My obsession with my nails goes way back to my days as an elementary school kid. I still vividly remember the day that two malicious classmates looked at my nails and then at their own, declaring that mine were “flat, short, ugly and like boy nails” while theirs were rounded and shaped. My little second-grade heart broke at the thought that I had boy nails because, of course, I had never thought of this before.

Fast-forward to my adolescence and further frustration with my nails. They are so thin that I could never get acrylics without destroying them. I tried all kinds of topcoats enriched with vitamins and keratin and every nail-strengthening ingredient, but nothing ever worked. Then I discovered Calgel.

Calgel is a UV activated gel that is brushed on to the natural nail and lasts around 3 to 4 weeks (or 5 if you push your luck like I do!). Because everything is sealed in with the UV, Calgel manicures can be done with elaborate designs that won’t peel or chip. I get mine done at Hello Beautiful, a salon in Brooklyn, New York. The nail artist there, Naomi, has a pretty all-star roster of clients that she works with (She’s been working on the set of the Sex and the City 2 movie!). She is fantastically talented at what she does, and she’s also incredibly nice!

This week, I wanted something fun so she did a dark purple French with some rhinestones and little gold accents. And yes, those are my natural nails that have grown out since my last Calgel mani. I nearly cried with joy when I had to ask Naomi to cut my nails down so that they weren’t too claw-like.

I’d recommend stopping by at Hello Beautiful to anyone who gets the chance to! I have been going there for two years to get my hair done (Ayame will give you a great cut!), and now also for my nails. All of the girls who work there are awesome and friendly, and the salon itself is decked out with pink and leopard print, which is just cool.

Visit their website for more information!

Hello Beautiful
218 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 387-4732