How long...

[Marlana]

I have been putting nail hardener on my fingernails for a couple of weeks now. As people notice them, I say it's to keep them from ripping. Which they do quite frequently. No color, just clear. Last night a friend asked if I had a manicure and I said no and hid my hands in my lap while I pondered my bid for poker. So how long before people start asking questions? And how should I reply. Btw, I don't go out dressed.

[AllieSF]

Just tell them the truth. You have been having problems with your nails splitting and peeling and you are trying to strengthen them. Once said, they won't ask anymore questions. Once lied they will figure something out. I do the same thing for my split nails for the last 3 years. Now no one asks anymore.

[Maria S]

A lot of men have manicures.

Maria

[Eryn]

Allie has it right. I wear Orly Tough Cookie all the time. In two years I've only had a few comments on it. One friend, a "manly man," asked "why do you wear nail polish?" and I said "I used to bite my nails and the polish reminds me not to do it." which is a perfectly honest answer. He replied "That's a good idea, I might give it a try!"

The only other people to comment have been young GGs. They usually say something like "Nice nails!" and I say "Thank you!"

Hiding your hands implies that you feel guilty about doing something that you have a perfect right to do. The real conflict is inside your own head. Next time you are asked say "Sure!" and show them how nice it looks. If you "own" it there is no longer anything to hold over you!

[Mikkigurll]

I wear polish as well, but, it is a type that is flat.

[Leah Lynn]

I drive a truck, pulling a tank, and have to load/unload. The chemicals in there eat at my nails, so I wear clear strengthener. Only one of the guys asked and I explained it that way.

[DeeDeeB]

I haven't been asked about my nails though I often use strengthener and/or clear polish. But you should consider why your nails are splitting. Calcium defiency could be the cause, for example. If you aren't taking a good multi vitamin, start there. Nails should be naturally strong, so consider what you are feeding them. There is lots of information available online.

:fairy1:
DeeDee

[Kelley]

I get a manicure about every 3 weeks and have them put clear gel on my nails. It i very hard and keeps my nails from breaking. It has a very shinny finish but no one has ever said a word about it (I work in the construction industry). I have told people about it and they think nothing of it. Now my toes are a different story, nobody but my wife see them.

[Beverley Sims]

Just say you have a nail splitting problem and this keeps the nail moisturised.
The best lie I know.

[Lynn Marie]

Well to do gentlemen quite often have regular manicures. It's part of being well off and a gentleman.

So if you're not well to do or a gentleman, just say "I'm putting on airs".

[Lisa Gerrie]

I have been putting nail hardener on my fingernails for a couple of weeks now.

For what it's worth, some hardeners like Sally Hanson Instant Strength actually change the proteins in your fingernails in order to make them harder. Over-use can lead to very brittle nails. I use the Instant Strength every couple of months, at most. Protective nail paint is a different animal, and you can use it as often as you want.

-- MS