Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to paint my nails on the train?

112 replies

skyofdiamonds · 08/03/2013 00:45

No back story and a quick one.

I'm going on a long ish train journey tomorrow for a weekend away with OH.

I can't paint my nails as I have work tomorrow and nail varnish is strictly forbidden at work.

I am walking straight from work to the train station, in order to catch the earliest train to where we are going.

I want sexy, red nails for our weekend but the only opportunity will be the train journey!

Is it horrible, smelly and socially unacceptable to paint them on a train?

I'm thinking yes...

Also, I could do it in our hotel. Should have thought of that before!

OP posts:
OxfordBags · 08/03/2013 22:47

Please don't do it one of the toilets on the train. The chemicals in that enclosed space could trigger an asthma attack for someone susceptible (it would for me).

It's totally different than applying make-up, it stinks and can make some people feel ill, and, even if it didn't affect my breathing, if I was close to someone painting their nails on a train, I'd feel nervous that they'd spill some on me or others if the train jolted.

Is it imperative that you have red nails before the night away starts properly?! Or at all, for that matter?

Abra1d · 09/03/2013 14:58

I was brought up to believe that it was bad manners to groom yourself in public. I would never do more than quickly very discreetly swipe my lipstick across my lips, or, if the train was not crowded and there was nobody next to me, run the hairbrush through my hair.

sooperdooper · 09/03/2013 15:46

I would, wouldn't give it a second thought tbh - I never realised people would be so up in arms about it!!!

ChipTheFish · 09/03/2013 16:03

It depends how long it takes you to paint them. I have done mine on the train loads of times, but it only takes me a couple of minutes. Applying nail varnish isn't like spraying body spay, unless you have a big bottle open for ages its unlikely that anybody more than a couple of seats away from you is going to get a whiff of it.

It's public transport, people eat whatever they want regardless of the smell. Just do your nails, it's not that big a deal :)

calypso2008 · 09/03/2013 16:05

I clicked on this thread thinking how sweet of you to ask - it is absolutely fine to paint your nails on a train. How wrong I was!

Wouldn't bother me in the slightest, I care more about screaming children, egg sandwiches, mobile phones, loud music from earphones. I am sure my DD and I have disturbed people on a long train journey more than a nice lady going for a weekend with her DH painting her nails! (And my DD is very well behaved indeed)

I am slightly worried that I may have committed this faux pas - I won't be doing it again!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend OP Smile

ChipTheFish · 09/03/2013 16:05

Abra1d - I must have terrible manners them, I often 'groom' myself in public. One time on the train I even put false eyelashes on Shock

ChipTheFish · 09/03/2013 16:07

*then

calypso2008 · 09/03/2013 16:08

Is it imperative that you have red nails before the night away starts properly?! Or at all, for that matter?

Sorry, that really has made me laugh!

2sugarsplease · 09/03/2013 16:11

No don't do it, disgusting smell in a confined space plus you'll make a mess of it! I once sat opposite a man on the tube clipping his toenails! Gross

Bunbaker · 09/03/2013 16:12

I am amazed at how inconsiderate some people are. The smell of nail varnish isn't particularly nice anyway. Do these thoughtless people not have a sense of smell?

Judging from the responses on here it is obvious that the strong smell of nail polish affects the health an an awful lot of people. How would you feel if you were responsible for triggering a serious asthma attack in someone?

I agree with the poster who said that travelling on public transport requires the public to behave in a responsible and considerate manner.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 09/03/2013 16:13

YABUV - all making up and grooming , but especially anyting with a strong smell should be done in the privacy of your own home or a hotel room, not in public.

piprabbit · 09/03/2013 16:16

I used to watch agape at the women applying their battlefaces on the morning commute. It was fascinating to watch the spots, blotches and eye bags disappearing under layers of make-up. And the faces that people make as they are doing it are so funny.

I did wonder why women who wouldn't be seen dead in the office without a full face, were quite happy to have a train load of strangers watch their performance like it was some sort of street theatre. I used to feel like it was OK to watch them, because they were doing it in such a public way.

But nail varnish would be a step too far - I'd be secretly hoping that the bottle might fall over in your lap.

LadyClariceCannockMonty · 09/03/2013 16:21

pip, I always wonder that too. How do people decide who gets to see them au naturel and who must only see them made up?

ILikeBirds · 09/03/2013 16:26

I think some people genuinely don't realise how much some things smell. There used to be a lady at work who wore so much perfume I had to avoid going into the kitchen (small no windows) after her because I could hardly breathe.

OP YABU to use nail varnish on a train

ChasedByBees · 09/03/2013 16:38

This is one of my pet peeves, the smell is disgusting.

piprabbit · 09/03/2013 16:45

BTW - I've always wondered if people who wear perfume and don't shower it all off before swimming realise that they leave a sort of oil slick of perfume on the water behind them. I can actually taste their perfume as I swim through it .

WallyBantersJunkBox · 10/03/2013 16:40

I'm amazed that anyone is suggesting that the OP goes to the toilet on the train and does her manicure there.

I barely unzip and pull my pants down and people are banging the door and shaking the bloody handle to get in. I've never had a full pee in peace, let alone a French manicure. Hmm

roastednut · 10/03/2013 17:03

Tbh certain foods people eat on trains smell far worse imo. Wouldn't bother me at all, unless you spilt any on me of course Grin

Original poster
skyofdiamonds · 10/03/2013 17:10

Just an update on my wild and dramatic life.

I managed to find time to do it after work, in the changing rooms at work.

My train was pretty empty though and probably could have gotten away with it, without any evils thrown at me. It was just 2 men in the surrounding area.

I enjoy celebrating a whole weekend off by painting my nails, now to wipe it all off again in the comfort of my own home ;)

OP posts:
notsofrownieface · 10/03/2013 17:10

I have painted my nails on a train, I didn't think about the smell tbh. Anyway I wouldn't do it now because the wobbly train made me screw it up and, because of mn I have become more considerate to my fellow man woman and child Smile (not being sarky, I am genuinely more considerate now)

apostropheuse · 10/03/2013 17:58

I hate when people do that as it makes me ill due to a lung condition. It's so rude and thoughtless. I feel the same about people spraying perfume or hairspray in a confined space.

I have to admit that I'm a bit of a people-watcher, so I actually like watching people apply make-up. It's fascinating!

Anyway, OP, I'm glad you managed to do it before getting on the train.I hope you enjoyed your weekend.

50BalesOfHay · 10/03/2013 20:56

It is disgraceful manners to do anything personal in public.

50BalesOfHay · 10/03/2013 21:04

Chipthefish, indeed you have revolting manners. I hope I never have to share a carriage with you. Public grooming is utterly vile.

shellyf · 10/03/2013 21:13

I had a severe asthma attack on a train due to the woman behind me painting hers.

Anifrangapani · 10/03/2013 21:16

The solvents trigger my migranes. I would ask you to stop.