Indecision on Artificial Nails - Nail Problems Message Board

jen52983 · 03-05-2008, 11:56 AM

I have a bad habit of biting and peeling chipped nails. This is a problem alone, but the real reason for this post is b/c I am a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding at the end of the month. I know no-one but me will be paying much attention to my hands, but i would like to look my best. I've been trying my best to grow my nails out but not having much success. They're naturally pretty weak, so they break and peel easily.. despite my nervous biting :/

So.. I've been considering getting acrylic nails 1. to help me stop biting them, and 2. so they look really nice for the wedding. I'm afraid to do so b/c I've seen and heard how thin and weak removing them can leave the natural nail.

So my questions are, if I decide to spend the money, how to do go about getting the best possible results, short and long term? What should I look for when choosing a salon, and what questions should I be prepared to ask? What are some general price ranges I should be expecting so I know whether or not I'm being ripped off?!!? Also, does applying artificial nails seem like a plausible way to break a nail biting habit?

Thanks for any help and input anyone can offer!

Marti · 03-05-2008, 06:52 PM

You need to visit my website - [url]www.hooked-on-nails.com[/url] (link approved by Moderator 1)

If you are not looking to have nails applied for long-term, I would suggest a silk wrap. You can have tips applied and then cut so they barely extend past the end of the finger. If you are a nail biter, this length will allow you to get used to them and will prevent you from breaking them easily. You can always allow them to grow once you are used to the new length.

If you decide you want to continue, you can switch to gel acrylic since it is more flexible and allows for greater retention to the nail plate.

I will tell you this - you are wrong when you say that the artificial nails damage your natural nails. 90% of the damage done to the natural nail is done by the nail technician when they over-file the natural nail plate with a heavy grit file, or worse yet, a drill. Also, when they use nippers to crack off any lifted material - this not only removes the lifted material, but pulls up good tight product along with a layer or two of your natural nail plate.

You can learn about the different products available and how to find a top quality salon in your area by visiting my website. It is strictly an educational website for nail techs and consumers alike. I think it might help you make a more educated decision.

jen52983 · 03-06-2008, 07:31 AM

Thank you very much. I'll definitely give your site a visit!