how to grow and care for norfolk island pine

Gardening

How to Grow and Care for Norfolk Island Pine

Drescription

Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is not an actual pine tree, despite the name. Rather, these plants are a relative of the monkey puzzle tree. It is often cultivated as a landscape tree in subtropical climates in North America (USDA zones 10 to 11) and grown indoors elsewhere as a manageable indoor tree, where they grow around three to eight feet tall or can be trained as a bonsai or miniature tree.

Outdoors, the maximum height of a Norfolk Island pine is around 200 feet tall. Whether grown inside or outdoors, the Norfolk pine requires copious amounts of light to survive.

In other regions, the slow-growing Norfolk Island pine is often grown as a living Christmas tree, frequently decorated with ribbons or ornaments. All too often, the tree is discarded after the holiday season, but it can easily be kept as a permanent foliage plant indoors or planted outdoors when it warms up in the spring.

Norfolk Island Pine Care

The main care requirements for a Norfolk Island Pine are fairly straightforward.

Plant in a location that gets full sun.

Locate your tree in an area with temperatures above 35°F.

Water your Norfolk Pine at least every two weeks indoors.

Test your tree's soil pH and amend for acidic soil.

Norfolk Island pines are capable of growing both indoors and outdoors. While they have preferred growing conditions, they are quite forgiving and can thrive in various settings.

Light

A Norfolk Island pine needs sun, preferring full sun whenever possible. A south-facing window is ideal. Norfolk Island pines can also handle relatively long periods (months at a time) in dimmer conditions. You can keep your potted plant indoors during the winter and then move it to a sunny spot outdoors when the summer comes around.

If your plant begins to stretch while growing inside, the odds are that the combination of low light and heavy fertilizer is causing leggy growth. In that case, cut back on the fertilizer until the plant has more access to sunlight. It's helpful to turn it frequently, so every side gets equal light.

Soil

If growing Norfolk Island pine indoors, use a potting mix that is porous, sandy, and slightly acidic. Adding extra peat moss and sand to a standard potting mix will improve acidity and porosity.

Grown outside, it prefers soil that is rich, sandy, and acidic. These are acid-loving plants, preferring a pH in the 4.5 to 5.5 range. You can check your soil pH with an easy-to-do test, which will help keep your tree happy and healthy for a long time.

Water

Water your Norfolk Island pine regularly, keeping the soil damp but not soggy. Indoors, it should be watered every one to two weeks, until excess moisture starts draining out of the bottom of the pot.

Outdoor Norfolk pine trees prefer the soil to remain somewhat moist. Once established, it will tolerate somewhat dry conditions.

Temperature and Humidity

Because they are native to the South Pacific, Norfolk Island pines prefer warmer, wetter climates between 65°F and 70°F. They can briefly survive cooler and warmer temperatures but may perish if they experience temperatures below 35°F.

If you want to give your Norfolk pine some extra love, use a humidifier to help increase the humidify around the plant.

Fertilizer

Feed your Norfolk Island pine with a weak liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season, although it is best to suspend fertilizing in low-light periods. A 20-20-20 NPK formulation will work fine, but to add the acidity that the Norfolk Island pine loves so much, you can look for proprietary fertilizers specially formulated for conifers or azaleas.

Norfolk Island pines—especially younger trees—have notoriously weak root systems. To strengthen their roots, make sure you're supplying regular fertilizer, and don't hesitate to stake your tree up if it needs support.

Potting and Repotting Norfolk Island Pines

A potted Norfolk Island pine only needs to be repotted when it's rootbound or the roots are beginning to come out of the drainage hole. Young Norfolk Island pines are not very fast growers, so you'll likely only need to repot it every few years.

Repot your Norfolk Island pine in the springtime. Choose a heavy pot to help keep the tree from falling over. Make sure the pot is only a couple of inches larger than the one the plant is coming from, with plenty of drainage holes.

Types of Norfolk Island Pines

There is only one variety of Norfolk Island pine on the market: Araucaria heterophylla. This plant does not have cultivars or named varieties.

A few other species from this family sometimes show up in the trade, mislabeled as the original plant. These include A. columnaris, A. araucana, and A. bidwillii. It's unlikely you'll see these, but if you happen to acquire one, the care requirements are similar.

