somehow I just can't grow...

[DandelionBlush]

No, not body-wise! I AM only 5 foot 1, but pretty happy with my height, what I'm not happy with is my dry, scraggly, breakable, bitten, icky nails...and my pixie cut.

Asfor the nails, I don't want them too long, I just want them to look healthy and not disgusting. I would not want any make-up person who has hands like mine to touch my face. I bite at my cuticles, pick at the skin. The habit has got to stop!

Another thing, my hair has been in a pixie for 2 years now and I miss it, ever since I've gotten it cut I've wanted long hair again (even though I do look good with it short, I just miss it). When my hair is long it's silky, healthy,shiny, thick...everything a girl could dream of, if only I could get past those "difficult stages" to let it grow!

Help me!

 

[mindlessgapgirl]

i used to bite my nails and cuticles - biggest thing that helped me was always keeping polish on...and always having a nail file handy. that way if i had a tear i could file it away instead of chewing. and keep hand cream with you - you won't want to taste it!

 

[BEA2LS]

i agree keeping a file with me helped but i was never a cuticle picker, more of an actual tip peeler (i know that sounds gross). i keep mine polished and take great care of them and they still won't grow. maybe it's diet, genes, or some combo of both? idc i like my nails short anyway

 

[trincess]

I used to pick at my cuticles, they bleeded and just never got better, because I kept picking. My mother was really worried that I could get an infection. But when I forgot about my nails for a few days back then, I saw how my cuticles pulled themselves together, and I felt very ashamed about what I did to them and how my body struggled to get them alright again. Now I try to treat my nails as jewels, and the stronger and better they get, the happier I am. Just give them some time and when you see them get better, you wouldn't want to mess them up again.
When I have stray cuticles, I smear some handcream on them and use a manicure fork or my other thumbnail to extract that piece or simply push it back. It's much better than picking =)

 

[igswonderworld]

One option may be to take a hair & nail supplement. I believe Solgar and GNC both have something to improve hair and nail growth with Vitamin B & C complexes and some elements like calcium, zinc and selenium to make them stronger. Here are some links, but I'm sure there are other brands with similar products.

GNC WELLbeING be-BEAUTIFUL™ Hair, Skin & Nails Formula - GNC - GNC

Skin, Nails & Hair Tablets Solgar Vitamins, Supplements Healtcare

Once your nails get stronger I'm sure you'll love the way they feel and look and you'll stop picking at your skin. Oh and you'll appreciate the fact that nail polish just glides on your nice nails.

My BF used to pick his cuticles and therefore the skin around his nails, so I suggested that he'd use a cuticle oil or a hand cream of his choice and the result is remarkable. His nails and his hands are definitely looking healthy and he stopped the picking habit. So some cuticle oil you'd carry around on you all the time may also be helpful.

Also my mom used the pills I just mentioned and she's very happy with the result. Her hair gotten dull with this shampoo she was using and now it's soooo shiny and strong! So I'm sure she'd be very happy to recommend the supplements

HTH!!!

 

[Sabrunka]

I have heard nothing but good reviews about Qtica's Natural Nail Growth Stimulator. It's a basecoat as well and actually helps to grow out your nails and make them healthier!!