help!! my nails and cuticles!!

[NaturallyCurly]

So I have noticed that I have long dark lines on my fingernails. I thought it was fungus :blush::nono: but I looked it up and learnt that it wasn't but something called "splinter hemmorhages". I looked up some stuff on LHCF and some of you said it can be caused by disrupting the cuticle. As a stress-induced nail biter, i'm pretty sure this in the culprit (i'm studying for the LSAT!!). Thus, I've stopped biting my nails. What are some of the ways that you ladies take care of your nails and cuticles? I think my cuticles are overgrown and have heard that I shouldn't cut them, but should push them down - is this true? I recently read that soaking my nails in Vitamin E oil makes your nails stronger and whiter. I'll definitely be doing this. Are there any suggestions??

Thanks in advance!

[Nonie]

I do cut my cuticles without any issues. The idea is not to cut too deep that you expose yourself to infection. If you're unsure about cutting, I highly recommend getting the Ruby Stone Nail File (http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Stone-Nail-File/dp/B0002Z8OUG). You can use the narrow rounded end like an eraser and erase your cuticles by basically filing them away. Works like a charm and leaves you with nice, clean, smooth cuticles.
http://www.cachebeauty.com/images/rubystone.jpg

I am yet to try Vitamin E religiously but CLAWS (http://www.puritan.com/hair-skin-and-nails-059/puritans-pride-claws-003081) works really well for me in giving strong white nails (http://images23.fotki.com/v806/photos/3/31573/1292267/bitmap14156-vi.jpg).

[Country gal]

bumping for the nail fanatics to chime in. I would focus on oiling your cuticles.

[MizAvalon]

Would it be possible for you to post a pic of your nails?

[truequeen06]

To take care of my nails, here are some of the things I do:

I always have nail polish on, but when I don't want color I make sure I put on a clear coat. Sally Hansen Nail Quencher works nicely.

As for cuticles, I never cut my cuticles. I use Sally Hansen Cuticle remover (gel that comes in a blue bottle). I let it sit on my cuticles for a few minutes and then push them back and sort of scrape the gel off. Make sure you wash your hands well afterward.

Every week I like so soak my nails in olive oil. I've read on here that some ladies soak with Vitamin E oil. Which ever floats your boat. At night I also like to rub in some olive oil (you can use vitamin e oil too) to my cuticles as well as use a had cream.

When washing dishes or doing chores I wear rubber gloves and I lotion up after washing my hands in the bathroom.

I hope this helps!

[Lady Speedstick]

I use a cuticle cream from Sally Hansen. But if you've already got a good collection of natural butters for your hair, it'll also work for your hands and most importantly your cuticles. I've heard that it's better to push them down too, but when I did that I ended up getting hangnails. Now, I just leave them alone.

You may want to keep your nails polished all the time. That helped me curb my nail biting habit.

[NaturallyCurly]

You ladies have given me some wonderful ideas and will come up with some kind of regimen. However, keep the ideas coming....

Thanks so much!