5 Really, Really Tacky Fingernail Trends: Are You Guilty of These?
Wednesday April 4, 2007
Long nails decorated in nail art really creeps me out. It makes my new list of five fingernail faux pas, along with French manicures (go ahead, comment below chewing me out) and unkept nails. Find out which faux pas I'm guilty of and read the comments from a blog I wrote last year condemning French pedicures.
Comments
I think it’s people like you that make people feel horrible about themselves. If a women wants to wear fake nails or decorate them, that has absolutly nothing to do with you. Since you like to give advice to others, let me give you some advice. Leave people alone.
I think that it’s very wrong to give your readers this sort of opinion. The majority of people who use these type of fake nails are African-American and Hispanic. It’s a cultural thing, you wouldn’t tell an African tribesman to stop putting so many piercings on his face because you are not in that culture, you have little to no understanding of why they do such things. You are giving your readers the opportunity to look down on minorities because of things they don’t understand. Next you’re going to say that Phat Farm clothing is tacky, and Nike shoes, or maybe you should just re-title your section “The White Woman’s Guide to Beauty”.
I also find outrageous nails tacky. Why do women wear their nails so long that they can’t even do anything? Nothing against fake nails or some glitz, but this is one category where less is more.
What’s so wrong with the french manicure for a prom or if you are going out for a special occasion? Many girls (including myself) get their nails done in french manicure style for prom.
The French manicure is a classic!! I think it is pretty and always will be pretty.
I DO NOT think that she was picking on African Americans or Hispanics…race has NOTHING to do with this section!! people need to stop claiming white people are racist ALL of the time…
Opinions are like “belly buttons” – EVERYONE has them.
I love nail art and french manicures! It is a hobby of mine to decorate my own nails.
I agree. Where is it written in ANY portion of the text where race, creed or color is mentioned?
I wore fake nails for four years and finally decided to not have them any longer. Why? Because I started observing other women both everyday and on television and the ones that I considered classic, well dressed, well groomed (not just rich, white and famous) and noticed none of them had false nails or even polish for that matter.
However, to each her own. Enjoy, live and let live.
If you are going to get your nails done get them in the short active length the real long nails are incredbily hard to work in and you may not be able to work as fast in those longer nails they are pretty and incredbily expensive to get them done every few weeks. Thank You Elizabeth
Those long nails are not very attactive, the nail art is horrendous.
Nothing to do with “CULTURE”. iNDIVIDUALS FROM SOME “CULTURES”, WHO ARE CLASSY, do not, use thos ugly nails.
learn to play the cello. your nails won’t matter anymore.
i have had false nails for many years..now have overlays…but my point is…..i do believe that nail art is a preference and has nothing to do with race etc…..each person to their own choice…..i like simple design on 1 nail only if not french manicure…..thank you anne
I completely agree with you only because I’ve seen very few women pull off the French pedicure. What I seem to see are women with short, fat or stubby toes and that’s simply gross!!! In fact, women with ugly toes shouldn’t even expose them for the rest of the public to see! Some things should just be kept private. If at possible, get the right kind of pedicure and color if you have problem toes.
“To each her own!” I think that we should encourage others for doing things that will help them feel good. If a woman or even a man feels good with nails that stand out then more power to them- I hope it makes them feel wonderful.
There is more in the world to worry about than false nails. I love mine. Everyone has an opinion, it;s just human nature.
The photo above is horrid. The french nails that I have seen are definately better than black nails which I see often. I use a pale pink irridescent-just one coat of color so the extendend portion is lighter, but with under and overcoat because it strengthens my nails for gardening and such.
I forgot to say- the photo actually seems to have inflammation (infection of the cuticles?)
Well this seems to be a touchy subject,I think women express themselves through nails and make-up.Me personally I enjoy french manicures I think they look sheek and they go with anything and everything.It is a big business and some of my friends enjoy this job doing nails the pay is great.
