Alternative to artificial nails???

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2004

I dont know that there is anything that will make thin brittle nails better. Best thing is probly just to keep them well trimmed and filed so they arent sharp and dont protrude very far beyond the nail bed.

I have the opposite problem, i have psorisis of the nail and mine are so hard you darn near need a chain saw to cut them and a electric sander to smooth them down. Wish we could meet in the middle.

suzanne4, RN · Dec 11, 2004

You would be better off with the polishes that get applied to strengthen nails. If it is a gel that is put on for two weeks, it is actually a type of overlay and isn't acceptable.

Also make sure to keep your hands and nails well moisturized. I personally use Orly cuticle cream every evening, actually even keep some in the car and smear it all over my hands for the drive home. I usually work in the OR, NICU, or PICU quite frequently, and my hands qre terrible by the time I make the drive home. With this stuff, my hands look and feel normal by the time I am in my fron door.

Hope that this helps....................... :balloons:

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Dec 12, 2004

I hate that icky, grotty feeling my hands get after using alcohol gel all day......I'll wash with soap and water before and after my shift, plus sometimes in between, but usually all I have time for is the gel. This routine is just hell on one's nails, unfortunately, so I use several coats of polish to protect them. It works almost as well as putting that hardening solution on them, and doesn't provide the germ-friendly atmosphere that overlays do. One caveat: polish needs to be completely free of chips in order to avoid creating a breeding ground for bacteria.......and of course, nails need to be kept short (at my hospital, 3 mm is the longest the tips can be) and smooth.

My favorite polishes are the more expensive and longer-lasting ones, such as Nicole and OPI, but Sally Hansen has a good one called No Chip that lasts for about five days and is around $5.00 a bottle. :)

Reigen · Dec 12, 2004

HI all!!
I know that I can't wear artificial nails now but I was wondering if there was an alternative that I could use.
Here is a product that might help you.
http://www.prostrong.com/

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 12, 2004

I (used to, can't now because of what department i work in) wore Revlon's ColorStay Nail Polish. According to magazines it was supposed to stay on for 10 days, but it stayed on mine for 7. Which says a LOT because regular polishes or laquers didn't even last a DAY.

If you don't want any polishes, try using a 4 way buffer and a drop of cuticle oil. Buff once a day. This helps promote circulation, and may help you to grown somewhat stronger nails (this is what i have to do now).

Never ever soak your nails in anything, this makes them weak. Washing hands is one thing, but to soak your hands makes nails soggy. Oh, and don't wash dishes without dish gloves on (they come in latex and latex-free versions).

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 12, 2004

keep your nutrition good, also. Vitamins/minerals are SO important. As is calcium. Look good, from the INSIDE OUT.

ragingmomster, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 12, 2004

Good strong nails start from the inside, eat more JELLO!! It tastes good and even the sugar free variety has enough gelatin to help strengthen your nails.

adelle · Dec 12, 2004

Good strong nails start from the inside, eat more JELLO!! It tastes good and even the sugar free variety has enough gelatin to help strengthen your nails.

Do you know how much Jello a day is enough to do the trick?