I had acrylic nails for about 6 months and I just had them removed a couple days ago. My nails are a mess! I've always had trouble growing natural nails. Mine split, chip and peel easily. I've been told it's because they're flat--a curved nail has more strength. Okay, whatever. Anyway, what can I do to help my nails recover from the fake ones and then grow stronger? For now I don't have any polish or anything on them and am applying Bag Balm to help keep them from drying out. What else can I do??? I figure it'll probably take about 3 months for all the damage to grow out. The guy at the nail place I've been going to said "You'll miss them and you'll be back!" lol Yes, I'll miss them, but I'm not going back. Too much upkeep and $$$. I can think of better ways to spend my $.

By Kate on Thursday, January 1, 2004 - 01:38 pm:

I would just be incredibly careful of them and wear gloves when doing dishwashing or any type of bathroom cleaning. When out in the cold wear mittens, too. At night you can apply cream or Vaseline or your Bag Balm and then pull moisturizer gloves over that. Take vitamins to ensure you're getting all your vitamins and minerals. Coddle, coddle, coddle them!

By Cat on Thursday, January 1, 2004 - 06:57 pm:

Thanx, Kate. I do take vitamins (good ones) so that should help. Maybe I should get some prenatel ones! lol As for pampering my nails--I seem to have my hands in water most of the day, taking care of kids and all. I do use lotion several times a day (Vaseline water resistant), so that plus either Bag Balm or Vaseline should help. I'll have to see if I can find some gloves to wear to bed. They already look better than when I first removed the acrylic ones. But they're still SO thin (the ends even curl up a little) and there are nicks from the dremiel and white marks from bruising. It'll take time. Thanx again!

By Hol on Thursday, January 1, 2004 - 08:34 pm:

There is a WONDERFUL product called "NailTek".If you know someone who is authorized to shop in a beauty supply store, they can get it for you. Otherwise, your hairdresser or nail shop can order it for you. You apply it every night, then remove it, and start over. After a few weeks, you will have nice strong nails.

Good Luck!

By Missy3 on Thursday, January 1, 2004 - 11:51 pm:

I feel for you!! I had acrylic fo rmy wedding 8 years ago and will NEVER do that again. They should warn us of the outcome!

By Mommyathome on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 12:51 pm:

Ditto Missy. I had them for our wedding, and will never have them again. My nails are quite strong and grow quickly on their own, but of course I had to join the band wagon and get acrylic nails "just because". I remember how horrible my nails looked when I had them removed.

By Kim on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 01:01 pm:

you can also take gelatin capsules. strengthens nails.

By Newbabysarah on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 05:54 pm:

I have a tried and true way to keep your nails from drying and breaking. Baby oil. Put a dime sized amount in the palm of your hand and rub it in to each of your nails for 1 minute per nail for each hand. Do it everyday and in 2 weeks you should see a difference in your nails. Nails and skin love oil and it keeps moisture in. It works!

By Momoffour on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 06:19 pm:

I would be weary about artifical nails. This is coming from a person who did them for years. I have seen some pretty rough looking nails. I haven't did them in sometime because of the effects they have on your nails. a Lady who use have her nails done in the shop I worked in got an infection in 6 of her nails and it looked painfull. I stick to hair and makeup now.

By Sue3 on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 06:27 pm:

everyone gave great hints!
Also, something else that I think will help
is keep nail polish on them to help protect them.
When ever I want to grow my nails out
it helps to
keep polish on them at all times.
Also, revlon makes an awesome top coat.
It makes your regular polish chip resistant.
Hope this helps!
I did the same thing years ago and swore that I would never get
acrylic nails again! Good luck Cat