Isla Bennett
Long nails can be a fashionista's best friend, but they can also make everyday activities extremely difficult. From opening cans to typing on a phone, long nails can get in the way of many tasks. However, there are several hacks that can make living with long nails easier. One of the most common issues is typing, which can be improved by using the sides of the fingers or the centre of the fingers instead of the tips. Other issues include putting on jewellery, makeup, and clothes, which can be solved by using tweezers, makeup brushes, and being mindful of wearing clothes prone to snagging. Long nails can be adjusted to, and they can be used for tasks such as massaging the scalp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adapting to long nails | Takes time and practice |
| Typing on a phone | Use the side of your fingers or thumbs |
| Typing on a computer | Use the centre of your fingers or the tips of your nails |
| Zipping jeans and buttoning shirts | Use the sides of your fingers |
| Picking up items | Use your knuckles or the sides of your fingers |
| Putting on jewellery | Opt for hoops or elastic bands |
| Applying makeup | Use brushes instead of your fingers |
| Flossing | Use floss picks |
| Opening cans | Use tweezers, keys, or credit cards |
| Wiping | Wrap the tissue around your hand |
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What You'll Learn
Typing on a phone or keyboard
Typing with long nails can be challenging, but there are several tips you can follow to improve your speed and accuracy. Firstly, it is important to maintain good posture while typing. Keep your back straight, and your hands and wrists parallel to the keyboard. This will reduce strain and increase your typing efficiency. Additionally, try to minimise the movement of your hands, and instead focus on the flexibility of your fingers, much like a pianist. This will help prevent your nails from snagging or catching on the keyboard.
When it comes to the actual keystrokes, aim to use the pads of your fingertips to strike the keys, rather than your nails. This will protect your nails from damage and reduce the impact on them. To achieve this, you may need to adjust your typing angle and hand positioning. Keep your hands steady, and use a light but firm touch when typing. Additionally, consider choosing a keyboard with round, raised keys, or shallow scissor-switch keys, as these are easier to press and reduce the force required. If you're typing on a phone, a stylus pen can be a helpful tool, providing precision and comfort.
It's also important to choose the right nail shape. Flat, oval nails are generally easier for typing than pointed or square nails, as they simplify the process and reduce the chance of accidental multiple key presses. Maintaining smooth nail edges is also crucial, as jagged or sharp corners can catch more easily. Finally, practice is key. It may take time to adjust to typing with long nails, so be patient and focus on precision rather than speed. Memorising the location of the letters on your keyboard can also help improve your accuracy and reduce typos.
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Putting on makeup
Long nails can be a stylish choice, but they can also make everyday tasks—like putting on makeup—more challenging. Here are some tips to help you navigate the world of cosmetics with long nails:
Choosing the Right Tools
Selecting the appropriate tools is essential when applying makeup with long nails. Makeup brushes are your best friends! Opt for using brushes for each step of your makeup routine to avoid getting products under your nails. This is especially important if you're using creamy or waxy products that can be difficult to remove from nails, such as foundation, concealer, or lipstick.
If you prefer using your fingers for certain steps, be mindful of the techniques you employ. Instead of using the pads of your fingers, try using the sides or the knuckles, which can be more effective with long nails. Additionally, consider investing in some small rubber makeup spatulas. These tools can help you scoop out skincare products from jars without getting the product under your nails, and they're easy to clean afterward.
Handling Cream and Powder Products
When dealing with makeup products in jars or pots, use the clean handle of a brush to scoop out the product and apply it directly to your face or the back of your hand. This way, you avoid getting the product under your nails. If you're using powder products, lightly tap your brush on the back of your hand to remove excess powder before applying it to your face. This will help prevent any mess or excess product from clinging to your nails.
Applying Detailed Makeup Looks
For intricate details or glamorous looks that involve small adornments, consider using a pen with a wax tip. These pens are often used for bejewelling and can easily apply small beads or decorations to your face. They can also be handy for grabbing and placing small items when your nails are a bit too long. Just remember to keep some wax nearby to replace on the tip as needed.
Maintaining Hygiene
Long nails, especially acrylic nails, can harbour bacteria, which can be a concern when working as a makeup artist or handling makeup products. To maintain hygiene, keep your nails clean and sanitized. Wash your hands and nails regularly, and consider carrying hand sanitizer with you. Additionally, pay special attention to cleaning the undersides of your nails, as they can get particularly dirty. Use a toothbrush dedicated to this purpose to scrub underneath your nails for a thorough clean.
