Nails

[crapmemory]

Some of you read my thread in November about having had gel nails done. I went back and had them removed so that my natural nails could "breathe" for a while. I can't believe the state of my own nails. They are all thin and some of them have broken so low down that I can't even cut them yet! Does anyone have any suggestions what I can do to make them any better almost straight away until they have improved? Thanks in advance.

[karenmac60]

Get some oil for them - olive oil or argan oil or something, and give them a soak in that and warm water. Try using a buffer too - although it it taking the surface off, I've found it has really improved the condition of my nails. If all else fails and they still look really bad, clip them short and put a dark polish on them to make them a bit prettier till the grow in.

[smurfchops]

I read about a 'hand model' who only uses almond oil on her hands so I got some. I put it on at night, with or without varnish, rub it into hands and cuticles and then some cotton gloves (from M&S) to keep them warm and let the oil soak in. You are better off without fake nails, and I find that really dark colours look good on short square nails.

[crapmemory]

Thanks for your suggestions, they both make sense. The main problem I have is with the ones that have broken low down...not even dark varnish can improve them. I'm tempted to use false nails on the really low ones just over Christmas.

[smurfchops]

My nails are very strong but brittle, the slightest knock and they break at the sides really low down. Get some nail glue from ebay and use the smallest drop onto a cocktail stick, then onto the break. It is very strong. It will probably go all around the underneath of your nail and feel odd, but this will wear off and the glue will stay on the nail. This should stop the nail breaking off until it gets a bit longer. Use a strengthener on top when the glue dries. Another tip when your nails get longer and break at the sides. A dob of nail glue. Tiny piece of teabag, yes teabag over the glue. Another small dob of nail glue over the teabag. When it dries it creates a very strong webbing which doesn't break again. Might need filing over the top to smooth it, you will get used to it and it becomes much tidier after doing this a few times ! My nails are lovely and long now and full of teabags on all sides . Really !

[grasscarp]

smurf chops I read about the nail model tip too, and rushed to Holland and Barrett for almond oil. Having bothered using it much though, so will start tonight as I have the gloves.

[smurfchops]

grass I have some cotton gloves and use the almond oil at bedtime but the bottle tends to run over the outside so put it in a saucer or something after you have opened it ! Can't honestly say there is a difference in my hands though and I have been using it for a good couple of weeks ... I like Sally Hansen Hands Nails and Cuticle Cream too, lovely smell mmm. Got my almond oil at Tesco Pharmacy, probably cheaper than H&B.

[grasscarp]

my nails are pathetic, so flakey. Cant possibly make them any worse!

[boxtops]

I use the Sally Hansen too, when I remember. I'm glad you've taken off the nail, cr@p - it just shows what damage long-term use can do.

[smurfchops]

Leave the bottle by the bed - I wouldn't remember to use it otherwise. With my little cotton gloves in the drawer bless.

[ubasses]

I have used nail inc air street. You do a manicure and paint it on each night for 7 nights (each coat on top of the previous) then take it off and start again. It has certainly suited my nails. The first thing I have found that has done any good in years.

[smurfchops]

I have a small bottle of OPI Nail Envy that I use under varnish but don't know if it is any good or not ! Nails are longer than ever but I still put it down to the teabag trick ... I actually have to cut them now when they get too long.

[crapmemory]

Thank you all for your answers. Will probably try them all!

[MRsnail]

omg this is simillar to my experience for my wedding I had them done and when they were removed my nails were so weak and destroyed . I vowed then ( excuse the pun: to never have them done again - they felt so flimsy i thought my own real nails would break off