Beauty

[Rachb]

I've had the same issue for years. It probably doesn't help that I'm a compulsive picker. The sides of my nails get rough, or sometimes have a catch that I can feel when I run another nail along its edge. I can't stand when it's not smooth so I file, file, file the side of my nails until the edge is smooth. But sometimes it takes quite a bit of filing so a) it can hurt, and b) it makes my nails look narrow and crooked. When I am able to grow the nail(s) out a bit without filing the sides, there ends up being a tiny bit on each side of the nail that turns white, gets soft and ends up splitting from the nail. But it doesn't seem like skin/cuticle. It seems like it's a sliver of nail, if that makes sense. Like I said, I've struggled with this for years and it's very frustrating. Does anyone else experience this? What are your suggestions to help alleviate it?

[JeanLouiseFinch]

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@Rachb wrote:
I've had the same issue for years. It probably doesn't help that I'm a compulsive picker. The sides of my nails get rough, or sometimes have a catch that I can feel when I run another nail along its edge. I can't stand when it's not smooth so I file, file, file the side of my nails until the edge is smooth. But sometimes it takes quite a bit of filing so a) it can hurt, and b) it makes my nails look narrow and crooked. When I am able to grow the nail(s) out a bit without filing the sides, there ends up being a tiny bit on each side of the nail that turns white, gets soft and ends up splitting from the nail. But it doesn't seem like skin/cuticle. It seems like it's a sliver of nail, if that makes sense. Like I said, I've struggled with this for years and it's very frustrating. Does anyone else experience this? What are your suggestions to help alleviate it?

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@Rachb  Lifelong picker here, too.  Aside from taking vitamins to strengthen the nail, I've started using Isomers Healthy Nails & Cuticle and that's helped them to be more conditioned and grow.  Try your best to leave your nails alone.  Keep them short for the time being, to allow everything to grow out evenly.  It's my understanding that glass files are better for your nails than emery boards.  If you can't find glass, get the absolute finest grit you can - not the typical type emery boards.  And when you file them, go in one direction, lift the file to bring it back to the starting point, and go in the same direction again.  The sawing back and forth type of filing isn't good for your nails.  It can cause tiny splits and tears in your nails that may likely lead to that rough edge you're feeling...and then can't leave alone (believe me, I know).  And with that little sliver of nail, pick that thing and you're in for trouble (again, I know).  If you can just forge through, by keeping your nails conditioned, the cuticles softened and pushed back, and everything trimmed short for the time being, I think you'll have better luck in growing healthy nails.  It's what I'm working on and my goal as well.

[Rachb]

JLF I can always count on you!

[juperier]

@Rachb  I'm not a nail picker, but @JeanLouiseFinch's advice sounds good to me. Be gentle pushing your cuticle back and refrain from cutting them. And be patient. It will most likely take quite a while for the sides of your nails to grow out attached and normal. The more you pick and file them, the longer it will take. You may also want to mention it to your doctor. He or she can view the actual damage and possiby offer additional suggestions.

As far as the glass files go, the best ones are supposed to be Czech and are etched rather than simply having a rough coating added. They will last a long time unless they get accidently broken.

Use a good cuticle oil frequently (this can be any oil that absorbs well; I just randomly use jojoba, avocado, fractionated (which is liquid; you can also use cooking grade) coconut, grapeseed, etc. Be careful with nail strengtheners/hardeners. Excess use can cause other problems if you aready have good nails. In other words you don't want your nails to get too hard.

[40nu20]

@Rachb.......Something else that works reallly well are oils.  My nails have gotten significantly healthier since applying them every morning and evening.  I rub about 4-5 drops into the nail beds and cuticles.  Oils will make your nails more pliable and conditioned so they dont split or peel.  Your cuticles will be healthier so you will be less likely to pick at them.  I've used juice beauty oil, shea terra oil and WEN oils and have gotten good results.  I also find that diet has alot to do with it too.  Make sure you are getting enough protein and omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.  I drink a VEGA ONE shake every morning and I swear it makes my hair and nails grow like weeds.

[Rachb]

Thanks to both of you for your great advice! My nails grow like weeds!!! So fast I have to file them every 4-5 days, which I'm sure isn't helping. But I like to keep my nails short. JLF I just ordered the isomers stuff.

[ChynnaBlue]

If hangnails are an issue, you should add two things to your routine: a cuticle remover and a hand cream with AHAs. They will help exfoliate area and prevent hangnails.

I like Blue Cross cuticle remover. It's sold at Sally Beauty and is professional strength, so you want to follow the instructions on the bottle and not soak in it or leave it on too long. If you can't find that, Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, a blue gel in a clear bottle, is a great drugstore option. Use a cuticle remover once a week or twice a month.

A hand cream with AHAs will also help prevent hangnails and keep cuticles in good shape. I recommend AmLactin or AmLactin Ulta. AmLactin is sold in most drugstores. Using this several times a day will help smooth the skin and maybe discourage picking, as well. It may burn if you have open sores, so try not to pick while using it. You should also use sunscreen on your hands if you use any hand cream with AHAs.

[Rachb]

I use a cuticle remover every week when I give myself a manicure. I have the blue cross. I'm not a fan of it. It's very thin so it's hard to control (even with a q tip) and it leaves the skin on my fingertips a weird texture. I prefer Butter London's cuticle remover.

[Another new name Sue]

I cannot imagine why it would take so much filing to just smooth out a rough spot.  What kind of files are you using?  I use the professional files available at beauty supply stores.  Have tried the glass but prefer the professional ones, one side a little rough, the other side for smoothing.

Also, I keep nail files handy, one in my desk drawer, one in the kitchen drawer, etc. so i can quickly catch any rough spots as they occur.

Are you applying nail polish?  When I quit with the polish, my nails improved greatly.  I know this would not appeal to everyone, but my nails are best just plain.  I keep the cuticles moisturized with cuticle oil as needed. 

[Rachb]

I use professional files as well. I typically keep them neatly polished. I have some glass files but to me, it's like nails on a chalkboard. I hate that feeling. I don't know why it takes so much filing to get it smooth either. I'll file, then feel for smoothness. I file until it's smooth. Not sure why I have to file in so far.