Just read your 5 nail faux pas. Although you have your opinion, exceptions, like all things occur. I, for one, like a longer nail. Why? Simply because I wasn’t blessed with long graceful hands or fingers and a longer nail, like high heels for legs, creates an illusion of a slender hand and fingers. Of, course, I am not talking about two inch nails, but short nails make some hands appear fatter. I agree, one can do anything with short nails, but one can “learn” to do anything with long nails as well. Furthermore, I never do what is “in”…I do what makes me feel right and works for me. One last thing about fake nails: I wear them because my natural nails are so deeply ridged (an inherited malady) they look awful, crack below the top of the finger, split lengthwisw, etc. I am not lacking anything in my system…checked that with doctors already. Some people want a nice looking nail and artificial nails are the only option. Perhaps your faux pas’ pertain to those of ‘you’ who have perfect nails.
I am an African-American woman who gets her “fake” nails done. I live in California, and it’s very common for women to get acrylic nails. I personally wouldn’t get the super long nails because I don’t like the way they look (for me) and I think they would break easier. I do however, have longer nails than Julyne would probably recommend, but that’s mostly because I can get a full set, that’s as short as can be, and two weeks later when I come to get a fill they’ve already grown several cinimeters. A lot of African-American get their nails done, but it’s not always long “ghetto” nails with wild designs. But if your not paying for it then what business of yours is it? That’s right NONE. To each her own. And frankly Julyne to recommend short round nails shows what little you really know about nails anyways. I’m 23, and the only person I know with short round nails is my grandma. Know that which you speak Juylne, know that which you speak.
I must agree with you about those horrendous looking nails! When nails are that long they look “FAKE”. I have been having my nails done for the past 10 years and the look I am going for is natural, feminine and lovely; not parrot claw like. The idea is to enhance your hands. Remember less is more in the world of beauty.
I read the comments on the nail issue and wondering how this turned into a racial thing?? Why does everything have to go there? It was a simple opinion given, there were no racial comments stated. Get a grip!!
Nails. We have nothing better to whine about? Shootings, terrorists, child molesters and presidents? Nails, I’m getting old and stopped wearing makeup 5 years ago. Now that’s frightful.
I think nails might be the last thing I look at preferring bright eyes and large white smile. Then comes hair, then comes build. Ugh I prefer talking politics or problems that might or might not improve the world a little.
To those of you saying how many more important things there are in the world, stay out of the Beauty section. Really, it’s common sense.
However, I disagree with quite a few points in this article. Long nails are a choice, and a lot of people have issues with their nails where fake is really the best alternative, and when done right, they don’t look bad at all.
Nail art can also look nice when done right, especially for a fun event. I do agree that some have been huge mistakes, but you can’t just all of it on the worst ones.
French manicures are a classic look, and they look fine at an average length. The same goes for pedis. Some people do have unattractive feet, and if that makes them more confident, that’s great – it also looks classy. It’s actually worse to have two different types of manicures on your hands and feet.
I really think you should think before you type, and actually research your topic – it’s obvious that you haven’t explored all the nail options out there, and you shouldn’t voice such a strong opinion until you really know what you’re talking about.
I agree that long, decorated curvy nails are not at all attractive, but to each her own. I sure don’t want to see them on someone preparing food for me though, not since a friend found one baked in a cupcake.
I understand your view on fingernails, but you have to understand and respect others opinions. Voice yours but put it in a way that leaves room from others. Trust me, I’ve posted comments elsewhere and have received flack for making generalizations. But, I like your style of “calling it like you see it”. Acrylic nails are, as my Spanish teacher tells me about some words in Spanish, just for COSMETICS. Tips, press-ons and nail art are just a way to break out of the norm. Sometimes, a woman gets tired of looking at her naturals or she justs wants to try something different. It’s not about being fake or ashamed of oneself. It’s just about cosmetics. It’s that simple.
I have just one question…how do you wipe yourself after a poop? Do those long fake nails get tiny fecal particles underneath them. Yikes!
I agree with you on all of the nail faux pas…and for those people who don’t agree–settle down! this is a style newletter and people can write about their opinions. and if you hate reading about beauty, don’t read the articles. no need to be mean about it…kudos to you, Julyne. i love all your articles.
I completely agree with you! (Except for French manicures, i think they look very nice) Long nails, fake nails in general look horrible! They look like trash! Also i don’t believe it is a cultural thing or a racist statement just because black and hispanic people wear them the most! Other races wear them too! If it is ugly, it is ugly no matter what color you are!!!!! They make people look like trash! Also they make your fingers look fat!
