So, for some reason, I've stopped biting my nails. I've been at this point 3 times before in my life. My nail  beds are so shallow, that is to say I've got a lot of finger tip above the nail. So whenever I grow them it's not long before they tear/break on something.
My question is, how can I get the nailbed to grow so there will be less nail tip, or am I doomed to having to constantly strengthen them with acrylics and such?

Thanks
Linda

you can get clear nail strengthener - i'm trying to heal my chewed nails also.

i am too. it's really not worth growing mine, they split off too easy. too flimsy.
my mom's are great, like steel.
yeah, i think you'll be stuck with acrylics if they're like mine.

Thanks. Wow, Pica and Nero in one drop. Better go play my numbers.
Thanks agin'

I would recommend to eat enough calcium everyday and apply hand creams to your nails every day. There may be some cultural difference. In my case, I frequently eat spiny fishes such as anchovy and sardine. My nails have been healthy and glossy. You may drink calcium-enriched milk everyday.

Barbie~~

Quote from: barbie on January 16, 2009, 08:35:48 AM
I would recommend to eat enough calcium everyday and apply hand creams to your nails every day. There may be some cultural difference. In my case, I frequently eat spiny fishes such as anchovy and sardine. My nails have been healthy and glossy. You may drink calcium-enriched milk everyday.

Barbie~~

Yes i once had flimsy nails now they are like talons,

i take alot of suppliments, use hand and nail cream in my moisturising regime nightly and also the suppliment MSM (crystal form) seemed to really start them off to the strength they are now.

I've shocked myself, too. I've found that for the first time ever, I've stopped biting my nails, and I'm glad I have. Unfortunately they break so easily when you try to clean them ;_;. As for strengthening them, I'm not quite sure. I'm sure you'd do well for yourself to put falsies on if you can.

Geez. A bunch of nail biters here.  Actually, so was I.  When my nails started growing back, they were thin and almost rubbery (the only way I can describe them).  After getting back on vitamins, calcium supplements and using nail strengthening lotions, they eventually began to thicken and are now much stronger.  I've always found myself biting my nails when I'm watching a move or reading a book.  Finally broke that habit.  It also helped me that I'm back to feminizing myself again.

I'm thinking the constant chewing and tearing might have something to do with weak nails.. I've never bitten my nails, and even if I tried to start up, I wouldn't do much damage because my nails are really strong and only break when they grow to ridiculous lengths and tear on something.

I definitely agree with moisturizing your hands every day, paying special attention to the roots of your nails.  That's where they grow from, and they don't have their own supply of moisture- the root takes moisture from the skin around it, and if the skin is dry, the nails will be dry and brittle and crack easily.  Nails also need nutrition, they're made from the same material your hair is made of, so eat whatever leads to healthy hair, and you should have healthy nails, too.

Don't wear nail polishes often, they'll turn your nails yellow after a while and they don't let the nail breathe properly.  Nail strengtheners should be okay, though, for quick-fixes.