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Nail advice

10 replies

rusmum · 24/02/2012 17:02

Recently stopped biting and have a fair it of growth however am having 2 issues. Firsty my nails are dry and break and sPlit. Secondly any nail polish flakes off in a couPle hours. Any amazing top coat reccOmendatiOns?

OP posts:
mrsmartin · 24/02/2012 17:12

You need to get your nails in condition first so you will need:

A good nail file (ideally crystal)
A nail buffer
Cuticle oil + handcream
A nail strengthener (I use opi nail envy - get from ebay - but there are loads available)
(and if you want to wear colour while getting them in condition then a super duper top coat - I love seche vite (buy from ebay/amazon) though Sally Hansen and Nails inc kensington caviar top coat also come highly recommended).

Ideally you would file your nails down while you grow out the flakes and splits (took me 2 weeks) but I understand if you don't want to. Just file nails into shape, then buff to smooth out the flakes before sealing the nail with the strengthener.

rusmum · 25/02/2012 10:15

Thanks Grin

OP posts:
dingdong3 · 25/02/2012 11:39

My Nail Envy and Seche Vite arrived yesterday mrsmartin. Fab quick service! Nails looking gorgeous today with the NE on them. Going to just use it for a week or so and then stick on some colour with the SV on top. Great recommendations :)
For info rusmum, this is the ebay buyer I bought from. £13 for both products delivered!

Chicinwellies · 25/02/2012 11:56

This was me about a year ago - what has worked for me is the hardener from the Nail Doctor - Brilliant and I tried Every brand lol. Some fairly pricey cuticle oil every night, and Neutrogena hand cream. Also a sapphire nail file. And washing up gloves every time I had to use the sink lol! Good luck

southeastastra · 25/02/2012 12:02

crystal nail file and nails inc caviar top coat

AbigailS · 25/02/2012 13:17

Looks at own nails ... Blush ... so much for my New Year's resolution!

Why are crystal nail files the best?

Also which cuticle remover / treatment / oil do people recommend? Dry cuticles that cling to the nails and look uneven and scruffy is my main problem.

mrsmartin · 25/02/2012 13:32

crystal files are of a fine enough grade that they suit every nail type and won't tear or split the nail. They help to seal the nail so that if you grow out any existing peels it can help prevent them from returning. And you can file your nail in a see saw action without damaging them (with most files you should file fron the outside to the centre - total pita).

You can use any old oil really - olive, vit e, jojoba, almond. I use the opi avoplex put anything will improve your cuticles. I also buy oil pens from ebay - they say opi on the packaging but are clearly fake. It doesn't matter though - they are about £1.30 per pen and come in some lovely scents - I get the rose ones. They live in all of my handbags and are ideal for top ups.

I use the avoplex exfoliator - it is a cream you leave on over night and it nibbles at the dead skin. Before that I used a sally hansen cuticle scrub with a hoof stick (I now just use the hoof stick once a day with oil). Also - nail brushes are a brilliant for keeping cuticles healthy - why do I never see nail brushes in peoples' bathrooms anymore?!! Confused

sedgieloo · 25/02/2012 13:32

I would second a glass or crystal nail file, I've had a few the best is the small OPI, it will last forever if you do not drop it or sit on it. The reason I like it is that it is then and for short nails and corners it is still nice and easy to use. I believe that the glass files, seal the free edge of the nails preventing water from getting in and the splitting.

Have tubes of cream in every handbag and apply to hands and nails whenever you think of it.

When drying your hands dry well around the nailbed and you will keep cuticles at bay.

Go easy on buffing, if you make the surface of your nail too shiny then polish will not adhere well.

Take a prenatal vitamin, or supplement with biotin.

Use a hardner, nail envy does work but it will make your nails go yellow if you use it all the time.

Keep your nails polished, use a base coat and top coat.

Best top coat in the world is in my mind nails inc 45 second caviar one. Seche vite is also OK but goes thick before I finish it. I'm currently using the crystal glaze one because its cheaper than the nails inc and Seche Vite has a chemical in I don't like to use when pregnant.

If you buy from Sally's (need a friend with a trade card) then Seche Vite is only about £4.59 plus VAT, although vat free day once a month on a Thurs. I always get a bit more wear from OPI and you may find if you combine the same brand base and top coat that the wear is better. I find this for nails inc for definate. Hope this helps... I'm a bit obsessed with nails and professionally trained although have yawn job in IT.

mrsmartin · 25/02/2012 13:35

I've used nail envy every day for the past year and my nails aren't yellow Hmm

rusmum · 27/02/2012 22:09

Advises products ordered. And 3 fab nails inc polishes lol

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