DOING MY OWN NAILS? AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

I am in total agreement with. I'm happy with the revolution of nail polish you know for eg the shellac and other gel polishes. However I would not change form acylic for nothing. I will accept the change but will not ignore the fact the acrylic nails are a massive thing.

I'm a licensed professional, and I've been seriously surprised when going to nail classes and hearing how many in-salon professionals simply aren't doing "fake" nails anymore, just gel polish. I'm not seeing things that way, and I know I would never give up my gels/acrylics for anything. There's just so much to be done with them! And hard gels sometimes just cant do what acrylic can! Craziness. Great blog Maggie, I couldn't agree more!

I disagree. I've worked in two busy salons and neither even offered acrylics on their service chart. Natural nails and gel polishes are a big deal in the real world too. Acrylics are becoming the past. There will always be those who are addicted to them or set in their ways but it's definitely possible to make a great living and have a lot of clientele without ever touching acrylic!!

im sorry, my view may be harsh but where i live theres this chick who publicly disses my prefession as a nail tech, she tells all my clients that they should just have their natural nails as im a crock of sh*t! she does art in polishes & to me and tom dick & harry can do that, not everyone can master what we do so i have a genuine hate for these nail polish bloggers, theres no talent behind it at all!
acrylics, gel polish & gel are still big, you just need to find the right clientelle

It seems as if you are a bit salty that "bloggers" (which you make clear they should be below you) do better work and are getting more recognition than you. I'm sorry you spent thousands of dollars on schooling that us "normal people" can learn watching youtube videos and reading blogs for free. I'm sure it stings..but there's no need for the hate. Arylics are not only HORRIBLE for your nails, they are a thing of the past. The beauty industry is CONSTANTLY evolving and it seems like you are having a hard time adjusting to the new trends. Get over it! If you think you can do better, start a blog. See how popular you get. Have a great day!

If you took the time to read a variety of nail blogs- you'd realize everything you listed above that you see in professional salons are also done by nail bloggers. You are basically saying "Hey, thanks nail bloggers for getting us recognition but you aren't the real artists." There are so many things wrong with this article.

Industry and trends always evolve. If you don't fail to evolve with them, you get left in the (acrylic) dust. But, I am just a nail blogger who pays real money to buy real nail polish and real supplies to paint my real nails...what do I know?

Just because you are getting the message that natural nails are in doesn't mean EVERYONE is getting the same message. Natural nails are nice, try it sometime, you might like it.

Out in the real world, away from nail blogs, I saw exactly one pair of acrylic nails on my train ride home today. One set. The rest were normal people, with natural nails, painted, unpainted, nail art-ed, not nail art-ed. So I guess regular people are below true nail artists too?

Maybe you see real nails from bloggers because they don't want to take the time and money for acrylics when that money could new used for more polish. Sometime that goes and gets their acrylic nails done every two weeks wouldn't have much of a blog.

You have to admit that the industry changes all the time. I have 29 years working in the nail business and when I first started acrylics were just getting popular not everyone could afford them and everything was done by hand, now the prices have dropped everyone who wants them can have them and the drill has made a big mess of the natural nail. I'm not surprised that the product companies have introduced new products for the natural nail customer I think they seen a trend of people coming away from very fake looking and damaged nails. Please dont misunderstand me I love doing acrylics too, it has made me a good living and I have won several competitions too, but the nail art is just another trend it will also fade out just like it has done in the past my clientele mostly are professional orking ladies who dont wear that. And as for the professionally untrained do it at home youtube trained bloggers they will still look like untrained youtube watched do it at home nails that will fade away too.

Wow! negative much? I get that you want to rant, but this post makes you look like a jealous sore loser.

Wow! U sound so bitter! Im Really sorry u feel so threatened....

Lol I agree times are changing. Everyone knows in the long run acrylics DO damage natural nails, leave them thin and weak. People should be getting a good strengthening base coat, and POLISH away!! Bloggers keep that good ish coming! =) sorry its the way forward and with the indie brands? Heeellllooooo!! Better than acrylics any day! No matter what size or shape your nails are! =) as someone else said - why don't you blog and see whose more recognised? You or the bloggers that do this for the love of polish and all things nails! Oh and for the record I'm a "college trained" nail tech who trained with axxium gels under one of the UKs best known OPI TECHNICIANS - and still I have over 600 polishes in my collection!!! Times change stay behind or move with it!

I'm a nail tech, AND a nail blogger. Jesus woman, get a grip.

