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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to not like long, painted "done" nails?

171 replies

millonthedentalfloss · 07/11/2023 00:25

They give me the heebie jeebies or rather gross me out. Short nails even if painted are tolerable although I prefer no polish at all but gel nails, long nails, stick on nails, acrylic nails are all just .... shudder.

If I am at a deli and someone getting the food has long nails it totally puts me off. I can't watch Mary Berry and her long nails touch the food she makes, its definitely unsanitary. I know so many women spend a fortune doing their nails and take great pride in it but I will never understand why because I find them so grim.

Is anyone else like this?

OP posts:
TrailingFig · 07/11/2023 02:10

I can’t stand them and long toenails at even worse.

I do paint mine occasionally but they’re short and I like to see the end of my finger or toe beyond the nail.

Keepingittogetherstepbystep · 07/11/2023 02:20

It's not something I'd do personally but I've very much an each to their own person.

GodDammitCecil · 07/11/2023 02:22

They’re not a good look.

Togekiss · 07/11/2023 02:24

I always laugh at these threads, as someone who spent many years with long acrylics (and the only reason I no longer have them is because I kept snapping them in work due to the job being “hands on”).

Having acrylics is just as sanitary as having short nails. You still wash your hands. If anything your nails are typically “cleaner” day to day as you can’t use your nails in the same way as you would short, natural nails. If your nails are dirty then you aren’t washing your hands enough!

It takes a day or two to get used to typing with them but it’s a very easy adjustment. You end up angling your finger tips slightly flatter- that’s all there is to it.

And regarding the “wiping your bum” comments… I don’t know about you but I’ve never needed my nails to wipe my arse… you hold the paper at a slightly different angle. Never ever had any “accidents” in that regard.

So what this thread really comes down to is personal preference and snobbery, really.

You don’t have to like them. As I said, the only reason I no longer have them is because they do, unfortunately, have a higher chance of cracking if you have them over a certain length and you use your hands a lot day to day. And sometimes that crack can be quite far down your nail bed, which is agonising. It can take a few months for the “crack” to grow out.

That is a perfectly valid reason for not liking them, unlike a lot of what has been aforementioned on this thread.

It would be really lovely if women could support other women’s’ choices to do whatever they like to their bodies, though. What nails someone has, what colour their hair is, what tattoos you have, etc- it’s really none of your business. You don’t have to like it but you also don’t need to make shitty little threads online trying to bring people down for something that clearly makes them feel good about themselves.

It just shows you to be a very judgemental, snobbish person. Certainly not someone I’d want to associate with.

therealcookiemonster · 07/11/2023 02:28

yep with you on this OP. absolutely disgusting. my DM, who is a microbiologist tells me there is more harmful bacteria under long nails than in our bottoms. short nails all the way. health care professionals or those working in catering really shouldn't have long nails especially. I also don't see the attraction of the ones that are practically talons... a little bit long with a nice manicure can be lovely but we are not tigers or bears and don't need claws.

crispcreambun · 07/11/2023 02:33

That is a perfectly valid reason for not liking them, unlike a lot of what has been aforementioned on this thread.

You don’t get to decide what reasons are valid.

CheekyHobson · 07/11/2023 02:56

I mostly find them icky/tacky, although very occasionally I see some very well proportioned ones with just the right colour and think they look nice.

But if I think about long nails on men, I fully understand the sense of instant repulsion.

keffie12 · 07/11/2023 05:03

millonthedentalfloss · 07/11/2023 00:25

They give me the heebie jeebies or rather gross me out. Short nails even if painted are tolerable although I prefer no polish at all but gel nails, long nails, stick on nails, acrylic nails are all just .... shudder.

If I am at a deli and someone getting the food has long nails it totally puts me off. I can't watch Mary Berry and her long nails touch the food she makes, its definitely unsanitary. I know so many women spend a fortune doing their nails and take great pride in it but I will never understand why because I find them so grim.

Is anyone else like this?

Yes! I spend loads on my hair, skin products, and hair. Not my nails. I don't do nails. I just make sure they are clean, trimmed, and shaped nicely, and that's it.

I don't like nail varnish. The upkeep is too messy and doesn't fit with daily life for me.

I didn't even have them done when I got married.

My DiL loves doing her nails. Up to her. Not for me.

I can't believe people are getting away with wearing it to work. That is not good.

My DiL works in hospitality, baking, and cooking. They don't allow them to wear it at work.

Whatever companies are allowing it are breaking H & S.

Shoxfordian · 07/11/2023 05:08

Yabu really- I have acrylics and I wash my hands so they're clean

AzureBlue99 · 07/11/2023 05:11

Long nails just look tacky whether they are natural or false. They are the anti-chic. Looks odd when you see women dressed down yet their nails are spiky and colourful.

