no more artificial nails - Nail Problems Message Board

knut · 07-01-2003, 07:56 AM

I've had acrylic tips for YEARS and finally decided that I need to go natural. I had them removed but my nails look terrible now, short as possible, raggedy... they just look awful. I want to go get a new set now. Any suggestions on a good product to try to get them healthy? Or should I just get a new set?

girlgato · 07-01-2003, 08:35 PM

I've worn tips for the past 5 years and just recently had them removed. What a mess my nails are! So soft and split easily. Tried every nail strengthener available (posted a question about this approx. a month ago) but nothing has worked. So, for now, I have a gel overlay on my natural nails (which are very short). This acts as a strengthener to help my natural nail grow and decreases the sensitivity I was going through after my tips were removed. Really, it will probably take about 6 months for the damaged nail to grow out and hopefully the gel will help me get through it.

Pippin31 · 07-01-2003, 10:17 PM

O.K. girls,
Here is your solution...no don’t laugh...It really works!!! I have worn acrylic nails for years and took them off about 6 months ago myself. Now, this is what you want to do...Go to a saddle shop or anywhere that sells horse supplies.. Yes..Horse supplies. Anyway, bye Hoof hardener for horses. It is just like a creamy lotion. You apply it to your nails once or twice daily and it WILL strengthen your nails, trust me!! Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Pippin31 (edited 07-02-2003).]

Marti · 07-02-2003, 12:05 AM

Horse Hoof Cream will dry out the nails and make them 'appear' harder; however, hardness does not translate to strength where fingernails are concerned. A HARD nail will easily break under pressure because it lacks flexibility. Flexibility is a natural, inherant feature of the nail plate.

Your nails are thin because the nail technician overfiled them during prep and finishing. Also, if the overlay is too think, it can put undue stress on the nail plate, resulting in even more damage. Then, depending on the type of products used to create the enhancement, sensitivity, allergic reaction and/or permanent nail damage may occur.

I would recommend using NailTek products on our mails. They have a series of products designed to increase the strength of the nail along with helping thenail to grow. The products are available in fine nail salons, or you can do a search on the internet.

Pippin31 · 07-02-2003, 12:39 AM

I have used hoof hardener for years prior to “fake nails” and after along with Solar Oil from the salon. It hasn’t dried my nails out. How long did you use the hoof hardener before you noticed it dried out your nails? What did it look like when your nails dried out?