Salty much? This holier-than-thou attitude is probably why a lot of people - aka your potential clientele - are deciding to do their own nails at home. I'm sorry that it offends you that people often ask if our (blogger) nails were done professionally/ask us for advice and we didn't have to go to school to get those results, but maybe you're seeing so much negativity because you're sending so much of it out yourself.

I just looked up some of your work- it all makes sense now...I see why you dislike the nail blog era... Most of them outshine your work with no comparison and most are self taught. Also browsed your archive.. You make such an effort to be miserable.. You sit on your high horse so well with no credible reason...must get exshausting! Kudos to you girl, keep on hatin'. Lol!

I appreciate your point of view. I genuinely do. First I have a few things to say about the comments here. I absolutely agree with Maggie that acrylic nails are not going anywhere. They just aren't. They've outlived other methods of nail enhancements that were meant to replace acrylics and they will continue to do so.

Acrylics HAVE evolved over the years. The quality is 100% better than when I first learned them back in the 80's. When done CORRECTLY, they do not ruin your nails at all. If you're going to a salon that is selling a full set for $40. Yah, *those* nails are bad for you. I'd question half the 'kits' sold at Sally's too. Cheap materials added to shortcuts to cover poor skills is a guaranteed recipe for badness. To anyone who commented here that acrylics are easy to do and require no real skill, I'd love to see your first attempt on real fingers. EVERYONE's first attempt is a hot mess because it does require an actual skill.

I'd also like to point out that THE most popular nail artist is a professional nail tech who does work on acrylic nails. Robin Moses?

You don't see the plethora of nail tech blogs run by actual nail techs highlighting client nails (esp with acrylics) is because blogging is not a good medium for that. You, yourself do not publish blog posts on an almost daily basis. You don't even post to facebook as often as the blogs being complained about. Putting in the hours to maintain a blog every week is not really a good use of our time. It doesn't do much to promote our business, whereas posting to facebook, instagram and other such social media IS. I'm woefully behind on my blog because I've just been to darn busy.

Do-it-yourself nail blogs is not what we professionals should be viewing as a threat to the mainstay of our business. Celebrity doctors and local dr's getting on TV and telling ppl that salons are BAD and nail techs are a bunch of hacks who spread disease and fungus because we don't follow state regulations is what we should be fussing over.

I'm just sayin'.

Please don't be confused by my comment (I originally posted this on facebook but figured this would be a better, on topic spot for it). I was referring to you having a blog like those who you bash..show casing your portfolio and having thousands upon thousands admire your work and get inspiration from your work. Have a following, a culture surrounding you. Interact with followers throughout various outlets. I'm not referring to this blog where you spend most of your time attempting to defend your outdated "talent" or your facebook pictures that clearly show you are just not on target with the trends. I just wanted to make sure I clarified my comment. I did leave my email address this time since you have chosen to be so silent if you'd like to talk to me one on one :)

What's your point?
Some people can't afford getting their nails done constantly. Some people rather spend that money on polish instead. Some people enjoy the creativity of painting their own nails. Some people like short nails because it's practical for their lifestyle. Some people don't like fakery. And finally, after reading this 'article', some people will think you're a jerk who can't articulate herself very well.

People cook their meals at home instead of eating out all the time because it's more often cheaper, cooked according to their own tastes and because they enjoy it. These people may blog recipes or make youtube videos. Should we be expecting real Chefs to start ranting about 'real cooking'?

Maybe the reason why 'professionals' portfolios don't boast nail work on short natural nails is because we're painting them ourselves at home instead of paying someone to do something we can do ourselves. If I wanted acrylics, I would go to a salon and get them done. But I don't want them.

So step off your pedestal. Take this new wave as an opportunity to expand your 'talent', 'skill' and most importantly, your attitude. I wouldn't want someone as condescending as you painting my nails, real or fake.

I am one of those 'bloggers'. I used to wear acrylics, but in the real world it costs far less to maintain your own nails. I wish I never got acrylics, I found they ruined my nails. I love that my nails are healthy and strong, I'd much rather natural to acrylics.
Nail art is an expression of many! My nail art is very detailed & I do anything from patterns to actual celebrity stencils! Its personal choice just like having acrylics is!!
I have had people ask me to do something on there nails that you may think wow really! Its down to what people like. Dissing bloggers because maybe you aren't having the recognision that you want is harsh. We all have a purpose in life & this is what we enjoy doing.
I think your hatrid is not needed. Focus on what you like & if your clients are happy on what you do then be happy 2. Don't diss others! In life obstacles arise, you need to 'man up' & deal with it. Not throw a paddy when things get rocky.

