nail it..

I just had my toe nails done and they're colored yellow now! I can't stand having long fingernails coz i have the same problem as you. They chip off. I don't even color them coz they would eventually get ruined and that's because i'm not being careful with them. I'm not used to having my nails colored that's why. Now with that nail acrylic, i think it would do harm than good and it's something that i wouldn't waste my money on. Is there a cheaper alternative to that?

If your nails are healthy at the moment, even if they're a little brittle, dry or bendy, then consider growing them out. It's much more fulfilling growing your own nails then getting false ones every few weeks, and they cost a lot too! There are so many nail products you can buy nowadays for an abundance of nail problems. I used to bite my nails until I was around 20 and three years later, they look incredible, and it's only because I use nail hardener, nail growth solution and take vitamins for my hair and nails. It's really not expensive to maintain - nowhere near as much as wearing false nails. I can list a whole load of cons for acrylics. Firstly, when done professionally, nail technicians often 'sand down' the nail bed so the nail fits in perfectly. Any tips that you do have are cut and filed right down. In essence, it's not good for the health of your nails and cuticles. You're right, there is a slight chance of getting fungal infections and trust me they're not nice. I have seen a fair few in my time and they leave the people sporting them regretting that they hadn't worn them and taken better care of their nails. Nail glue is also another hazard for your nails, it often leaves them tacky and takes some doing to get the glue off yourself. The only way I have ever found nail glue to come off properly is to use good quality acetone and soak the nails off rather than pull them off, like a lot of very brave women do - I don't get how it doesn't hurt them! The worst thing for me is that these nails are breeding grounds for bacteria - the state of the nails when they're taken off is disgusting! That is also one of the reasons why the skin around your nails, including your cuticles, becomes so weak and puffy. It's like not washing your belly button or behind your ears and letting the bacteria fester for weeks - yuck! Ok now for the pros - because there is some, well at least for some people. False nails are hardy and look good. Hmm anymore? Mm I'm thinking! See these cheap nail sets you can buy at pound stores or in pharmacies? These are better, I think, at looking after your nails whilst they're growing. As long as they're only kept on a week at a time, they can help you cover your nails whilst you're trying to grow them. However, again, they can leave your nails in a bad way but in nowhere near the state that acrylics or gels would. Because they're cheaper, you can afford to keep changing them too, so they're also cleaner. You're not vain for wanting nice nails - it's like women find their confidence in their hair or makeup, some women pride themselves on their nails too. I would recommend time and time again to anyone to grow their own nails. Spend the money on improving what they already have rather than damaging it with false nails. A manicure on healthy, clean, beautifully natural nails looks far more impressive than a standard set of falsies put on at the salon. Once they've grown you can decorate them yourself too. There is no bigger pride than someone adoring your nails, asking them if they are real, and you replying that your nails are your very own. Hope this helps :) x

I have never considered having nails added on, but mine grow okay. I would not want to have them much longer than they are right now. I have to have an emery board with me to smooth out things that chip. I know that you can have infection under the gel or acrylic nails so I would be concerned. I tend to think of all the other things that money can buy. In your situation I would look at moisturizing my nails and taking care of them and eating well so they grow prettier on their own.

My nails look awful. Really. I personally woulnd't go for acrylics though. Two reasons. Firstly would be the ongoing maintenance costs and second would be the state they leave your nails in. Once you start, you're sort of stuck with them unless you can cope with both of those. Could you have decent non acrylic falsies put on to allow your own to grow at little? I found that if I had a decent manicure I was far more likely to take more care and leave my nails alone and not nibble on them.

As a teen if you cannot afford it just wait until you can afford it , i believe you still look cool the way you are