I agree with you completely!
umm yea thats cuz white people are racists
anything that they arent familiar with they are quick to judge…
by the way the picture is of a brown hand..how could it not cause racial comments
I can assure you that the woman who’s attached to these hands is as white as my bottom (and trust me, it has never seen the sun). Please do not turn what was a tongue-in-cheek article about tacky nail trends (which, again I myself am guilty of) into an issue of race. I can assure you I am anything but racist (email me and I will tell you all about my father who was the only white man I knew who marched in Houston’s Juneteenth parade when I was a child). Cheers to you all! Julyne
The lady is right, your judging people. It does’nt matter how our finger nails look, our hair or our make-up. Were not perfect but some of us try to be. Listen what kind of an example you set tonight when you lay down to go to sleep… you cant get to the pearly gates of Heaven being proud or judging.
I agree with the gist of this article… a natural but maintained look is best when possible. French manicures can go both ways, I’ve seen some that were such a bright shade of pink and white that they looked freakish… with more subtle shades they are classic though.
I definitely understand the 4th point. Mine are always breaking at uneven lengths and I am just too lazy to keep them all trimmed everytime one goes.
About the ultra long or “art” nails… I’ve read that in some cultures they are a status symbol that means you don’t have to work, but in modern America, I hardly think that applies. Not only that, but if you deal with the public, then the public’s opinions and judgements do matter because that’s where you get your business. If your customer base accepts certain appearances or styles then by all means go for it, but if they don’t then you will suffer. It would be nice if nobody judged by appearance but the sad truth is that all humans do.
At first When I read the article I was completely fine with it! Again earlier when stated I guess this is a beauty article and whom ever writes it is just stating their opinion. However, when I went to read the comments to see what people thought, I was irate! I can grow out my nails if I want to, Ive done it before but sometimes I like to go get them done, go the whole 9 yards even go fake for a minute… However depending on the kind of woman you are you might just want to go out and do something special for yourself… or if you cant grow nails, going out getting pretty fake ones might make you feel good/pretty or just getting your real nails painted possible with a “tacky” design regardless it shouldnt be as big of a problem to people as the comments have made it seem. Honestly who cares if someone has a “tacky” design on their nails. That person picked it out becauset they liked it, not because they thought someone like most of the you who left comments are going to critisize them for it! You guys are REALLY judgemental, which I thought, as a Catholic, yes I’m MEXICAN, “Only God can judge people”… It just goes to show me that most of you have no lives to where they notice something so stupid and pathetic to take time and talk shit. How insecure are YOU! Like the one comment, “It makes your fingers look fat”! That person really needs to go get intouch with their inner Light and kick the bitch out! The funny thing is that I went online to look up nail art because im going to be leaving with a “homegirl” from my “barrio” to go get our nails done and well I wanted to see if I could find anything different! Instead I found this… and was bored and read it, and it was something to do for 15min. Now I can go back to my life after stating my opionion! Thank You!
First off, to the people who are telling Julyne to “back off”; this is her job. She has to make opinions.. whether you agree or not is a different story. I personally am a Hispanic from the East Coast (CT) and I think that extremely long and tacky design fingernails are atrocious. This article has nothing to do with race, and Princess, you are just making other stereotype you, by saying that you are catholic and yes mexican.. i know plenty of people who are not mexican and catholic (but thats another story). Why you would not want to look natural and NOT like an OVERDONE “homegirl” i do not know nor understand but that is YOUR opinion and while i dont necessarily agree with it i still respect it and dont “bash” on others who have different opinions. In short, Miss. Derrick, I agree with your opinion on extreme finger nails, however, i dont agree with the french manicure being tacky but this is, again, just one woman’s opinion.
