Likes / Me

There is Always Time to Do Your Nails

When I was younger, I would bite my nails. I know, nasty habit, right? I guess it was because I was a nervous kid.

When I got into High School, I was friends with this girl who had long, beautiful nails. They were slender and shaped beautifully, and she had them painted a glorious shade of dark wine red. I asked her how she had the strength not to bite her nails, and she said that she had just decided one day that she wanted to have beautiful nails and made the decision to take care of them. If one cracked, rather than biting it, she’d file it right away. She used a nail hardener to help them grow, and she kept them polished to remind her that she wanted them beautiful. So from that day forward, that became my motto too.

In the beginning, it was tough. Being a 16-year nail biter was a hard habit to kick. Let me be honest, it sucked! My nails kept breaking, cracking and peeling. How were they ever going to grow when they kept doing this? And painting my nails! OMG! I was terrible at painting my nails. I got that stuff all over the place. How the heck did she do this and make her nails look so good? And how the heck did she do it with her left hand? I mean, come on! She must’ve had some help. This crap was all over my cuticles, I was shaking, it was too thick in some spots and too thin in others. I was totally clueless!

But I was determined to have cute nails. So I kept at it. I learned some new things like how to use a glass file to keep the end of your nail sealed better, preventing it from splitting. I found, in my opinion, the best nail hardener on the market. I invested in some decent nail polishes and some quick-dry finishers. Pretty soon, it was just a part of my regular routine.

Once Sasha and Rachel came along, I’d wait until bedtime, and I’d do my nails after they were asleep. This was my “mommy time.” Often I’d go and visit my friend Terri and do her nails as well. When I started working at the hotel, the girls would always be curious when I walked in, as I almost always had my nails and outfit matching. It was lots of fun.

Quite a few years later, I treated myself to a manicure. I had often given them but never gotten one myself. So, I thought it was time that I treat myself for once. Well, that was it, I was hooked! I had gotten a shellac manicure, and oh my goodness, it was the best thing I’d ever had! I got treated to a paraffin wax pampering, then she did a French Tip with a cute little design on one of the nails. She used a shellac polish, so it was supposed to last a long time. And to top it off, I got a hand massage. WOW!!! Yep, I was definitely going back. For the price I paid, it was so worth it.

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Then I experienced the gel nail and loved that too! My nails had become an obsession. I was going every few weeks and getting my nails filled. I’d be mesmerized by watching my aesthetician work, the way the gel floated across her brush back and forth, and how she did everything. I loved watching her work and loved the time we got to visit, but it was getting quite costly. So I gave it a little break. But sadly, so did my nails.

I’ve been going back and forth for a few years now. I really enjoy visiting with my aesthetician, who has become a great friend. However, sadly due to COVID-19, we have been unable to meet, and my nails were growing out and becoming unbalanced. Because of this, I did a little research and decided to purchase some products and try my hand at doing my own nail fills. I’d watched the girls do my nails for the past multiple years, I’m sure I could get it close. At least to get me by until I can get back see my girl. Well, It took me an entire day the first time, but I got it. I have managed to do two fills on my nails, and they aren’t too bad, I must say. I mean, I don’t think they are salon-quality, but they also aren’t too shabby either.

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Rachel was so impressed that she asked me if I’d help her do her nails too. Her nails were short, so I had to use a guide to build her nail, but I managed to pull it off. It took us quite a few layers and quite some time, but we did it! Then she came up with the paint design and painted them herself.

You know, looking back, I think it was a bit of a silly reason to want to start doing my nails. But now, I realize it’s a pretty good habit that I’ve gotten into, both physically and mentally. I did a little research on the benefits of getting manicures, and the benefits that you get from them are so worth it. Having clean and soft hands can help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Clean and cut cuticles, help prevent infection and hangnails. Hand and arm massages can help with stimulating circulation. And finally, the appearance of beautiful nails just makes you feel good. They don’t have to be full of bright colours, it could just be a clear coat to protect them. Whatever it may be, the fact that you took the time to take care of yourself can benefit you way more than you will ever know. And, when its taking time to do your daughter’s nails, that is always time worth being spent.