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So I have big hands and keeping my nails longer helps with that as long as I go with a natural shade. I have some fingers with flat nail beds this causes the tips to dive down when they get long. I can kind of fight this if after I wash my hands and my nails are soaked, I try and pinch them from the side to drive an arch info them. The problem is they return to their ugly selves over time. I considered fake nails but they are a pain with flat nail beds. Any ideas?

I don't have flat nails but I do not think there is a lot you can do about it. You can apply nail hardener which supposedly improves the resistance to snapping, and tearning but I'm not sure thats what you're trying to fix.

I do not think you can permanently form them into an arch. It sounds like they would be easier to paint though to be honest.The only think I could maybe suggest is going to a nail bar and see what they can suggest. Gel nails would stop the "diving down" issue wouldn't they?

I know going to a nail bar might not be feasible for you right now though. What if you arranged for a mobile beauty  therapist to do them at your own home, would that work?

not right now I did see a Londontown polish that is suppose to dry like gel nails. I need to still present in boy mode so having gel nail isn't much of an option.

I have tried all kinds of polish and the Londontown polishes are the only that seem to like my nails. They are pricey but they last a long time

Quote from: tammy753 on <strong>Today</strong> at 12:41:16 PMSo I have big hands and keeping my nails longer helps with that as long as I go with a natural shade. I have some fingers with flat nail beds this causes the tips to dive down when they get long. I can kind of fight this if after I wash my hands and my nails are soaked, I try and pinch them from the side to drive an arch info them. The problem is they return to their ugly selves over time. I considered fake nails but they are a pain with flat nail beds. Any ideas?

Do you take vitamins?

Sometimes flat nails can signal low iron or B vitamins.

Taco Bell does not supplement their food properly. 🤣

I would suggest taking a women's multivitamin daily for a few months and see if that helps. They have some that are high in iron or skin/nail formulas that are high in Biotin. The problem with taking biotin supplements is that B vitamins work together, so taking one and not the others in the right ratio is a waste of money. If you want to take them separately, you can get iron supplements (or drink rusty water - not recommended), and look for a B Complex supplement that will have all of them.

Most people are deficient in vitamin B because we eat a lot of preprocessed foods that remove the good stuff; then they add it back in, but in smaller amounts. I could write a whole article about how and why this happens, but the key is that most people develop this deficiency because of their diet.

If you're going with a multivitamin, one a day is fine, but it might take longer to see results. They are not high-level doses because some minerals, like zinc, copper, etc., can build up in your system at high levels. If you go the B Complex route, take one in the morning and one in the evening with meals for a couple of weeks. B vitamins are water-soluble, so you can't overdose on them. Your body will just eliminate the excess, which turns your urine a bright yellow. When you see that, go back to one a day to maintain it and see if your nails change.

@Lori Dee I take Biotin because I have brittle nails that are forever snapping tearing etc I can't say I noticed much difference. so I tried a nail hardner, nope, still have the same problem. I've tried cuticle oil to improve nail health, none of it seems to make any difference.

If you do take Biotin apparently you have to stop it 3 days before any blood tests.

I do take a daily vitamin but with all my pills its hard to keep track. I used to take a hair and nail supplement but I can't remember why I stopped. I think my finger where damaged when I worked in a more factory setting in my 20's. I have been able to grow them out mostly this time with out them breaking so I Taco Bell must have something in there for nails. My hair is falling out though. hmmmm.

Be careful with women's vitamins, they can contain too much iron for people who aren't losing blood due to menstruation.

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.

I take a generic Centrum adult vitamin. For that exact reason.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on <strong>Today</strong> at 03:00:20 PM@Lori Dee I take Biotin because I have brittle nails that are forever snapping tearing etc I can't say I noticed much difference. so I tried a nail hardner, nope, still have the same problem. I've tried cuticle oil to improve nail health, none of it seems to make any difference.

If you do take Biotin apparently you have to stop it 3 days before any blood tests.

Yes, biotin interferes with hormone lab tests. It doesn't affect the hormone levels, only what the lab sees. I stopped a week prior, but three days is fine too.