u/OnePuzzleheaded3324

👋 Over the past year I’ve learned more about nail anatomy and how to do at-home manicures. I’m a recovering nail biter which makes progress and knowledge all the more important.

These photos are from earlier this summer, taken over the span of a week, when I was experimenting with filing so that I was not damaging the side wall. I was trying to file “flat” first and then gently curve from there. I would like them to look balanced and feminine. I was also trying to enhance the length of the nail beds to their predetermined max, mostly by oiling underneath the nail.

It’ll be a few weeks ‘til I’m back at this length, which is my ideal length, maybe a hair short. I would appreciate feedback from the community. How is the shape, do the lengths look mostly uniform? Am I striking my desired look? Would you try rounding them out more? If I were to grow them longer, what changes would you make to my routine?

I use jojoba oil and try my best not to use cuticle clippers or scissors, though I do scrape the cuticle off about weekly. It looks to me like I had clipped some of the nail fold here but can’t be certain. I also use metal tools, and you can see some damage to the nail bed.

Thank you.

Polish in these photos is Chanel Faussaire (brown) and Inspirante (pink). I wasn’t wearing a base or top coat.

This is one of my favorite photos on my camera roll, from a number of years ago. Sorry for the quality, but I thought you might enjoy it. I interned downtown for a couple of summers as a student. If anyone knows this person, maybe they'd enjoy seeing this!

Quick photo to share a little progress recovering from decades of nail biting. My priority is to appreciate the natural nail and not buy more polish, though I’m constantly tempted. We have enough!

I’m a sucker for pinks and MNBB polishes, but we got that at home!

The puzzle prompt is “calculate correctly and you’ll win a knight.” After Queen takes the d5 pawn, you’ve solved the puzzle correctly and white’s King moves to e3. I don’t see how this will guarantee you get white’s knight.

TIA.

Showing off my (far from perfect) second project, a hair bow! I got practice cutting on the bias, following a pattern, narrowing hems, gathering, and working with the machine. This is Simplicity 8000. I wanted a "simple" project I could knock out in an afternoon and this fit the bill.

I didn't cut the fabric exactly as the layout suggested as I was trying to save fabric. I also didn't want to cut the pattern so I eyeballed everything. In retrospect I should have folded the fabric to find the bias.

I have a school protractor floating around but would be willing to buy something better for copying angles precisely.

The pattern called for 3/8" HA but I used 1/4", I think instinctively because I used silk and the pattern calls for a chambray or similar. I'll definitely try again with the right HA.

My first project was a drawstring bag, which I currently use to store little sewing tools. I'll definitely be making more of these bows, and also want to try scrunchies.

Hi everyone, I just got a haircut and this is the style I’ve been wearing for about two years (basic U cut, no layers, bangs I’m trying to grow out up front).

I’m recovering from TE (mild hair loss) and want my hair to grow long again. Bra strap length is my goal. I achieved this in 2024 with better health.

However, I’m at a loss with how to progress from here, now that my hair is not as resilient as it once was. I feel it grows at every angle on my scalp and it’s impossible to keep neat and protected. I always wear my hair up but feel it’s never enough—every style causes friction and subtle damage.

I’m hoping to hear from people with a similar hair texture/density who have grown long hair. What do you do? How do you style it? How do you manage different densities around your scalp? My current routine:

No heat
Wash every 2-3 days with Head and Shoulder 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette conditioner
Occasional bond building masks
Olaplex no.7, jojoba, camellia oils
Silk everything, claw clips
Recently I’ve been getting a pro trim every 5 months and trim it myself between
I use an all boar bristle brush on non-wash days by flipping my hair upside down, detangling, and then brushing through the back of my head.

I’m considering watering down my shampoo/ conditioner and washing more frequently, but that would again be an adjustment to my routine. I feel it’s been a LOT of trial and error these past two years.

Any tips? My hair has a very slight wave and some textured/kinky strands, but these photos were taken directly out of a top knot/bun.

He’s extra fluffy and soft today.