Well, in the mundane world, it is said that the ideal shape for a nail is straight sides with a square or oval tip. (Square being ideal.) Of course we are not of the mundane are we??? (Why am I suddenly having flashbacks of the "Goth Talk" skits on Saturday Night Live???) Anyway, goths are more likely to be concerned with aesthetics than practicality so just keep in mind that nails that are pointed are weaker and need more care and protection from trauma.

Unfortunately, we have to overcome the shortcomings of our competitor's products (past and present). We used to use the other plastic shoes ourselves and put up with the 'practical problems' until it finally drove us to design our own shoe to get around these issues. We now hold a US patent for the key feature that makes a flexible shoe work: the use of two materials on the sole-side. See similar questions...

Chemotherapy can cause your nails to become brittle and grow slower than usual or become very soft. It is common to see a white or dark ridge in the nail after several weeks of chemotherapy. Clip your nails short and protect them from added stress, but do not cut your cuticles. Don't use artificial nails; they could possibly cause a hard to treat fungal infection. Do not use alcohol-based polish or polish remover. See similar questions...

Walk barefoot. Walk barefoot some more. Go barefoot everywhere you can. Your soles, foot muscles, ligaments, and tendons are like any other parts of your body: you have to use them to develop them, otherwise they will atrophy. Note that you wouldn't need to build up your feet if you went barefoot from birth as nature intended. What you're actually doing by "building them up" is getting them back to their natural state. See similar questions...

Answer: the one on the right-the masonry units are in perfect condition because the lime mortar has failed. The one on the left has been pointed with portland cement, and not only are the bricks deteriorated, but there's enough trapped water to sustain plant life. You should thank your lucky stars. See similar questions...

The treatment of nails is very difficult. You should keep them short to prevent further damage from catching them, and ask your doctor about having the clippings analysed to make sure you do not have a fungal infection. A fungal infection can be an additional problem in damaged nails but can also mimic the typical changes of psoriasis. Topical vitamin D agents on the affected part can sometimes work if applied and covered with polythene, but this may only be practical at night. See similar questions...

Not really. Although the practices are rigorous, we expect only that when you participate, you will work your best and slowly improve yourself over time. Top of page See similar questions...

Shortening of a nail enhancement is simple, as long as you use the proper tool to do so. Purchase a 240-grit file from your nail technician/manicurist or beauty supply store. Never use nail clippers, as they can shatter the nail product. *Note: too much filing may cause the nail product to pull away or lift away from your nail bed. Only file your nail enhancements when necessary between your appointments with your nail technician/manicurist. Top of page See similar questions...

Nail Enhancement application SHOULD NOT hurt. If your manicurist is using a nail drill or filing with a nail file, and files to deep into your nail bed, it is possible to experience pain and discomfort. It is important to select a manicurist who is experienced so that this does not happen to you. Top of page See similar questions...

This is a highly misunderstood subject. Acrylic nails DO NOT cause nail fungi. However, some clients who wear nail enhancements do get a more common disorder commonly known as nail mold. Mold occurs when the nails are not maintained on a regular basis (every 2-3 weeks), or when the artificial nails are applied improperly. See similar questions...

Fungus on the nails usually presents as a darkening yellow, sometimes blackish and opaque discoloration of the nail. It can also present as white splotches on the nail. As the fungus progresses, the nail can get thicker and brittle. See similar questions...

The simplest way to avoid ingrown nails is to trim your nails straight across and slightly round off the edges with a file. If you tear at your toenails rather than cut them, STOP! You are heading towards developing an ingrown nail if you do so. If you find that the edges of the skin closest to the nail are rough, moisturize them and you can even use a pumice stone to soften them. See similar questions...

ANSWER: The most common bacterial infection of the nails is due to pseudomonas, and is sometimes referred to as "green nails" because of the greenish-colored nail plate. Pseudomonas is generally caused from air pockets under the nail plate that allow mositure to get in and the green pigment-producing organism thrives in the moist environment. This is usually accompanied by onycholysis (lifting nail), so a dermatologist should intervene. See similar questions...

ANSWER: When a nail is injured, it can assume a number of different appearances. The most common, of course, would be a discoloration of the nail plate due to bleeding under or around the nail. This condition is referred to as a subungual hematoma, or hemorrhage in the nail plate (similar to a bruise on the skin). When this occurs, the blood accumulates under the nail and it usually causes the nail plate to separate from the nail bed. See similar questions...

To maintain healthy, problem-free nails! This allows checking the natural nail and replaces acrylic that has been damaged (by UV rays, water, chemicals, and normal wear-and-tear). Remember new nails are the most durable service you can offer a client. See similar questions...

Normal applications call for a minimum of four nails in each full shingle. Some applications call for even more if the roof is in a high wind area or the pitch of the roof is very steep. Never allow your roof to be three nailed or for staples to be used instead of roof nails. See similar questions...

Nails should not be unnecessarily long in the first place. Floors can be glued and then shorter nails can be used along with the glue for a superior and very quiet job. The aluminum fins can be formed so that the tubing hangs down lower than the protruding nails. See similar questions...

A beautiful, well-groomed nail is an important part of your overall look. Attractive nails and hands enhance your appearance, whether you spend your days in a kitchen or in a boardroom. A basic manicure takes between 25-35 minutes. Artificial nail services, such as tips, acrylics and gels, average about 45 minutes. The cost is quite reasonable, and the results are well worth it. See similar questions...