Pruning

Remove lower branches that have died—a common issue that happens with potted indoor plants. It is usually not recommended to trim the top of the tree, but if a potted tree gets too large for its space, cut off the central leader. If it does get new growth, the new growth will branch out, which will cause the tree to lose its classic evergreen look, but it will help the tree to stay shorter.

Remove dead and diseased branches from trees grown outdoors, but other than this, no routine pruning is necessary.

How to Grow Norfolk Island Pine From Seed

Norfolk Island pine best propagates by seed.

Collect the seeds. Break apart the spherical cones after they fall from the tree to remove the seeds. Plant them soon after.

Place seeds on soil. Place seeds flat on the soil surface in a container at least 12 inches deep. The ideal soil mix is a moist, peaty, sandy mix. Don't cover the seeds with soil.

Mist and wait. Mist the seeds to encourage germination, which should occur in 10 to 15 days.

Set pot in bright, indirect light. Place the pot in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. If growing outdoors, choose a location that gets partial sun, with only three to four hours of direct sun.

Care for as usual after germination. A tap root and top growth are signs the seed has germinated. Once the seedlings have a tap root and growth, keep the soil moist and care for as usual.

Tip

Do not attempt to propagate a Norfolk Island pine by taking a cutting; it is not recommended since new growth does not grow back in its place like other plants.12

Overwintering

Norfolk pines can't tolerate temperatures below 35°F.

In winter, bring potted Norfolk Pine trees indoors (if it's not already). Place it in a room with average or high humidity and full, bright sunlight (a bright bathroom would be ideal). Water only when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Norfolk Island Pines are vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealybugs, scale, mites, and whiteflies.3 If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the least toxic option. A Norfolk pine may also develop a fungal disease from overwatering, such as anthracnose, which can turn entire sections of the tree yellow, brown, and then cause the plant to die.

Common Problems With Norfolk Island Pines

This easy-going tree may encounter a few challenges in its life. The needles will turn different colors to alert you to a problem.

Needles Turning Brown

Norfolk Island pine does best in moderate temperatures; it doesn't tolerate cold or heat well. Wide temperature fluctuations can cause the needles to brown. Needles that are turning brown may also indicate that the plant is being overwatered or underwatered.

Needles Turning Yellow

If the needles turn yellow, the tree is either getting too much or not enough sunlight. Assess the light the tree is getting and make an adjustment so it's either getting less or more. Extreme changes in temperature may also be the culprit turning the needles yellow. Check the area for any vents that might have started coming on.

Needles Dropping

Needles will drop for two reasons: your tree is either being overwatered or it's not given enough light.

