautiful look. Going to a hair salon is like giving your hair a little treat to make it happy and stylish! To find a salon that focuses on hair care near you, check out the hair salon category. It’s where you can explore different options and find beauty salons that specialize in hair treatments. 

NAILS

A nail salon is a special place where you can make your nails look nice and healthy. In a nails salon, you can get different treatments for your nails, like a regular manicure or pedicure. They also do cool things like acrylic nails, gel nails, dip powder nails, and Shellac to make your nails look fancy. Some nail salons even offer extra treatments like paraffin to keep your hands and nails healthy. Going to a nails salon is a fun way to make your nails pretty!

SPA SALONS

A spa salon is a calm and comfy spot where you can treat yourself really nicely. At the spa, they have relaxing things for you, like massages that make your muscles feel good, and facials that help your skin stay happy. Sometimes, they even have special baths that are super soothing. Going to a spa salon is like giving yourself a little vacation from the busy stuff in life. It’s a great way to relax and feel extra special!

MAKEUP ARTIST

If you need help executing the perfect makeup look, a makeup artist is the person you want to turn to. Essentially, makeup artists use their clients’ skin as a canvas – these professionals are experts trained in cosmetic products and application techniques. Makeup artists have the expertise to create a variety of looks and some even specialize in techniques such as airbrushing, special effects makeup, bridal makeup or stage makeup.

EYEBROWS AND LASHES

Lash and brow spas are cool spots where you can make your eyes look extra nice. At these places, they can shape and tidy up your eyebrows, making them look neat. They also do things to your eyelashes, like putting on extensions to make them longer or giving them a dark color. It’s a bit like magic for your eyes! Going to an eyebrow and lashes place is a simple way to make your eyes stand out and look really pretty.

MASSAGE

If you want a super relaxing and refreshing experience for your mind and body, getting a massage is the way to go. Massages are when someone gently moves and touches your body to make it feel good. This can bring lots of good things for your health. There are many types of massages, like Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, deep tissue, and more. You can find places that offer massages by checking out the massage category. It’s a simple way to see which beauty salons near you provide these soothing services.

FACIAL AND SKINCARE TREATMENTS

Facials and skincare treatments are like special treats for your face! When you get a facial, someone takes care of your skin to make it feel fresh and happy. They might use different things, like creams or masks, to clean and nourish your skin. If you have specific things you want to fix, like wrinkles or uneven texture, there are treatments like chemical peels that can help. Skincare is about making your skin healthy and looking its best. So, if you want your face to feel extra nice, a facial or skincare treatment is the way to go!

HAIR REMOVAL AND WAXING

Having a lot of hair on your head is nice, but sometimes, hair in other places can be annoying. If you’re tired of using a razor, you can find a beauty parlor close by that offers treatments to remove unwanted hair. Look at the options in hair removal services. Waxing is a well-known way to do this, but there are other popular methods too, like sugaring, laser hair removal, and electrolysis for the body. If you want to remove hair from your face, you can go for threading or tweezing. It’s all about choosing what works best for you!

BARBERSHOP

A barbershop is a unique space where you can receive hair cutting and styling services, providing a stylish and enjoyable environment for hair care. When you go to a barbershop, a skilled person called a barber uses scissors and other tools to give you the haircut you want. They can also trim your beard if you have one. Barbershops are usually cozy places where guys can chat, read magazines, or just relax while getting a haircut. It’s a simple and friendly place to make sure your hair looks neat and tidy.

CONCLUSION 

Whether you’re seeking a stylish haircut, a rejuvenating spa experience, or specialized treatments for your nails and skin, beauty salons offer a diverse range of services to enhance your well-being. From the moment you step into these havens, you embark on a journey of pampering and relaxation. So, seize the opportunity to indulge in the expertise of beauty professionals and let the nearby beauty salon become your go-to destination for a confidence boost and a revitalized sense of self.