This is absolutely not a sponsored post, just something I genuinely wanted to talk about. I have been searching online for opinions about semi permanent alternatives and somehow everyone shows beautiful results but never explains what happens underneath your nails or what it means in real life. So I thought I could share my little experience and perhaps give you an alternative if you are currently on a similar journey.
My current winter routine
I have been doing my own nails since I was probably seventeen. I remember buying my first UV kit and being one of the first girls at school to have it. At that time it was still something rare and exciting, and of course I fell completely in love with the fact that my nails always looked perfect. Throughout the years I have tried everything from thick gel, to semi permanent gel, to doing my nails in salons, and somehow I always returned to doing them myself.
What surprised me when I tried salon gel for the first time was how thick and unnatural it felt. My nails did not even look like mine and I always felt like there was a layer of something heavy on top. It also damaged my nails a lot and made them feel almost fragile afterwards. Semi permanent gel was such a dream in comparison because it looked thin and natural, almost like nail polish, just stronger.
Gel vs natural nails
The hardest part has always been taking it off. In the beginning it felt very easy, although over time I found myself struggling more and more. I even bought a little fraser to remove the top layer, but doing it at home takes time, especially if, like me, you are right handed and want to do your right hand properly. Sometimes beauty rituals are a whole mission.
During summer, I still find semi permanent gel unbeatable. You swim, you travel, you play beach volleyball, you are constantly on the move, so your nails need that strength. They would break immediately without something solid on top, simply because water softens them and summer activities make them more vulnerable. So for summer months, I know I will go back to my semi permanent gel without hesitation.
Right now though, I have been trying a more delicate alternative, the Manicurist Green Flash. I want to keep a natural look and give my nails a break. I like the company and the colours I purchased, but I would say it feels closer to a nail polish than a gel. It removes quite easily, although sometimes darker colours bleed dramatically and it can look like a little horror scene. The finish is softer, not extremely shiny and I would not compare it to semi permanent gel at all. They also do not call it gel and I do not think they should. It chips after about a week and I need to redo my nails more often which means more maintenance. If you are coming from normal nail polish you will love it, but if you are going from semi permanent gel down to this you will definitely notice a difference.
Trying something softer
Another thing I noticed is that if I do not properly seal the very edges, my nail underneath becomes exposed and breaks more easily. When I use Manicurist I have to be extra gentle with my nails and pay attention to everything I am doing. It almost feels like managing natural nails again, and it takes time to get used to that after years of having strong gel protection.
The advantage is that my nails feel incredibly healthy and strong today. They are growing beautifully and I can see a difference inside the nail plate. This softer rhythm during winter might be exactly what my nails needed after so many years of constant products. For now, I think I found a nice balance. Semi permanent gel only for the busy summer months when I need more support, and a gentler routine like Manicurist during winter, when I slow down and allow my nails to breathe and restore.
There is also this gentle beauty trend coming back where we embrace our natural nails, natural hair, or natural curls. I love that we are slowly celebrating what we already have. For me, I still love having my nails done, especially because I look at my hands constantly while sewing tutorials and filming instructions. They are somehow part of my work and part of how I express myself. So I will always have something on my nails, but right now I am quietly enjoying this healthier look.
Maybe I will update you next winter after the summer season and see how my nails reacted. For now, this is what works for me: winter recovery and summer protection. Simple and honest.
My personal preference
Let me know if you have tried any alternatives and if you found something that gives strength but also lets your nails shine naturally. I feel like so many of us are searching for that middle ground and nobody talks about it enough.
