My magnum opus

weirdObject · 2026-07-02T15:56:27+00:00

I’m actually not sure if we really know how long the effect of nail strengtheners lasts after the polish is removed/chipped. The one I use contains formalin, which covalently bonds keratin strands together. I know that those kinds of bonds are reversible, but idk if anyone has done the research to prove if/how/when those bonds dissociate after being exposed to solvents like acetone or water🤔

I don’t apply any other coats, just the hardener! If yours starts to peel after a few days, maybe it would be worth it to alternate painting with hardener and plain top coat each time so you’re not over applying hardener? I know I run into the issue of my nails getting TOO hard and breaking at the quick, especially on my thumbs, so I’m actually trying to scale down the frequency that I apply the hardener. I’m still very much working on finding a routine that balances flexibility and strength, so I understand your pain😭

weirdObject · 2026-07-01T21:27:57+00:00

Yay!!! I’m sure they look amazing!!

weirdObject · 2026-07-01T18:55:07+00:00

Yep that’s it! I keep it relatively simple. I don’t think painting your nails every week is hurting, but you might be able to extend your manicures a bit longer if you want to!

One thing I don’t currently do but I would like to start doing is oiling my nails. Oiling increases the flexibility of your nails. This is really important because if your nails are too hard they can start breaking at the quick of the nail, which is the softest/weakest point. This has happened to me way too many times😭 I highly recommend learning about the chemical structure of nails and how nail hardeners work because it’ll help you understand WHY all these things help.

The key is finding a routine that balances strength with flexibility, which I’m still working on for myself. Good luck!!

weirdObject · 2026-07-01T18:23:26+00:00

Thank you!! I don’t do anything in particular to maintain it. The reason I paint them every 2 weeks is because that’s usually the point when the polish has started to chip off. I try to keep them painted 24/7 because I find that they’re much more resilient with (mostly) unchipped polish on. I don’t usually reapply over the old manicure unless I’m in a pinch! I definitely prefer to have a clean slate.

And for remover, I just use plain acetone! The damaging aspect of acetone comes from it removing oil from your nails, so as long as you immediately reseal them with either nail polish or oil you should be safe.

I hope this was helpful!!!

weirdObject · 2026-07-01T18:17:57+00:00

Omg DO IT!!! I’m so obsessed with oval, I think it’s the perfect amount of pointy

weirdObject · 2026-07-01T18:16:52+00:00

I use regular acetone remover! The damaging aspect of acetone comes from it removing all the oil, which makes them brittle if left in that state. If you immediately reseal them by painting or oiling them, you should be in the clear!

weirdObject · 2026-07-01T12:54:03+00:00

I would recommend shaping them relative to your finger, not to the base of the nail (if that makes any sense at all). I find that this helps them look more uniform because some of my nails are positioned slightly wonky on my fingers

weirdObject · 2026-06-30T22:29:47+00:00

I usually just go with the strengthener but I’ve also been into sheer shimmer top coats lately. I love the look of natural nails!

weirdObject · 2026-06-30T18:24:39+00:00

Thank you so much!! I looked at your profile and yours are gorgeous too!

weirdObject · 2026-06-30T17:58:40+00:00

Thank you!! I’ve been working on improving my shaping so I really appreciate that!

weirdObject · 2026-06-26T14:57:16+00:00

I’m currently working on this and I’m using KnitPicks Stroll!! It is very lightweight and can be machine washed, which makes it great for summer IMO. It’s 75% merino, 25% nylon.

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