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    Nail Care

    Using nail polish to cope with grief


    My dad passed away last week, a year after suffering a TBI from a snowboarding accident. I lost my interest in painting my nails completely after his accident, and I only recently started finding joy in nail art again. It was actually seeing the beautiful glass bead magnetics y’all were posting that sparked my interest again.

    It may sound silly, but painting my nails all shiny and sparkly has been helping me through this shitty time; I also get a little hit of dopamine from seeing what everyone posts and posting my manis (when I actually remember to take a picture of them). I find it grounding.

    ANYWAYS. I’ll post details in the comments. 💕



    by writeleahwrite

    View 14 Comments

    14 Comments

    1. Kailcee on

      Grief is what got me back into painting my nails too ❤️ Im so sorry for your loss, my condolences 🙏 ❤️❤️

      ETA- your nails look beautiful 😍

    2. MeowOverlady on

      So sorry to hear about your dad. The grief must be hard for you and I’m so glad seeing your nails looking pretty gives you some joy. We all mourn in different ways and finding beauty and joy in small things is so good. ❤️✨

    3. writeleahwrite on

      Base Coat KBShimmer Fillin Groovy, magnetic is The Ultimate Weapon by BKL.

      https://preview.redd.it/of300oix04mg1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b677522f2dbde75aaf4819c5e236de76818fa65

      I apply a thin layer followed immediately (without drying or magnetizing) by as thick a coat as I can manage, then I clean up with acetone if needed and magnetize (I don’t time myself, I just go on vibes—maybe 60-90 seconds?). I do each nail like this, followed by Glisten & Glow Glitter Grabber (this polish needs it), which I magnetize lazily, followed by Sally Hansen Rapidry and magnetizing as long as I can stand it. This is only my second mani with this TC and I’m not loving it, but I’m going to give it a few more tries.

      My magnetic setup is the spinner thing from Etsy topped with a 30 lb horseshoe magnet.

    4. Ok-Affect-4621 on

      Sendings hugs to you 💙

      Doing my nails has been one of my main joys that is bringing me back to life after a tough year last year. Life is hard and we deserve all the sparkly little moments we can squeeze in.

    6. Kittycorgo on

      I’m so sorry for your loss. TBIs are devastating. Grief is also what got me so deeply involved in nail polish recently.

      Your nails look gorgeous. Sending you love.

    8. 0carina on

      I’m sorry for your loss and it doesn’t sound silly at all. The magnetic effect looks amazing and I love the color with that ring!

    9. lovely-curves on

      Es muy triste cuando uno pierde un familiar .. pero hay que aprender a vivir con esa ausencia… Muy lindas tus uñas amiga te quedan muy bien

    10. OkFriend1573 on

      I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I’m sending you so much love and support. Keep taking it one day at a time. So glad to see you’re finding your way back to your interests and that they are helping as coping tools. Your nails look beautiful, thank you for sharing! 💗

    11. nephrenny on

      I also paint my nails as a reminder of self care!

      I’m so sorry for the hard last year and the loss of your dad. My husband had a TBI in 2022 and it’s never the same again. Love to you!

    12. Beybladebabez on

      I’m so sorry for your loss 💙 your nails look beautiful and I especially love your rings!!

    13. Bundertorm on

      I’m so sorry. My dad passed from a TBI as well. I’m glad you’re able to find some joy right now. Your nails look beautiful!

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