Does anyone else genuinely not care about their nails? At all?

[TheYearOfSmallThings]

I'm pondering this after reading another thread about nails, which made me realise how much I just don't care about my nails.

It's not that I have more important things to think about - I waste oceans of time on trivia. And it's not that I am above caring about appearance - I would kill for great hair, and an often consumed with envy of someone's slender ankles (I have cankles).

But nails? Why do people care about those?

I have perfectly bog standard nails. I might paint them once in a while. But when I see "done" nails all I ever think is "eh." And yet it is a MASSIVE industry, with shops everywhere, and they are well used. But who is it for? Who loves these big nails?

Is this an age thing? It probably is. I'm in my 40s.

@ftw163532

I think there is a massive snobbery about nails that lots of you wouldn’t necessarily admit to. Do you question why anyone has a skincare routine? Or covers their grey hair? Or shaves their armpits? Or wears perfume or make up?

On a societal, structural level, yes, of course I do. Why would I not question the way women are socialised to view themselves as decorative items whose natural bodies are unacceptable? Or the way that limits women's lives and their participation in society - why don't you question that?

It's not about judging the individuals raised within that society, it's about recognising that these are not "free choices" that coincidentally align with patriarchal norms but that they form part of a bigger picture that causes all of us harm.

You’ve missed my point. I don’t need to question it. I’m already well aware we’re socialised to appear a certain way in order to be acceptable to the male gaze.

But my post wasn’t about that. I’m talking about the hypocrisy of putting moisturiser on, embracing hair dying and body hair removal, wearing make up and jewellery and particular styles of clothing or, as in the OP’s case, caring that her ankles aren’t slender, but then appearing to think that they’re different and somehow far more worthy a person because they couldn’t possibly imagine caring about something so frivolous as having painted nails. It’s all the same thing.

appearing to think that they’re different and somehow far more worthy a person because they couldn’t possibly imagine caring about something so frivolous as having painted nails.
Who on this thread has said or suggested, even reading between the lines, that they are more worthy a person? You’re projecting.

I don't! I clip them short and that's it.

I wear contact lenses too and also attend a ceramics course therefore long nails are definitely a non-starter. I have to remind myself to trim my nails each week but it does make life much simpler.

it's not that I don't care, it's just that it's way down on the list of things I could regularly pay attention to.

They are weak and break easily so it would take a lot of effort, time, energy, focus, money to improve the situation.
I don't have any of that

Me. I remember to cut them when they are getting a bit long. That is it.

I don’t bother with my nails as I can’t afford it and I bite them. I’d love to have beautiful nails. Most people I know get gel nails and at work I notice people’s nails. I’d love to have them!

Looks at nails...

Nail care required:
Clean with nail brush. Oops.

I get relatively short gel nails applied every few weeks because I am a former nail biter and spent 20 years of my life with crappy nails with wrecked skin around them. Now I always have lovely nails and frequently get compliments on them and they just make me feel better about myself! I did struggle with contact lenses when I started but now I’ve developed a knack for it!

@Sn0tnose
I’m talking about the hypocrisy of putting moisturiser on, embracing hair dying and body hair removal, wearing make up and jewellery and particular styles of clothing or, as in the OP’s case, caring that her ankles aren’t slender, but then appearing to think that they’re different and somehow far more worthy a person because they couldn’t possibly imagine caring about something so frivolous as having painted nails

So femininity is an all or nothing thing or you are a hypocrite? I don’t understand? That’s very anti feminist to say that you’re a hypocrite if you moisturise, shave, wear make up/jewellery but then (gasp) don’t paint your nails? Surely we all have freedom to choose without being accused of hypocrisy? And no one on here has said of implied this makes them “more worthy” or superior in an way to women who do choose to paint their nails/get manicures.

I have fairly strong, healthy nails which grow like mad but have never had a proper manicure and v rarely paint them. Suffer instant regret if I do as it all chips off so quickly and looks awful. I don't get the regular spends on nails at all.

Same. I don’t understand. They’re just nails. I think these big long nails look kind of creepy if I’m honest.

I don’t like having my nails even a tiny bit long. I cut them every few weeks.

I’ve never really bothered about my nails apart from keeping them clean and short. Occasionally I’ve worn nail varnish and filed them but that was years ago. Maybe if was a nail biter I’d be more conscious of how they look and want to improve them?

I've always looked after my nails and they are always painted but only by me It's my Sunday morning job.

I do have regular pedicures though.

I can't believe people are being accused of hypocrisy and worthiness for saying they are not that bothered about their nails.

I am just genuinely not that bothered. No judgement towards people who are. I just have limited time and other things I prefer to prioritise.

Not caring about my nails and disliking false nails doesn’t mean I think I’m more worthy than anybody else who spends a lot of time on theirs. Why on earth would it? I accept other people as they are.

If nail painting were so great, far more men would do it.

It’s just part of sexist pressure on girls and women.

Due to the cultural pressures I do really like how nicely shaped and painted nails and ‘manicured’ hands look. Don’t do mine often: have always bitten my nails, have a skin condition affecting my hands, and prefer to spend money and leisure time on other things.

or, as in the OP’s case, caring that her ankles aren’t slender, but then appearing to think that they’re different and somehow far more worthy a person because they couldn’t possibly imagine caring about something so frivolous as having painted nails

Nope. I did not say or mean any of that, these thoughts are coming from you and not me. I have fully acknowledged that my preoccupations are equally trivial.

I think a few people might be conflating this thread with another one where one such worthy and frankly quite simple-minded person decided to post on the thread purely to tell us that we were being judged by them for being oh so incredibly superficial. 🙄🙄

It’s like some people simply can’t conceive of others being able to hold more than one thing in their (pretty little?) heads at once.

As to this thread - it’s all so very subjective isn’t it. Some people care very much about some things and others don’t. Some people think the talon style is fabulous, others don’t. I’m sure some people think what I consider elegant to be boring or uninteresting. It’s not a big deal, it’s just a difference of opinion.

I’m in my 40s and don’t care about my nails other than keeping them short and clean. I haven’t worn nail varnish for 10 years or so and have never had them done professionally. I don’t feel worthy - there are just many more things that I’d rather spend time on.

Im a guitarist. Nails are nowhere on my radar as they need to be as short as possible! I paint them occasionally but have never had a professional manicure, not even for my wedding!

Me too op

I have gels on hands and toes each month. Toes less in the winter.

The 'intended audience' is me. I like getting them done and they look nice. See also: why I wear make up and get my hair done - because I want to.

Just polish mine. For some reason I hate bare nails, puts my teeth on edge

Isn't it a lifestyle thing? I am now trying to keep my nails at least clean (manic gardner). I can appreciate people having their finger and toe nails inspected and done by a professional who can also spot feet problems. I made the mistake of having acrylic nail treatment for an event. Two months later and they're still recovering. I don't notice other people's nails either though I love the shape of a good hand.