from acrylics ￫ natural nails (how i’m growing them out)
MY NATURAL NAILS TODAY!! YES GIRL. READ IT AND WEEP! 😉*affiliate link
Oh, how I LOVEEEEE a long, coffin (or stiletto) nail with a design and charms that make the most satisfying sound when it taps against anything… but, alas. It was that time where I needed to really take a break and admit that I have natural nails that do need to be looked after ASAP.
Before Christmas 2023, I got my last set: a simple M length french coffin with no charms (I’m doing my best to make it sound more intricate than it really was, can’t you tell?)
This set grew out for 3 weeks; which, if you’re thinking “okay, normal,” if you know me personally, you know that that is IMPRESSIVE for myself. I was constantly getting a new set…every Saturday… (this is probably why I’m now afraid of people using any drills on my nails).
I had relatively short nails before I got my set and I was an avid skin picker with my fingernails. My anxiety causes me to have dermatillomania, where I constantly pick at my skin to the point of injury, cuts, blood…😩 This is why I was so keen on having acrylics because I thought that it could “distract” me from wanting to touch my nails; but, it only inadvertently made me obsessed with getting them done.
After waiting 3 weeks, I decided it was time to start growing my natural nails out. After removal, my nails were BENDY. I’m talking like … girl…
They were also grown out awkwardly, as they normally do when you have acrylics on. Instead of cutting them into a square shape, I decided on almond. This not only helped give me the illusion of having “longer nails” than I really do, but it also made it easier to shape the awkward nails into an almond rather than cutting them off, filing it straight, and risking me wanting to go off and get my acrylics again.
Once shaping the nails, it was time for a clean manicure. After doing the simple “pushing the cuticle back with an orange stick and trimming the dead skin,” I applied a layer of OPI’s Nail Envy to help strengthen my nails. This specific product recommends you to apply a coat everyday for 6 days to help with preventing your nails from getting weaker; but, if you want something to help keep your nails from bending, gel builder* is your best friend. I like to apply 2-3 thin and even coats. This makes my nails strong and it’s perfect for when you also want to paint your nails afterwards.
I couldn’t do much about the cuts on my fingers from all my picking but I could work on moisturizing my hands and cuticles a lot more often. Hydrating the skin helps immensely with nail growth, just as much as regular maintenance and vitamins. I’m a huge fan of the Essie cuticle oil* because it’s portable and easy to apply onto the cuticles. I carry this EVERYWHERE with me and always try to apply whenever I get the chance to. After applying cuticle oil, a reliable hand cream is sure to follow. My current favorite is the Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Hand Cream* which isn’t easy to “squirt” out but gosh, does it smell tasty and feel so nourishing.
It’s been nearly a month since having removed my acrylics and worked on growing my natural nails out. I’m definitely in love and it’s deterred me from wanting to pick at my skin; but, I’m always nervous I’ll be tempted to go back into my ways and go back to where I started. Nevertheless, just like hair, nails always grow back… and, if they don’t, then maybe we can talk about acrylics again. 🥹
See you in the next post…x
with love,
