For about six months I have noticed my nails have been on a bit of a decline. They refuse to grow without flaking and splitting. It was really getting me down! I don't have long nails but they used to grow fast and strong. I used to have a decent amount of nail so that when I did wear polish my nails looked good.
Now they are short, I am unable to grow them beyond the tips of my finger, without them flaking and peeling! I can only put it down to bad nail care, using acetone and wearing nail polish all the time. Very very bad indeed. Well I've learned my lesson, I won't do it again, can I please have my lovely nails back?!!
The answer is no, I have been using almond oil, lush lemony flutter, hand creams etc... to no avail.
I bought this Jessica 2 Step nail cure system from Cosmetic Candy's blog sale. I am a big fan of Jessica nail polishes so thought I'd give it a whirl.
You can read the simple instructions for the system in the picture below:
I was going to photograph my nails before using the system, but now I see there is little point! I am most displeased with the layers of polish turning a really unattractive yellow colour.
These photos are taken at the end of four weeks. I did take off the Step 1 before putting on Step 2 every other day for 2 weeks. It basically started to peel off in huge strips so had to come off. I think it took a layer of nail with it.
mmm yellow nails, attractive!
After 4 weeks of no polish apart from the 2 Step System, there is little change. I have noticed less flaking but not enough to call this month long treatment a success.
I guess it's back to the drawing board! Sorry peeps, I wish it had been a more positive experience. If you have tried it and found it a success, leave a comment.
Do you have any nail care tips for me? I have tried an almond oil soak as recommended by a manicurist, cuticle butter etc.., I get plenty of calcium, so what can I do? HALP!
Can you use Mavala? I *love* what it's done for my nails, mine never used to grow past the tips of my fingers either.
ReplyDeletehttp://getlippie.blogspot.com/2010/01/wonder-product-mavala-nail-systems.html
I am suprised that having a good square shape to the nail, giving yourself weekly manicures and painting them hasn't helped - painting would help strengthen them if anything (although obviously the nail is only stronger because of the polish). Maybe gel overlays?
ReplyDeleteAmy x
Yes i do :) first option and the most cheap olive oil just rub a bit on the nail once a week or wahtever you want, second choice :) well i tried this hand cream Vaseline Hand and Nail in 2 weeks they stay 50% stronger, i put it every day and the third option i don't know if there is in England nail varnish based on horseshoe formula it works wonders believe me :D i used to have your problem :D***
ReplyDeleteOk I want to add that I think this might be a symptom of an iron defiency/lack of protein in your diet (tried to tweet you but not sure you can see my tweets) - try googling.
ReplyDeleteAmy x
I am a big fan of Sally Hansen Miracle Cure, my nails get so long & strong using it.
ReplyDelete(p.s I've tagged you on my blog!x)
I can't help at all since I have very short nails. Any time I get any length on them I rip them at work.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried OPI nail envy?
Check out Nail Tek. It's meant to be amazing :). I also agree to the person who said iron levels. My nails suffered terribly, but then I started treatment for anaemia and it's a lot better. Good luck :).
ReplyDeletexoxo
Hi! I've never commented on your blog before, but I decided that if my 2 cents could help now was the time to start ;)
ReplyDeleteI had a problem with my nails after a medical treatment and was recommended to take magnesium with vitamin B6, and this alone already does wonders for my nails (I take it regularly to this day).
Alo, you can try a cure of primrose oil, good for hair, nails and skin.
Another thing recommended to me by doctors and dermatologists alike was something called Cystine B6 here in France, basically another molecule with vitamin B6.
The obvious of keeping them nicely moisturized with cream that is both for hands and nails, with nourshing cuticle/nail cream massaging it into the entire nail (I've found some in South Africa, but can't remember the reference, I'm sure you can find an equivalent in the UK).
In my experience, it's not so much an iron or calcium deficiency but rather vitamins and magnesium, so get those checked out just in case maybe?
