Re: New to Community? Here are 3 Steps to Get Started
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@WinglessOne Thanks for the tag!
@Portcitygirl After all that info from Winglessone, I don't have too terribly much to add (she
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@WinglessOne Thanks for the tag! 💕 @Portcitygirl After all that info from Winglessone, I don't have too terribly much to add (she's amazing!), and I second everything she said. I am also not a doc, nor do I have any experience with chemo or the long term effects from it, so I'll echo the disclaimer that she laid about talking to your doc if you'd like more in depth and personalized care info, especially if you get to the point of "but nothing works for me". I do want to emphasize the importance of jojoba oil in a natural nail care routine. Nails are made up of dozens and dozens of layers of densely packed keratin, and most oils are simply too large to penetrate the nail plate. However, jojoba is very close in size to our natural sebum, making it ideal for keeping nails flexible instead of brittle and flaky, leading to stronger and healthier nails over time. If you aren't using cuticle oil, I highly recommend starting one asap as often as possible, and make sure it's got jojoba in it (or just use some plain jojoba!). Anything else mixed in is great for the surrounding skin, there's no need to be super picky (unless you've got allergies or other reasons to avoid certain ingredients, of course). I make my own with jojoba and vitamin e, and add in anything else I may have laying around when I make a new batch (currently squalane and almond oil). Warm oil soaks are great for a deep treatment as well; I put a generous drop on each nail, stick my hands in some disposable gloves, and wrap them in a heated blanket for an hour or two. Or you can sleep with them on for an intensive overnight soak. Nails take 4-6 months to grow from cuticle to tip, so note that it will take some time to grow out any existing damage. Cuticle oil isn't an immediate fix, but more of a long term problem-reducer. I'll also add a recommendation for The Salon Life on YouTube; she's got some great videos on nail care, from the basics all the way to advanced issues. If there is some sort of long term damage from chemo and you just can't get those nails to stop splitting, you may find that doing an overlay of dip or acrylic or gel is something you'll want to investigate down the road. Sometimes nails just won't do what we want them to, no matter how much we try and baby them. I work at a very hands on job, and when I get a tear, I add a couple of layers of dip powder to reinforce the nail and allow it to grow out. A teabag repair is an option as well, and all you need for that is a little piece of teabag and some super glue/nail glue. I believe The Salon Life has a video about OPI Repair Mode as well, and it might be worth looking into for you. It works to repair weakened and broken bonds between keratin cells, to help strengthen nails. It won't magically patch a split, but may help strengthen your nails and reduce splits from happening in the first place. I don't recommend strengtheners for everyone (nails that are too strong are more prone to breaking under pressure instead of flexing with the pressure), but for some folks, they can make sense. I'll sign off now, after rambling for eternity after saying I had nothing to add 😂 I can't speak directly for Winglessone, but I know I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have to the best of my ability, and I'm pretty dang certain (💯) she'd be happy to as well, so feel free to tag either or both of us if you need anything else at all!