Nail Care Problems & Solutions Advice

Return To Previous Page

Simply click on a "Frequently Asked Question" below and we will try to shed some light on a few "Nail Biting" challenges!   Then after you have your answer simply click on your browser's "Back" button to return to the "Nail FAQs".

My natural nails are fairly long and strong, however, when they reach a certain length, they break. What can I do to keep them from breaking?

Is it true that eating Jello will make your nails stronger?

Is it possible to get AIDS or any other types of infectious diseases if the implements being used for my manicure are not properly sterilized between customers?

Can you suggest any methods to help me stop biting my nails?

Why is it that when I get a pedicure sometimes the nail polish doesn't effectively dry?

What is the best shape to try to achieve with my nails?

I am confused about caring for my cuticles, what should I do?

Q. My natural nails are fairly long and strong, however, when they reach a certain length, they break. What can I do to keep them from breaking?

A. To maintain the length of your natural nails, you may want to think about having a fiberglass overlay applied to them. During this procedure a thin layer of fiberglass is brushed on to the natural nail, creating a strong protective coating to help prevent breakage. Fiberglass overlays do require regular maintenance though (a fill every two weeks), so if you are not willing to commit to this, look for professional products containing natural proteins and strengtheners such as calcium. OPI Nail Treatments like Nail Envy® are a sure bet to healthly beautiful nails.

Q. Is it true that eating Jello will make your nails stronger?

First of all, it is not actually Jello, but the gelatin ingredient in it which you are referring to. Secondly, while gelatin can improve the overall health of your nails, you could not possibly consume enough to make a substantial difference. Your nails do not receive a concentrated amount of gelatin because once absorbed into the blood stream it is distributed to different areas of the body (hair, nails, etc), wherever it is needed most. If you are looking to strengthen your natural nails, look into getting a fiberglass overlay or investing in some natural nail fortifying products at a salon in your area

Q. Is it possible to get AIDS or any other types of infectious diseases if the implements being used for my manicure are not properly sterilized between customers?

Yes, there is the possibility of contracting a disease like AIDS if the tools are not cleaned but it is not probable. When you are working with blood, if there is blood on the implements there is the chance of contracting AIDS but the chances are pretty slim. The most common infections contracted would be Hepatitis and Tuberculosis since the virus lives longer and is much stronger. Beauty Store Tip: You should ask your Nail technician to sanitize and disinfect their tools and their working area prior to working on you to thoroughly kill bacteria. If they are offended - go elsewhere!

Q. Can you suggest any methods to help me stop biting my nails?

Nail extensions and regular manicures are the best remedy for nail biters. Nail extensions will not only make your hands look nicer, but will also prevent you from biting nails each time you bring your hand to your mouth. If you don't want to apply extensions, you may want to try one of the anti-nail biting products. The clear liquid is applied to the nail like polish, but leaves a foul taste in the mouth after you bite your nails.

Q. Why is it that when I get a pedicure sometimes the nail polish doesn't effectively dry?

It is commonly thought because feet are naturally a little colder than hands, it takes longer for polish to dry. Another reason toes may not dry completely is because of the natural oils found in the nail plate. If there is any trace of oils, whether they be natural or from the pedicure treatment itself (lotions, paraffin wax), polish will not dry. Beauty Store tip: Make sure you completely dehydrate toe nails of excess oils before applying polish.

Q. What is the best shape to try to achieve with my nails?

Nails should complement your hand size and cuticle shape. Fashion is showing very long, pointed nails this season, but this dramatic length and shape isn't for everyone. Nails should be tailored to suit each individual, regardless of what fashion dictates.

Before proceeding with shaping your nails, carefully analyze your finger length and thickness, hand size and cuticle shape; then follow these guidelines:
1.) Long, rounded, almond tips are the perfect match for petite hands and fingers.
2.) Active-length squovals complement fingers that are long and slim, or short and stocky.
3.) Heavy-set hands and wide nail beds look best with squared-off extensions.
4.) If the cuticle is oval, go with an oval nail, if it is square, create a squoval nail.

Q. I am confused about caring for my cuticles, what should I do?

Although it is tempting to trim, the health implications of cutting cuticles may convince you to think before reaching for your cuticle nippers. The cuticle prevents bacteria from entering the lunula, the whitish area at the nail plate's base, by sealing off the potential space between the root of the nail and the skin. By removing the cuticle, the newly forming nail is left unprotected and vulnerable to infection. Never cut the cuticle: instead push it back gently with a rosewood stick, Hindo stone or rubber-tip cuticle pusher.

Strong cuticle growth should be controlled with a cuticle softener or cuticle remover liquid. The only time you should ever cut is if the cuticle is extremely hard, dry and sticking straight up, but you must be careful not to cut the entire cuticle.

In your Service -
Beauty Products Supply Store Cosmetology Staff