QuestionI have had extensions put on my nails before but it was a long time ago! Since then my nails have gotten very short, mostly because I bite them. The last time I went into a salon the technician was unwilling to provide me with proper nail extensions because they were so short (I would personally not have said they were particularly short but this was her opinion). I was wondering whether there is a limit as to how long the nails must be before extensions can be applied. Thanks!
AnswerDear Jo,
No, there is no specific 'limit'. I myself have tipped and sculpted nails for biters many times.
Without having seen your nails, I can't comment whether they are too short. There are extreme cases.... but for those, only experienced techs are able to do so. There are methods, but not all technicians are aware of them.
Also, "IF" for arguments sake they are very short (as in bitten halfway down the nailbed), because the nailplate is short, it doesn't provide a strong base for the enhancements. A technician may not want to apply nails for fear of the nails breaking due to the weak 'base' since it's so short, in fear of customer complaints for something that is out of their control.
Lastly, having been a biter myself in the past... I know that we often put our nails our nails in our mouths without realizing it...
This repeated pressure will also weaken the enhancements, leaving them prone to lifting and breaking.
Most biters, for the first 2 to 4 months need more frequent repairs, and refills because of their unconcious habits. Some will blame the technician, when it's their own fault.
My advice to you is to seek out a technician that is highly qualified, and well trained. Don't go to nail bars or discount salons because you will not find the support that you need.
Have them sculpted instead of tips glued on, and keep them very short in the beginning. Just to get used to them AND you'll be less able to put them between your teeth.
You CAN break the habit with nail enhancements. I did it.
Replace the biting habit with another habit - applying cuticle oil to your nails. Keep them painted a dark colour so you'll be more likely to notice if you put them near your mouth.
Please see this page on my site, to help you choose a good salon and avoid a bad one along with toxic product
http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html
Best of luck
I hope this has helped, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Victoria
