The Nail Crisis That Forced Me To Grow Up A Little

My Honest Opinion

Dec 14

Okay so basically I had to have a come to Jesus moment with my nails recently.

I love acrylics. Always have. But sometimes, love turns toxic.

My natural nails were wrecked. Weird discoloration underneath, lifting that actually hurt, constant soreness, and the kind of damage that makes you realize you cannot keep pretending this is normal.

But I wasn’t looking for a quick fix - I wasn’t interested in cycling through expensive solutions just to end up right back where I started. I wanted something that would actually work long term and not destroy my nails in the process.

That’s when I started seriously looking into gel x.

Everyone talks about how they’re lighter, less damaging, and easier on your natural nails, but nails are one of those things where the product only works if the person applying it knows exactly what they’re doing. I needed a Bakersfield girly I could actually trust.

Meet The Hairy Godmother: My Bakersfield Nail Savior

After years of acrylic damage, I needed a professional who understood nail health, not just nail aesthetics. I found @thehairygodmother on Instagram, and her portfolio immediately stood out.

What She Offers:

- Gel-X Nails (among many other kinds including builder gel which I will be trying next)

- Hair Styling (cuts, color, styling)

- Makeup Artistry (everyday to bridal)

📍 Location: Bakersfield, CA

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.hairy.godmother_/

📅 Booking: DM on Instagram or contact here: Click Me

My First Impression:

Professional but approachable and fun. Her studio is organized, adorable, clean, calming, and honestly very relaxing. Her tools are pristine, unlike some salons where they pull the same dusty tools out for the millionth time. No judgment, no rushing, just quality work.

Now let’s get into the nails :)

My First Set (November)

This was my first gel x set with her, back in November. From the second I walked in, I knew this wasn’t going to be a rushed, transactional appointment.

The polka dots - perfect. The pattern design - flawless. Overall, I was very very impressed.
Not to mention the experience. The vibes were immediately right.
Pink tools. Bedazzled details. Adorable decorations. Cute without being chaotic. Fun without feeling unprofessional. It felt intentional, and honestly, that matters more than people think.

She used fresh tools for the set, which instantly told me she takes her work seriously. Clean, organized, and thoughtful. She was easy to talk to, easy to trust, and the entire appointment felt relaxed instead of rushed.

The nails themselves were strong but lightweight. No pressure. No pain. No lifting. I could actually use my hands without feeling like something was going to pop off.

I left really impressed. But I didn’t immediately recommend her, because one good experience is great. Consistency is what actually matters.

So I waited.

The Second Set (December)

When I went back just recently, that’s when everything was confirmed for me.
Same experience. Same level of care. Same attention to detail. Same quality.
That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a really good first appointment. This was someone I could actually stick with.

The design was festive without being overdone, the application was just as clean, and the nails held up beautifully. No lifting. No soreness. No damage underneath.

What to Expect: The Full Gel-X Experience

If you've never gotten Gel-X, here's exactly what happens:

Time Commitment: 1.5-2.5 hours (depending on design complexity)

The Process:

1. Consultation (5-10 min): Discuss length, shape, design. She gives honest feedback on what works.

2. Nail Prep (15-20 min): Gentle removal if needed, filing, cuticle work, buffing. No harsh drilling.

3. Sizing (5 min): Each finger gets individually sized with the perfect Gel-X tip.

4. Application (30-40 min): Tips applied with gel and cured under UV light.

5. Shaping (10-15 min): Filed to your desired length and shape.

6. Design Work (30-60+ min): Where the artistry happens. This is the fun part.

7. Top Coat & Cure (10 min): Everything sealed for longevity.

8. The Reveal: Final adjustments and aftercare tips.

Pain Level: 0/10. Seriously. Zero pain. No burning like with acrylics.

Comfort Level: She’s easy to chat with and has great music. It's honestly relaxing.

Cost: DM @the.hairy.godmother_ for pricing (varies by design)

My Final Take

I’m not here to declare a forever nail solution or act like I have it all figured out. What I can say is this: if you’re looking for detailed, quality, and healthy nails, @thehairygodmother is absolutely the way to go.

I didn’t recommend her after one appointment. I waited. I went back. I paid attention to consistency, care, and how my natural nails actually felt underneath it all. And that’s what matters.

Both sets held up beautifully. The application was clean. The designs were thoughtful. The experience stayed the same every time. No rushing. No cutting corners. No damage.

If you’re in Bakersfield and you want nails that look good and don’t wreck your natural ones in the process, this is a really solid place to start.

Gel-X vs. Acrylics: The Honest Comparison

Since I lived in acrylics for years, here's what's actually different:

WEIGHT: Acrylics feel heavy and noticeable. Gel-X is light and natural.

SMELL: Acrylics have that strong chemical odor. Gel-X has minimal to no smell.

APPLICATION: Acrylics use harsh liquid + powder with drilling. Gel-X uses soft gel tips with no drilling.

DAMAGE: Acrylics are rough on natural nails long-term. Gel-X is gentle and protective.

LOOK: Acrylics can look thick. Gel-X has a sleek, natural finish.

LONGEVITY: Both last 3-4 weeks, but Gel-X felt healthier the entire time.

PAIN: Acrylics sometimes burn during application. Gel-X? Zero pain.

The Bottom Line:

Acrylics look great if done well, but they're harsh on your natural nails. Gel-X gives you the same length and strength without destroying what's underneath. For me, the switch was 100% worth it.

FAQs: Your Gel-X Questions, Answered

No! Unlike acrylics, there's no drilling or harsh chemicals. Your natural nails get a chance to recover.
Gel polish is just color on your natural nail. Gel-X is a full extension system that gives you length and strength using soft gel tips.
3-4 weeks with proper care. My first set lasted 3.5 weeks perfectly. My second set is currently going strong with zero lifting or damage.
YES. That's literally why I got them. Gel-X is gentle and protective for damaged nails.
Absolutely. I've washed dishes, changed diapers, typed thousands of words, and done all my normal mom/content creator activities.
Yes! Because they're lighter than acrylics, they don't feel clunky when typing. I work on my computer all day and had zero issues.