Melissa,

It's true that acrylics have evolved and that some brands are MUCH better for you than others. But to say that properly done they don't damage nails is an outright lie. They do damage nails. Everything we put on nails causes damage, even polish. Yes, it can be minimized and yes there will be less if an e-file is not used or if the tech is better trained. But it does damage nails. Just like long term use of gel polish can damage nails. Especially if techs aren't educating clients on how to care for them properly. I don't understand the threat the professional community seems to perceive from these bloggers. I am a licensed, working, nail tech. I am also a successful blogger. Yes I can do acrylics. No, I don't have to in order to make a living. My clientele is mostly built of natural nail care and nail art along with a growing number of gel polish clients. My clients are busy, professional women who don't like the fake appearance of an acrylic nail. Others are younger girls who are into the new nail art trend. I get an occasional request for acrylics for a big dance or a wedding but 98% of my clients are natural nail clients. It's just sad to me that a professional feels so threatened by a blogger that they feel the need to rant about it. It just makes you look bitter and jealous. There is a place for all of us in the industry. If you don't adapt to changing trends you won't last very long in the beauty world.

Oh Nails Magazine, why are you so mad about bloggers? Always raking us over the coals for ruining your life or something. Why are you so threatened by us? Thank you for reminding me why I cancelled my subscription to the magazine. I like to give my money to Nailpro and Nail It because they actually realize there is room for everyone.

Oh GET OVER IT ALREADY

Wow. My first reaction to this article is that you're one bitter woman. The next is that I just feel sorry for you. The industry is changing and you don't want to seem to embrace it.

Acrylics were a thing, and amongst some women still are - I've never seen my mom without them and she's had them for at least 30 years - but they are not something that appeals to everyone and quite honestly blogs just reflect that shift away from them. Maybe they'll come back into style, maybe they won't.

My mom has often asked me why I don't get them and the answer is simple: I don't want to spend the time or money on them when I'm perfectly able to work with what I have, even if they aren't the best. Why should I spend $25 on a single manicure when I get two, three or even six bottles of nail polish for the same price? Doing my nails at home is relaxing, I can do it on my schedule so I can change my polish on the 3rd or the 6th day and I don't have to worry about salons possibly having shady sanitation prices. And as an added bonus, doing your own nails well is one of the easiest things you can learn when it comes to doing a beauty routine. It's a nice little boost of pride when you get compliments for them.

But I'm digressing. Point is: rants like these will only serve to further alienate you and the magazine from future clientele. I've debated getting gel manicures in the past for special occasions, but if you are the face of the industry I'll pass. I'm not paying to be judged and I bet neither are would-be clients.

A. I love that I'm told to get my own blog by the person who's commenting on my blog.

B. I love that the person who told me to get my own blog by commenting on my blog then comes back to tell me this isn't a blog.

C. I re-read my post: I don't think I expressed myself inarticulately, I think a lot of people who claim to have their own blogs got defensive.

D. I genuinely don't think I ever "dissed" you.

E. If you have a blog, and it's so great, why didn't you bother entering your URL when you left your comment so we could all visit it and revel in your glory?

F. I'm not a blogger. I'm a nail artist. I make a living DOING nails-- other peoples' nails. Bloggers are welcome to do their own nails. Bloggers are welcome to blog about their nails, their love of nails, their polish collections. Bloggers are welcome to make a living blogging about nails. And Bloggers are welcome to spend their free time commenting on my blog.

G. I like bloggers. I said so. In fact, I specifically said "I really really really love" you guys. I wasn't being sarcastic-- I meant it.

H. I have a following. I call them "clients." I hold hands with them on a regular basis. It's a good job. It is, in fact, the BEST job I can imagine FOR MYSELF. I don't want to give it up to blog instead. So it's a good thing there are other people to fill that niche.

I. At no point while writing this post did "hate" or "disrespect" ever cross my mind. I noticed my newest issue of a major trade magazine says "special acrylic section inside" on its cover. It struck me that the resources that serve the PROFESSIONAL nail industry itself seem to have come to the conclusion that acrylic is no longer a key player in our industry. It is.

True, acrylic is having to make way for other services and other products. Trends ebb and flow from geographic area to area. There are huge areas where you can wander the streets all day and never see a "fake" nail, whether it's acrylic or gel, short or long. There are other areas where every other person you see is sporting long, duck foot acrylics.

