What to do about missing fingernail?

[neosmom]

Ok, fashion folks...I need some opinions. I will soon be having surgery to remove a glomus tumor from beneath the fingernail on my left ring finger. It is extremely painful, and I am MORE than ready to have it done. They will completely remove the fingernail during surgery.

 

I have a cruise in November, and I don't think the nail will have grown back in completely by then. My delima is...what do I do with the other nails? I hate to not have them look pretty, but I'm afraid having nine colorful pretty nails and one ugly one will look weird. Do I just not paint any of them? Go with a neutral color? Keep them pretty and put a bandage on the ugly one? What would you do? Thanks!

[RedHeadTexan]

10 years ago I lost my entire thumb nail on our honeymoon...long and disgusting story. What I did until it grew back was a French manicure when I wanted a "polished" look. I don't think anyone noticed since it was neutral. I hope this helps and good luck with the surgery. :)

 

Lisa

[cb at sea]

I would go with neutral and not worry about it....no one is spending time on their vacation looking at YOUR fingers!

[ladytravlr2]

I have not had a big toenail for years. I "paint" my skin, it stays on for awhile, long enough to look nice with sandals. If you paint all your fingernails, and take the nail polish with you, you might be able to just touch the one finger up, or repaint as needed.

 

I tried false nails on my toe, didn't work. Not sure if they would stay on your nail-less finger.

 

But now they have fingernail wraps...I use Jamberry Nails. They will stay on for awhile on the one without a nail, but not as long as on your real nails. I keep my fingernail wraps on for two weeks without problem. On my toes, I need to replace the one on the nail-less toe more often. I recently have tried using nail glue for that one....wanting to see if it stays on longer. Not sure yet.

 

I have been using the Jamberry nail wraps for three months...great ideas and especially to travel with. Google it.

Edited July 28, 2014 by ladytravlr2

[calisilent]

I like the french manicure idea. On the other hand, I also think that you can wear any beautiful color polish you want on the other 9 nails and just leave the nail-less one alone. In the grand scheme of things, you are on vacation and if "one little piggy" is unadorned, no one should care at all, especially you! Enjoy your cruise!

[nolatravelgirl]

You have 3 months to grow your nail back, which unless you have talon length nails on the other 9 then you should be pretty close to even by November. When taking a photo with someone else make sure you stand so that your "bad" hand is behind the other person's back.

[OCruisers]

Just put a Band-Aid on it in public so people know you have an injured finger. Actually, you do.

LuLu

[atdahop]

I would do a french manicure or a light neutral color and buy some press on fake nails and polish it to match. If it does not stay on long I would super glue it. The press ons are great in a pinch and they do come in all sizes and even painted french.

[Seraphine]

I do these kinds of repairs all the time. I traditionally do a gel sculpted nail over the damage - it's an extension that comes right off the tip of the existing nail and is very strong. Even if you just have a small amount of natural nail, it's enough to sculpt a new nail... Sculpting can work when tips won't. I have several regulars growing out damaged toenails (runners!) and this is our method.

 

You don't have to do a lot if maintenance either - ask a good nail tech for a gel sculpted nail repair, and ask for it in hard gel (this is one that does not soak off in acetone... It must be filed off but it means you can put polish or shellac or jamberry on it and take it off without damaging the repaired area. Don't get it done in Calgel!). Then treat the extension as your own - if it starts getting ragged edges, file them down, and file the top for length. I'd probably visit the nail tech every month to check on it, but the cost should be minimal if you're only repairing one nail.

 

And in case anyone is reading this who is completely missing a nail, you can do short term stick on nails using wig adhesive. Use store bought tips or ask your nail tech to make you one that custom fits.

 

OP - if you go the natural route, I'm sure no one will criticise (if the do, throw something at them!!), but just know there are things that can be done :)

[carol louise]

I would go with a small Band-Aid. Leave the finger and nail to heal completely. Especially if you have any tenderness, fragile scar tissue, etc., my instinct would be to avoid glue and chemicals. And then a nice neutral or light pink polish on the other nails for a uniform look. Good luck, and have a wonderful cruise.

Edited July 29, 2014 by carol louise

[Bowie MeMe]

I have worn "tips" for 30 years and had my share of 9 beauties and 1 "WELLLL". I have done band-aids protects the fragile nail but keeps coming off -- try some of the finger specific bandages. I just think that your nail bed is going to be sensitive and hurting and will need tender loving care for awhile -- looks is the last thing to concern you with (though a missing fake nail is a class A emergency in my life). My nails now are ridged and thin and "flake off" so artificial nails do not stay on. I find several products help to strengthen -- Sally Hansen comes to mind and some nice colors. Do go lighter in color -- pink or lavender blend in well. French is a problem because THE finger might have a less long nail.

 

I would ask my Dr. especially if skin specialist what to do. Chemicals on a damaged nail bed does not seem good -- chemicals in nail products are strong and removing the products cause even more drying and damage. I bet that at times you will be wearing a protective cap or bandage and that will look fine too. At one time ladies wore little lace mitts -- start a new fashion trend or decorate the finger protector with lace and sequins and finger the world! Praise God that it is only the nail and not the whole finger that is gone! I hope your pain will be much less.

 

Best of luck -- you deserve a wonderful cruise and it really does not matter if all your nails match. Just protect that finger and do what you must to get a good outcome for the future.

[mousey]

I would go with a small Band-Aid. Leave the finger and nail to heal completely. Especially if you have any tenderness, fragile scar tissue, etc., my instinct would be to avoid glue and chemicals. And then a nice neutral or light pink polish on the other nails for a uniform look. Good luck, and have a wonderful cruise.

 

This is exactly what I was thinking. Don't put anything on your nail that might compromise it's healing. You don't want to get any kind of infection. Unless your doctor says it's okay to do so, I wouldn't put anything on the nail except a band aid. I hope your surgery goes well and that your nail heals quickly. I also hope that you have a great cruise.:D

[CasaM]

If you go with a band aid, perhaps you can get some funny or kiddie ones, like Dora or others I've seen on my grandkids.

[Seraphine]

This is exactly what I was thinking. Don't put anything on your nail that might compromise it's healing. You don't want to get any kind of infection. Unless your doctor says it's okay to do so, I wouldn't put anything on the nail except a band aid. I hope your surgery goes well and that your nail heals quickly. I also hope that you have a great cruise.:D

 

 

Again, an experienced tech can work with what's there - if the nail has started growing, and the tip of the finger is not painful or open in any way, there's no danger in having a sculpted nail. Often, it can help protect the end of the finger while the new nail is growing. But a gentle touch is needed so if you do decide to apply anything, make sure you visit a tech that knows what they're doing.

 

I hope the surgery goes well and that you heal fast!

[neosmom]

Thanks everyone for all of the great ideas! I'm still waiting for surgery to be scheduled...hopefully it's soon!! I appreciate all of the help here. In the grand scheme of things, I know how my finger looks is really no big deal. I've dealt with this pain for about 4 years now, so I'll do anything to get rid of it. On the other hand, I'm still a girly-girl and want to look good! :p Thanks again everyone!