Furry Fingernails in Australia: Potential Nail Problems?

In Australia, there’s a growing trend among women of decorating the fingernails with furry, more textured ornamentation. Whether the trend becomes a classic fashion statement or not remains to be seen. That said, it’s catching on rather quickly:

“FORGET Shellac, acrylic or ordinary polish — women are sporting furry nails in the latest beauty craze.

Salon Secret’tan Burleigh started applying “fuzzy nails” yesterday after months of trialling the new design at home.

Nail technician Rebecca Wallis, 23, said she tried to keep on top of the latest fads, from 3D nails to using actual snake skin.

“I always research online to find other ways to do nails,” she said.

“I’ve used lace and snake skin, I theme nails and have 3D things such as tiny (fake) insects and butterflies under a layer of acrylic.” (read more)

What are the healthy implications of these furry fingernails? If this fad becomes a long-term fashion truism, how will it affect the thousands of people who will adopt the trend? Unfortunately, adopting this trend for any extended period can result in extensive damage to the fingernails.

  • Putting any sort of textured or layered ornamentation on your fingernails creates a breeding ground for bacteria, dirt and food. Allowing this matter to attach to the fingernails for prolonged periods is simply unsanitary.
  • Thicker, “furry” fingernails can shield the fingernails from moisture, which is one of the absolute worst things you can do if you’re trying to promote proper nail health. The fingernails need moisture in order to property hydrate, grow and repair themselves. Depriving those fingernails of moisture and oxygen can lead to brittle, peeling nails.
  • Some people who opt for the furry fingernails will find themselves changing their fingernail designs and colors on a frequent basis, which exposes the nails to harmful chemicals. Increased exposure to these harmful chemicals – all for the sake of having a fresh, new look – can put one on the fast track to nail dystrophy.

If you’re thinking about adopting the furry fingernails trend – don’t get carried away. The future of your fingernails depends on you dealing with this emerging fad responsibly.

Reasons for Fragile Nails

While it is not always possible to get model perfect fingernails, it can be extremely frustrating when you are constantly fighting to protect your fingers or toes because you have chronically fragile nails. Nails that have discoloration, ridges, or which are flaking or peeling are signs of something more than just unhappy nails. This is an important thing to consider because it means that your nails are giving you signals that your health may not be as optimal as you would like.

For example, one of the key reasons for fragile nails is dehydration or malnutrition. Either of these issues will manifest in the nails and allow them to break or tear easily, grow slowly, or develop spots or ridges that are very obvious to the naked eye. To remedy the situation is easy – begin using vitamin supplements or improving the daily diet. Many people also apply topical coatings to the nails to ensure that they are protected and healthy. These materials apply like traditional nail polish, but provide a nutrient rich clear coat that gives the nails additional support.

It is also important to remember that you can end up with fragile nails by exposing them to too much on too frequent a basis. For instance, someone who has their hands in and out of water many times each day is allowing their nails to absorb a lot of moisture. This weakens the nails and leads to many problems. When the fluid that the nails and skin are exposed to is an irritant (such as a detergent or a cleanser) it further weakens the nails and leaves them open to everything from fungal issues to tearing, breaking, and growing very badly.

It is not a challenge to identify the reason for fragile nails, but it is up to you to follow through on the best remedies.