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June 01, 2009

The Truth About Minx Nails

I was beyond thrilled last Thursday when I was given the opportunity to receive a Minx manicure at the launch of Tone's Blueberry Body Wash (more on that soon).  Initially, I was mesmerized by the alternating silver and gold disco balls on my nails.  Could these be the nail covering I had always longed for?

While receiving the manicure, I asked how long they were supposed to last - I was told up to 2 weeks. To be honest, the application was similar to that of the nail polish stickers from Avon or Sephora.  A shiny topcoat and sticky backside were maneuvered and cut to fit my nail.  I couldn't imagine how these would last a week, but I loved that I had truly metallic nails.

My nails were set under a heat lamp and I was turned loose without so much as a topcoat.  None of the other ladies received a topcoat either.  All night long I treated them gingerly as to avoid any peeling or pulling.  They were great all day Friday and most of Saturday, until on Sunday I began to put away laundry.  This was when the aggravation happened.

The ends began to pull back from the edge of my nail, and the sides were coming up.  Once that started, the edges were losing color and splitting. After chatting with two other beauty bloggers who told me they peeled theirs off, I knew I had to do the same.  There was no way I was surviving until my next manicure when I was snagging on everything in sight.

These nails are amazing if you are a performer or have a special occasion.  They are quickly applied by a professional and are designed to Wow! those who see them, but they are definitely not meant for day to day wear, especially when compared to the cost - a Minx manicure will run you around $40 for the set.

I would like to thank my manicurist for the evening, Mai Kiyotake.  If you are interested in receving a Minx manicure or CalGel service, call Mai at 718-570-1982 or email her at kiyomai77@gmail.com.

Have you tried Minx nails? What did you think of them?

Related Posts with Thumbnails
posted by Felicia Sullivan
Mon, 06/01/2009 - 10:49am

Sarah,
I have to concur. The next morning, one of my Minx nails had begun to peel and it was like "a full-on Monet." I took them off immediately. Although they looked divine, I'm not sure I'd invest in them considering my tight budget.
xo


posted by
Tue, 06/02/2009 - 1:37pm

I had to take mine off after just 2-3 days due to lifting and wear at the tips- plus they damaged my two of my nails when I removed.


posted by nail beauty
Tue, 06/02/2009 - 10:57pm

I had to take mine off after just 2-3 days due to lifting and wear at the tips- plus they damaged my two of my nails when I removed.


posted by
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 12:40pm

Sigh, from your review and all these comments I guess Minx nails are too good to be true. Even regular manicures only last three days without chipping for me, there is no way I can maintain Minx nails if they peel that easily. I tried the calgel manicure, it does last longer but the initial application hurt my nails a little bit.


posted by
Fri, 06/26/2009 - 1:20pm

It's too bad that they don't last -- they seem so cool! But I must at least tell you that they look fabulous on you! Smiling


posted by
Wed, 07/01/2009 - 4:21am

I had a client that wore the Minx on her hands for 3 weeks!! So it can be done..Smiling You do have to treat them like jewels . But on the feet theyy last 4 weeks easy! Love the Minx!


posted by Monecka Freeman
Tue, 07/14/2009 - 11:14pm

I am a salon owner/stylist and recently visited a beverly hill salon where I recieved a minx manicure & pedicure, initially i made the appointment to see how they were done so I could bring it back to my city first because no one offered it there, after calling around for prices ranging from 150.00 to 250.00 for a house call, i settled for a salon on sunset, I loved the minx at first sight and I knew i could easily sell this to friends and clients at home but after a few hours my nails began to peel and lift, honestly I believe she didnt heat the minx properly or her lamp wasnt hot enough, I tried to keep them until i got home but once i wore them for 3 days I peeled them off in the airport on my way home, However my toes were in tact and lasted 2 1/2 weeks and could have gone 2 more but i took them off, I took the minx training and recently recieved my kit, however after reading these comments im not quite sure if im interested anymore, it truly is for performers and one time events on occasion. Maybe just doing one or two nails and then polishing the rest is another way they could last too.


posted by Leticia MINX master
Sun, 08/02/2009 - 5:24pm

Hi ladies... I specialize in minx. I would just like to say each minx master has their very own technique as far as filing and products that are placed on nail beds before application. Think about a time you've had a bad manicure or a bad set of artifical nails... . Because of my techniques, my clients are able to keep the minx on for 2 weeks! Im sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. Maybe consider minx on your toes, they last inbetween 4-8 weeks!! I, like you would, never consider paying for something that doesnt last. Any questions please contact me at www.myspace.com/minxxnails.


posted by Witches' Brew
Sat, 08/29/2009 - 6:38pm

My Minx pedicure has lasted almost a week so far with no problems. My manicurist told me the pedi can last up to a month.

