Hi

For a few years now, I have trying desperately to have nice nails. However, once they start to grow they start tearing and splitting so I have no choice but to keep them really short. I've tried wearing nail varnish and hardener but it doesn't make any difference.

I've never had a manicure or gone to a nail bar before. So now I'm thinking of going and having false nails done. However, my friends say don't do it, they will ruin your original nails etc.

But my nails are so crap I don't think it will matter !!!

What do you think...should I do this? If so, what sort of nails should I have...I have heard about acrylics and gel nails, I don't know what they are, can anyone explain?

Thanks

If you have weak nails don't get false nails! One of the methods involves filing over the top of your actual nail so they can stick the false one on without it looking too thick. False nails suffocate the nails underneath and cause them to become even more brittle than they are.

If I were you, I would invest in a strengthener or something to feed your nails, a hardener won't do it - you need something like OPI Nail Envy. There are lots of brands that do strengtheners to suit different budgets such as Sally Hansen, Jessica etc but I have used OPI in the past and think it's wonderful. You need to put it on religiously and do all the usual things like wear gloves when you're washing up, cleaning etc and don't forget that if you're using the strengthener, it will still take a good 4 - 6 weeks before you see improvement but it's definitely worth it.

I've never been tempted to have false nails, but I was going to suggest the OP try Nail Envy. I use the original, and my nails have never been stronger.

My daughter's nails got in a terrible state when she was working as an art teacher in a special school, with all the different materials she was putting her hands in, plus swimming with the children nearly every day. Nail Envy for sensitive and peeling nails had an almost miraculous effect.

I just looked at Nail Envy, I bought some online from QVC. Gonna give that a go before I think about false nails....seems to have really good reviews so hopefully it will do the trick.

Do you have to use it continually or do you just use it until your nails have grown?

I would use it continually, it's going to continue nourishing the nail right through to the nail bed. If you stop using it, once the bottom of the nail grows to the top, they'll just be weak again but if you continue they'll grow strong. Keep a look out on QVC for Today Special Values on OPI or on special shows, they normally have some sort of kit which is really good value.

I'M not sure if this interferes with nail envy but I always put hand cream on after my hands have been washed, in water etc and my nails are strong and grow like mad. I've heard a good diet also helps.

A good diet definitely helps. I should change mine as my nails and hair suffer, especially in the winter. A lack of natural daylight can add to any vitamin deficiency you may have. So try to get plenty fresh produce and plenty daylight.

Nail Envy is good, although I've not used it myself. I use a couple of products from the Sally Hansen range http://www.sallyhansen.co.uk/ which do seem to improve my nails somewhat.

I don't think it does because I use hand cream after washing my hands, especially at work where the soap in the loos just about takes the skin off them! But if I don't use Nail Envy my nails start to split at the sides.

I am a nail technician, just finished training. Before you find a cure you have to find the cause. Use rubber gloves when using cleaning materials, they really dry your nails out, use non acetone nail varnish remover, and the major damage can be filing. If you can invest in a Leighton Denny crystal file, they are the best on the market, I would ban the emery boards if I had my way.

Keep your nails short, and keep them sealed, otherwise the water gets into the cracks and lifts the layers. Nail Envy type products just keep the nails sealed until the cracks grow out.

OPI do a really good nail oil, so does Leighton Denny which is the one I use. When I was training I practiced on my own nails and did a lot of damage and it took months to grow them out. UV gel overlays can help seal your nails, and a technician will gently buff that down every couple of weeks until it grows out.

If you have a Nails Inc. bar talk to a technician they are really well trained and they do a good treatment oil as well.