Ladies, I have a nail polish question

[jmowreader]

I open a lot of boxes at work, and it's tearing the hell out of my nails. What's the best nail strengthener on the market?

[Kali]

1. I have no idea about brush on stuff, but I find keeping them short as hell

helps. When mine grow out a little and then I try to do anything in the "outdoor labor" realm they end up as jagged, zombie movie make-up prototypes.

[S n o w b a l l]

2. I have the answer....

Get it at CVS...a little expensive (about $8 for a small bottle), but you'll be amazed at what this does.

[elana i am]

3. nail strenghteners have some limited effect

but they tend to have chemicals in them that defeat the purpose.

i take a biotin supplement, and i also moisturize with a vitamin E lotion (cheaper than moisturizing cream specifically for nails but basically the same stuff) at least 3 times a day. i use a little bit of jojoba oil on hair and nails after a shower because it helps hold in moisture, but olive oil or vitamin E oil works too. occasionally putting on a generous amount of oil at night and covering your hands with a pair of old socks (a ventilated covering not rubber gloves!) helps too. there are also lots of essential oils, but i prefer to use oils that actually contain biotin/vitamin E.

i do this because i have hypothyroidism, but it's a good regimen for people with otherwise healthy hair and nails too.

oh, and drink your milk!

[elleng]

4. Been using Vitamin E cream on face for a while.

What ELSE is it good for?

Thanks

[blogslut]

5. This stuff is scary effective

http://www.mavala-usa.com/1ncare.htm

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=buy+mavala+nail+hardener&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=ZvW2S86BBpH4NbLWkOIL&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CC4QrQQwAg

[REP]

11. The Mavala cream is wonderful; Nailactan I think it's called

Keeping the nail bed healthy and moisturized is a big part of the equation; the Mavala nail, hand and cuticle creams are very good. They go a long way (well, not the hand cream; in this situation it would have to be applied often - at least with my super dry skin) and aren't ghastly expensive for how long they last.

Same for StrivectinHD or whatever initials the hand treatment is. Unscented, unsticky and very good.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

6. We have box-opening technology

You don't need to use your nails.



:hi:

just kidding. I've used super-glue to "repair" split nails, especially when pulling the split part would rip it away from the finger, causing pain and blood.

[lunatica]

7. Use tools to open boxes.

Not only will using your nails tear them up but cardboard and paper products suck all the moisture out of your hands as well.

[tango-tee]

8. It sounds terribly expensive because it's by Dior.

It is a wonderfully nourishing cuticle/nail cream. It's been on the market for many years and although expensive at first, a little goes a looong way. I'm not one to buy into the hype of various products, but this cream is excellent. And the tiny jar will last for months and months.

If for some reason you can't or don't want to go this Dior route - try a little warm olive or almond oil. Gently massage it into your nails, and within a short time you will see good results!

[meeshrox]

9. Best stuff I've found?

Prenatal vitamins...great for hair, skin, nails, etc. The folic acid and vitamin E are (I think) what does the trick. And the prenatal vitamins have extra standards for potency and purity. It takes about two weeks to see a difference. But, damn, best stuff for nails, IMO!

Edited to add: I take calcium supplements, too...calcium citrate because calcium carbonate does not absorb as well...most of the calcium supps have vitamin D for absorption...either that or 15 min of sun per day will make all the D you need!

[hippywife]

10. No box cutter?

:shrug:

[jmowreader]

16. I've got one, and hate it

I never used a box cutter, for some reason...at Home Depot I had a pair of tin snips I used to cut banding, and I used them to open boxes. I've got scissors, I should just carry those.

[kimi]

12. Great suggestions, I'm making a list of them myself

One thing I've found is also that the traditional oval shape of the nail doesn't last as long as the "squoval" - squared oval - does. File the tip off to be more flat, and then the tip doesn't tear as easily. It's helped me now that I've gone back to gardening and heavy-duty spring cleaning.

[tango-tee]

13. Good advice!

I've been keeping my nails fairly short and almost squared at the tip. Haven't had problems for years. And massage some oil into your nails and cuticles, that really works.

[Bucky]

14. Exacto knives are like nature's finger nails. Use them and protect your body parts.

Seriously, you're gonna get a nasty paper cut one day and wish you'd listened to me all along.

[applegrove]

15. I used to use one that was a clear green colour that went on clear. I think it was called Teflon

but I forget the brand.