Finger Nail help needed

[catnapper]

Hey gang, now that I'm going ot have a job where appearance will count, I want to start making little changes, like my hair, makeup and nails. I can handle the hair and makeup part. Its the nails that baffle me.

I went to a nail salon once and will never ever step foot in one ever again. I can shape my nails myself and keep them a "workable" length that is good for my artwork and doesn't get in the way with dog training. They're not long by any definition but they aren't terribly short either.

But my problem is that my nails are very thin and split. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this problem. I like the natural look, so what is out there to help my nails? A certain clear coat polish? A buffer? A serum?

I don't have any white spots, no ridges, etc. They are healthy looking nails, just thin and fragile. Anyone have any ideas? What works for you?

[DrKym]

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in Lavender tint!

Stuff is magic in a bottle and leaves the barest trace of color, the lavendar is so complimentary to all skin tones just seems to make the nails glow from within, love it love it love it.

[Catty1]

I was also told to take Biotin, and forget gelatin!

I'll try the Sally Hansen - my mom used it, it's a time-proven product!

[BitsyNaceyDog]

My sister is an esthetician, I'll ask her if she can recommed anything.

[Maresche]

I also agree with the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, but I use it in clear. Adds just a touch of shine but that's it. I strip and repolish about once a week.

[catnapper]

Ok, this is going to sound completely stupid.... but will the Sally Hansen stuff really help? My experience with nail polish is it chips as fast as I put it on and makes my nails break faster

[Cataholic]

Skip the Sally Hansen stuff....buy Nailtique! It is the ONLY thing that kept my nails intact when I was working out with free weights.

[RedHedd]

Biotin, a glass nail file - file in one dierction only, cuticle oil/cream applied frequently (2-3 x day and at night before bed). A good nail strenghener - Essie Millionails or Nailtek are extremely good.

Do-it-yourself manicures are not difficult. A good basecoat - Orly Bonder or Seche Vite Ridgefiller help the polish stay on, 2-3 coats polish and a good topcoat - Seche Vite or Poshe are the best.

[borzoimom]

Well at the risk of going in the opposite direction- I was always told nail polish makes the nails weaker. And geletin actually does nothing for the nails or hair.. Just a good general womans vitamin like at GNC ...
My nails are longer on my left hand that right- I guess its because I do more with my right hand including writing.
What I have found- is rubbing vaseline on the hands- especially around the cuticles etc makes them grow faster-.. You would think it would soften the nail too- but it doesn't, and I have been doing this for years. I rub it on about 30 minutes before bed.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Never mind the nails, what's the job???

[Queen of Poop]

I have thin, weak, generally crappy fingernails. So every 3 weeks I go see my nail tech and have acrylic and gel put on over my own natural nails. Gives me the strength I naturally lack and makes my nails look awesome.

[jackie]

Take silica tablets.

They with make your nails and hair stronger. I also use a nail harder every few days, and the let my nails "breathe" every sunday (without anything on them).

[catnapper]

Never mind the nails, what's the job???

Thanks for asking.

I'm going to be the instore designer for a furniture store. Its going to pay a lot more than a design position with a prestigious firm, which surprised the heck out of me because you'd think it would be that this job would be pretty low. I'll be on the sales floor helping the sales people, then going to people's homes and helping them pick out furniture, lamps, accessories, etc. I am so excited, especially since I've never done residentail design fulltime before (did it part time just out of college, then "fell" into office design a few years later.)

[borzoimom]

Take silica tablets.

They with make your nails and hair stronger. I also use a nail harder every few days, and the let my nails "breathe" every sunday (without anything on them).

Silica? Wow- is that a vitamin supplement you get and where?

[sirrahved]

OPI has a great... and I mean great product! I can't remember the name, but if you find a salon that carries OPI they should be able to help you out. I used it before my wedding. I went from stubs to pretty nails in just a few months. It completely took care of peeling/bending that leaves my nails the way they normally look.