My point-- and it is made in the post-- is that natural nails and polish/art have not, as yet, dominated to the extent of representing the entirety of professional nail services being done in salons. And I'm a little irritated (but not exactly hateful) that my own industry resources have been so quick to forget that many of us are still doing "fake nails" on a regular basis... making a living doing them, in fact.

The industry-- and the culture of nails-- remains eclectic, and I think the professional industry still needs to represent it as such.

I LOVE working with acrylic! Even after 26 years of doing nails, acrylic still amazes me. Some people no matter how hard they work at it or what products they try, just CANNOT grow natural nails or keep polish on longer than a day. That's when the professional nail tech is consulted.

We can take a client's bitten down nubs & using camouflage pink, create a healthy-looking nail plate. We can also elongate the nail plate & sculpt a white free-edge to give the illusion of a more slender fingernail.

Within minutes, it's ready to file & shape, but the best part is........ no electricity needed! Wonder what all the techs who lost power in the aftermath of storms did for all their gel or gel polish clients?

With acrylic, we can apply it virtually anywhere without needing expensive UV or LED lights. You can't do THAT with gels or gel polish, so give acrylic the respect it deserves because it's NOT going by the wayside!

Why would the nail world be driven by nail professionals when trends are set by customers?! Customers which include nail bloggers and their respective readers. Ones you've kind of just offended. It sounds as if you are addressing your displeasure over the fact that you and other nail "professionals" don't have control over what is in demand. A large number of the people rocking the acrylics aren't the ones on the internet reading/writing blogs, because they've only ever paid to get things done rather than doing it themselves, or they're older and not in a generation that's obsessed with social media. I live in one of the largest cities in the nation and I rarely see acrylics. I went to a large university and no one I befriended there wore acrylics (though they also all wore flip flops, so it was a low-maintenance population). I think the popularity of acrylics has declined, but I don't think the message is no one wears acrylics, I think the message is that there's so many more options than acrylics. Just my opinion. I will never wear acrylics if I can help it.

See now, your tone is completely different in your response. Maybe you should work more on not trying to be such a smart ass to get views and speak respectively like you did in your comment, and maybe some people will take you more serious.

Regardless, it's very clear you are having a hard time accepting that what you call your "living" is fading even more every single day. I understand your scared, I would be too, but there's no need to bash those who are keeping up with the trends!

But I wish you all in the best in your nail salon, The Art Of NailZ. (you may need to update that, we aren't in the 80's/90's with the ghetto ugly as all ugly nailz that you are having such a hard time saying bye to) :)

My sister is a nail blogger. The things she does amaze me. Same with all the other bloggers she knows. What they're doing is entirely self-taught.
I mean no disrespect to nail technicians. Sometimes the work they do is great.
But bloggers deserve respect too. They're putting their hard-earned dollars into doing something they love without being paid for it. They spend all this time doing their nails and doing blog posts in addition to the things they have to do, like work. Which, I repeat, is outside of their nail blogging.
I think it's great. We're so on board with people learning to cook-why not keep the DIY trend going to nails?

These comments are killin' me! First of all, to say that $40 full sets are bad, you have no idea what you are talking about. I'm a nail tech, and I use cnd products- I charge $35 for a full set, $25 for a fill and that is the average cost of a great set of nails in this area. There is a tech up the road from me who uses mma crap (though it's in cnd containers, I've seen-and corrected-her work) and charges $65 a full set staying "cheap nails aren't nice, nice nails aren't cheap." High cost doesn't always mean good work. Also, I very rarely do anything but acrylic. I have 2 gel polish clients (one of which just switched to acrylic) and only a handful of manicure clients. Maybe if you have nothing constructive to say about Maggie's blog post you shouldn't say anything at all.

I've been a nail technician for 30 years. I started out with long, strong natural nails. I've worn acrylic, gel, and gel polish. If I am considering a different product, I wear it myself so I know how it holds up. Every couple years or so I wear my nails natural. I still grow long, strong, Healthy natural nails! Wearing enhancements does Not ruin your nails...when done properly.
I agree wholeheartedly with what Jill said about acrylic. I find it to be the most versatile product for nail enhancements. And after all these years, I, too, Have to dust myself off after work each day.
I find it odd that some people read Rants and Raves (hello..check out the title), just so they can take the opportunity to bash on you and your opinions. I appreciate your point of view, and hey, it's a professional viewpoint for other professionals. Thank you, Maggie.
Folks who enjoy polishing and decorating their own nails...go for it, more power to you.

