Comments on: She Says: Nail Update

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:30:58 +0000

I have long slender fingers, but really short (petite) nail beds & have the same difficult nail growth issues as you. In fact, for the most part, my nails are shaped exactly the same way as yours! I just don’t have the cuticle trouble as much. I’ve managed to grow my nails 1/2 inch long in the past, & it still looks like they haven’t grown at all! They’re just so small & brittle. They’ve been that way since my birth. I’m 30 now, & there’s not much I’ve been able to do to change it or make the nails stronger. I’ve tried everything. I’ve always hated the feeling of lack of femininity it gives me having these short nails. But it is what it is. It seems I’ll have to continue to get acrylic (fake nails) applied whenever I want to splurge on getting fancy now & then. Just want to let you know that you’re not alone. I do hope you have more luck than I’ve had!!

By: Matt (NoMeatAthlete)

Matt (NoMeatAthlete) — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:35:26 +0000

Wow someone who has the same finger-picking problem that I have! And who is much braver than I am, for putting it on a blog! I’ve made major progress in the past year or so. The very biggest thing I have done is finding a good, expensive lotion that you really like. And putting it on your fingers every single time you think of it. The expensive part is important, because when you know it’s costing you money, you feel bad about screwing up your fingers! Good luck.

By: theskinnyplate

theskinnyplate — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:18:05 +0000

Sorry I’m of no help at all. I just leave them be. Natural nails = pretty nails.

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:36:23 +0000

Great work on the progress, but ewwwwww!

By: Edie

Edie — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:18:06 +0000

You can get your nails in order with a few simple tools and a little attention. You’ll need: bowl, dish soap, towel, emery board/fingernail file, orange stick, fingernail file, nail brush, cotton balls, cuticle remover lotion or hand lotion, cuticle nippers (optional). Fill a bowl (halfway) with hot soapy water.
1) Shape nails on both hands with emery board (file in one direction only to avoid splits). 2) Soak one hand for 3-5 minutes to soften cuticles. 3) Dry fingers/hand pushing gentle on the cuticles to loose dry skin/cuticles. 4)Apply hand lotion or cuticle remover to cuticles. Pull cotton ball apart and wind around the blunt edge of the orange stick. 5) Use spoon pusher part of the orange stick to gently loosen the cuticles and then use the cotton-covered part in a flat position to remove dead cuticles (or you can use cuticle nippers if you have them, just be careful not to cut yourself – I use nippers because it’s faster and gives a cleaner, more professional look). 6) Use nail brush and soapy water to clean your nails. Dry. 7)repeat with other hand.

It’s actually very easy, safer and much cheaper than getting your nails done professionally. The biggest expense would be the nippers (around $15). Once you have the supplies, you’re set for a long time. I use a plastic orange stick that I get at Walgreens (with with pink pusher on the end) for less than a dollar.

By: Lara

Lara — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:50:09 +0000

P.S. Re: your last comment on my blog….SPIRAL Mac all the way!!

By: Lara

Lara — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:49:42 +0000

I can definitely see progress! Nail biting is such a hard habit to break. I had to go cold turkey, too. I still get tempted when one of them tears though, gross! They’re lookin’ good!

By: Olga

Olga — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:44:06 +0000

great job on the challenge. I never get manicures, until my mom forces me to

By: Marianne

Marianne — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:13:11 +0000

I like the sound of that smoothie. Cucumber is one of my fave raw veggies! I bet it’s quite refreshing.

I’m probably no help in the cuticle department – mine can get pretty manky from time to time.

By: Melissa S.

Melissa S. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:59:04 +0000

i do nothing to my nails, just cut them because really, so lame to get all that extra stuff done (i think). i save so much money that way! i suppose every once in a while i paint them some sort of extravagant color, but that’s about it. never have had a mani or a pedi in my life, and don’t plan on it! haha!