Well my opinon iz dat therz nuttin wrong wit long colorful nailz wit designz on all 10 fingerz az a matter of fact a do dat same thang & my only problem iz pickn up change(lol) but datz coo wit me other den dat I get plenty of compliments on my nailz people really but goin krazy 4 my nailz talkn bout how beautiful & sexy dey r & my JROTC instructor said I had tha prettyist nailz n tha skool. I think nail art iz beautiful & it all about CREATIVITY, I kno 1 thang I dont want my nailz 2 look lyke evrybodyelse & I kant jus b plain wit it. & wen it cum 2 French menicures & pedicures all dat iz real pretty & classy n all but it IZ dunn 2 much, & jus about evrybody haz dem. I wood prolly get French 4 a special occasion lyke a wedding or sumthin but I hav 2 hav a design on tha ring finger or sumthin other den dat French iz 2 plain 4 me. But itz all on wut tha person lykez, dey get wut dey want tah get. If dey want sumtin colorful or krazy dey will get it
Oh yeah I love gettin diamondz n my nailz from wut I c no 1 n my skool duz it I even get wordz painted n my nailz & Im basically known n my skool 4 havin long colorful creative nailz & alwayz havin dem dunn…….I jus had 2 say dat
i think that if you are going to pay for someone to get their nailz done, thats when you should comment on what lenght, color, or anything…. other than that NO, that is not true blackz and hispanic are not the only ones that get them done.. i believe that nails are someone what expexsive. when you go to get your nails done your looking at about 25 dollars just to put them on(they only las two weeks) then per nail and design is about 10 to ten dollars. so you look at it and see if its worth spending your money on nails!
What I would like to know is, what is so wrong with French manicures? I wonder why the author doesn’t like them. I think it’s the most natural looking, provided the proper nail bed color isn’t too pink, and providing that the “white” tips aren’t stark white. The other one I like is the “American” manicure. I think the rest (long, short, art, no art, etc.) is just personal preference of the customer.
I do agree that fake nails are tacky but french manicures on normal nails not acrylics are the least tackiest thing in the world.
Uh, I am an African American chick, and I think those long fake nails with the designs are ugly and super tacky. No, it is not a cultural/ethnic/race/nationality/slashslash/ etcetera thing, it is just something that tacky women of all races do. So, if you have acrylic nails with funky designs on them, you are a tacky woman. End of story.
Well excuse me… I do my own fake nails cause my nails don’t grow very fast… i don’t go very far past the actual finger, my friends know they are fake and every day someone comments on how good they look. I mostly do french manicure
By the way bangs are in at the moment… you should really try them cause you need to cover up that very shiney forehead of yours…;P
…Like i cover up my nails cause I know they are not very attractive
Dear E,
Sorry if I offended you.
I used to hate my large forehead, and have covered it for years with bangs. However, it is well-known that a large forehead is a sign of intelligence, whereas fake nails is generally accepted as tacky.
I don’t hate my forehead so much anymore.
As for the shine, honey, this means I have oily skin skin, which means I won’t be getting wrinkles as fast as some women.
Cheerio!
Julyne
I completely agry it is soooooooooo dum to where long nails like that.I however like to decorate my nails.but long nails creep me out to!
long beautiful fingernails are something very special, especially to the girl wearing them. to me there is nothing that makes ones hands more gorgeous than a great set of nails. i have worn my nails fairly long for over 10 years now, since i was about 13. since i cant grow them naturally, i have had to result in having my nails lengthened artifically. my nails are over an inch from the tips and i just love the way they feel and especially the way that the extra length makes my hands look. i highly recommend to any girl thinking of having her nails done to go for it. at least try them for a while, you might fall in love with having them as much as i have.
Actually I think for the most part she is right. Just because somewhat long nails look elegant and make fingers look longer, perhaps you should consider how ridiculous it actually looks when you are “trying” to work. A modest nail isn’t bad at all, the point is that maintain your nails and keep them tasteful…none of this long stuff that looks like you are competing for some record with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! As for the fake nails, try growing your own. Fake nails do damage to your real nails you are defeating the purpose by putting all that crap on them. Natural always looks much better. Unless you intentionally want to draw attention to the fact that you cant grow your own nails. French manicures…I dont see anything wrong with them. I like for my nails to look different, but Im not going to spend my entire paycheck to get it done, I do my own and want no one else doing them. How many meals could come out of one of this “silly” manicure jobs?
Long fake gaudy nails are as hideous and tacky as belly chains and and exposed thongs. If someone likes these things, fine, but the rest of the world isn’t obliged to pretend to like them too to spare your feelings.
I believe that the way a person wears there nails has nothing to do with you. Just like you think that short rounded nails is attractive i believe that long creative nails are also attractive. I don’t know about you but i dont want to be like anyone else. it is people like you who devalutize creativity and make others feel bad about who they are. who are you to tell someone about there nails. ill tell you (nobody) when you can tell me that your God then thats when i will listen to you about my nails.
who the hell cares what your nails look like??
does that stop you from raising a finger and telling all the haters to f#$k the hell off?
