Growing Healthy Long, Strong Nails

kellydid · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2004, 12:05 PM

How many of you have the same problem I do? I cannot grow strong, long nails to save me. Does anyone have a solution to this problem?

kellydid · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 04:05 AM

I have nails that will split and break very easily. I have tried the Sally Hansen product but they will work for awhile and then they don't do anything for my nails. We have a Sally Beauty Supply store here in town. We do have 2 large department stores that carry the really expensive stuff in it.

Any suggestions on what I could do to help grow long, healthy nails would be appreciated.

Also, cuticles are rough and split. I do use hand lotion every day.
I cannot afford to get manicures and I do not know how to give myself a manicure properly.

Thanks!

littlecmom · #3 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 08:37 AM

kellydid, I've had the same problem and the only thing I have found that works for me is taking prenatal vitiamins. I'm not pregnant.... Before I started taking them my nails would grow but once they got so long they would start splitting and break. Plus I was told if you file them it also helps them to grow. Not sure on that one. But I am postive on the vitiamins. Let me know if this helps or not...

LOL Becky

kellydid · #4 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 08:56 AM

You know that made me think. When I was pregnant my nails did grow better. Don'y you have to have prescription for prenatal vitamins, though? Hey, it's been a long time folks since I was pregnant, things have changed!!!!LOL

I had heard that about the filing....tried that....it just made them break at the quick.

littlecmom · #5 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 09:03 AM

Well my first time (well when I was pregant) I got mine at the health clinic. And I don't know what all they had it but my Doctor had to give me a prescription because I wasn't going to the bathroom normally. So the ones I'm taking right now are prescription but you can get them at Wal Mart or any Drug store I do believe. I got one more to take and then I'll have to go get some more. My SIL has a big ol bottle on which she got because she just had a little one and they weren't prescribed. She is gone to Texas right now and will be back tommorrow I'll find out what kind hers are... Hope this helps.

kellydid · #6 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 12:36 PM

Thank you for doing that for me. I would really like to know the name of those vitamin! I would love to be able to have nails that looked nice!! I end up getting the "fake" kind done at a salon and I don't keep them on for long...maybe 1 month. Due to all I have heard about infection and everything.

littlecmom · #7 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 12:45 PM

It will be tommorrow when I find out. I had my nails done at a salon. I like the French manicure. But i just couldn't afford to go get them filled every month... Yes, I have heard about the infection too. My cousin that is all she does it gets hers done and she had an infection but it doesn't stop her from getting them done when they are needed. Even though taking the prenatal vitamins I have a couple that tend to crack but not as much as if I didn't take them. Her bottle she got is big so I would say it would last a couple of months since you only take them one a day... But I will let you know...

Becky

kellydid · #8 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 12:53 PM

Your such a sweetie...thank you for doing this. I will wait and check in with you later tomorrow or the next day.

Kellydid

littlecmom · #9 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004, 12:55 PM

Thank you!!! Which that is what we are here for it to help each other out....

Becky

efeston · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 08:23 AM

I've always had issues with my nails too. I found that with "nail treatments" (i.e. strengtheners, hardners, etc), my nails actually become more brittle (even with polish they break easier).

I actually discussed it with my doctor, and she suggested taking a look at my diet! The healthier you eat/drink, the more your body will reflect it (in your skin, nails, hair, etc).

I also noticed a vast improvement while I was pregnant (currently on my 4th trip down that road!). Has to be because of the vitamins and my being more conscious of my eating.

Most pre-natals are sold with prescription, but I know that NatureMade sells one over-the-counter. My mom picked up a huge bottle of it at Cosco for me a little while ago when I was thinking of getting pregnant again.

I also know that Citra-Cal makes a pre-natal that is supposedly highly recommended and packed with goodies (in addition to our much needed Calcium), but I don't know if that's available OTC.

Good luck!