Nails break when they get long, should I go for acrylics or something else?

[MrsJoeHart]

I have managed to stop biting my nails, but can't seem to get them to a good length before they break. I'd love to have nice nails so am tempted by the idea of getting acrylics put on until they grow and then something to strengthen the real nail. Can you get the 'stuff' put onto your natural nail rather than the false bit? Does that even make sense? What should I do or ask for in a nail salon?

[randomfemale]

I would recommend Shellac over acrylics. They paint it over your natural nails and it looks just like normal nail polish but lasts for 2 - 3 weeks. It doesn't damage your natural nails thus giving them time to grow.

[spookyskeleton]

Mine used to do that and I just accepted it. However, I had gel polish for the first time before my holiday last summer and it seemed to act as a hardener/protective layer and they didn't break for months (kept having the gel polish redone). It doesn't chip and looks fab for weeks.

I did break a couple just before Christmas but I would still recommend it. There are loads of different colours - I get it done every fortnight (because i get bored of the colour ) but I think most people have it done every 3 weeks.

[MrsJoeHart]

I like the idea of that, but because they keep breaking my nails are very short so doesn't the shellac/gel look a bit daft. Nails are shorter then the end of my fingers ATM.

[spookyskeleton]

Depends on the manicurist I guess. Mine always seems to make mine look good, even if one of them has broken really low down.

Put a dark colour on and they will look fab and hopefully start to grow - have to start somewhere

[randomfemale]

Mine were very short (like yours) when I first had mine done and the nail tech recommended darker colours over pale 'cos they give the illusion of longer nails. Once you start having them done you will be shocked at just how fast they grow (and always look fab)

[RayPurchase]

Have you tried OPI Nail Envy? Its really helped me keep my nails long.

[DilapidatedGlamourpuss]

Don't go for acrylics, they can really damage your nails. Mine weren't the same for 18 months after I had a set on, really flaky and weak

They are fine now I have gels, in fact they don't seem to ever stop growing, making it a rather expensive habit if you're worried about the length, they can do gels with acrylic tips which are slightly better for the nails until they grow a bit more.

[whitecat]

Wouldn't you be better to try fixing your nails first. A nourishing nail oil should do the trick. It will take a while but it's worth persevering.
I had strong nails but after one lot of shellac they became brittle and flaky.

[aylesburyduck]

My friend swore by nu nail cream it's been around for years - but it helped her nails grow and the were strong as anything. No flaking or peeling.

Nails love moisture in oil form so that's a good place to start.

Personally I wouldn't consider acrylics again. My nails took forever to recover. Shellac on the other hand seems to be okay.

[StupidMistakes]

If your nails are breaking possibly you could be low in calcium so maybe take a multi vitamin tablet each day