Bee: I both agree and disagree with you. I don't advocate any of my clients do a non-stop regimen of back-fill/remove/reapply with the natural nail never seeing the light of day. THAT does damage the nail over time but it shouldn't 'destroy' your nails. I should have clarified what I meant by 'proper application' because that does include going natural and giving your poor nails a break. As I mentioned there's dr's out there getting on tv telling ppl that it does DESTROY your nails and your natural nails shouldn't look 'HORRIBLE' after removal. Further, I was not taking any position against the do-it-yourself blogs. I follow some of those gals religiously and I'm better at what I do because of it. I also follow professionals like Maggie on their blogs, and anywhere else I can find them (including this thread). If it weren't for those polish hoarding bloggers I wouldn't be able to see how each and every color polish looks on every possible skin tone. My small clientele likes it that I've pulled colors that are going to look good on them and fit their mood. I couldn't do that if those gals didn't put in the time, money and effort to swatch even when they think it looks like crap on their fingers.

Vanessa: Actually I can say that. There is no CND distributor (or OPI) within 100 miles from my town and the florida keys. $40 gets you that cheap MMA stuff in the CND bottle that you referred to. However, you were right to call me out for equating the cost of the service with the quality of product (and the quality of service) since that is dependent on location and skill. :P It was just my poorly done attempt to distinguish between the difference in quality that exists within our industry that we all just gloss over except in discussions like this.

Maggie: I genuinely didn't entirely understand you. It wasn't clear to me that “professional nail industry” meant to you. Thank you for taking the time to clarify that you are venting about trade publications not being all inclusive enough in all the stuff going on with nail techs.

Maggie, another great thought provoking blog! Make no mistake the nail industry is still driven by the manicurists working in the trenches behind a table every day. Yes giving the industry something long lasting for the natural nail wearer has revolutionized our industry but I speak to nailpros daily, in all walks of our industry that are still using acrylic and applying gel polish over it. Have I changed up my shapes to match the trends? YES! Most wouldn't know that there is acrylic and gel under my customer's gel polish. Big square nails are not something I do at all anymore however the other 4 nailtechs in our salon that are.... AND we are all busy. So I guess you could say my take on it is that nail professionals are taking a little bit of all the things our industry has to offer and blending it to make it work for them.

Nail Polish Bloggers/DIYers and The Nail Professional in my opinion are 2 completely different animals. I am in no way threatened by The DIY/ Bloggers and I believe there is a place in our nail world for both. I do not get the flame wars-- In the salon I don't use stickers, regular nail polish (that has to dry), stamps etc. I only want to provide services that are completely dry when they walk out the door. I want clients that do not want to do their own nails and if it's on a sticker I would always rather paint it. In short I want to provide services that would take a lot of work and practice to do at home. I want to do the lady that doesn't have time to DIY, that wants luxury and likes someone else to pamper her. It works for me. Yes I use gel polish but rarely over a natural nail. My clients want strength so they have an acrylic or gel overlay under the gel polish. I think we (DIYers & Nail Professionals) can feed off each other. I don't mind if they copy me and I scour Pinterest on a regular basis for design ideas to inspire me with ideas to recreate with paint, my nail artpen, pigments, Arabella forms etc. I feel an inspirational challenge when client's come in with a photo from a blog asking me to do something similar. It is stimulating my creativity!

On a different note, I completely agree with the statement “celebrity” should refer to the manicurist, not the manicurist’s clients. I do not want to be known for who I do but what I do. Celebrities put their pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else and I am sure I have no patience to wait around on them being treated like a servant.

Lastly I find it interesting that for quite a while now the average nail girl has felt like our industry has slipped into the hands of the corner salon with comments from customers like "I thought only Asians did nails". To now the thinking is that they are worried that our industry is being taken over by polish bloggers. I never thought of the corner salon as my competition anymore than the DIYers. Again I just think they all offer something different than I do and it's ok by me.

Many of the comments on here left me asking myself if this was a joke! I do not see how this article could be taken as bitter or full of hate for nail bloggers. I look at it this way, if you're a true nail professional, you will know how to do everything and be good at it. Whether it be natural nails with polish or some amazing acrylics. The trends are constantly changing and acrylics are going no where, that's been proven with time, and its foolish to think they are. Personally, I think acrylics give more room for creativity, but I make sure Im prepared for whatever a client Asks for.