The manicure has been on since Monday night (it's Saturday now). I have experienced some peeling at the tips but my manicurist told me to run them under a blow dryer, so I've done that about 3 days this week. Any peeling that I see, I run a quick buffer over (on the soft side). It's been almost one solid week with no major problems. I've stayed away from a lot of oils and avoided putting my hands in a lot of water (aside from regular bathing and handwashing).

Check my blog for a full review!


posted by Anna Z-James
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 8:08pm

I have been a manicurist for over 13 years and I have been having clients asking for the Minx and I researched how to get the products and you have purchase a kit that includes a training video the company does not offer any specialized training and from what I am reading thus far not only from your comments but other reviews as well...It really doesn't sound like I want to spend my time and money on the kit.....Not to boast but my natural nail manicures last at least a full 4/5 days and I only charge $20 for a full service salon manicure.


posted by salon owner
Mon, 09/28/2009 - 5:53pm

ITS ALL IN THE PERSON THAT APPLYS THE SERVICE JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE BAD WEAVES GOOD WEAVES GOOD HIGHLIGHTS BAD HIGHLIGHTS DONT BLAME THE MINX BLAME THE TECHNICIAN FOR NOT KNOWING WHAT SHES DOING


posted by Anonymous
Tue, 10/06/2009 - 7:47pm

Has anyone tried INCOCO nail strips? You can get them at Walgreens for $6. or $7. They do several colors, a French manicure, and even have just the white tips. Unfortunately, no metallics, but these strips only take twenty minutes to apply and stay on for almost two weeks. I've done them minutes before a dinner date. There is no peeling. After a few minutes they are no different than nail polish except they are perfectly dry and thicker. If you can style your own hair you can do these.


posted by
Thu, 10/22/2009 - 9:04am

Hi Everyone! I recently got a Minx manicure at Sassy Nail Spa in Washington, DC. I've had them now for 9 days, and mine aren't peeling, but here is the trick: the manicurist put a LIGHT top coat of UV gel on after the Minx were applied. I think these will last me the full 2 weeks Smiling


posted by Just a little doubtful
Wed, 11/18/2009 - 7:17pm

I am a hairstylist and never had an interest in doing nails. However, with the new Minx fad I am thinking about offering it at my salon. I figure it is something else that I can do and hopefully it does not smell and its not chemical. After reading everyones comments I wonder if it is worth the investment. What do you think? Here in my city it goes 45.00 for manicure and about 80 for a pedicure.


posted by Palestine
Mon, 11/23/2009 - 12:31pm

I recently hosted a Minx nail party at my hair salon and my customers and friends loved them. A few customers did contact me after about three days and complained that their nails were pealing. That's when I thought about normaly when i get my nails polish i always ask for the gel overlay to prevent chiping. Why dont we do this with the minx?


posted by Glam Couture Mobile Nail Spa
Sun, 11/29/2009 - 6:35pm

From my experiance as a nail tech for over 15 years. I would say that it is hard to put a time frame on how long a spacific service would last on a client, because we all live a variety of life styles. If you are a person that uses your hands often rather it's washing dishes, or even typing and filing all day long these are things that can cause a lot of wear and tear on your nails. I was thinking about offering this service but I'm a little leary as well considering what i have read on this site. $40 for the minx service alone is murder on the pockets especially when this doesn't include the actual manicure. I'm going to give it a little more thought before i make the decision to purchase the kit. Even though i have quite a few people requesting service. I would hate to offer this and my client doesnt get at least a full weeks of wear out of it.


posted by Anonymous
Fri, 12/04/2009 - 12:26am

When the UV gel is applied over the Minx is any buffing required first, or does the UV gel stick to the shiny surface of the Minx?


posted by
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 12:41pm

A little over a year ago I started my own nail business. For 8 years now I have specialized in natural nail services. Another salon in the area started offering Minx Nails, and it sparked my curiosity. Then this past week a client inquired about them. I decided to do my own research, and so far I am not happy with what people are saying about them.
I'm guessing, like most things, there is a trick or trade secret to them that makes them last so long.
I'm surprised to hear that a top coat is not given, but then I suppose if the top coat chips it will peel the Minx off with it.
Hearing that the pedicures last 4-6 weeks is not much of a selling point to me either. My pedicures already last that long.
Hopefully someone will tell us what the big secret to success is, and then everyone will be happy.


posted by Saleema Delawalla salon owner
Sun, 12/20/2009 - 9:20am

Me and my nail tech doing minx all most 5 months now we did see troble
but we come up with some ideas like adding glue warming minx for little longer
I love minx it adds so much confidents , fun , exsitment , it's worth to get don ......


