A thoroughly trivial problem

[clevermanka]

I haven't had this problem since high school, and I don't know if I want to solve it the way I did then. The problem is, now my nails are actually growing (thanks to Nailtiques Formula 2 and gregpeteler to whom I am ever thankful) and I don't know how to keep them manageable. They are just now at the point where it's not quite too tricky to put in my contact lenses, type, massage, or deal with small fiddly things (like beads). But any longer and they will be too long. This has happened before on rare occasions, but I could always count on them breaking or splitting pretty much immediately after reaching this length. I don't see any sign of their demise now, however.

Should I file them regularly to keep them this length? Cut them down to keep them healthy (kind of like trimming hair)? What?

When I had mega-claws as a teenager, I would just cut them all down very short and let them grow out until they got long again. I used so many chemicals in art and photography that they were kinda nasty by the time they got this long, so cutting them off wasn't a bad thing. But my nails look really good now.

Ponder, ponder.

If only everyone had my problems, right?

Comments

[starwyse.livejournal.com]

I've not been massaging for almost two weeks thanks to my vacation and this second trip to CA. Mine are now long enough to interfere with my typing! :)

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

My nails are really hard, and grow long quickly. Back in the day, I had inch-long claws and could saddle up horses without ever chipping a nail.

Now I keep them clipped very short because of my martial arts. Long nails and fists are a bad combination. Long nails doesn't make for very friendly partner drills, either. My buddy will invariably end up slashed, so I keep them short.

But honestly, I found long nails actually came in handy for beading (they act like bead scoops!), and never impeded contact lenses or typing.

And as a bizarre side note, I know of lesbians who keep the nails on their sexin' hand short. Heh....

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I know of lesbians who keep the nails on their sexin' hand short

I know gals who do that, too. =D

never impeded contact lenses or typing.

Maybe it's just a matter of practice, then.

[gamera-spinning.livejournal.com]

Just a thought: a good source for suggestions might be nottygypsy, as she does the fingernail/cosmetology thing on the side.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yep. I'm waiting for her take on it, but she doesn't LJ during the day.

[jensixstones.livejournal.com]

I file mine regularly (weekly). I have fairly thin brittle nails so I've had to deal with them splitting and tearing. I've found that by filing, I can keep the edges smooth so they don't catch on anything. And I tend to keep my nails relatively short because of contacts, typing, etc.
Nail clippers just don't work well for my nails at all.

[stuology.livejournal.com]

If only everyone had my problems, right?

I do because the constant clicking from typing, which I do a lot, drives me crazy.

I keep them filed until I either chip one or I see one splitting and then I cut them all. My nails grow really quickly, so cutting them all off isn't that big of a deal to me.

[pointoforigin.livejournal.com]

It was the part about how everyone should have your problems that made me go >>snrk!<<. I suddenly got this picture of George Bush in the Oval Office, looking down at his lovely nails. He had three different colors of polish open on the desk, and he was panicking. He was thinking to himself "Damn! I wish I hadn't fired Rummy. I need someone to tell me if the bright red would be over the top with this tie."

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

If that was the only decision in his hands, the world would be a better place.

[curieuse.livejournal.com]

He would still end up hyperventilating with streaks of paint on his forehead.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Better than the blood on his hands, now.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

LOL - your imagination makes me very happy. Miss you! Will you be at the Nebs?

[curieuse.livejournal.com]

Get a good quality file and a buffer -- SUCH a nice problem to have. I know you already said, but can you remind me where in town sells this stuff??

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I purchased my first bottle at Beauty Brands on Kasold. But then I found Joda & Friends Salon (locally owned) sells it for a buck cheaper.

Joda & Friends is located at 3009 W. 6th, across the street from Dillons grocery store. It's a stone building that looks like an old barn house. They keep it right up near the front, just to the right of the front desk.

[the-themiscyran.livejournal.com]

Filing is supposed to be healthier for the nails then trimming, so I'd go that route, first.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Good to know...

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

The unfortunate chore that comes with long nails is regular upkeep. I file mine a bit everytime I do the cuticles and redo the nailtiques, every one-two weeks. Of course manicures from notty are nice too :).

My favorite file is a glass one I found at street market. I think it was from the Czech republic. Verrry smooth!

gotta add...

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

ooh, I found these at the Bay Leaf downtown Lawrence... very pretty with glass stones in the end. I was weak, I had to have one. $12.95 for the medium, and the ladies who own the store REALLY appreciate people who shop locally.

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

Get a good quality file from Sally's. Not the nasty emery board type - a good carborundum file and buffer. It should have three grades of file. That way you won't have hidden cracks in your nails that will suddenly break.

When you put contacts in, they should be more on the meat of your finger and not on the end. I usually have long nails, and contacts were never a problem.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

When you put contacts in, they should be more on the meat of your finger and not on the end.

It's the getting them out of the case part that's becoming tricky for me.

The bit about grades of file to avoid cracks is very good info. I had no idea!

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

I dump the case towards my hand and use my fingers as a strain to catch the contact. I suppose that wouldn't work if you had a case that opened both sides at once.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

I use the block from the kit to file mine, even buffing the edges free of anything that can snag.. um... that's when I keep them up, and I do keep mine longish.

oh, and for those who have a price issue and no problem with buying from box store, Walgreens sells Nailtique now too. :ducks:

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

er.. I did give you one of those buffing kits, didn't I? With the block/file, cuticle oil and lotion?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yep! I have it here at work!