Nailed!

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:52 pm

Okay, poor title for my question.

First, the background: I bite my nails. I have since before I can remember. I have stopped from time to time, but nothing lasts. Since long nails are simply not in my future, I have been using the "fake" ones you can buy from any drugstore or discount megastore. Usually they are packaged with several sizes and a small amount of cyanoacrylate glue (super-glue).

The procedure is the same every time I use them. I push back the cuticle, apply a little glue to my nail, and press them in place. Following that, I file and shape and apply an appropriate polish. They work and wear quite nicely.

After the evening is over, comes the dreaded De-nailing process. This is mildly painful, yet necessary. (I haven't the courage to wear them to work yet, so the evening is about all i get)

My question is, Is there a better option? Has anyone come up with something easier or am I destined to suffer every time I have to take them off? Am I the only one who can't stand pulling these things off?

Thoughts, opinions?
k

Jenny · Post by **Jenny** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:13 pm

Have you tried spraying something on your real nails to keep you from biting them? I used to bite mine during exam week, but whenever I used the clear coat polish on them it tasted nasty and I quit.

Jenney Love · Post by **Jenney Love** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:57 pm

Paint your nails with a couple of coats of clear polish and let that dry before you apply the fakes. Use as little glue as possible. When it is time to take them off, soak them in acetone based remover for 10-20 seconds, they should pop right off. If they don't soak again. There may be a little residue, but an emery board should quickly take care of that.

Jenney

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:52 pm

Thanks Jenny and Jenney L.

Now that you mention it, someone else suggested that a few years ago. I totally spaced out and forgot about putting a couple of coats of clear on my nails first. I am my own worst enemy. Duh!

I've tried all kinds of things on my nails to keep from biting them. Willpower worked the longest, but my subconscious fights furious. I find my fingers in my mouth without realizing what I'm doing. About the only thing I haven't tried is hypnosis.

Thanks again,
Kyra

Post by **DonnaT** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:06 pm

Hey Kyra,

Some places (hobby type/scrap booking) sell glue dots that should work, instead of using CA glue.

http://www.buygluedots.com/

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:42 pm

Thanks Donna,
I will try a sample of these. I don't know how strong they are, but I'm willing to try.

Hugs,
Kyra

Joann NJ · Post by **Joann NJ** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:53 pm

Kyra, do I know what you're talking about......... I've actually resolved to painting the nails I have and let it go at that. The last time I used the glue on type, it took two weeks for my nails to heal!I vowed to never use them again............ but just in case the clear does the trick, let us know...... I could easily be coerced to try them "one more time"........

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 6:55 pm

Well, I went to my monthly Tri-Ess meeting last night. I put two coats of clear polish on my nails yesterday morning. When I put the "fake" nails on last night, there were a bit more stubborn to adhere. At the end of the evening they seemed just as difficult to remove.

So....back to the drawing board. Not easier, nor any harder, but still a pain in the ::ahem:: Well, on the good side, they sure looked pretty!!

Thanks ladies,
Kyra

Marlena Dahlstrom · Post by **Marlena Dahlstrom** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:45 am

I found a scrapbooking glue that's very similar to the glue used by the pres-on nails you can buy. My blog has full instructions.

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:56 pm

Thanks Marlena,

I'll give it a try.

Jenney Love · Post by **Jenney Love** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:28 am

Kyra wrote:Well, I went to my monthly Tri-Ess meeting last night. I put two coats of clear polish on my nails yesterday morning. When I put the "fake" nails on last night, there were a bit more stubborn to adhere. At the end of the evening they seemed just as difficult to remove.

So....back to the drawing board. Not easier, nor any harder, but still a pain in the ::ahem:: Well, on the good side, they sure looked pretty!!

Thanks ladies,
Kyra

That's not good. Did you soak them to remove them?

Alana · Post by **Alana** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:13 pm

Kyra,

Some of the nail companies also make an adhesive pad that is used to stick nails on. They come in a package with several sizes to fit different sized fingers. While it doesn't work as well as the super glue they are ok for a few hours at least.

To get the nails off, soak them in warm water for awhile and then peel them off. The adhesive is a little like rubber cement and peels off the artificial nails and your regular nails fairly easy.

I've used these pads quite often, because it's easier to remove the nails than with the super glue. The pads just don't hold the nails as well for any length of time or strenuous workouts. I did read that using two pads for each nail (I believe one on top of the other) holds better. Haven't tried that yet.

You might try the pads. They can be found in the nail sections of the better drugstores and department stores.

Love,

Alana

Anthea · Post by **Anthea** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 2:14 am

I used to be a constant nail biter. Once I started going out enfemme in public well I started to grow them. Basically will power. For me there was no greater incentive than crossdressing to stop me biting. Now I have long nails that look great when all polished up. I do get some looks from people in male mode though. No they are not polished in male mode. lol

Melyssa Anne · Post by **Melyssa Anne** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 9:58 am

I have tried putting on clear polish before applying nails. I found that it worked pretty well. no real damage to my nails --- nail polish remover (acetone) took the fake ones off. I just soaked them in a small dish for about 2 -4 minutes, and then peeled them off (usually from the side worked the best. Once they were off, used a cotton ball and rubbed the nails to get the residual off.

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 12:24 pm

I have an apprehension to soaking my nails in polish remover (acetone). The stuff is really potent. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but it is poison! It's really not good for your skin. I try to use as little as necessary. There are non-acetone based products out there, and they work marginal, IMO.

I have a sample of the glue dots Donna talked about. I'm going to try them next weekend when we go out. The next thing I try will be the scrapbooking glue. I'll post results when I'm done.

Thanks again to everyone for their insight and assistance.

Hugs,
Kyra