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Original poster

I've been using nail varnish for years, if not decades. Do you think it could have damaged my nails?

7 replies

JacksmamaInAPearTree · 15/12/2009 19:32

My previously very strong finger nails have started to split and peel and crack since some time in the fall (can't remember exactly).

Is it possibly that this is from wearing nail varnish for so long?

Or could there be another cause? My toe nails and hair are fine.

I've removed all nail varnish, and the back half of my nails is fine, but the front half, near the white end, is very thin and although I've buffed them, you can see where the top layer of the nail has peeled.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
tulpe · 15/12/2009 19:57

Do you ever use ridge filler? I ask because that definitely damaged my nails and caused them to flake and peel. I tried it last year for the first time ever and used it about once a week for a month. My nails took at least 6 weeks to recover. Would not touch the stuff now.

Original poster
JacksmamaInAPearTree · 15/12/2009 20:21

Ohhh - yes, I have. I thought it was a good thing - OPI ridge filler. Hmmm.
In the fall I started noticing that when my nail varnish flaked off, as it usually does by the end of a week, bits of my nails peeled off with it. This went on for weeks and now they're in this state. Anything I can put on them to strengthen them - I mean like a cuticle cream or something, I don't want to put any varnish on until they get better... which is highly unusual for me and I don't like having unvarnished nails [vain old bag emoticon]

OP posts:
tulpe · 15/12/2009 20:45

I have been using a cuticle oil by Skin Truth which has rosemary & neroli oils in it. I found the range in Sally Salon Supplies store. It is lovely and works really well even though my skin is very dry generally.

Alternatively, you could try just a basic sweet almond oil.

Original poster
JacksmamaInAPearTree · 15/12/2009 22:59

Someone just told me it's from faulty mineral absorption?

OP posts:
tulpe · 15/12/2009 23:21

possibly but then I would have thought you would notice changes in your toenails and hair too, no?

NancyDrewRocks · 16/12/2009 04:45

It is almost certainly the nail varnish - you have to try and have a few days a month with no nail varnish to help them "breathe" otherwise they will discolour and flake.

Original poster
JacksmamaInAPearTree · 16/12/2009 16:54

Poo. I don't like my nails without varnish.

Oh well, if that's my worst problem...

OP posts:
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