Fingernails are a very personal thing and you should really keep your opinions to your self unless asked by a personal friend.
The blatant comments you made in your article would be the equivalent of me telling you that you are way too old to wear your hair that long. It’s just rude.
Dear Elisabeth,
Are you saying that women over age 32 (my age in this picture) are not allowed to wear their hair long? Or is this your way of suggesting I buy a better anti-aging cream?
My hair here is admittedly outdated and not as flattering to my face as my current fabulous shag/bob (for which I get many, many compliments), but your comment is a slap in the face to all women over age 30. And I guess you are over 30 yourself?
In any case, your opinion here would have been much stronger had you not turned right around after criticizing me for being rude, by being rude yourself. Might I direct you to About.com’s site, http://www.about.hownottomakesuchweakarguments.com?
Cheerio!
Julyne
I’m a guy and I find French manicures very attractive.. I don’t see them as symbols of porn stars or a ethnic thing to do.. I ebb like it when girls have them done with the tips colors other than white.. Like black blue pink or green for example
What in the world is wrong with french tips?
LOL.
I don’t have an issue with elaborate nails. It’s artistry.
They can be tasteful or tasteless. It depends on the designs…so let’s not paint with a broad brush here.
…and why is everyone making this a black/hispanic thing as if we’re the only ones running around with this mess? If you consider this to be a part of my ‘culture’ then you have no idea what ‘black culture (and hispanic culture) is all about.
Turn off the tv and read a book…
I think extremely long nails are sexy and my boyfriend loves my 4-inch long nails BUT we agreed that if they grow longer than that; I have to clip them so every month I clip them and we are both happy!
They are great for our S&M sessions!
Ta,ta
My nails are extremely long; they are 4 inches; I don’t decorate them but I wear sexy polishes (silver, ruby, red, pink); my boyfriend loves them! We both agreed that I will not let them grow out any longer so I clip them every month.
Let me tell you! They are absolutely great for our S&M Sessions!
Best,
SFR
You know what’s funny most of you people don’t agree with her bacause that’s what you have on your fingers right now…..it is tacky and trashy I go a lot of big events with very classy people and no surprise none of them have fake nailes they are all clean and cut down….it is not sexy to have them long and fake men are not attracted to them men don’t like fake!…..thank you for the article.
Too eacah his own, but if you don’t have anything constructive to say, don’t say anything!! We are all taught from little to be unique, to stand out of the crowd, and to make your mark in life. Well, women who grow and have longer than normal nails, are doing that, they are leaving their mark. Yes some would think itis gross, but they are obviously not gross to the women who have them. And why do people who have not expereinced long nails, have so much to say about them? If you have worn very long nails, then you are by default allowed to crit it, but if not, keep your biased, opionated and negative remarks for people who murder, rape and abuse. I am a supporter of people doing something to make them unique, because lets be honest, who wants to really just blend in with the short nailed boring crowd!!!
I think the nails in the pic look like little colorful shovels, fascinating to look at but I would be embarassed to have them on my hands. I used to wear fakes because I bit my real nails and didnt have nice looking hands otherwise. I have stopped biting and wearing fakes and LOVE having longish natural nails. Much classier. I dont really think fakes look that good anymore. But then, I dont admire wigs or fake boobs on others either. I have noticed the ladies sporting these seem to be very proud of them. Is it really a cultural thing to wear garish and loud accessories? This can be found everywhere.
I think fingernails in general are tacky they should be shaved off with a razor. Fleshy nail beds look so much better
I’m sorry, long acrylic nails like the ones pictured are tacky. It’s not a cultural thing. Does Michelle Obama have long acrylic nails? No. She’s a classy women. Women with class do not get long, acrylic nails. And just because something is expensive does not mean it’s classy. French manicures are ok, though not in my taste. I like to just paint my short, neat nails one color.
you know there are some guys who really likes a female with extreme short bitten nails!and with color nail polish too.If you like biting your nails real short, there is someone who really appreciates them like myself. I feel that honesty is the best love ever! wish i could say i know someone into nail biting or better yet have someone like her.