DreamTheMoors · 07/11/2023 05:23

pearliepencil · 07/11/2023 01:30

I don't understand acrylic toenails. Though I occasionally do pointe classes and can imagine the pain of them digging in.

I saw a photo on social media of a woman’s feet - her toenails were ridiculously long - like gross long. And painted an ugly blue or something, I don’t remember.
They looked real - not acrylic, and I’m sure she thought they were absolutely fabulous, but they were absolutely hideous. 🤢

hellohellothere · 07/11/2023 05:26

Really impractical but if people like them then why not. I love getting gel polish or sns but keep mine short.

SecretVictoria · 07/11/2023 05:26

Where on earth are you all seeing these nails in food prep and healthcare? Anyone who works in healthcare isn’t even allowed gels, so certainly won’t have acrylic. Same with food prep, they’re not allowed.

I love having mine done, my natural nails are shit. The white bit is see through and they break so easily. Nail varnish never lasts more than an hour or so. Always been like this before anyone says it’s because of acrylic/gel.

scrunchie2 · 07/11/2023 06:17

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

I was thinking the same

Naimee87 · 07/11/2023 06:19

I‘m with you.

Cannot understand the appeal so
so fake and honestly just grim reading about how unhygienic they are.

Don‘t they ruin your natural nails as well and like a pp said they cost a fortune in maintenance

I was at the bank the other day and the woman helping me get the information i requested could not type for toffee as her nails kept hitting all the wrong keys… i felt like asking if i could quickly type in the details to speed things up…

But each to their own…

DominiqueBernard · 07/11/2023 06:21

Each to their own but I find them unhygenic and unattractive.

LittleMouse10 · 07/11/2023 06:23

I just had to google Mary Berry. Her nails don't look that long they just look like they are painted. I mean I keep mine fairly short but like to paint them and I can assure you I keep them clean. I am not a fan of people with the super long like 2 inch nails but each to their own. Just because you don't like them doesnt mean they aren't okay and are dirty.

RoomOfRequirement · 07/11/2023 06:25

Oh for God's sake. Yes, yes you're so much better than women who checks notes have nails 3mm long.

Get a life.

funinthesun19 · 07/11/2023 06:28

You don’t have to like them. As I said, the only reason I no longer have them is because they do, unfortunately, have a higher chance of cracking if you have them over a certain length and you use your hands a lot day to day. And sometimes that crack can be quite far down your nail bed, which is agonising. It can take a few months for the “crack” to grow out.

Ouch. Sounds painful. Even more reason not to have them. Thank you for the warning.

AgaMM · 07/11/2023 06:29

RoomOfRequirement · 07/11/2023 06:25

Oh for God's sake. Yes, yes you're so much better than women who checks notes have nails 3mm long.

Get a life.

Throw in the faux innocent posts of “am I the only one to not wear make up / have regular trips to the hairdresser” which will inevitably follow over the next couple of days and we have the full works!

GreyhpundGirl · 07/11/2023 06:32

I don't understand having long bits of plastic stuck on your nails. They look hideous and must be really bad for your nails. I've had my nails as short as possible for as long as I remember.

Pinkpinkpink15 · 07/11/2023 06:38

millonthedentalfloss · 07/11/2023 01:04

@MarieKlepto But they tested long nails vs short nails and the long nails all had bacteria and yeasts under them that short nails didn't given basic hand hygiene. Long nails are dirty and unhygienic. But yes the are also impractical.

@millonthedentalfloss

youre entitled to your opinion on how they look.

but don't start stating 'facts' that aren't actually fact!

they're not impractical. My nails are natural & long, they have been since I was a teenager. Not having them is hindrance (when I've had to cut them short for netball etc)

they're also very clean, as apart from
proper handwashing,I wash my hair almost every day. That too is really long (to complete my witchy look 🙄🙄🙄🙄) so they get another deep clean daily too.

its fine you don't like them, I do & they're on my hands, not yours & your hatred of them is completely irrelevant.

Conkersinautumn · 07/11/2023 06:50

They do not look remotely appealing to me, I get that they are very popular like anything ornamental origins to "showcase" wealth by dint of reducing practical abilities. But I don't want to look ornamental and pointless. I'm also embarrassed by anyone wanting to 'flash' wealth because of my upbringing I do find it very cringe inducing. But I suppose much like the eyebrows and fake lips they're all part if the fashion to look doll like and fake.

HerMammy · 07/11/2023 07:00

@10HailMarys
Agreed, we have the thread sneering at women with lip fillers; basically scummy commoners.
It's disgusting that women feel the need to post this nonsense, the ugliest things are the comments not the lips or nails.
We are all different, accept that, it's not necessary to voice your nasty judgy comments.

SpringIntoChaos · 07/11/2023 07:06

The only ugly thing on this thread are the sneering comments!

Wow! Way to knock women down...as if the patriarchy isn't already doing a great job of it!! 😢