How to Make Cosmos Bloom Again (and Again) Before Summer Is Officially Over

Key Points Take a quick garden walk to spot watering or pruning needs. Don’t panic—most stressed plants can bounce back with care. Check for pests that may have moved in while you were away. Unfussy cosmos are a low-maintenance landscaper lover’s dream. They don’t need much help to produce a profusion of colorful, pollinator-friendly blooms. However, if you're growing cosmos and they’re only producing a few flowers or they suddenly stop blooming in the height of summer, you might be making some simple mistakes in terms of care or conditions. Here’s how to make your cosmos bloom again (and again) right through summer to the first fall frost. Why Cosmos Stop Blooming in Late Summer Various culprits could be causing your cosmos flowers to fade or fail to rebloom as summer progresses. Aside from not tidying spent flowers, neglecting to adjust your care to account for seasonal changes can be a blight on blooms. Too much shade, excessive fertilizer or water, and lack of respite from intense heat waves can all slow down or stop cosmos from blooming. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! 7 Ways to Make Cosmos Bloom Again To ensure your cosmos have a second wind when it comes to flowering, try these tricks. Deadhead spent flowers: When the first flush of flowers fades, cut the stem with sterile shears above the first leaves to promote new bud formation. This keeps your plant focused on flower production. Pick the best yard position: Cosmos are sun-lovers that need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of full sun to produce plenty of big blooms. Protect during heatwaves: Temperatures above 95°F will stress your cosmos and pause blooming. If you live in a heatwave-prone region, consider growing cosmos in containers. That way, you can move them to a cooler when the mercury rises. Pinch for productive plants: When your young cosmos reach 8 to 10 inches tall, use clippers to remove the top of the stem, leaving just a few sets of leaves. This encourages more branches and blooms. Weigh up your watering habits: Cosmos are drought-tolerant plants that don’t appreciate soggy soils. Avoid overwatering, letting the soil dry fully between irrigations. Avoid overfertilization: These plants thrive in poor soils and don’t require feeding when grown in the ground. A balanced, slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer is best for container-grown cosmos. Too much nitrogen means the plant will focus on leaf rather than bloom production. Prune to promote air circulation: Fungal diseases, like fusarium wilt and powdery mildew, can cause problems with cosmos bud drop and bloom development. Don’t plant seedlings too close, prune vigorously branching leaves, and water plants at the base. Avoid artificial light: If you have security lights on all night in your yard, this can cause issues as cosmos need 12 hours of darkness to start blooming. 3 Signs Your Cosmos Will Rebloom After taking steps to remedy an unexpected pause in blooming, these subtle clues could be a sign that a flurry of fresh flowers are on the way. New bud formation: Can you see new, small, round swellings at the tips of your plant’s stems? This means that new blooms are forming. Fresh growth: Stressed plants stop or slow their leaf production and can experience stunted growth. If you see signs of new leaves growing and your plant is putting on a growth spurt, that’s a good sign. Plant perks up: A wilting plant that has too much sun or the wrong amount of water will start to become more upright as it recovers its vigor. How to Keep Cosmos Blooming Until Frost Now that you’ve got the blooms back on track, continue to make the most of the flowers until the first frosts arrive by watering deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. Watch for pests, such as aphids, slugs, and spider mites, to proactively prevent bloom-limiting infestations. Plus, provide shelter from strong winds to help protect tall cosmos varieties when staking isn’t enough.

IT’S TIME TO ORGANIZE – Small Entry Organization Hacks For Those Of Us Who Are “Mudroom-Less”

My favorite mom quote goes as follows – “Without systems there is chaos. Without systems there is chaos“. One of you deserves credit for it, left sweetly in the comment section two years ago, and I chant it ALL THE TIME. This applies to every single part of our lives, and as someone who unfortunately isn’t innately gifted in the organization realm, and yet abhors visual mess, I HAVE to create systems, or else the house is so chaotic and messy and it actually affects my mental health (thus the choice to live more minimally with less stuff). Labels are my boss. Baskets make me feel safe. So when we were brainstorming about how to talk about organization in the New Year, I ranted about all my pain points at the mountain house – the “no mudroom entry,” the exploding vanity, the lack of linen closet, the hall utility closet that housed both the vacuum and the board games. All solvable, WITH A SYSTEM that includes starting with the right product. And even though we knew we were moving to Portland it still seemed like a good time to come up with some better solutions – both for guests that stay, my family when we return in winter/summer, and of course for the blog. So we partnered with Target to highlight their new and always loved organizational products to ease our chaos and make our homes and brains calmer after the holidays. Systems, it’s all about systems :) The “No Mudroom” Entry We packed in a lot of solutions up here, for ideas for all your pain points. Not everyone can enter and exit through a designated mudroom, especially apartment dwellers, and us. But walking into chaos, stepping over shoes and the visual pile of coats drives me NUTS. Now the elements that you MUST have here are simple – A Drop Zone (could be the bench or the tray on the shoe rack) – This is for mail, keys (if you don’t have hooks), and bags. Get yourself a tray, bowl, or basket (and a hook if you want to never have to look for your keys again). Shoe Storage – This could be a shoe shelf like this (which is nice because it can be wheeled away if you have guests over), a trunk, or a basket. While I prefer something more enclosed, getting my kids to “drop” is a challenge enough so ‘arranging’ is a monumental feat. Plus a shelf keeps them from getting scuffed up and you have less searching to the bottom of the basket time. Someday, crossing fingers, we’ll graduate to this. Don’t have a coat closet? ME NEITHER! So you need either hooks on your wall, a coat rack, or a freestanding piece of furniture. The first two are better for small spaces (plus wet coats can’t dry off in an armoire). 3. A Place to Hang Coats/Scarves, and Hats – Could be standing or to save space use a wall-mounted hook system like this. Use the anchors provided (I’ve skimped on those before), try to do a weekly depopulation based on the weather, and put away coats in hopefully a coat closet nearby, leaving just what you need here. 4. Designated Baskets for Daily Needs – Under the bench: 1. “House shoes/slippers” (easy to change into when you come home, 2. “Dog accessories” (leashes, bags, treats), and 3. “Hats and gloves”. I love these baskets with the wood on top, but opting for something more closed will make it look cleaner (just make sure you know what is in them so you don’t have to do the “search and bury”). Shout out to that bench – please note the good joinery under the seat!! So good. The “No Entry” Entry For those of us with even less space or perhaps at the back, side, or kitchen door we have a one-piece unit for all of those same needs – it’s pretty genius. At the top you have hooks for coats/hats and scarves, then a bench to sit on for shoes and a surface for a drop zone, with shoe storage underneath. ONE AND DONE. It’s a small space solution that packs a ton of function into one piece. All you need is a 4′ blank wall near your door and you can live a better life in a small space. Pretty sure someone should write a book with that title. So no, you don’t need “an entry” to have an entry. You just need a good, solid system and Target has truly made it even easier.

