News flash: Natural nails are in.
I know this topic is about as controversial as the presidential debate and I’ll probably take some flack from the die-hards in the audience, but I’m going to take a stand and say that the time for artificial nails has come and gone.
I realize that nail trends vary in different areas of the country, but if you look in any fashion magazine, you will see models and stars sporting natural nails. And, as Charla Krupp points out in How Not To Look Old, "many upscale salons don’t even offer them [artificial nails] anymore."
Shorter nail lengths are in as well. Which is a good thing, considering the abuse my hands take as the mother of three little ones.
The experts say that if you’re over 40, natural and NEUTRAL is the safest route to take. Go for bold colors on your toes, but keep your fingernails neutral unless you don’t mind drawing attention to your hands. I like to go dark on my digits when I have a special event, but seeing as how they usually chip in the first 24 hours, I generally stick with a neutral palette (or no polish at all).
Here are some things I’ve learned about keeping natural nails healthy and strong.
1) No matter how broken, how short and stubby, NEVER let the salon apply an artificial nail to "match" your other natural nails. I made this mistake on my honeymoon, and it took me 13 years before I made it again. Both times I’ve had it done, that nail was a mess for months before the damage incurred by the falsie was grown out. I have vowed never again to abuse my nails like that.
2) Don’t manicure too often. I don’t mean to neglect your nails. But going to salons (especially cheap ones where they file too hard and clip cuticles) every week will be the demise of your healthy nails.
I learned this lesson the hard way too. Last winter I got in the habit of getting regular manicures. Before I knew it, my nails were peeling and brittle. I stopped getting manicures and in a month or so, they stopped peeling.
This year I’m going to try not to make that mistake again. Remind me when holiday season rolls around and I think I need freshly manicured nails for every event!
3) Eat right. Yeah, yeah, I know. Blah blah blah. We’ve heard it all before, but it’s true. Your nails and hair will show your neglect before anything else, so make sure to eat those fruits and vegetables as well as nuts, fish and eggs. And don’t forget your water!
Jo-Lynne is the owner of Chic Critique, and she blogs daily at Musings of a Housewife.
About Jo-Lynne
Auugggghhh, don’t think I’m ready to give up the fake nails. I don’t have fake boobs, but I do like my fake nails!!
Blessings,
Sher
Being in the health care profession, I am not actually supposed to wear artificial nails. It is considered a breeding ground for bacteria. So I never go that route. Now a good pedi I will never pass up!
LOL. I must make a confession. I actually love the look of artificial nails when they are kept short and neutral. In fact, I have always wanted them. I just know how they wreck havoc on my natural nails, which, generally, are quite nice. So when I noticed that they aren’t so much in vogue any more, I was glad. But I can understand those who don’t want to give them up. 🙂
You know what they say about opinions…. :O)
Since I’m only 34 years old, I guess that gives me 6 years to hope for fakies to make their comeback.
Love, A loyal nail salon customer whose current polish is called “I’m not really a waitress.” =)
I hear you. I always kept my acrylic nails shorter and more natural looking than most people I’ve seen. But earlier this summer, I just decided I was tired of going and sitting in the salon every two weeks…and then I read what you did in How Not to Look Old and I did it. I had them taken off in July. Now the sanded part is almost grown out and they are looking pretty good. The will be short though, because may nails are thin. Glad I’m not the only one…around here acrylics are still very popular.
So what’s a girl with uber-thin nails that tear all the time to do?
Recommendations?
Qponcutie – I have had great luck with Nailtiques. I posted on it last spring.
http://www.chic-critique.com/2008/02/put-that-produc.html
I’ve had my nails done in acrylics for years, but when gas hit $4 a gallon, something had to go. Someone suggested I use Nailtiques on my nails. You can buy it at the CVS or Walgreens & it looks like clear polish, but it’s magic. My nails are as long as I ever wanted them with acrylics (which wasn’t very long, to be honest) and strong. Woohoo. 🙂 I may never go back.
I have my own natural nails and they are a great length… not too lomg, not too short… BUT I DO have acrylic put on them 2x a month to keep them from breaking… Half in style or no?