Nails

I had EC and was told that it doesn't affect your nails too much (unlike Taxol which I had afterwards), however the advice I got was to not use any gel polish or harsh chemicals on my nails (or body!) during chemo - I was told to use only extra gentle products throughout. I was advised to use a silicium enriched nail polish and very gentle remover to protect my nails from UV damage and weakening. I was also advised to keep my nails short and to not cut cuticles during treatment so I just pushed them back. After 4xEC and 12xTaxol, my nails were in perfect shape. I used Même Cosmetics base coat/nail varnish/top coat/remover every week and found they had a great range of pretty colours!

Maybe check with your nurse what they think about it?

Hi Boo359,

I have done a little bit on research on non toxic nail polish and stumble upon this particular brand called Nail Kind. I have been using their nail colours for the past two weeks. Happy to report that their polish stay on for about a week before the first sign of chipping and very easy removal using gentle, non acetone polish remover. 

https://www.nailkind.com/

p/s: I am also about to start EC every two weeks, 8 rounds altogether. 

Hi 

All the advice from everyone is very helpful, thank you. I am due to start chemo first, just waiting for oncology apt. I will ask the nurse when I’m seen but can I ask where you bought the Meme products?

many thanks

You can buy them online here: https://www.memecosmetics.fr/en/

It's a French company, but they deliver to the UK. The nail varnishes are silicon-enriched to help nourish and protect weakened nails. There are probably other brands available if you look around, but I like these ones as there's so many nice colours

Best of luck with chemo!

Thank you!

I didn't use nail gels at all during chemo - it affects all fast growing cells, so nails do become weakened. I only just put gel on again with a UV lamp a couple of weeks ago and that was 18 months after chemo! The gels aren't that good for your nails, so I just didn't want to do it, but that is an extreme case.

I would say stick with a nice natural nail polish during chemo and until your nails have grown out afterwards. Mine went weird and off colour, though I also had docetaxel. My toe nails have still not grown out the thickened nails from that.

I also used Nail Kind during chemo - it is really great stuff and not too bad for chipping, considering I was used to gels

Thank for all your help. My nails have never grown back perfect even though its just under a year ago I finished chemo. My toenails are still non existing  but hey ho. I'm still here and that's all that matters  

I now have SNS powder dip and they're fine 

Carol

Xx

Totally agree with everything you said—keeping it gentle during chemo is so important. I did the same for a client going through treatment, and it made a huge difference. No cutting, just gentle care and lots of hydration. Also, when you're ready to slowly bring tools back into the routine, modern designs are more ergonomic and comfortable, which helps a lot with sensitive hands. I really like this https://germanikure.com/collections/sets best german manicure set—super gentle but effective.

Hi - in contrast to all the replies so far, I was told I could continue to have gel nails throughout my treatment and after 3 EC and 2 Docetaxel (no3 this weekend) my nails are the only part of me that still seem to be strong and unaffected! The nurses said if it is something I had done regularly anyway, which it was, then it would help me feel more like myself and they would encourage me to continue. My beautician was super gentle with my cuticles and I regularly oil them too. 

Hi I also continued to have acrylic coating to my nails throughout 5 mths of chemotherapy.

Paclitaxel was brutal on my nails and the acrylic or gel  polish didn't save them from chemo harm. However,  it really did my spirits good to have something pretty to look at through it all. 

6mths post chemo, my hideously thickened discoloured amd detached nails are on their way to being grown out, On my hamds anyway!!

Wishing everyone the best with their nails, whichever way you choose to go.

Peace,  Shaka