29 Dresses That Will Comfortably Take You Through The End Of Fall (And They’re Under $150!)

While most of us in the States are still waiting for that first intoxicating fall breeze, it’s coming sooner than we think. So it’s that awkward time when we no longer want to invest in “summer clothes” but also don’t want to buy something and wait a month or two to wear our cute new picks. We all know the answer though don’t we?? IT’S A DRESS. But not just any dress. This dress needs to be versatile and take us from now through the fall (and ideally beyond). Extra points if you can easily layer with tights and a coat. And that’s what we have for you today, 29 dresses that still feel fun enough for the end of summer but will easily transition into the cooler months. Oh, and all but two are under $150 and many are under $100. It’s a party! Denim I wanted to start with a classic and a style that is synonymous with Emily Henderson and EHD as a whole…The short denim dress! She’s been wearing them for years for a reason. They are maybe the most versatile type of dress because look casual but like you still tried. For the summer, they are great with a cute flat but come the fall, they look SO cute with leggings and tall boots. Heck, you can even throw a long-sleeved top under if you want. You really can’t lose here. Now for these picks above. On the left, I chose this very fun and sweet $45 cutie with a slight puff sleeve that I love. Since it’s from Old Navy the sizing goes up to 4x and has three different length options. THANK YOU OLD NAVY! For the dress on the right, I really love the wash of that denim but it’s Madewell so no surprise there. The stitching on this one is also just so good and I love the shape of the pocket flaps (?) Very classic. This one also comes in a light wash but this one feels more “year-round” to me. If a full-on button-down dress isn’t your vibe then this adorable and very cool quarter button-down may be perfect! It’s only $50 (I KNOW!) and also from Old Navy with all of their sizing options. And let’s not forget to mention those great pockets and the fact that the sleeves are long for extra warmth in colder months. But an added striped long-sleeved turtle neck would look pretty cute and make it even cozier. Then the dress on the right is from Abercrombie and if you saw our try-on post you know that Caitlin and Mal loved their sleeveless version. But this very chic version comes in two other colors and three different lengths. So don’t stress if you love it but think it might be too short! Striped Loose Shirtdress For a similar vibe to the dresses above, but in lighter/slightly more warm weather-friendly fabrics, are these cotton shirt dresses. As a team of stripe lovers, I thought these two could use their own special category:) But both of them also come in other solid colors that might be better for fall if you prefer. I just loved how cool and simple the cuts/details of these were. And as the hot summer sun cools down these would look great with a jean or a leather jacket paired with some booties. Elevated Shirtdress While almost all of the dresses in this post have a throw-on-and-go aesthetic, this section in particular really embodies it. Look at the blue dress on the left. It’s got a cool sleeve length, a nice little V-neckline, and is beautifully tiered. It’s just easy to wear in so many different situations. Another perfect one for flats in the summer and cute boots for colder weather. You will look great for under $60! But I also love the effortless coolness of the olive green dress. This is a great dress for right now (end of summer) but once it cools down a little, layering a patterned long-sleeve shirt or just rolling down the dress’s sleeves will be perfect. I also think that loose waistline is a great way to call attention to your waist without any constriction. THE DREAM. But also let’s not forget to have fun with pattern! We are so used to busting out the fun florals, etc for spring and summer but they deserve to be out all year long. This patterned shirtdress is still loose but has great details to not make it feel too unstructured. We are newish to Boden but boy are we fans. This dress is not only under $100 the sizing is way more inclusive than most. Structured Shirt Dress For a more structured look, these two are ELEGANT. The shapes are playful but the fabrics are super relaxed. These are also great for the office (you’d just have to make sure the eyelet dress was a good length for your job). Otherwise, these are great options for places and events where you don’t want to be dressy but you do want to look nice. Oversized Chic I know these two won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I LOVE them. They feel so cool and more oversized/architectural than most. The dress on the left has less shape (but does have pockets!) and the dress on the right is a bit more fitted if that’s more your style. They are styled for warm weather in these shots