There are different types of nail blogs. Nail art, nail care and trends. I get the importance and see the genius out there.
And then there are the "swatch blogs". Bloggers that get collections gratis and post some swatches and a few notes. Wowza! Many end up with inflated egos after that and are then self-proclaimed Experts in the industry.
Nail techs have the talent and training to back it up, they also live in the real world, rather than "swatch land"

I've seen this war start up before when one of the nail mag's editorial got blown ALL out of proportion. I've been doing nails for over 25 years, started with acrylic and also doing mostly gel now. The one reason I've been able to support myself with this business is because I CARE about what I do. I'd be willing to bet that most of the bloggers who've turned to polish have done so because of a bad experience from low quality work. That was what I got from the responses last time when I responded to the remarks.
Here's the thing in a nut shell, not all nail techs are created equal. It takes time and dedication to make a living at this. It takes constant learning to stay up on the last techniques. There's at least 2 generations of clients who have no clue that a nail tech is any race but Asian. Honest, I've been told told that, I'm not being racist. If you really want quality enhancements, acrylic OR gel, you're going to need to do your homework. Acrylic or gel does NOT damage your nails, the NAIL TECH does. There's not many of us out here in the work a day world who still give a rat's *ss about what how well your nails are going to look later on. YOU have to look for them, we don't grow on trees, and we're certainly not on every corner in every town. I'm sorry that a huge amount of collective clients have been lost due the uncaring workmanship of someone trying to work too fast or who just doesn't give a flip. I can honestly say, when I retire, I'm really not going to miss the direction this idustry is going in.

What the heck ever happened to common sense? All of the ladies here who have been doing nails for all of these years, including myself (having been a nail tech for 26 yrs) deserve some respect! We have seen it all! Bloggers who are showing what they can do on their own nails.. nice work.. You have perfect nails that look great with just nail polish on them.. you are one of the few. Experience is incredibly credible & all those who want to learn about nails need to read & learn from seasoned professionals if you want to be one. When you have sat down at a nail desk & worked many a 10 hour day, heard everything a good bartender has heard & seen every size & shape of nail out there, have had to deal with repairing crappy discount salon nails that are giving our industry a terrible name yet you are still constantly getting calls from new clients wanting to get their nails done, then come back here & tell us working professionals that you know it all. & btw, you're welcome because i generally charge $50 per hour for mentoring. Call me stuck up or bitchy or a hater?... I am none of those.. I am a hard working professional who has earned the right to discuss this topic due to experience.

I really don't understand the hate on either side here. I believe nail bloggers and nail techs both serve a very different purpose. The type of people reading blogs and looking up nail art and whatnot are probably not the same people who are going to go in to a salon to get their nails done and visa versa. I'm not sure why there is so much animosity or why Nails Mag keeps stirring the pot about it.

I've never see a nail blogger telling people ditch acrylics which is why I'm confused about why there is even any mention of them in your rant, Maggie. Maybe you are seeing less business for acrylics because people just don't want them anymore. I used to know a lot of people who had them years ago but now I don't know a single person who gets them. They've all moved onto things like Shellac or similar gel products.

Jenna- I'd rather live in the "swatch land" those nail bloggers are in as opposed to the "snarky land" I think you are residing in. You sound like a real bitter betty, must really chap your buns to see those ladies getting things for free...green is an ugly color on you.

You continue to sit there and complain about people working on natural nails, and doing a fantastic job at them. All the while, your own work is questionable as to how "talented" you actually are. Just because someone enjoys showing off their work on the blogesphere does not mean they are incapable of doing amazing work. You obviously need a lesson or two in some basic nail art methods before you go and shit all over everyone elses fun and enjoyment. Nail art is NOT withheld to only those who go to school to learn how to do it. Get a clue.

I'm sorry you're so bitter. Lame attempt at backpedaling, by the way.

Fake nails are like fake boobs... Expensive & Tacky!!! Those duck ones look like crap and all that disco bling stuff look like hooker trash. Natural nails look awesome and it's nice to see regular gals doing great and interesting things that nails salons don't . It's a great New form of expression and a great low cost alternative ...

Horrible article! Acrylic destroys your nails. Insulting people is probably not the best business approach. Maybe you should have gone to school for that!

