Nail Virgin - Help!

[JorisBonson]

I'm a lifelong nail biter and have never had any sort of nail care routine, and as a result I have little, soft nails with very hard cuticles.

Getting married next month and want some sort of extensions, not mega talons but just something that brings all my nails to one length and makes them look nice.

Where the heck do I start? I don't even know what to ask for 😂

Look up some pictures on pinterest of the sort of thing you like and take them with you.

Or just say you want shortish square / oval / round nails.

Most extensions start mega long and they cut them to the size that you like

Thanks @MissScarletInTheSnug

There's so many nail things that I don't know where to start - do I just ask for extensions or the other things I've heard of like shellac? I literally know nothing.

You need to ask for extensions in either gel or acrylic. As pp said, it's helpful to take a picture too.

I'm a nail tech. If your nails are extremely bitten then try and find a tech who can sculpt extensions rather than uses tips as this will help them last longer.
Ideally it would have been good to have a few manicures leading up to the big day to get your nails and cuticles in the best condition before adding extensions, but as you said the wedding is next month I'm guessing this won't be possible.
Be completely honest with your tech about the condition of your nails when booking. Some techs aren't experienced with bitten nails and any tech worth their salt would be honest and tell you they can't do them. If they can do them, it's better they know in advance rather than on the day... I speak from experience

Thank you @SpottyCoffeeCup! They're not gross bitten and usually have a little white on them (until I bite them) but 35 years of nibbling means they rip like wet paper

Fellow nail biter here!

There are going to be a few issues for you, I think.

Firstly your cuticles - put anything on them to get some moisture in them, oil, blob of foot cream, vaseline, lip balm etc. Do this multiple times per day. Nail biter's cuticles often stick to the nail as the nail grows up, you'll probably need some cuticle work and if they're dry they'll just split or tear.

Secondly, the tip of your finger is probably a bit higher that the nail, so the nail looks a bit sunken into your finger tips, this can mean that extensions look like they're sticking up a bit.

Thirdly, your nail beds are likely to be disproportionately short compared to the free edge, if you choose a french option this can look out of proportion.

My advice would be if you are going to go for extensions to get them done soon so that they can grow out a bit (nail biters nails seem to grow very fast) and then have them refilled just before your wedding. Final tip would be to go for a natural shape, no longer than the end of your finger.

A lot of nail technicians will say they can work magic on bitten nails, it is hard to find one who can do it well.

@Anon22

Fellow nail biter here!

There are going to be a few issues for you, I think.

Firstly your cuticles - put anything on them to get some moisture in them, oil, blob of foot cream, vaseline, lip balm etc. Do this multiple times per day. Nail biter's cuticles often stick to the nail as the nail grows up, you'll probably need some cuticle work and if they're dry they'll just split or tear.

Secondly, the tip of your finger is probably a bit higher that the nail, so the nail looks a bit sunken into your finger tips, this can mean that extensions look like they're sticking up a bit.

Thirdly, your nail beds are likely to be disproportionately short compared to the free edge, if you choose a french option this can look out of proportion.

My advice would be if you are going to go for extensions to get them done soon so that they can grow out a bit (nail biters nails seem to grow very fast) and then have them refilled just before your wedding. Final tip would be to go for a natural shape, no longer than the end of your finger.

A lot of nail technicians will say they can work magic on bitten nails, it is hard to find one who can do it well.

It's like you can see my nails! Thank you.