Long nails & babies?

[Snacks]

I have always been a nail-biter, and have always hated my nails because of it. I have tried do-it-yourself fake nails, but I just end up picking them off.
I've considered acrylics in the past, but I have previously played a lot of piano, so it has never been practical.
Now I'm thinking about it again, but I've got a baby and I wonder if I'll end up scratching her a lot if I get them? What are other peoples' experiences?

[Trish]

Amy, although Tehya is no longer a baby, I do have a nephew who is 5 months old. I have never scrathed him, and if I was totally honest, acrylic nails aren't as sharp as real finger nails, no matter how short they are.

Just if you do get them, make them a reasonable length, not too long. Mine are only a few millimetres from the tips of my fingers. Seems to work ok for me.

But, if you do like to pick bubs nose, ears etc, I am bad for it, they do get int he way of that a little. Just had to tell you

[{sarah}]

I've been getting my nails "done" since I was in year 12 so am very used to them now. When I was around 8 months pregnant I told Aaron that I'd stop getting them done as I wasn't working anymore but was told in no uncertain terms that it was my one luxury & I was gong to keep it LOL!!

I have always kept them relatively short, as in the length above my finger is not quite as long as the nail base, so that helps as I find if I let them get any longer I have problems with things. If you get them a round shape there'd be little worry about scratching bub & causing her any damage. If you have them square (which I do) just make sure that the technician rounds the edges off enough so as not to be too sharp. I think in his almost 2.5 years I've scratched Zander twice & even then it wasn't too bad, no blood just a little scratch. Now he loves them & asks me to scratch his back LOL!

[Snacks]

Thanks girls. That's good - perhaps there's hope for my hands yet, LOL. Trish, yep, I pick Natty's nose... Maybe this is a good step to get out of the habit!

[Jodie259]

Acrylic nails tend to make the ends of the nails "soft" to feel. It's difficult to scratch someone if you have acrylic on your nails... unless you pick at the acrylic and it chips & becomes sharp.

But keep in mind... if you have acrylics - you really should do refills every 2-3 weeks. They can look really tacky if you leave it longer then that.
And as you are probably aware... the acrylic application STINKS.... so you would not want to have a baby around when you are getting refills.

So before getting acrylics on your nails consider the following:
- are you able to spare an hour or so every 2-3 weeks to get refills
- are you able to have your baby taken care of when you get refills
- it is a financial commitment to get them on and maintain them regularly

[Adnil]

I get mine done, but also keep them short. I get the gel ones, they are supposed to be better on your nails than acrylics.

Mine were getting a touch too long when Olivia was born. The only time it was a problem was when I gave her a finger to suck on when she had the hearing test. I think it's a matter of being used to them too, it may take a little while.

[Snacks]

Thanks for your input Jodie. It really is a bit of an investment then - time and money... I think atm I can manage it.
Thanks Linda - I will ask about the gel ones.

[Willow]

Sarah, I think we've had this conversation a few times before! I took mine off before DD was born (was worried about poo and other gross stuff getting under them) but in the last week or so I've been really thinking about getting them done again after bub is born. I have no idea why! It's been 2.5 years. I think the whole bit about trying to make myself feel good and attractive again post baby??

Will have to talk to DH about it as we'll be down to one income in a few weeks. Will also have to find a good salon, my old salon closed down and I don't know of any others and I'm really fussy.

Actually, I think someone I know does them from home, I've known her for years. Might give her a go if I decide to, probably cheaper that way.

[Adnil]

With the gel nails, they are actually your own nails with the gel joined on. So no nasties can get underneath or between IYKWIM. But yeah, I guess ahving longer nails does mean more room for nasties.

[Jodie259]

With the gel nails, they are actually your own nails with the gel joined on. So no nasties can get underneath or between IYKWIM. But yeah, I guess ahving longer nails does mean more room for nasties.

don't want to burst your bubble Linda... but gel & acrylic nails are virtually the same thing. The Gel doesn't smell, and it bonds to your natural nail with the UV light... but with both gel & acrylic - they are both an artificial application, adhered to your natural nail. You can extend your nails with tips and apply gel or acrylic. You can forget the tips and apply gel or acrylic to your natural nails (for extra stregth).

Gel nails usually don't adhere as well as acrylic... so they can sometimes 'pop off' or chip without causing too much damage. But if they are adhered onto your nail - and you actually pull them off - they will do just as much damage to your natural nails as acrylic would.

The beauty of acrylic nails is that you can file the edges yourself... to prevent chipping - or smooth out any chips that may occur. But if you file gel nails - you break the 'seal' and they need to be resealed.

Both acrylic & gel have their advantages... but at the end of the day, your natural nails are being coated in something artificial... and with either one - your natural nails usually become weak when you decide to remove the gel or acrylic.

And with either application (new set or refills) you need to rough up the surface of the nail to allow the gel or acrylic to adhere to the natural nail bed. So that roughing up also thins out the natural nail...

[{sarah}]

Same as acrylics, unless there is any lifting there is no way nasties can get in between.

And yep Willow I think we have chatted about it a few times

Zander has come to 90% of my appointments & never had an issue with the smell. I was concerned originally when I was pregnant about the fumes etc but found out it was perfectly safe, so it would be once they are out in the world as well. The smell is a bit yucky, but he's not bothered by it (probably used to it!).

[Nadine216]

I had beautifully long natural nails, like you caro. I adored them. I don't have a great body, but my nails was my pride and joy. With the birth of my DD I cut them. I just found it hard (and icky) to put bumcream on and the stuff goes under the nail I keep mine short now, polished and clear paint, and I am enjoying them just as much. (can even pick dd's nose ) I do think that you can have a reasonable nail lenght, if you can manage. I could not cope with dd with my long nails. I think you should have them done (I will also go with the gel), try it and then see if you can manage

[Snacks]

I was thinking too that because I bite my nails there's not much 'overhang' to stick gel onto... Would this be an issue?
Thanks for the hygene reminder. I shall invest in a nail brush as well. And not get them too long.

ETA: I wish I was in Melbourne, Jodie! I'd go see you for sure

[{sarah}]

As long as there is a tiny bit of nail that's not part of the nail bed it should be ok. Maybe get them manicured first? Then try really hard for a week or two not to bite them to get them that little bit longer....

[Snacks]

LOL Sarah, they'd be fine on my left hand, but my right has no chance. I bite before I even think.

[Nadine216]

I can help you with that in summer ... wear the thickest wool gloves you have lol
My mum made me wear them to school when I was in grade 4 - I stoped with in a week!! Never to bite again
Have you thought about applying that awful qutex? The one's that tast like aloe?

[Snacks]

I've got lovely nails! Went out with my sister yesterday and she and Natty had a pedicure (well, Natty watched while she had one) and I got a set of nails. They're really quite short, but a million times better than what I'm used to having.

[Snacks]

Yeah, Linz - I feel pretty! Went to a wedding yesterday and I was posing for a champagne glass detail photo (don't ask - we took heaps of dumb photos yesterday) and I didn't have to feel embarrassed about my nails!
Mind you, I'm sure I bruised my real nail/finger while opening the garage door in the morning - I caught my nail on the door and OMG - oooooooouch!!!