I can't think of anything else, but I do hope that your nails go back to being themselves soon :)
Keep in mind it takes about 2 months at times to notice a real difference as the "weak" part of the nail has to grow out before the stronger part comes through to the top.
I wish you the best and hope some of this was helpful to someone!
Thank you everyone for your excellent suggestions. My sister also said that she thinks that my problems may be metabolic so I will go and get myself booked in for a check up! I do take supplements (multivits, iron, evening primrose oil, fish oils - I must rattle!) But thanks for all your advice!
ReplyDeleteI have used the OPI Nail Envy and it good but once your nail gets to a certain length it will break. I think its just the weak point of it that always affects it - i must admit that my nails dont flake as much and are not as brittle. Have you tried Bio Scuplture? Its a nail polish that is like a gel but its good for your nails instead of damaging them.
ReplyDeleteMy nails have been strangely behaving lately! It's very offputting! I've been using OPI Nail Envy and the Nail Envy Maintenance as a base coat. I've been trying really hard to remember to put nail on them regularly but it's a habit I need to work on. The other thing I've been doing since they got better is vitamin based. I think my nail condition has been a bonus of me taking 1000mg vit c caspules with zinc. I've been taking them sice I started feeling unwell before xmas (beginning of dreaded chicken pox) and I'm going to keep taking them for general well being and to build my immune system back up. They're growing nicely and feeling stronger than they have in years. Might be worth checking out a little extra vit c?
ReplyDeleteI really really hope you find a solution soon!!! I understand how frustrating it is when nails just won't behave!!!
R x
Sally Hansens miracle cure worked great for me. Also vitamin B complex is amazing - make sure it has biotin in it - it is know as the hair, skin & nails vitamin. Also try to think of what nailpolishes/brands you were using - maybe there is something in the ingredients that are harmful to nails. I noticed my nail problem after using borghese base/top coat and china glaze (but I know everyone's experience is different).
ReplyDeleteI tend to use Sally Hansens Nail Growth Miracle when my nails are going nowhere! I use it every night for about five days and then maybe once or twice a week after that. I only need to do this two or three times a year and it seems to work for me. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
ReplyDeleteI have terrible nails too, they just break as soon as they get long(ish). I do find that if i remember to use a strengthening/nourishing nail oil on them every night ( i just use an Avon one), then after a week or so they live longer...until i forget to use the stuff again! I've heard great things about Nail Envy from OPI though.
ReplyDeleteI started taking a calcium/boron/manganese etc supplement and could not believe the difference it made to my nails! I have long nails now for the first time in my life :)
ReplyDeleteI have shorter nails and I have a problem with my nails cracking and splitting and peeling. It's the most frustrating thing. I never really worried about my nails growing up but lately I have kept a watchful eye on them as I want them to look nice and like I give a care. I have been using the original nail envy by OPI for the last month or longer. My right hand I've had much success with. But for some reason my left hand won't cooperate! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI was looking and reading other articles about Jessica Nail Cure Review, and yours is the one with the most interesting and useful information.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and have a nice day.
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I've just had a negative experience with Jessica Geleration and I've linked to your interesting post in my review: http://housewivesincorporated.blogspot.com/2011/12/jessica-geleration-manicure.html
ReplyDeleteRegards, Vanessa
Hello, I've been having the same issues for the last year. I think it's a result of getting those "gel" polish manicures =( I found that buffing them stopped the peeling and flaking. Buff them to a thick high shine and them keep them polished. This seemed to help quite a bit. They are still not what they used to be, but have stopped peeling at least.
ReplyDeleteGL
i am about to try this system. unfortuantely realised ive already started wrong as i applied a layer on step 1 and then put a coat of step 2 straight away. so i maybe start again tonight. I do find that the more often i manicure and paint my nails the more they grow and stronger they get. When applying a colour polish a base coat must be used to protect the nail. i will update in 4 weeks on my experience
ReplyDeleteooh also, from reading the instructions it doesnt say to remove step 1 before applying step 2? so i will try it without removing ti x
ReplyDelete