is there an actual strengthening nail polish? I leave my toe nails bare most of the time, but try to keep my fingernails short and polished since other wise I bite them if they split.

NP, my nail upkeep has become focusing on the actual nail and cuticles minus the polish. I was never good at polishing myself. I stopped polishing but continue to get pedicures. My nails look healthy and strong as a result so I’m no longer forced to cover them up. I’ve been tempted to paint them but I’ve made so much progress on my nail health that I need to resist that temptation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't, I go to a salon every 2 weeks.

Which is sooo bad for your nails.

Do you ever go without doing your nails? Give them a chance to breathe?

Stop this nonsense. A bit of polish isn't doing anything bad to your nails. Your nails don't need to breathe.

I could link to multiple sources, but general consensus says otherwise, fyi: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-look-at-the-effects-of-nail-polish-on-nail-health-and-safety-2019112118231

Where does it say your nails need to breathe?

Well, there's this: We do recommend taking intermittent breaks from polish

And this: Removal process of gel polish can be destructive to nails. Removal involves soaking in acetone, and aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate.
Wearing gel polish for long periods may result in severe brittleness and dryness of the nails.
The verdict: Gel polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used sporadically or for special occasions.

OP was not talking about gel polish nor was I. I'll repeat it again since you clearly don't get it. Your nails don't have a nose and don't need to breathe. The link you provided doesn't state that either.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't, I go to a salon every 2 weeks.

Which is sooo bad for your nails.

Do you ever go without doing your nails? Give them a chance to breathe?

Stop this nonsense. A bit of polish isn't doing anything bad to your nails. Your nails don't need to breathe.

I could link to multiple sources, but general consensus says otherwise, fyi: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-look-at-the-effects-of-nail-polish-on-nail-health-and-safety-2019112118231

Where does it say your nails need to breathe?

Well, there's this: We do recommend taking intermittent breaks from polish

And this: Removal process of gel polish can be destructive to nails. Removal involves soaking in acetone, and aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate.
Wearing gel polish for long periods may result in severe brittleness and dryness of the nails.
The verdict: Gel polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used sporadically or for special occasions.

When I want polish but am between nail salon visits, I have a few sheer shades that I can apply one thing coat of to get a more polished (pun intended) look, but it doesn't take long to dry because it's just one thin coat, and because they are sheer, minor chipping isn't a big deal (plus super easy to remove if it starts to look unkempt.

I like the Essie special effects line for this, or OPI RapiDry in one of the paler shades. I often will just paint a thin coat on my nails after I've gotten ready in the morning and by the time I have had tea and toast (easy to do without mussing my nails) they are dry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Taking better care" does not equal "hair dye" or "painting nails" (or "make-up", for that matter). Do you understand the important difference between healthcare, where you take care of your health, and modifying one's external appearance? Your nails won't be healthier if you do more manicures and mess around with your cuticles (never mess around with your cuticles, you'll become more prone to infections).

Eat clean, exercise moderately, sleep, hydrate, moisturize your hands (and nails), and make sure you're not vitamin or mineral-deficient.

I really dont think YOU understood what OP meant.

OP here. Agreed. I apparently hit a nerve with the pp.

No, it's important to break the myth that women need to "perfect" their appearance as part of "self-care". If it makes you happy to polish your nails, great, do that. But it's not good for your nail health. Yes, nails need a break from polish to stay strong. That is well-known.

You're the only one talking about perfect. OP simply wants to paint her nails. Get off your soapbox and stop preaching to grown women who have agency and know full well what they're doing.