Adapting to Long Nails
Finally, remember that adapting to long nails takes time. You may need to adjust your techniques and be patient as you get used to handling makeup with your new nail length. It might be helpful to watch YouTube videos or seek advice from others who have experience with long nails to pick up some extra tips and tricks.
By following these suggestions, you can continue to enjoy your long nails while confidently applying makeup without any frustrations.
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Putting on jewellery
Choose the Right Necklace Length
Selecting the right length for your necklace can make a significant difference in how easily you can fasten it with long nails. Longer necklaces, such as those with a matinee or opera length, provide more space for your fingers to work without your nails getting in the way. On the other hand, shorter styles like chokers may be more challenging to fasten due to their proximity to your fingers.
Opt for Magnetic Clasps
Many necklaces come with lobster claw or S-hook clasps, which can be tricky to manipulate with long nails. An easy solution is to switch to a magnetic clasp, which is much easier to open and close. Magnetic clasps can be purchased separately and attached to your favourite necklaces, making them a convenient and hassle-free option.
Use a Clasp Helper or Jewellery Tool
A simple jewellery tool, like a clasp helper or a necklace extender, can be a game-changer when putting on necklaces with long nails. These tools provide a firm grip on the small clasp while you use your other hand to guide the necklace into place, making the process less frustrating and protecting your nails from potential breakage.
Adjust Your Fingers and Practice
When putting on a necklace with long nails, try to use your thumbs or the sides of your fingers instead of your nails to avoid snagging. It may take some practice, but with time, this technique will become second nature. Using a mirror can also help you get a clearer view and make the process smoother.
Enlist Help or Wear Gloves
Fastening a necklace with long nails can be much simpler with a friend's help. They can hold the necklace steady and guide the clasp into the loop, making it a seamless and enjoyable experience for both of you. Alternatively, wearing gloves can give you more grip and make opening and closing clasps easier.
With these tips in mind, putting on jewellery with long nails can become a breeze, allowing you to confidently show off your favourite accessories without any hassle.
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Opening cans
Using your knuckles: Instead of using your fingertips, try using your knuckles to grip and twist the can opener. This method may take some practice, but it can be effective and reduce the risk of damaging your nails.
Sides of your fingers: Utilize the sides of your fingers, just below the nails, to get a better grip on the can opener. This technique can also be applied when opening envelopes or packages. It may feel awkward at first, but with a little practice, it will become more comfortable.
Keys: Keys can be a lifesaver when it comes to opening cans with long nails. Use your keys to pry open the can, leveraging the edge of the can and the key to pop the lid off. This method is especially useful if you have longer nails that make it difficult to grip objects.
Adapting your grip: Try adapting the way you hold the can opener. Instead of using a traditional grip, hold it between your thumb and finger pads, keeping your nails pointed away from the can. This technique may take some practice but can effectively protect your nails.
It's important to remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering these techniques. Long nails don't have to hinder your daily activities; with a few adjustments and hacks, you can easily open cans and perform other tasks with style and efficiency!
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Picking up items
Having long nails can make many simple tasks difficult, including picking up items. Here are some tips to help you pick up items with long nails:
When picking up small objects, use the pads of your fingers to scoop them up, rather than trying to pinch them with your fingertips. This technique works well for coins at checkout. Instead of picking them up one by one, push the coins into your hand from the edge of the counter.
If you need to pick up something delicate or fragile, such as a thread or a piece of fabric, well-filed nails can be used as a tool. Smooth, rounded nails are less likely to snag or tear delicate items. However, this technique may not work for all nail shapes and lengths.
For very small items, you can use a pen that has run out of ink or a mechanical pencil with no lead to grab the item. Alternatively, you can purchase a pen with a wax tip, which can be used for picking up small objects.
When picking up multiple items, such as a handful of coins or beads, use your nails like chopsticks to grab them. This technique may take some practice but can be useful when you don't have any tools available.
With long nails, you may find that certain types of jewellery are difficult to put on. Instead of using your nails, try to use the sides of your fingers to fasten clasps or small earring backs.
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Frequently asked questions
When typing on a computer, you can use the very tip of your nails. However, when typing on a phone, you should use the sides of your thumbs or pointer fingers, which may slow down your typing speed but will help get rid of typos.
Avoid applying makeup with your fingers, as this can create divots in your makeup. Instead, use makeup brushes for each step in your makeup routine to prevent makeup from getting under your nails.
You can use the pads of your fingers or your knuckles to pick up small objects.
Avoid jewellery with clasps or small earring backs, as these can be impossible to put on. Opt for hoops or jewellery with stretch/elastic bands instead.
