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Post by fernwood on Feb 10, 2020 7:05:07 GMT -5
I have noticed that many here have what I call lapidary fingernails. They are chipped and very short. The sides and cuticle areas are ragged.
Others, like Tela, have pristine nails.
I am wondering what is the secret to having presentable fingernails when doing so much with lapidary? Especially in Winter for those in colder States.
I am still struggling with keeping my hands/fingernails look presentable, as this is required for my job.
My fingernails look like I chew them, which I do not.
I am doing weekly fingernail maintenance. Remove all old polish/hardener. Then apply some strengthening oil. The oil varies, but is mostly Vitamin E oil.
Do other maintenance such as removing all hang nails and pushing down cuticles. Wait a few hours.
Then apply hardener polish, fingernail polish and a top coat.
After all of that, my fingernails usually look bad after 3 days.
When working, my hands are in bleach water at least 25 times per shift. So the bleach might be causing problems.
My fingernails are very thin, always have been.
Am hoping others chime in on what they do to make their fingernails presentable. Thanks.
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Feb 10, 2020 8:34:38 GMT -5
When I'm cabbing, I find I gouge my nails, not on the ends, but on the flat parts. I've not gone all the way through, but definitely scar them up, and then they have to grow out. Of course, I'm a guy who works mostly behind a computer, so it doesn't much matter.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Feb 10, 2020 8:59:36 GMT -5
It’s simple. It’s called fake fingernails. Not that I have any use for them though. Lol.
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Post by fernwood on Feb 10, 2020 9:17:29 GMT -5
LOL on the fake nails. I need real ones to look nice.
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Post by knave on Feb 10, 2020 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on Feb 10, 2020 9:42:07 GMT -5
Beth, I hate to say this, but I have always had long strong nails- since like abt 8 years old. I only recently began painting them again because I haven't been cabbing. Cabbing takes a toll. I wear down the edges on the 2 pointers and thumbs. But, for you, I think the bleach water is definitely the culprit for most of your troubles. Try to wear some of those long dish gloves. It might be a pain at first, but you can make it a habit to where it won't slow you down.
Also, other than pushing back your cuticles and moisturizing, I wouldn't do anything. Even polish will dry them out. Try going naked for a while and keep with the oil and cuticle maintenance. I went years without polish and my nails loved it. I have psoriasis on my hands and it sometimes gets under and around my nails. When that happens nothing helps and I need to keep them short, so I enjoy them when they are long as much as possible until they grow out healthy again. I don't do anything except keep the cuticles pushed back.
If you do paint your nails, I highly recommend Sally Hansen products. I have sworn by them my whole life. I wear a very good base coat to hide the pits I get from psoriasis and then 2 color coat and then one top coat.
When you trim your nails, try not to trim or shape the sides until they are grown out more. That discourages hang nails. And, when you file ALWAYS file in one direction. I go from the back to the front.
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Post by MsAli on Feb 10, 2020 9:51:06 GMT -5
My fingernails are horrible as well but by Monday I have to have somewhat presentable hands.
Sally Hanson, OPI, and china glaze are awesome but can be spendy
Sinful colors is 1.99 and you can find it at target, walgreens, CVS
It lasts a long time without shipping
I also highly recommend a monthly manicure
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Post by knave on Feb 10, 2020 9:57:38 GMT -5
Does it work to wear nitrile gloves to cab?
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Feb 10, 2020 10:16:43 GMT -5
I haven't in a few months, I was getting in the shop regularly through last spring, but I need to start back up. I miss it. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Feb 10, 2020 10:21:16 GMT -5
I have not worn nail polish in years. Cabbing and long nails just doesn't go together very well. My nails need to be presentable too, so I just make sure to smooth them with an emery board if I get a snag or a chip and keep them clean.
Tela is correct - nail polish weakens your nails as does nail polish remover. Bleach is the culprit. Besides what you are doing, I would suggest using lots of hand cream. I'd also suggest getting a cuticle cream and using that daily to help keep the moisture in your cuticles. Consider getting a really good hand cream like Gold Bond to use at night and slather it on and then put some cotton gloves on while you sleep. I really think for your situation it's all about counteracting the effects of the bleach.
You can also get a buffing kit for your nails to shine them up a bit instead of using nail polish.
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Post by taylor on Feb 10, 2020 10:38:32 GMT -5
Bleach is really hard on nails, it removes the oils that keep your skin and nails healthy plus doing damage. Having your hands in water a lot washes away the natural oils. I would recommend a good protectant before shift like Avon's Silicon Glove lotion. There are other products targeted at mechanics and industrial workers that also might do the job. Follow up application after work. If that isn't enough, then at bedtime an excessive coat of Eucerin cream and wear thin cotton gloves to bed to minimize transfer. Or, if you can find it, use lanolin at bedtime. Pure lanolin applied thinly over the nail and on the skin just around the nail works very well to rejuvenate.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718 
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 10, 2020 10:47:53 GMT -5
Typical country guy here, nails busted, half ground off, sides of fingers with wounds, dirt under nails... I like the feel of the stone in my hand when I cab....
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Post by knave on Feb 10, 2020 10:59:30 GMT -5
Typical country guy here, nails busted, half ground off, sides of fingers with wounds, dirt under nails... I like the feel of the stone in my hand when I cab.... Kind of same here I’m not very nice to my hands. HVAC/R and winter weather takes its toll. Topped off with pvc glue and cleaner and toddler sniffles. I like the feel of rock dust in my skin. |
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Post by mohs on Feb 10, 2020 11:02:09 GMT -5
Does it work to wear nitrile gloves to cab? Yes Evan I wore gloves when the water was cold worked really well Usually cut out the fingertips altho the tips wore out really quick especially if ya don't dop ha |
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cosmetal
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2018
Posts: 115
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Post by cosmetal on Feb 10, 2020 12:18:32 GMT -5
I do tumble. But, I don't do any other type of lapidary work. Just metal. I use these Japanese Rubber- Leather Finger Guards whenever I am using my sanders and grinders. I am very pleased with their durability (as long as I keep them off the belts and wheels), their flexibility and their grip. I make my own tool steel chasing and repousse tools and these are a "must wear" for me when shaping and polishing the tools. If I was doing lapidary work, I would sure use them. I have no idea about their chemical resistance. But, being rubber, it should be good. Peace, James |
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Post by stardiamond on Feb 10, 2020 16:24:15 GMT -5
Don't care about my nails. Hate bloody fingers.
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