 | |||
| middle finger |
Aside from not looking very attractive, a jagged side wall (middle finger) has a weakened nail structure. I mean just think about it, missing nail pieces! Also, the sharp edges have a tendency to get caught on things. Both increase the probability of a nail tear. That does not bring me happiness.
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| pointer finger |
This happens a lot on my pointer fingers too.
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| Shark |
How does all of the jaggedness come about? Recently, my fingers got caught up with a shark. Actually, for whatever reason, the nail structure is just a bit softer there; it happens sporadically.
But seriously, how awesome is the Discovery building!? I get to see this everyday!
What's my solution to prevent inevitable sadness? File the side walls. WHAT?! I know, I know. I told you never to do that. Correction! I told you to do it a certain way. See here.
To summarize:
 |
| precious side wall |
To preserve nail integrity it is best to keep as much of the side wall intact as possible.
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| avoid filing like this |
Avoid holding and filing like pictured here. This gives too much access to the entire side wall. Too much filing of the entire side wall compromises the nail structure, making the nail more likely to tear.
 |
| tear on the pointer finger |
Then this might happen...
:(
In this situation my jagged edge was so far down, I couldn't even file it. I do have a solution ... nail fix here.
 |
| file the side wall like this! |
This is a much safer way to file the side wall.
So, let's see the "after" photos!
 |
| middle finger |
Ahh, so smooth!
 |
| pointer finger |
Catastrophe avoided!
I love your nails loodie :D
ReplyDeleteso fab
kiss
vendy
I was having this issue too! I filed in the wrong direction! I love your nail care tutorials!
ReplyDeleteI often have jagged edges of my nails. That was one of the main reasons for my nail breakage. But thanks to your most helpful tutorials and tips that is no longer the case.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what's going on. I used to be so enamored of my trind nail strengthener-thought it was the best thing since sliced bread but now my nails won't grow at all. They are all full of splits and peels. Is there such a thing as getting a tolerance to a nail product? It's been like three years or so that I have been using this and yes it does have formaldehyde, but I also use the nail balsam which you have reviewed. Can you help me????? I can;t even grow past nubs before they have to be filed down again. I'm at a loss and about ready to stop all polish for a time. Not good!!! Don't know if you still have my personal email-but if you use my contact tab-Oh and you missed my shout out to you after yours to me and I revealed my face! I know these are important to you in your life! HAHAHAHAHAH!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great info and tutorials! I often have this very issue with my nails. I am likely filing the wrong way. Now I need to search your blog to find help for a few peeling nails. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThis happens quite often to me and I must admit I file it the wrong way :( well from now on no more of that. And welcome back I hope you've had a great time on vacation
ReplyDeleteI do file the sides of my nails a wee bit sometimes... but I'll try your way next time!
ReplyDeleteAnd to think, all this time I've been doing it wrong. I learnt me something today! :D
ReplyDeleteAs always, Loodie very useful - I also hope you had a good holiday.
ReplyDeleteLoodie!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if that's your actual name, but in any case I just wanted to give a huge "THANK YOU!" to you for your wonderful blog and videos.
If it weren't for your blog series on nail hardeners, I'd still have weak, yucky nails that peel easily. Not cool. I commend you for being so thorough and knowledgeable in your nail care posts. When I tell you that your blog changed my life in a good way, I would not be lying to you.
So once again, thank you, girl! Keep up the wonderful work!
Can't even tell you how helpful your posts are! I have the same exact issues & a light bulb went off when I read your "fat nails" post. Now I understand WTF happened & how to fix it. Besides that you're hilarious & have beautiful nails :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat and timely tip! :)
ReplyDeleteLoodie your tips are the best! And I love the shark pic.I work right up the street but never walked around to look at it from that angle. All I have seen is the tail and a fin!
ReplyDeleteLoodie, you're the best! But do you file the side wall horizontally (or towards the nail free edge? If you can understand what I mean :D
ReplyDeleteFingers, you've over used your hardening treatment! Check out Loodies Hardeners/Treatments post :) Sorry to advise in someone elses blog but the same thing happened to me. I was screwed till I found that post! I've also found Mavala's Barrier Base Coat unbeatable for this problem. It's a moisturizing base coat, fixed my over hardened nails in just one use!
A video on this would be great.
ReplyDeleteWhy oh why are you not yet on TV ?
Your knowledge is second to none !!!
Hooray, I have a new computer and more importantly, keep up with my favorite blogs again!
ReplyDeleteI've filed the sides of my nails the way you show for a while now, and it's made a big difference.
Thanks for working so hard to share your advice, it's really great.
The "NO" pictures is almost scary! I promise I'll never file out my side tears that way!!
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always informative and funny, I love them!
Ok, I know this has nothing to do with this post but Loodie do you prefer one type of nail polish over another, I no there is just Polish, then Enamel, Lacquer, Nail Polish w/Hardeners & Nail Color. Sorry if you've already discussed this and sorry if this sounds crazy. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou always have the most informative, helpful tips--thank you!! :D
ReplyDeleteWow, nifty! I live right across the street from that building. Are you the one always cleaning out the nail displays at the nearby Rite Aid and Ulta? :)
ReplyDeleteYour posts always save my life, this is exactly my problem, i have those horrible edges,that of course I file lol but in the wrong way!! Thanks again!!!!
ReplyDeleteSooo glad you posted this! I've been filing incorrectly for a while now! Oy!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I get jagged edges all the time and I've definitely been filing wrong. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour guides are always helpful and fun! Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a relief to discover I'm not the only one this happens to! I need no longer be ashamed! Had shied away from filing the side wall but if you say it's okay then I shall allow myself a dispensation in this particular situation. Thank you! x
ReplyDeleteBrainy girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteOhhh my gosh, this is so my problem! I've been struggling hard with my nail shape lately and just seem to be making it worse, probably because I've been doing it wrong! I'll have to wait for my nail beds to grow out enough to straighten them like you have, I can't wait :D Thanks so much for posting this and the other two guides.
ReplyDeleteNew website
ReplyDeleteBeauty forums