posted by MissipTxMINX
Fri, 01/01/2010 - 2:39am

hello bloggers, first i would like to respone to a few things... It's is true ""don't balme the minx " but don't blame the manicurist either. i have clients that wear minx on hands for 3wks n toes jus like tracyo2 said 4-6weeks... The applicatons comes with experience and pratice... Heat and technique is the MAGIC!!! I WAS trained Athena Elliott (MinxMaster of Houston www.minxhouston.com).... I feel like a skilled application of minx doesn't need ANY GLUE OR A LITe coat of UV top coat!!!! I'M PROUD to say my clients return and luv minx!!!!


posted by Anonymous
Tue, 01/05/2010 - 10:35pm

well i dont know what youre doing with your hands ladies but i had my camo minx pedicure put on at thanksgiving time on maui. it is now jan 5th and ALL of my toes are still covered and shiny as the day i put them on. im a guy and i have had nothing but great reaction with my minx. i have trimmed my toe nails twice and they now are looking a bit grown from the cuticle. point is; mine have got me thru 2 weeks on the beach and into the new year! my nail tech said she didnt master minx until she applied her first 40-50 pedicures. its all in whos applying em ladies.....


posted by douglala
Tue, 01/12/2010 - 5:42pm

I agree alot depends on the manicurist.

My technician spent a solid 1.5 hours applying both my minx manicure and pedicure.

The manicure lasted a solid 2 weeks before any chipping or peeling..and I am very hard on my nails
My pedicure is still on...going on week 5 and still looks PERFECT....

I think this is a solution for me. I want to keep my nails nature but they ALWAYS break. However, I did not chip or break a single nail during the time I had the minx on.


posted by Anne Marie Price
Tue, 01/12/2010 - 10:32pm

My minx - got them (in blue lightning) for the first time about a week Christmas - lasted about 3 WEEKS ! I thought they might not last even a few days - after all the reviews I have read...BUT, I had a really good manicurist who suggested that I leave a tiny bit of length to my nail even though I like them as short as can be. This way, whenever I felt a jagged edge or a tiny bit pulling up at a tip, I would just file it a bit and that did the trick! At almost two weeks, I clipped my nails with the minx still on and filed a tiny bit and that let them last about a week longer. Yes, you could see some growth, but I have long nail beds so there was still plent of nail covered by the minx so the growth was not very noticeable at all. Hope the trick of filing and clipping when necessary helps your minx to last longer, too! Happy Minxing!


posted by JessieQ
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 7:43pm

I Have to let everyone know, MINX WILL STAY on if applied correctly! I applied them for my sister and they NEVER lifted and lasted a whole 2 weeks! the ONLY reason we took them off was because she is renovating her house and literally moving sheet rock! Even then NO LIFTING! they wore like polish( no chipping though) on her index, thumb and middle finger a bit. that was all. THEY ROCK!
I also applied them to a friends toes, and they are STILL on! three weeks later. I know that the dental monomer will not allow MINX to bond correctly, everything else is OK.
I have had GREAT experiences with my clients! ( I will not take a client who is coming from another salon or nail place, incase they do use that dental monomer)
Good luck


posted by Rodrigo Leija
Thu, 01/21/2010 - 4:16am

if you check their website and then get the product and the trial kits, it says that it lasts from 4 to 5 days manicure and up to 4 weeks pedicure, with this said Minx is is not a product for people who is looking to have a manicure every month or every 2 weeks, is for people who likes changing their nails every week or every day (when photo shoots and stuff) that is why I think is more like a lifestyle than a product!!
I really recommend Minx as ive never seen anything like this!!


posted by GUY on the beach
Tue, 02/23/2010 - 11:41pm

i dont know what you ladies are doing with your hands (nails) ; but im a MAN and i wear camo minx on my feet and i can keep mine on for at least a month. no scuffs, peel-ups, or fading. i wore my first set on a hawaiian beach for 10 days and the an extra 2 full weeks after i got home--no problems. and if you dont heat and soak before taking them off; you will mess up the top nail bed... MINX ROCK !!!


posted by Valerie Ann
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 5:25pm

This weekend, I attended the Bronner Brother's Hair Show for the first time. It was held in Atlanta at the 1orld Congress Center. Saleema Delawalla was teaching the class for $150. There were also two manicurist there offering the service on the showroom floor for $30 per service. When I asked how long would the service last. I was told 5 to 7 days. The manicurist couldn't tell me what was included in the class such as: hands on training, video, nail applicaes, and the heating lamps. I have already received one call asking if I provide the service. I don't see providing this service unless I can master the techniques and insure that my clients will get their moneys worth. I do see investing in the service to save time on set for photo shoots, it seems it would be quicker to use Minx on set rather than creating my own designs which takes a lot longer in drying time. I'll make a posting when I've completed my research.


