Cheap Remedy - Split nails
I have the problem of snagging my nails - quite frequently, that is. Sometimes, I did not even know when/ where/ how they split, especially after I began my life as a SAHM. Of cos, the easiest way to get around it will be to simply trim it off, IF the split had not already gone into the portion where the flesh is. Unfortunately again, this happens almost everytime.
So how? Initially, I had to rely on the professionals - the Manicurist. Ya, and u think they are just there to beautify your nails huh. Sometimes, they can be "life-savers" too. What they do is to patch up the tear with acrylic powders , forming something like a fake nail over your natural nail. The one that I last visited charges $7.50/ nail - a hefty sum for someone that's relying on another person for "income"! It would have been well worth the cost if that could last me till the nail grow out enough to be trimmed. Alas, that NEVER happened. Having to return for "re-servicing" every week (at best fortnightly, for people like me who use their hands excessively for cleaning, washing etc. For true blood Tai Tai, ya, the patch will probably last much longer. In the first place, I don't think they even need such a service, unless of cos, they so carelessly snag their beautifully manicured nails while trying out clothes at Dxxx, Pxxxx etc), and I think they charge you for removing the existing/ failing acrylic layer, that simply translates to "Option Denied".
Sure, I can learn the art of manicuring and just purchase the tools. NO TIME. Luckily, there's an easier n cheaper option available. Orly carries a Nail Rescue Kit that includes a small container of acrylic powder n glue. What u have to do is to simply apply the glue over your entire nail, dip into the powder, wait a while for it to dry, then buff the surface till it's smooth. Walah! Brand-new nail! Ok, the kit doesn't come cheap (think it $20+) and the glue was already dried up when I opened it (apparently a common complaint for this particular item), but the powder can really last. The first time I tried it (after purchasing another nail glue of other brand, which is just a couple of dollars), it didn't work well. The second time, I decided to apply extra layers, and it worked marvelously. Lasted much longer than those salon-done ones, though it wasn't as pretty. But it's sturdy. Worked for me.
Here's the catch - how to remove them when they start to wear off? First time round, I paid some "school fees" again and bought those artificial nail remover that comes with a plastic container n sponge from the same brand. I soaked n rubbed n soaked n rubbed... in the end, I had to use the nail file to try and remove the failed job as much as possible. The liquid dried up before I got to use it for the 2nd round. Then, I read on the web that I just have to get a normal nail remover that is NOT acetone-free, drench a piece of cotton pad with it, wrap it over the nail, and cover the whole thing with foil for 15-20mins. Just tried it earlier. Voila! Nice n Clean!
So, the morale of the story? Cheap and simple solution may very well turned out much better than fanciful (expensive) ones.
Lesson learnt:-
If u r often in the same predicament as me, u may want to take note of the following -
1. Just buy the Orly powder, WITHOUT the glue. U can easily get more affordable and reliable nail glue elsewhere.
2. You DO NOT need a separate remover. Just use your regular one as recommended above. They work just fine, if not better. If yours is the harsher version, u may want to apply some Vaseline on your cuticle to prevent them from drying.
Hope whoever finds this article, can get some value out of it.
