My nails are crap, I need advice...

[notoverit]

My nails do not grow much and always break, they are thin and weak. I am thinking of getting gel nails, but worried they will uin my nails even more. Has anyone had gel nails before? And did they ruin your nails?

Also anyother advice welcome for sorting out my rubbish nails... I seem to have grooves in them to.

Biosculpture nail overlays are really good - they soak off, and are just a thin overlay, and don't need much nail prep. Also as they aren't as hard as regular gel, they move with your nails. And look like nice nail varnish for weeks at a time.

Colleague has had them on for 12 weeks now, and her nails are fab - I'm trying to find someone local to me to do them

Yes gel nails completely destroy the nails underneath.

One thing I found when ttc is that folic acid supplements are incredible for giving nice long strong nails and I say this as someone who has always had rubbish short ones. I even took to giving myself manicures whilst pregnant. I don't know if there are any side effects to taking folic acid though so perhaps get one of those vitamin supplements at boots.

Nails Inc do the gel overlays that CMOTd mentioned and they are fab.
I had hands and feet done for my wedding and it lasted so well. (hands 4 weeks/ feet 8 wks)
It is quite pricey but I would defo recommend having it done. Basically looks like a french mani/pedi that doesn't chip.

M&S do an amazing nail rescue clear varnish stuff. I used to have fab nails but they started to break, split and peel a few months ago. I've tried loads of different products but the M&S one is amazing - streets ahead of the other "branded" (and expensive) ones

I have got a vitamin supplement that I never use, I think it is the well woman one, maybe I should start taking it...

bettyboo - did it ruin your nails after?

Doesn't ruin your nails aslong as you get the gel taken off properly ie- dont pick it off!
If your nails are anything like mine, they will grow beautifully with the gel on but not without. Defo worth ago though.
Is having the gel overlay something you can maintain?
I'm going to get mine done for my hols and try and keep going back to have them re-done.Im'm lazy!

I have found that using one of those nail buffing sponge type things has really improved the strength of my nails, plus it gives them a lovely shine without varnish and helps to remove ridges.

I had the old acrylic type a few years ago and they did ruin my nails - are gel nails better? Mine are like notoverits weak, I don't want just ones that don't break.

You should only buff once a week though or it looks good short term but causes more long term damage.

I was a very bad nail biter for years and my nails were like yours, tried everything described on here and more with no success.

Then tried a bottle of nail envy from opi, bought it from large boots, is expansive for what looks like a clear polish BUT it works miracles. I put it on one night, is very easy to apply, then another coat every other night for about a week then take it off and start again. I always use it as a base coat and often as a top coat if i wear colours too. My nails are complimented often now. They are much longer than i ever thought possible, strong and non flaky.

They also make it in a pinky colour although i have never seen it in real life. I do think if you try it it is well worth trying the avoplex too which is like an oily gel in a squeezy tube that you apply to cuticles to soften and moisturise them. I keep mine in my handbag and just use as and when but if you get into the habit that also makes a big difference.

Considering the expense of ongoing gel etc treatments i really would try at least the nail envy and see if that makes them better.

Good luck !

neena - that sounds interesting, so was that the instructions? to apply it every other night?

neena - that sounds interesting, so was that the instructions? to apply it every other night?

You may need to increase your vitamin E intake. Handful of almonds a day worked wonders for my nails, hair and skin. It is much better (ie more effective) to take nutrients from diet rather than supplements or slapping on creams (ie vitamin E moisturiser). Not that the other two options are bad for you . And also make sure you are adequately hydrated. Dry and flaky nails and skin is often a result of dehydration. The body has to prioritise water usage and so your major organs and systems get priority and the skin and nails are pretty far down the list I would imagine.

My nails do not seem to be dry, and I do drink alot of water, but could be lacking in vitamin E.

I used a buffer today for the first time and I really like the results.

Also I have found the nail envy on ebay for around £10 brand new, so think I will give it a go.

I'm just finding the older you get the harder it is to look good. My nails grew just fine a few years ago and i hardly did anything to them. I just filed them every now and again and put clear polish on...

Hi Notoverit, yes think the instructions were to do it every other night or so. I think qvc sells it so may be worth looking it up on their website and reading the reviews/ video presentation on there. I often have a look at stuff I am interested in on their site then order it off ebay! It has certainly made a big difference to me.

An interested by the almond tip though...would bakewell tart etc work as well...I love anything almondy!

Will be interested to know how you get on.

I am a qualified Bio Sculpture Nail Professional and have been doing it for five years now. Lovely product and I will not use anything else on my nails.