I have questions about fingernails.

PMeg819

I quit biting my fingernails. I'm pretty sure it's for good this time because I honestly don't remember the last time I bit them and I've actually been using a nail file and clippers to trim them (preferably in public places or on the airplane).

Having no experience with this though...

1. Will they get stronger? Is there something I can put on them to help them get stronger? I've avoided painting them because I didn't know if that would actually make my nails weaker.

2. Will they grow out more and look normal? The pink part is short and stubby, and uneven. Will the pink part grow more and make my overall fingernail longer?

3. Can someone come to my house and show me how to paint my nails nice? I never painted them when I bit them because I didn't want to eat nail polish. I'm missing out on this essential lady skill.

ReturnOfKuus

Painting them strengthens them, at least temporarily.  Taking hair, skin, and nails vitamins will also help.

I'm not sure how to picture this.  Might it be an unevenness in the skin underneath, as in, if you soak them and clean really well underneath them with one of those orangewood sticks with the sandpaper on the tip, would they be even?

I could totally do this for you, if you let me do your toenails, too, and maybe pop a pimple or two.

PMeg819

Hmmm, maybe I'll start the prenatals again.

I have no idea how to describe what I'm seeing. So the part where the pink ends and it becomes white...it's not like a straight line or a nice line of any kind. Because I bit them, it sort of looks all craggy.

I don't have pimples and I get pedicures. But I'll let you braid my hair.

ReturnOfKuus

Okay, I think it is something that can be solved with an orangewood stick with sandpaperiness.  Soak your fingers in warm water for ten minutes, then clean under them with that thingy, really thoroughly.  If your fingertips don't feel sort of tingly and super-alive, then you need to do it some more.  And push back your cuticles while you're at it.

PMeg819

Okay. I think I need to go to Ulta and get some supplies.

[Deleted User]

Go get a manicure. For at home use, I've heard good things about Nailtiques.  I think you can get it at Ulta.

MNNEBride

THIS is a great product for strengthening your nails.  Plus, it's clear so it'll give you "painting" pratice without making a mess with color.

**O-Face**

Nail painting gets easier over time. 

Also, biotin is a huge help without all the extras that prenatals give you.

PS.  beware hoarding of the polish.

[Deleted User]

That Opi Nail Envy stuff is good.  I've used it before but couldn't remember what it was.  I think you can get that at Ulta too.  You can use it as a base coat if you really want to do color.  Also if you are going to use color, get one of those nail polish remover pens or use a q-tip dipped in remover to clean up mistakes.   

**O-Face**

You can also use the ELF eyeliner brush ($1) and acetone to clean around the edges.  I also recommend 100% the Zoya+ remover...100%.

zsazsa-stl

In my experience, keeping them painted makes me not bite.  Scheduling manicures makes it even better.  However, changing colors every few days does seem to weaken my nails even with non-acetone remover. 

I've been pretty good for the past few years but having a major relapse over the holidays.  I still have two nails giving me fits.  And why do my thumb nails grow crazy fast while the others just sit there?  I don't want to be crazy thumb nail lady.