Help me sort my nails out please

[CatThiefKeith]

My nails have always been weak, and probe to splitting and flaking at the ends, but have got noticeably worse since I had dd 3 years ago.

I've just come back from holiday, and had a manicure with shellac nails before I went and miraculously none have broken yet.

The shellac needs infilling, but I really can't afford it, is there something I can buy and apply myself that would have a similar effect?

They dont actually infill shellac. They remove it and start again. Some places include the cost of removal with the manicure so you can just drop in and have it removed without paying. Be prepared that your nails might be in a bad state after its removed. It could go either way.

I used a nail strengthener when my nails were quite weak. Sally Hansen has a great one. You could even use it as a base coat and apply normal polish over it.

Shellac shouldn't damage your nails if removed properly. .. If anyone tries to use a mini grinder to remove any stubborn polish... leave! Good shellac technicians will never do anything other than soak them off and remove any stubborn bits with an orange cuticle stick (or similar)... it's the removal methods that knacker your nails (bitter experience)

Can I not get the shellac off with nail varnish remover then ?

I would recommend using Opi Nail Envy which is a clear varnish that stops the flaking and breaking you describe (works for me). Then you could use the CND weekly polish which lasts a week without chipping. Both can be purchased from eBay (choose reputable sellers to ensure the product is genuine).

This will be a much cheaper option and is the option I've chosen as I couldn't always get to a nail salon. I do go roughly once every 3-4 weeks for a £10 manicure though as I like how they remove the cuticle with clippers and keep things neat.

Another vote for OPI nail envy.

You can get shellac off yourself.
Make sure you get a decent nail varnish remover.
something like this?
Or just normal stuff but make sure it's NOT acetone free.
Cotton wool. Soak small pieces in the remover. Place on your nails.
Wrap each nail with cotton wool on in kitchen foil.
Leave for a little while and it should then come off easily.

I had acrylic or gel nails for years.
My nails were awful. A couple of years later and I have lovely nails.
But I do use that nail envy regularly.
You could also take hair and nail supplements to help build some strength.
If you aren't a veggie, my mum always had us eat a square of jelly to make our nails stronger (no idea why or what it did)

Thank you all. Will get the nail envy and go from there.

try almond oil for less than £1.50 from supermarkets - it is fantastic for nails - mine went from very weak to super strong within a couple of days.

Don't use normal polish remover it will take aaagggesss! Use pure acetone. Soak cotton wool in acetone and put on each nail then wrap tinfoil over each nail to keep the cotton wool on. Leave it for 10-15 mins and then gently scrape off the gel with an orange stick, it shouldn't need hard scraping, if it does then put acetone back on for more time. If you have any residue gel gently buff it off with a very soft, fine buffer not a file! Don't over buff!
The reason your nails haven't broken is that gel polish creates a hard shield of polish that protects it. Nail strengtheners will not protect anywhere near as much. Oiling your nails does help with flaking and flexibility but if you have naturally weak nails they will still break easily. Maybe better to wear them short and look after them well ie manicures and moisturising them and leave having them long until you can afford or want regular gel polish (brisalite would be ideal) or extensions.