but I’m telling you, black tights and over-the-knee boots topped off with an oversized coat, no one is going to look chicer than you. Not Your Average Shirtdress There seems to be a pretty wide definition for what a shirtdress is but if that green corduroy is one then SIGN ME UP! It’s another beauty from Boden and that color is maybe perfect. I also happen to love corduroy. It’s fall time gold that could also be worn at the tail end of summer as long as it’s not too hot:) As for the black dress on the right, I like how it feels both casual and kinda edgy? I mean that zipper is very cool and makes it feel unique. Plus it’s from J. Crew so you know the quality to great! Structured Maxi Sleeveless Wow, I love this silhouette! The lines are stunning and that high-neck + sleeveless look just screams “I don’t care about trends, I just know what looks good.” The tan number on the left is one of the picks that is a little over $150. But at $168, it’s 100& linen, has a pocket, is fully lined, and has that great belt. Add heeled boots and a trench coat an it’s a perfect outfit. The black one is actually denim which I think makes it even cooler! The cut definitely looks formal but the denim really makes it more casual. Oh, plus the denim has a stretch and it’s under $100. Win-win! Cool Lines Would this be an EHD fashion post if we didn’t have a lot of stripe options? I didn’t think so:) Stripes are timeless, are great year-round, and these two dresses are both of those things. Now, if you know me you know my love of my shoulder-padded t-shirts is almost too deep to talk about. I wear all three of them every week (and have for at least three years). This is all to say that while this black and white dress’s shoulders aren’t padded, I love the slightly exaggerated muscle tee look! This is just a cool gal-vibe dress that truly could be accessorized with nearly any style. The other dress on the right really caught my eye because of that color combo! Who doesn’t love ochre and navy together?? We sure do. Plus, the silhouette is so pretty and it comes in four other colors. Gobsmocked! It’s now time to get a little whimsical. A smock dress is another classic we all love too. This deep wine color on the left dress is to die for. Definitely more “fall” than “summer” but also who cares! It’s beautiful, has so many pretty details, and is a good price at $88. Then for our long-sleeved beauty, you get a bit more coverage, if that’s your preference, and pockets! And that one is under $55. While nearly all of the dresses I’m about to talk about fall into this category, these two are great options for Thanksgiving dresses if you are into thinking that far ahead:) Whimsically Earthy I truly fell in love with these colors as much as I did with the shapes. The dress on the left is still in the smocked category with that great waist definier but those sleeves are also a showstopper. If I’m honest this dress definitely reminds me of Ulla Johnson but for a fraction of the price at $50. Old Navy is coming through with the style, sizing, and prices. But if you prefer something a little less detailed and fitted this dress on the right is perfect for you. The rich color, the awesome puff sleeves, and the tiered look have me absolutely sold. And see? Great Thanksgiving dress options. Neutral AND Fun You may or may not have guessed that the dress on the left is the other dress that is slightly above the $150 mark (but only by $8!). But look at it. How could I have not included it?! The shape of it might be my other favorite and I love that it’s a print that isn’t a floral (not shade to florals, just nice to have other options). No notes and I think it’s a perfect option for all year long. Then the dress on the right is an awesome floral dress that’s still in the neutral-toned world but a little moodier. I think that’s a perfect vibe for the last part of the year and/or if you aren’t a bold color person. Also, great sleeves and a sweet little detail between each tier. Pattern Play Speaking of patterns, look these these stunners! Small-scale patterns with modest necklines, and fitted bodices. I’m in. Plus, you don’t even have to ask yourself “What bra am I going to wear with this??” because you can wear whichever one you want! Since these are both long-sleeved, they aren’t going to be as versatile with those lingering hot days of summer. But hey, maybe you work in a really cold office so some sleeves are welcome:) Last but not least is this fun and elegant beauty. This one is going to show a little more cleavage (unless you add a tank top of some kind under). But I love that it’s long, there’s a pretty detail at the shoulders, and it has a very fun bold print. The colors are so pretty too! Oh, and it goes up to a size 20/22 and comes in three different lengths. It’s a slam dunk which is how I like to end every post:) What do you think? Any favorites? Any reviews if you own one of these dresses? Let’s chat! Love you, mean it.

