Nails advice needed.

My nails have been behaving like yours phoenix for the last 2 years and even Nail Envy and the Leighton Denny equivalent did no good, so I "treated" myself to gel nails for Christmas which have lasted 3weeks (I picked..... last night and 3 came off, so I have removed the rest!) but lo and behold, the nails have grown really well, protected by the gel overlay. For those who don't know, these are not fake nails but polish which is then sort of "baked" in a UV light so that you get a rock hard finish. Alas, with the car saga I don't know if I can afford another go, but it absolutely sorted the problem. Wish I had known about them in time for DD's wedding

Phoenix you've accurately described my own nails and like gracesmum I recently had both a shellac manicure and a gel manicure; they each produced amazing results, in that my nails looked beautiful for a full two to three weeks, and when the polish was removed (I should warn you that THAT is a right palaver) my own nails were in the best condition I've ever had them. The major downside of course is that they're not cheap.

What is the difference between them ga?

The gel was actually a shinier finish and there was a bigger choice of colours, also my nails were buffed before application of the 'geleration' polish, but really there didn't seem much to choose between them. They were both the same price and both hardwearing.

I've got pretty good nails, could never be bothered with polish but a Shellac or gel manicure is amazing. It dries instantly and really doesn't chip. Mine needs removing now after approx 3 weeks - still immaculate but the growth from the bottom (whatever the technical term is for where the nail comes out of!) is visible. It doesn't seem to weaken the nail, the reverse I'd say. I can't be doing with long nails but even short ones look good. You'd look mysterious with dark red ones Phoenix, curling round your cigarette

Like these?

scary nails

No, no LIKE THESE!
(This IS you isn't it phoenix?)

So that's where the newspapers get the photos to match their articles from....

Sorry for not coming back, you must think me terribly rude, thank you for the responses.

ga no, that is NOT me, I would never let my ash get that long, I am a very tidy smoker! (My ex husband used to drive me mad, lighting a cigarette, letting the ash get really long and only asking for an ashtray).

Ana eeeekkkkk! how on earth does she............. oh, never mind, I'm sure you must have all had similar thoughts!

Many years ago I had nail extensions, which I loved, but they were expensive and when I gave up on them my nails were paper thin underneath, but I have taken on board what has been said about the gel nails being different. Unfortunately I really don't think I can justify the cost of having them done at present, but definitely something to bear in mind.

I have been wondering if there might be some sort of dietary supplement that might work? I might be lacking in something?

Try Mavala Scientifique, phoenix. You just brush it on the very tip of your nails a couple of times a week and it works very well (the only thing that works for me, actually). It comes in a really tiny bottle, but it lasts for about a year.

I bit my nails until my late 40s and so they are poor shape and condition. Also as I had no nails to care for I never learned how to!

I now have shellac manicures every so often (when I am going on holiday /special occasion!) and it helps to stop splits and to improve the quality of the nails. I use an almond oil every day to condition my nails and they are getting stronger..only my left thumb nail that splits longways now!

Thanks for that, Marelli but would it still have a good effect on nails that start to split very low down?

Mine were peeling apart and breaking off right on the 'quick' phoenix. Just put the tiniest amount on the very tip of your nails and eventually they'll strengthen and harden enough to grow properly. I used to use it in the 70's and came across it again on ebay. I've seen it advertised in magazines lately, though. It contains formaldehyde.....!

Right, will try to hunt some down!

Sweet almond oil works for me too or a product called Gehwol nail oil that you can get on Amazon but almond oil is cheaper. Leave the varnish off & massage oil in every evening- works very quickly. I work for a chiropodist & this is what he recommends.

Haven't dermatologists just given out a major health warning about gel nails? I'm sure I read something about the dangers recently.

phoenix I think I posted on the previous thread about this. Biotin (vitamin B7) is the one that promotes strong healthy nails.

Yes, Absent - I heard that, too. Gel nails can cause serious nail damage and infection.

Until a couple of years ago my nails were always breaking and my daughter in OZ suggested I started taking some supplements. I thought I would give them a try and I've certainly seen a gradual improvement in the condition of my nails. They used to break all the time and were very 'ridgy' but they have improved. I've recently had a blood test and have no problems (sigh of relief). These minerals and vitamins are a little on the expensive side but they seem to have done the trick and my health seems good. I'll happily give the name if you pm me.

I also try to keep my hands out of a very well known brand of washing up liquid as it strips the oil from my hands and nails. I've heard that bio-oil is very good for nails as well, although I have n't tried it.

My daughter left behind a tube of Johnson's baby soothing naturals intense moisture cream.(pale green tube) it is a miracle cream. I used it on my hands and noticed the next day my nails appeared in good condition. Well I now use it at night before bed and have the best nails I have had for years. It's not expensive and made for baby so it's all good.Also my hands are looking good.

I was wondering too if some supplements might help. Why not do a search to see what would help improve the condition of nails.

I buy tablets to improve hair condition as my hair was looking a mess. I've found they've helped quite a bit.

I've just started using Hard as Nails. Always thought it would dry my nails out and make them more brittle but, thus far they look quite good. I'd cut them really short but they were still splitting. I started off by just putting varnish at the ends but I've now coated the whole nail. I've also started taking supplements again and eating lots of oily fish etc.

I have had really bad nails for the last few years - ridges, peeling, etc., but three months ago I started the Alizonne diet and part of the treatment is taking two Quinton Hypertonic phials a day. I still have the ridges, although they are less pronounced, and my nails no longer peel. I have said to my DH that when I stop the diet I will see if I can continue taking them. I have no idea how much they cost, though.

Just looked up the QH phials. I'm afraid it does look like the most spectacular pseudoscience. "marine plasma" is meaningless. Concentrated seawater? Which is mainly salt?