Nail care is a hot subject and continues to trend with a focus on natural formulas. To prepare for my family vacation to Mexico, I decided to treat myself to a pedicure. I wasn’t going to bother with a manicure because I rarely leave a nail salon without a smudge or a chip and I’m lucky if it even lasts for a week. However, I decided to test drive a gel manicure.
With the amount of sunscreen we use as a family, the chlorine from the pool, sand from the beach and the general use of my hands, there was no way a manicure would last and be worth the investment. The manicurist talked me into a gel manicure for $30. With little convincing, I agreed. I’ve known about the gel technology for the last few years, but had no good reason to try it.
The mass market and professional nail care market has been growing at an exponential rate driven by the technological advances, including gel. According to Packaged Facts “The Nail Care Market in the U.S.” report, dollar sales of nail care products in the mass market will reach $2 billion in 2016. Kline’s “Professional Nail Care: Global Market Brief,” reported that the professional nail care category grew by over 25% globally in 2012. According to Kline, the introduction of over 30 important new gel products in the past two years helped spur the market’s strong performance. Gel products grew nearly 30% in 2012. Nail care is so popular, there’s even a new magazine Nail It! dedicated to the category.
With all of these nail stats and my need for an enduring manicure, now was a good reason to try it. I chose an iridescent, sparkly light pink color, similar to what I would have chosen for a regular manicure. However, there were less color choices. The process was similar to a regular manicure, except they make you wash your hands before they apply the specific gel polish, they don’t apply cream or massage your hands, and they wipe your nails clean with nail polish remover. In addition, the drying time is quicker because they use the uv light. Overall the experience was pleasant. My nails had a nice, smooth finish and seemed stronger than after a regular manicure. I left wondering if the manicure would survive the trip to Mexico and live up to my expectations.
Coincidentally when I arrived in Mexico, I noticed that the woman at the concierge desk had the same color nail polish as mine. I asked her if it was the gel manicure and how she liked the product. It was the same product and she was very happy with it. She explained how she cleans with Clorox and how the manicure holds up for at least two weeks, sometimes three.
To my surprise, the gel manicure held up and exceeded my expectations. It’s been over a week and I sufficiently challenged the technology…I dragged luggage through airports and in and out of airplanes and cars; I repeatedly applied sunscreen and zinc oxide to myself, two kids and husband; I waded in chlorinated pools and salty, ocean water; I frequently washed my hands and my kids’ hands; I hand-washed my fair share of dishes; and I bathed my kids nightly.
I’m very happy with the outcome. I’m definitely a convert and I’m not sure why I would opt for a regular manicure again instead of a gel manicure. Now the burning questions are “how will I remove it?” and “what condition will my nails be in after?” Until next time…