I left my link when I first posted, your attitude is actually shocking.
I don't know whether you just want such popularity or that you feel threatened by us nail bloggers, but either way. You are a fully grown woman, this is not high school.
Things change all the time!
Acrylics are not the thing everyone has to have love & I am afraid this is what you seem to think!!
Natural nails are a tonne better, and cheaper. Why would we feel to pay someone to do our nails when quite frankly we can do them ourselves & a lot better.
As I said in my first post to you, be happy with the clients you have.
You should re think throwing your toys out your pram & focus on what you want. Don't bitch! Its unprofessional.
Its just stupid, we never went to school for art or whatever... You unfortunately did & paid money for something we can learn ourselves, no money paid & have more skill than others.
Move with the trend or sit behind.

You sound a bit sore about all of this Maggie.

Some of the bloggers out there are amazing, and they are pushing the envelope at the moment. Something that the pro's should be doing, but don't.

If you don't want to feel threatened by bloggers I would suggest you up your game a bit.

After reading the post and reading the comments I think people are both sides are being ridiculous. I am a blogger and I'm also a nail tech student. I can honestly say that being a nail tech is SO not as easy as you think it is. Only a week into my course and I've been taken down MANY notches in my thinking that I knew it all and this course would be a breeze. The comment "You paid money for something we can learn ourselves" actually made me laugh out loud. There is SO much more to being a nail tech than painting nails and doing nail art. I promise you, you can't just learn everything you need to know from blogs. There is so much more work that goes into it than you can really imagine sitting at your computer doing your blog or painting your nails at home. The nail tech job is not dying out or being out done by the bloggers, that I can promise. It's still a billions of dollars industry and will remain that way long after the bloggers move on to something else. Bloggers are definitely in the now and they are a big influence, I've seen that first hand during my first week too. I've seen several clients come in with photos from blogs, but we can give you something a blog can't, good service. A blog can't jump through the screen and do your nails for you, not everyone has the time or talent to do it themselves. This whole thread seems like a pissing contest and it's really not even necessary. Nails magazine is for the professionals and that's who they cater to.

Thank you, Amber. I really appreciate your comments. As a pro nail tech, I get lots of pics brought in for me to duplicate. You're right, there's some fantastic artists out there. On average, tho, I'm going to say that most women do NOT want to paint their own nails and they DON'T have the perfect nails pictured on Pintrest. I've got nail biters who will NEVER have decent looking nails, older women with ridges that no amount of ridge filler can cover, and people who just want a bit of pampering that includes a perfectly done set of nails with art on them. Acrylic IS getting some serious competition from gel and gel polish. That's okay tho, there's plenty of people to go around. As long as most of the women who DON'T have perfect nails want to LOOK like they do, I'll have a job.

Well, there are a lot of nail blogs by amateur enthusiasts. But are they main stream really or is their audience other enthusiasts? Are many salon customers printing designs from blogs and asking their nail tech to replicate it?

Back in the dark misty passages of time, there weren't any nail schools - some of the most famous nail techs taught themselves. And from what I've read about some of the cosmo schools in the USA, things didn't change much in 30 years because a lot them don't have a teacher "who does nails" - so the students end up teaching themselves or paying for additional classes.

Even with all this amateur interest in "nail art" and supermarket gel polish, it seems to me the nail salons are busier than ever. Yes, the majority of the amateurs will never go into a nail salon - but they never did. Nail salons are either a luxury for customers with good natural nails or more essential for the minority of people with weak or damaged nails.

But some of these enthusiasts may very well decide that they really want to make a career from nails and go to school - and for sure our industry needs all the enthusiasts it can get.

However, it is interesting that the publishers of NAILS have seen a business opportunity for a new consumer / enthusiasts nail magazine (Nail It !). That could be a great vehicle to also explain what makes a good nail salon and to give some education about salon sanitation and safety.

And as for acrylic/gel/gel-polish damaging nails - that's a myth. It's the removal process that can damage the nails either through incorrect use of files/e-file, or scraping off the partly dissolved material.

Acrylic/gel/gel-polish are all forms of acrylate plastic that sit on top of a hard protein (nails are keratin, like hair or horses hooves) - the acrylate can't be absorbed by the natural nail, and only serve to protect or strengthen the nails - until the product is removed. Poor removal techniques can damage the natural nails, and as a company we don't recommend soaking-off because we see this as higher risk than using files and buffers (read Doug Schoon to understand more)

The thickness of the nail is determined by the nail matrix, which is like the hair follicle. The performance of the matrix can be affected by diet, illness or massage - but not by any product applied on the nails (even if it claims to contain vitamins).

One advantage of acrylic or gel nails - the color always matches the outfit ;-). As a simple guy, I'm somewhat surprised that women who like to change their shoes, outfits and handbags every day, are happy to wear the same nail polish or gel polish color for three weeks - or maybe they aren't and that goes some way to explain the growth of the home enthusiasts? What do you think?

