[britguy]

Are there any real answers to the nail problems?

For years I've played around with layering nail glue, liquid hardeners/thickeners, slices of ping-pong balls, tissue, false plastic nails and acrylics at the nail salon. The glues and hardeners etc. seem to have the effect of bending my nails inwards into a hook, (not sure why?) which makes playing very awkward. And the paint-on acrylics ruin the original nails and rip them to pieces when removed.

Is there anything out there that works, something that does not ruin the real nail and can still serve the purposes of playing powerful flamenco. What do the pro's use??? Love to know. . .

[Payul]

Super glue

Payul

[at_leo_87]

the problem with a lot of nail polishes/hardeners is that dry out your nails and actually makes them break more easily.
the problem with fake nails is that they destroy your real nails. and to some people, they sound bad.

i have found a nail polish that actually doesn't dry them out and doesn't come off with a few hard rasgueados if i put on two layers and let them dry over night. they protect my nails allowing them to withstand a lot of abuse and i still get the natural nail sound that i like.

it's the best solution i have found so far.

it's called opi nail envy. there's also a matte version so you dont have to look so girly! there are some good deals on ebay.

with the help of opi, watching my technique, maintaining proper shape/length, and immediately fixing any nail problems, i rarely break nails anymore. i still do, but A LOT less often.

[britguy]

Originally Posted by Payul

Super glue

Payul

You mean the pros use Super Glue! Really?

Do you know what kind (brand) and how they use it, in layers or one coat, etc. etc. ?

[britguy]

[quote=at_leo_87;2974
with the help of opi, watching my technique, maintaining proper shape/length, and immediately fixing any nail problems, i rarely break nails anymore. i still do, but A LOT less often. [/QUOTE]

O.K. I'll try to get some of your opi stuff and give it a try.

Whats with the 'maintaining proper shape/length' etc. Are there any articvles on this site that give recommentedation for shape/length of nails, etc.?

And what's with that "FlexiNail" stuff they advertise on this site. Does it really work?

Years ago, back in England (in the fifties) we used to use Oil of Iodine rubbed into the cuticles every day. Was supposed to make the nails harder. Cant remember if it did anything for me though?

Thanks for your advice.

[Payul]

I do not know the brand.
Saw in an itervieuw with Paco Peña, he was telling he used super glue at the tip of his nails to prevent them from bracking/getting worned out.

Payul

[at_leo_87]

Originally Posted by britguy

O.K. I'll try to get some of your opi stuff and give it a try.

Whats with the 'maintaining proper shape/length' etc. Are there any articvles on this site that give recommentedation for shape/length of nails, etc.?

And what's with that "FlexiNail" stuff they advertise on this site. Does it really work?

Years ago, back in England (in the fifties) we used to use Oil of Iodine rubbed into the cuticles every day. Was supposed to make the nails harder. Cant remember if it did anything for me though?

Thanks for your advice.

with the opi stuff, place two layers and let them dry over night. if you play a lot, place a new layer over the old one every night. then after a week, remove everything and repeat the process. i really do believe in this stuff!

as for shape and length, having longer nails WILL make them more susceptible to breakage. finding a balance is the hard part and is an ongoing process.

having a nail shape that will give the least amount of resistance will not only help prevent breakage, but will also help your playing and tone. plenty of times, my nails got "ripped" off because it got caught.

a lot of people use a rounded nail but i find a ramped nail shape superior.

i dont have any clue about that flexi-nail stuff. is there a link?

[Payul]

Here is another post about nails, maybe usefullfor you too!

Getting Nails Done

Payul

[dzakovich000]

I currently use two products that have completely eliminated all problems that I used to have with nails breaking, chipping, and bending.

The first is a product that you can find at most drug stores called Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails.

It is a citrus smelling cream that you rub on your nails and massage in. It takes a couple of days to kick in, but once it does, it lasts for at least a week.

I could use that product exclusively, but just to be sure, I also use a nail hardener that I bought a few weeks ago.

You can find it at Whole Foods because it is an all natural product. Superglue has poisons in it that leach into your body through the nails. This is much healthier for you and works great.

No-Miss :: Nail Strengthener

The nail hardener does not chip away and is very pliable to allow for the strength that you need to keep the nails intact and the flexibility that you need for an optimal tone. As a bonus, it hardens in about 10 minutes. You can't ask for anything more. Additionally, you only need one or maybe two layers. Then you are good for several days.

Please try at least one of these products. I kid you not, my issues are resolved thanks to these two things. I will try to post pictures of my hand later.

-Dzakovich000

[britguy]

[quote=dzakovich000;2981]I currently use two products that have completely eliminated all problems that I used to have with nails breaking, chipping, and bending.

The first is a product that you can find at most drug stores called Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails.

It is a citrus smelling cream that you rub on your nails and massage in. It takes a couple of days to kick in, but once it does, it lasts for at least a week.


Checked my local drug store. Sally Hansen's "Hard as NaILS" is a clear liquid nail hardener that is brushed on like nail polish. What is this cream that you massage into the nails?