Does anyone not use nail polish on their finger nails anymore?

[citygirl1961]

Just wondering as my nails seem to break and split every time I use polish. Not so bad on my toenails as they are stronger anyway and I can't go out with bare toes in summer when I wear sandals as I think they look too bare but for my fingernails I am wondering if just a clear base coat will suffice.

I do like colour on my nails but I am fed up of the polish chipping and my nails breaking. I have had gel and acrylic nails in the past but they ruined my nails even more.

Is there anything natural that I can use that won't damage my nails?

Currently using gels. I don't have them on at all times. My nails go in cycles of being good to being soft and breakable and when they look good I seize the day and have gels. Otherwise I keep them manicured and use cuticle oil until they improve again. No magic formula I am afraid

I use nail oil, or Vaseline if in a hurry just to stop the dryness being obvious.

I stopped using polish about 4 or 5 years ago. I came to the conclusion that the acetone in the remover made them weaker and the varnish didn't last long enough without chipping. I couldn't afford to get them done at the salon every couple of weeks so I just stopped. They're in much better condition and they grow strong and quickly now but they look tidy as I keep them trim.

I miss the colour but I don't miss the damage it does so I prefer to keep them natural but buffed and they look good all the time. I think I would go the salon as a once off to get some gels for a special occasion but not more than once a year or so.

I have never worn nail varnish as a routine. I had my nails done for DD's wedding and hated how it made my nails feel and I sometimes wear it on my toenails but my nails are usually just natural.

Not any more, I’ve admitted defeat. They look a state within a few hours and whatever it is that’s supposed to be indestructible where you put your hand under the light just slides off.

I've used stickers previously, think I bought them on holidays years ago, lovely patterns and colours, lasted about a week and peel off.

I wear nail polish everyday, change it every week. You need to rough up the nail plate, use a decent base, two coats of any colour, and then a decent top coat. I have two kids so they get bashed but last a week.

Gels look too thick and dull really quickly. I also hate the removal process

I rarely have anything on mine, it makes them so weak and they chip really easily. Giving my toes a break too. I can appreciate a nice design but tbh whenever I see anyone with those long fake talons I’m a bit grossed out by what their nails must be like underneath! I remember reading that fungal nail infections are increasing because of them.

that said, there is a brand called Dr Remedy that contains tea tree oils and other nutrients. Might be worth a try?

I always wear nail polish, but never get them done and I’ve never had gels. I’ve seen the state of my friends’ nails when gels are removed and it’s put me off for life. Nice nails are my ‘thing’ - people often comment on them.

I’m good at home manicures and find it very relaxing. My nails grow fast but I keep them shortish and square - barely over the end of my fingers. I use 3 coats plus base coat and topcoat, from a vast collection of mostly Essie, OPI and Nails Inc. I’m one of those weirdos that follows nail varnish IG accounts 😳

A manicure lasts me at least a week, a pedicure far longer. They never chip, only grow out. It helps that I do no housework whatsoever but if I ever so much as pick up a cloth, I wear rubber gloves. When I’m ready to re-do my fingernails, I peel off the varnish in the bath - immensely satisfying.

I have natural nails most of the time, but when I do use varnish I use base coat, colour and then Essie gel top coat.
Lasts 5-6 days and the base coat protects my nails.

I don’t but only because I can’t be arsed with the chips

This. Nails that aren't subjected to polish and remover will be in better condition.

I don’t wear any nail polish and haven’t for a couple of years (ttc, multiple miscarriages, multiple rounds of IVF, it’s a toxin they say to avoid and I’m damn well trying everything!).

I make sure to groom my nails and moisturise and highly recommend this type of 4-sided buffer block as it gives a shine that looks like clear nail polish with no chemical nasties!

www.amazon.co.uk/4-Way-Nail-Buffing-Block/dp/B078BDNTNF

The last time I had nail varnish on was my wedding day!!! Some years ago.

I use a clear nail strengthener, it keeps them from getting those annoying splits that hook onto material and pulll threads in nice clothes. Doubles up as a base coat and top coat if I do fancy colour, but usually don't bother.

Depending on why your nails are weak there are different types of strengthener. Also non acetone polish removers. Currently I’m impressed with OPI Nail Envy Original. I’ve ordered and looking forward to OPI Nail Strength Pink With Envy (it’s clear but pink tint). I’m hunting for the right cuticle oil…research trial and donate.

I get acrylics as my nails chip easily and the colour comes off quickly. No maintenance needed! I get them redone once a month.

I recently went to a chiropodist and his advice was to moisturise your nails as much as possible.

I've given up as takes ages to dry and then chips so easily! Even find the at home gel ones don't last and are expensive at the salon.

I work in healthcare so never bothered anyway but now on Mat leave and painted them once they chipped in 2 days so I haven't bothered since.

Just use cuticle oil occasionally and sometimes the clear strengthening polish but not very often!

Dior nail glow is magic. I can't stand chipped nail polish.

I have gels around every 4-6 to coincide with events and use mail flow in between.

It's pricy but sooo easy.

All of those complaining about chipped nail varnish need Sally Hansen miracle gel in their lives. It lasts a week.

My nails aren't any better or worse for using varnish or going without. I've only ever done my nails at home though and never got false nails at the salon because of how bad it is for them.

Haven't done for the past 6 years since having kids. Too much handwashing and can't stand chipped nails!

Most people don’t wear it OP.

I got gell for a while, I liked it but it was faff and it wrecked my nails so I had to stop.

My nails are weaker than they have ever been at the moment. Always really strong, thick hair etc. Have had gel nails for last 3 yrs but the last year they have become brittle and snapping off all the time, I'm putting it down to hormone changes as periods all over the place now as well. I've started having builder gel on them to make them stronger.

Can't wear it on my fingers, they look great but start breaking and flaking. Not worth it. Gels ruin my nails and I just have to wait 6 months for healthy nail to grow back.