Confessions... Nails

Confessions... 

Nails 

I love beautiful nails.

However it wasn't until recently that I decided to concentrate on the health of my nails.

I've always had nails that break and peel. My mother did not pass on her beautiful nails. This is not an exaggeration, the tips of her nails are white. Naturally! Seriously, her nails grow like a french manicure. It's something I noticed as a child. My mum hasn't ever been one for salon treatments or spending money on cosmetic things. At times as a child there wasn't always enough money for bills so manicures were done at home with a simple nail file and a wooden orange stick. 

My mother taught me that it didn't matter where you came from or where you were going one should have standards. With this, personal care and presentation were included behind good manners and kind nature.
So looking after nails became something we did at home. My mum and I would paint nails add a little sparkle and make the most of what we had. 

As I've grown and earned my own money I have splashed cash on acrylic talons to tap on my desk. But my naturally fragile nails became weaker and I took a break from the fake. 

When I was a teenager gel nails didn't exist in my small town. I feel so old! But it's true. Everything was about acrylic. Either tips or sculptured. A lot of the time the nails were really thick. There were plenty of salons using very poor quality products and even rumours of dental acrylic! I trained as a nail technician in 2008. Gels were being offered but the course was more concentrated on gel extensions than the polish types we use frequently today. I learnt silk and fibre glass techniques which I have never seen offered in a nail shop, and the ever popular acrylic extensions.

Now if you're a die hard nail extension user then good for you. I still have them from time to time when I feel like it. Just make sure you go somewhere that doesn't damage your natural nail. When I was trained I was told never to use an electric drill on someones natural nail as to do so is damaging. Over use of any abrasive tool certainly can bruise and thin the nail bed. So, if it hurts stop!
I can't tell you the times I've sat and said nothing whilst an electric drill has felt like it's burning.

Ive also noticed that in some budget beauty salons/spas if your having a "full set" or gel polish you do not get a proper manicure. This really gets my goat. Its really not hard to do a mini manicure before  a treatment but so many places don't. If they don't do any cuticle work or shape your natural nail. If they leave that hang nail hanging, LEAVE. Or complain. Your choice. I think beauty treatments should be an enhancement and maintaining your natural nails is part of that. 

There are so many wonderful colours/designs to choose from why not express yourself with your nails. I feel like nail art is a subtle way to try new trends. I'm not one for funky hair colours or daring cuts. I tend to keep my makeup simple for work so nail art is something I love to take chances with. 

As I said earlier I'm really into taking care of my nails now. Once a week I give myself a manicure and deep condition my hands by slathering on rich cream and wearing gloves when I go to bed. Many of us do the washing up and clean the house with out gloves. We are also using hand sanitisers more and more. All of these things can dry your skin out and you can get cracks and sores. I always apply a nail strengthening base coat and sometimes reapply throughout the week. 

There are so many lovely long lasting an colours that you can purchase and use without any abrasive preparation to your natural nail. I have just purchased Sally Hansen the diamond strength( review to come). Barry M nail polishes come in so many wonderful textures, glitters and colours all of which are available at high street beauty stores and online at low prices. 

If your feeling really creative get your self a dotting tool and a fine paint brush then the possibilities are endless. ( cheeky tutorial coming soon.)

Take  pride in your hands people do notice chipped polish. Especially if you have a job interview. Make sure your nails are neat and clean and appropriate for the job you are applying for. I wouldn't suggest red stiletto shape nails for a nursing interview. But you all have common sense, you know what I'm getting at. 

If you've had a bad salon experience or maybe you have a top tip please leave it in the comments below. 

I will be posting some nail art tutorials and a simple step by step guide on how to do a manicure at home.