4 Women Honestly Review Gel-X Manicures (+ 42 Nail Art Ideas We Actually Tried)

It’s been nine months since my first Gel-X manicure and let me tell you: I’m never going back. Dips? Acrylics? Extensions? Regular gel? NO MORE FOR ME, THANK YOU. So today, I wanted to share a little bit more about Gel-X (you know – what it is, how much it costs, how long it lasts, the pros/cons) buuuuut I also wanted to bring in a few familiar faces to share their opinions and experiences. (If you’re the type of person with the dexterity to paint your own nails, we’re also sharing 42 different shots of our actual manicures – maybe we can spark some of your creativity! And, if you’re like, “uh, nails aren’t for me,” there’s even a picture of a real-life horse in here! Why? You’ll find out! Anyway, something for everyone!) Let’s start with the high-level overview, yeah? Basically, Gel-X is a press-on nail that cures like gel (read: your nail technician will size up your hands, glue on a nail of your preferred shape/length, and your ~new nails~ will be firmly attached for about a month after you shove your hand under one of those UV lights). Once everything has cured, your technician will proceed as normal – polish, art, lotion, oil, an occasional full hand model photoshoot for their IG, etc. – and when you’re finally ready to come back in a few weeks to switch things up, the removal process is the same as it would be for any standard gel manicure. i’ll pop in later with more of my nail art, but here’s a taste! Gel-X nails are flexible (so they won’t snap in half when you jam your hand into a wall, or a counter, or your car, or some other place, as regular humans are wont to do). They’re also really lightweight, especially when compared to acrylics, and they look natural – or, uh, as natural as neon cow print nails can look, at least. More than anything, though, I’ve found that Gel-X nails just make me feel really, really, really great. There’s something kind of fun and visceral about clacking away on something, you know? But this isn’t just about me – three other EHD gals have hopped on the Gel-X train, so I wanted to grab their unbiased opinions, too. I’ll check in with you below (and I’ll spill the details on my average spend!), but first…let me throw it over to the queen of nail art, Veronica. Veronica When’d you start trying out Gel-X? My first Gel-X manicure was in June of 2021, because I wanted to do something special for my birthday, and since then it’s been a nice once-a-month self-care routine during the pandemic. :) Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? Before Gel-X, I had gotten gel on my regular nails and tried press ons / glue ons, but those only averaged about 2 weeks max. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? Not really. Gel-X is better for your nails than acrylics, but your nails do thin still because of them being sanded down in the process. What’s your preferred shape and length? I go back and forth between getting somewhere between an almond and stiletto shape and a square shape. I usually keep them short-medium length because of my job (photographer who works on her computer most days, or is dealing with equipment when I’m on set). How long do your appointments take? Appointments take between 1.5 – 2 hours. How long do your nails stay on? I’ve never had a nail fall off when getting Gel-X, and I usually get mine done anywhere between three and four weeks because my nails grow out pretty quickly. How do your nails feel? My nails feel good, not like they are being ruined or anything, but they are thinner for sure since starting Gel-X! Although, my nails have always been on the thin side. Is there an average cost? The place I go to is on the more expensive side (between $90-100 before tip) because I found a nail tech I really love and trust, but I know a salon that a pal of mine has gone to and it’s around $65 starting price. It really just depends on the salon, but I have found it’s important to go somewhere you feel the techs are able to take care of your nails in a healthy way. Where do you get your nail art inspiration? I use Pinterest and Instagram for nail inspo and have saved boards on both. Two accounts I follow on Instagram are: Nia Ho & Vivian W and the other saved posts have popped up on my explore page. :) Any pros and cons? I’m not a professional, so I can only speak to my personal opinion lol but pros – if you want something that will last without having to worry about chipping, breaking, or touch-ups, then the Gel-X is a great option. Cons – it can add up and get expensive depending on how often you get them done and it’s important to get them taken off in a salon so you don’t ruin your nails trying to do them yourself. Ryann When’d you start trying out Gel-X? I started October 2021. Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? Years and years ago I used to get acrylic nails but I hated it. More recently I was a press-on nail gal but only for special occasions. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? Oh yeah. At first, I felt like I couldn’t do anything with long nails but I got used to it pretty fast. Typing was very hard at first (I looked like this). What’s your preferred shape and length? I get the medium length and almond shape. How long do your appointments take? If I am getting a Gel-X removal plus a new set it usually takes an hour and a half. How long do your nails stay on? The longest I have gone between appointments is 4 weeks and they were still holding on! How do your nails feel? My actual nails feel a lot stronger than they did when I used to get acrylics. I think the Gel-X is a lot more gentle on your actual nails. Is there an average cost? With tip it’s between $100-150 (when you do designs versus a solid color it’s closer to $150). Where do you get your nail art inspiration? Instagram or my friends! Any pros and cons? Pros: I feel put together even when I am wearing sweats. And I get compliments all the time. :’) Cons: If the technician cuts my actual nails too short before putting the Gel X on as my nails start to grow out it can be painful because my nails start to grow into my nail bed (it’s gross I know). But the easy fix to this is to tell your nail tech not to cut your actual nails. Jess When’d you start trying out Gel-X? October 5, 2021 (my birthday:)). Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? I went a couple of years getting gel manicures all the time when I worked in restaurants because it was the only kind that actually lasted. Getting a regular mani at the time was like throwing money directly into the trash. Then a few years ago I got a gel manicure with a design for the first time and my god I loved it but wasn’t able to afford it on the regular. This go around however was my first time EVER getting “fake nails”. My mom gave me a hard no when I wanted those french tip acrylics in middle school. I guess being like all the other cool girls wasn’t a good enough argument. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? Lol yes. I felt like Edward Scissorhands but less proficient for at least a week. I remember the next morning trying to put on my leggings thinking “I don’t think I can dress myself. This nail thing is a LIFESTYLE!” I was mainly afraid of them ripping off which is apparently a VERY normal experience for newbs like me. But then when I got my second and now with my third, they just feel like my normal fingernails. the 2nd set that felt too wide (they also were a little shorter to be fair) What’s your preferred shape and length? I love an almond shape and medium length. I don’t know if “medium” is a technical term but I want them to look longish and elegant but still want to be able to you know, type. I will also say that the physical gel-x shape is I think called Stiletto (not the tip shape but fact check me on that). Basically, I like the nail to look slender. The second set I got (the green one above) felt a little wide for me. Just something to think about if you are going in for the first time or if you want a different look. How long do your appointments take? Eh, 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the design. The first time is the shortest since they don’t have to remove your old set. How long do your nails stay on? So far about six weeks. BUT I have chosen designs where the “background” is clear or “natural”. Why that’s a good idea if you want to stretch out your mani is that the grow-out is less noticeable than if I had a solid color. How do your nails feel? Ok, so the plan is to have my real nails grow long enough to where I can just go back to gel manicures and they are almost there (except one stupid one that broke so not sure if I need to wait until that one grows back). That being said, you can see my real nails when I flip my hands over. It’s not the prettiest if I’m honest but I’ve got goals. So when you go, you have the choice to keep your natural nails long or cut them short so you really can’t see them ever. How do my real nails feel you ask? When the fake ones get shaved off, they feel oookay. Look, it’s a sacrifice. I don’t know if it’s possible to have perfectly healthy nails and do anything beyond a regular manicure. All I know is that for now, I love having my nails done and fun for six weeks at a time. Is there an average cost? $105 + Tip (I usually give $30 because they do such a great job and