Question for women with NATURAL long nails (shampoo, colored, conditioner)

[poodlestix]

I keep my nails long, which is easy for me since they're naturally strong, and I constantly get compliments from women who aren't able to grow theirs long. My frustration, though, is with the appearance of them each time I wash my hair. They get shampoo residue underneath that adheres as a coating, and I'll try scraping underneath with a nail file, but it doesn't do a whole lot. I've tried cleaning underneath with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, just anything I can think of that might help, but nothing works truly well. What do the rest of you do to keep your nails looking perfect?

[Iggier]

I too have naturally long, strong fingernails. Cannot imagine what your shampoo is doing to your hair if it leaves an unremoveable residue under your nails. Change to a different shampoo!

[Charlotteborn]

I agree with the above poster - you need to change shampoo! I have never had that problem.

I bit my nails until I was in high school and I always thought that is what made them so strong. I don't like the look of long fingernails anymore (I thought it was attractive in the 80's and 90's) so I keep mine fairly short. I also don't paint my nails because I can't seem to keep polish looking nice for any length of time.

I think the most important thing is to have clean pink/white nails. Try using a nail brush (buy a few at the dollar store and change them as soon as the bristles start breaking down). If your nails are discolored or yellow its probably best to keep them polished.

[TabulaRasa]

Yeah, soap/shampoo doesn't leave residue under my nails.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by Iggier

I too have naturally long, strong fingernails. Cannot imagine what your shampoo is doing to your hair if it leaves an unremoveable residue under your nails. Change to a different shampoo!

Same here... no residue from shampoo, or conditioner.

[poodlestix]

Originally Posted by Charlotteborn

I agree with the above poster - you need to change shampoo! I have never had that problem.

I think the most important thing is to have clean pink/white nails. Try using a nail brush (buy a few at the dollar store and change them as soon as the bristles start breaking down). If your nails are discolored or yellow its probably best to keep them polished.

I actually use several different natural shampoos, and I alternate with each washing, but I seem to get the same result on my nails no matter which one I'm using, so it's an odd thing! Thanks for the idea of a nail brush. I don't know why I hadn't thought of trying that. My nails aren't yellow at all. In fact, I've been complimented on how white they are. It just bugs me when I see what I perceive to be this film under them.

[poodlestix]

I took a picture so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

[hertfordshire]

Mine aren't quite as long as yours (I have to keep them about half that length or it affects the speed of my typing). And like the other posters, I have no issues with residue or film.

[CatTX]

You might try soaking your nails in the juice of half a lemon mixed with half a cup warm water for 10 mins or so. That should remove any film. Make sure you moisturize well after.
As someone who has to file her nails as soon as they start clicking on the keyboard, I can't imagine having nails this long! How do you function in everyday life? I would be afraid of jabbing people (including myself) and pets, not being able to prep food and clean up without the nails getting in the way of everything.

[Iggier]

Originally Posted by poodlestix

I took a picture so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

Mod cut.

What you perceive as shampoo residue under your nails may actually be hyponychium.