Bob:

Well, a consumer-targeted nail art magazine is WAY overdue! We should have had one 20 years ago and there ought to be several on the newstand by now. But I'll get what I can take.

Thank you for recognizing that, yes, here in the US our schools do not provide career training, but merely provide minimal education required to pass licensing exams. (With few exception.)

And no licensing exam include nail ART as part of the exam. So ALL nail art in the professional industry is just as "self taught" as any DIY enthusiast.

I think you have a point about the growing trend in DIY polish/art as an extension of accessorizing. It isn't practical to visit the salon every other day for a new color/nail art so if you want to change it that often, you do tend to do it yourself.

On the other hand, many women simply have no skill-- or time/patience-- for doing their own nails, so if they're stuck with the same design for 2-3 weeks, the accept that as better than the alternative of not having their nails done at all.

Just to clarify some misconceptions:
* acrylic DOES NOT ruin nails
* Drills DO NOT ruin nails
* gel/gel polishes DO NOT ruin nails
It is the person with NO training who ruin the nails. Chances are, if your nails were "ruined" or "damaged," you had your nails done at one of the cheapest places you could find.
Your nails probably grew back after six or so months JUST FINE. But, yes, your nails, while trying to save money going to a cheap shop, were a HOT MESS. You have no one to blame but yourself for trying to save money by going to one of the cheapie places.
Before you make assumptions on product and equipment and how things should be done, make sure to have your information correct.

There are many inflated egos in the nail world. Some have gone by the wayside and the new guys/gals coming in have no clue who those old timers are. But they do not set the tone or run the industry.
I have seen and felt some pretty awesome breast implants. Would never call them fake. And I would pay to have my boobs look like that. Plus, my own nails would look fabulous with the boobs since my nails are not thick or fake looking!

They also do FAKE NAILS. They look fake. They scream fake. They are thick and ugly. Fugly would tag them correctly.
Find the educated tech who really cares about your nails and her education, and you will find someone who does beautiful ACRYLIC nails that you would never know are not natural.
*NAILS NEVER NEED A BREAK. NEVER. EVER.
Why would anyone ever think that? Would you consider not coloring your hair to give it a break? Probably not. Your nails and hair are made of keratin. Hard and soft, respectively. Neither need to breathe. Nails are not skin that has pores. No need to ever take the product off.
DIY'ers are not a threat to me. Most DIY'ers nails look awful. You can tell that there is not a base or top coat and only one coat of color. It is all over the sides and cuticles. NOT all, but most.
Cheap shops are not a threat either. They all do the same ugly stuff day in and day out. With NO customer service.

So many people have misunderstood this article! Go back and read it again. There is no hating on nail bloggers!

The whole article can be summoned in this simple phrase:

"The real industry — and culture — is still very eclectic. But everyone acts like no one does — or wears — acrylic anymore."

That anyone could take it as an attack on anyone or anything is a simply preposterous notion... Yet people that have managed to twist Maggie's words around in their heads have done simple that! Take off your hate and spite filtered glasses and read this article as it was intended and then y'all can get the heck down from your soap boxes and "high and mighty" trip outs.

Perhaps everyone here should understand what the article says!

Speaking to your comments above:
Gels are nothing more than an acrylic product and to sell it as something other than that is just WRONG! Did any of you actually study Chemistry in Nail School? Did you forget what Oligomers were?
As for ART there are some who desire it and others who you could not pay to wear it. Who cares.
If there are those out there preforming services for pay without a license, and for pay well...as they say let someone else sort that out. As a professional, being a well educated professional is the best thing you can sell your client knowing what you are putting on them and why. I would be willing to say that since most using the soakoff gels have no idea that the removal process of the gel can be very damaging to the natural nail and they discuss this with the client before applying the product! As you all will remember from school....acrylic products should NEVER be removed execpt when a client wishes to never wear them any longer....if you will remember why...then you will have the key to why the monomer & polymer acrylic system would be the best to recomend to a client wishing to maintain a product on their hands for a period of time. No need to fuss. Just remember, you can't fix stupid! This industry is growing by leaps and bounds and it is by those that are Well EDUCATED AND THEY IN TURN EDUCATED THEIR CLIENTS!

To clarify, Nail It! is published by Creative Age, the publisher of NAILPRO. Here's the press release: http://www.polishgalore.com/2012/12/nail-it-magazine.html