they are literally painting art onto my hands). left: really long nails | right: short (for me:)) nails Where do you get your nail art inspiration? Pinterest and Instagram. I have folders that I save to. But also Beyonce was my last inspiration so look at those celeb nails too! Veronica also shares accounts she loves which is so fun and very sweet of her. We go to the same salon too! AD Any pros and cons? Pros: I LOVE my nails and they make me feel sexy, powerful, and put together. Cons: It’s not cheap and I know that my real nails aren’t living their best lives. Oh, and activities like bowling and putting on necklaces are hard. Caitlin When’d you start trying out Gel-X? Got my first one on May 19, 2021 and I never went back. Had you invested in nails or nail art before (e.g. gels, acrylics, press-ons, etc.)? I used to spend a bunch on standard gel manicures with full art – that’s the one beauty splurge that I really loved – but I had a really bad habit of picking it all off, which (a.) made my hands look kind of gnarly and (b.) was not great for the health of my nails. Was there an adjustment period to Gel-X? For me, no. I was used to having longer nails so other than the constant fear that they were going to pop off, they felt totally normal to me. What’s your preferred shape and length? I started with medium ovals, but I moved into long territory with the set you see above. Scale-wise, I think longer ones look best on my hands. How long do your appointments take? Removal can take 30-45 minutes and then my new manicure can be another 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much detail I’m looking for. How long do your nails stay on? I maxed out at 8 weeks for the holidays – I literally had to cut them like my regular nails because they’d grown out so much. That said, I did experience some lifting on the base of my pointer finger when I first started – this was remedied by bringing it up to my nail tech and I haven’t had any problems since! If you’re doing a lot of schlepping or manual work, I’d highly recommend flagging that before your first set. How do your nails feel? Good! While I don’t mean to suggest that Gel-X is making my nails stronger, they’re in WAY better shape than when I used to get gel manicures sanded off every two weeks. When my sets are removed, my nails look pretty normal, too – no breakage or thinning is happening underneath the Gel-X nail. Is there an average cost? I pay a $20 booking fee to reserve my spot and then manicures are $60-100, depending on how crazy I’m getting. Tips are always 20-25% – so basically $100 on the low end, $150 on the high end. Where do you get your nail art inspiration? NIA!!! My nail tech is LA’s best-kept secret and while I kind of don’t want to share the intel (it’s already hard to get an appointment – she’s popular!!!), YOU MUST CHECK OUT HER INSTAGRAM. I do not know how Nia does not have a million followers – she can do ANYTHING. Seriously, her IG page is filled with a staggering variety and you’re guaranteed to find something inspiring there. SHE IS THE BEST. (I wouldn’t want to spend ~2 hours with anyone else.) as promised – this is doolittle, a big sweet dummy who loves to eat bananas, and these are my thanksgiving nails after a month of growth! Any pros and cons? Pros: I feel really powerful and kind of intimidating when my nails are done. Shampooing my scalp feels like a dream. If I’m going to spend at least 8 hours a day typing, it cheers me up to see a little party going on at the tips of my fingers. Clinking my nails on glasses makes me feel really happy. Cons: COST. I mean, when I break it down, I do think they bring me at least $3 of joy per day…but it’s not an essential and if things ever went south, I’m totally aware that this would be the first item cut from my budget. I don’t love subjecting my hands to such isolated UV rays once a month and sometimes I forget SPF before my appointments. Picking up coins is challenging. Working lobster clasps on jewelry is impossible. Nia’s studio is walking distance from my apartment and I get catcalled by a lot of creeps on my way to get my nails done. Despite all this…they’re worth it to me. If you’re self-assured (I’m not) and want to give Gel-X a whirl at home, you can grab a kit right here. If not, check Yelp to find a highly-reviewed technician near you – if you’re going to splurge, make sure it’s on someone who can deliver long-lasting results that’ll make you smile. But now I must know – what say you??? Tell me about your nail habits! Show me your nail art! Send me your inspo accounts! (I have an appointment next week and need a jumping-off point if anyone has suggestions.) LET’S JUST TALK ABOUT OUR HANDS.