posted by master tech
Sun, 02/28/2010 - 11:05pm

ladies i will tell what i tell my favorite nail clients. To have your manicure last longer between appointments, get your self a bottle of clear top coat or nail hardner. Then 1-2 days after your fresh manicure (depending upon how hard u are on your nails) and before the chipping starts, clean your nails well with alcohol, then put on a thin coat of the clear - especially across the free edge of the nail. making sure u allow it to dry well. This will reseal the polish and give it a protective coat to help hold it all together 4 a few more days.


posted by Cari Vegas
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:25pm

I began practicing the art of Minx Nails in April 2009. It does take many, many sets and lots of practice with the heat before even beginning to master the application process. But then again, it takes tons of practice to master gels, acrylic, wraps and any other nail services too! For me, the effort was worth it for many reasons. First, there's nothing else that looks like it. I also love the fact that Minx is a "green" nail polish alternative, odorless and chemical-free.
My Minx pedicures last beautifully 4-6 weeks just like my pedicures with nail polish do. With Minx manicures it really depends on the client's lifestyle. My clients' Minx has been lasting anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. However, when I first began practicing on my friends's nails, they didn't even last 2 days! It was like beauty school all over again!
My advise to potential Minx clients is to ask your tech how long they've been doing it and how many sets they've done. Go with the tech who has the most experience. If there's no one in your area with much experience, try a Minx pedicure first since feet seem to hold up better--you'll get your money's worth that way.
Warning to those removing your own Minx: Please make sure you heat each nail very well with a hot hair dryer before carefully peeling them off. If you don't soften the Minx well with a hot hair dryer, you can damage your nails.

In response to master tech: Your advise is great for normal manicures however it doesn't apply to Minx, as putting top coat on them would be pointless.


posted by minx lover
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 7:06pm

I have had my minx nails on for two and a half weeks today and still going...i just used my maintenance kit, a file and a drop of glue and i could still have them for another two weeks or until i get bored!!!! LOVE THEM!!!!


posted by Anonymous
Mon, 03/29/2010 - 2:09pm

Does anyone no if Minx are ok in the swimming pool? I have just started doing them and some came off, think I may need more practice, how long shall I heat the Minx before I put them on my clients?


posted by Beautify Me Canvey Essex
Fri, 04/30/2010 - 2:27pm

Hi Girls
Minx on the fingers generally lasts 1 to 2 weeks - I personally normally cap my minx manicure clients in gel to avoid lifting. You can heat them up & go over them with a rubber tipped cuticle pusher to stick them back down.

On the toes they last up to 6 weeks (then they need replacing due to nail growth)

Personally I would say if you only have enough money to do one or the other spend it on your toes!

Hope that helps
Carla


posted by Solmarilyn
Tue, 05/04/2010 - 4:25pm

Hi everyone I have being doing Minx for almost 2 years now. I love it and my clients are always happy with the results. My Minx application last 2 weeks and ahlf on the nails and up to 9 weeks on your toes even getting pedicures between. I always check what life style my clients have cause the time of the application will last depending on that. I put my Minx under the light from the beginning of the manicure and the clients hands also to keep the nail bed warm. I get alcohol to dehydrate the nail bed before the application. I don't apply nothing to the nail or to the top of the minx.


posted by Anonymous
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 8:26pm

Hello Everyone,
What surprises me the most is "Minx lasts up to 4 weeks on toes!!!". My regular pedicures with regular nail polish last 5-6 weeks to 2 months, finger nails - week to 2 weeks. That's normal for my services. It's hard for me to see what kind of results most of the people get on regular bases and it seems to be somewhat ok for them.
Your pedicure supposed to last at least a month!
It's sad that the level of nail services, in general, is below standard. I offer Minx as well but for different reasons and usually tell my people to get just a nail polish on toes unless they want cool designs.
I think the true meaning of a quality nail service is getting lost bcz we have so many cheap places and lots of people see $ sign before anything else. And later we have situations when nail polish chips off on second day. Which in whole affects real professionals that do their job well and take their time to do so. Just a thought!


posted by Anonymous
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 11:04am

Regarding the post by Saleema Delawalla salon owner ... Really?!! You own a business and you can't spell or use correct grammer? You sounded like a complete idoit! You're an embarrassment to the industry. Go back to school.


posted by Julie Tait
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 9:32am

Heya girls,

I just had my nails done with Trendy Nail Wraps and absolutely love them!!

They have two lines, one that is the same as Minx and lasts for 1-2 weeks. The others is a professional cut which is used with acrylic or gel tips.

I got mine done with the tips and have been wearing them for 3 weeks now and they are still going strong. I loove them!!

You can check them out at www.metallicnails.com.au


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