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how much does it *really* matter?
In the time I've been dancing, I've gotten a few comments on my nails--or complete lack thereof. They are short as fuck, and I never paint them. Then I was listening to the DW HSC and there again, the part that talks about how the details matter as far as appearance, of course one of those details is--nails. Most girls (though not all) in my club get their nails done, and either have them grown out or have acrylics, and seems like a lot of SW'ers do too.
But...I just can't do it! I tried growing my nails out for the first time in years last week, and I only made it 5 days before the urge to claw my fingers off got the best of me. I fucking HATE having any decent length of nail...and I train seriously in circus arts, so by the time I got to clipping them yesterday, four of them had already split or broken because trapeze work and long fingernails do NOT mix. The nails were a pain in the ass while I was training. And I had no idea that nail splits could be so painful! Going to a salon and having bits of plastic superglued to my fingernails is completely out of the question--did it once, and it was even worse than having long natural nails. ugh.
Anyway, how much do you think it really matters in general if your nails aren't done? Obviously some people DO notice, and one custy last week grabbed my hand as I was waiting for a drink at the bar and said "oh, we have GOT to fix these". Um, I don't recall asking his opinion, especially considering he wasn't buying or tipping anyone and was just being a waste of space. Asshole.
But I have everything else taken care of, appearance-wise (hair, skin, makeup, waxing, etc), and my hands don't look unkempt--I don't bite my nails, I don't have hangnails and horrid raggy cuticles...
Does it really matter, or make any significant difference in your money if you don't have your nails done? Is it really that bad to say "fuck it" in one area that we're "supposed" to have looking a certain way?
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I've never had a guy comment on my nails, but I do feel more confident when I have them done- like I have the "complete package." If you don't like them long, just keep them short and clean, with maybe some clear or light-colored polish on them. If you're worried about chips, then use clear, so they'll be shiny and healthy-looking, and chips won't be noticeable. I keep my nails short during the school year (easier for typing papers) and I just put some polish on and I'm good to go.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
it's not that important. if anyone comments, just redirect to your training or a good cover story. You can also have nice looking short nails. just buff, file and topcoat!
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I wore acrylics for a few years, but I really don't like them. Now, I get a manicure about every 2 weeks. I keep my nails short with a very pale pink (almost nude) polish, that way if they chip, it's hardly noticable.
The important thing about your nails is to make sure they look neat, clean and in order with the rest of you.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
Most places it doesn't matter, just clip evenly and put on some clear polish. If you're at a club where it does matter, you can get those stick on nails that you can pull off at the end of the night. They're a pain in the ass, but at least they come off at the end of the night.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
Hmm. I have to keep my nails very short because I do guitar teching as an off-job. I just wear a nude polish and keep them down and have never ever had a customer say one word about my naills.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I have stubby nails but they're typically painted. I agree, buff, topcoat and file.
and don't listen to jerkoffs who don't spend money.
If anything, your lack of acrylics can be a gimic to those very very few men who notice, comment, and have money to spend (and tip you extra to supposedly "get them done.")
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
yeah i hate dealing with nails myself....my nails NEVER grow long naturaly..and i HATE dealing with chips. ive been jus gettin my nails done, jus so i can feel more confident and feel more "glam and girly" i guess. even tho breaking a nail is a bitch and i hate when i get food stuck underneath em!
but i jus do a simple french mancicure.
anyways, i had a few comments on my nails...one guy said 'hey its chipped!' he was a non-spender, and i wish i would of thought to say to him "wow usually only gay guys notice stuff like that."
anyhoo, ya maybe if u jus keep em short and get em manicured i think itd be alrightl. i say most men dont really kare bout nails..i mean im sure theyre focosed on other things :)
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I dont do my nails if I can help it. I hate ..make that loathe doing nails. I'll do it for my bf that's it.
I dont buff, polish ...I just clip and shape if i remember to. Just the toenails I paint. Since at our club the stage is sorta eye level ( my feet are eye level ) and you cant help but notice.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I think it makes a very small increase/decrease in earnings. Not enough to worry about in my opinion.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
What help is cuticle oil, if you don't have the time to do them . You can get it at any beauty supply for cheap. Just brush it over your nail and cuticle and I looks like you just got a manicure. It takes less then a minute and you don't have to wait for it to dry.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I have shorter nails as well, but I always have them painted in a shade of pink or red. I think that adds a little something extra - especially if you have toenail polish and lipstick to match.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
Same problem here, but I would love to get my nails done. I have Very oily nailbeds, and acrylics don't last, so it's a waste of money for me. My nails don't grow well though because I am a nervous/bored picker and they never have a chance. So I buy the (no laughing) stick on nails. I file them and shape them so the look more natural, and honestly, NO ONE ever notices the difference. I've had many girls go "ooooh, your nails are so pretty, where do you get them done?" Uhm...Wal-Greens?
But at the end of the night, or even a couple of days I pop 'em off and I'm done!
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
one thing I really need to work on is my feet though, they are posotively jurasic! And same as another poster, the stage is eye to foot level.....Scary!
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
just as long as they look clean and kept....
same wth feet. It send signals that you take care of yourself everywhere, which is definitely a selling point.
I will never get the girls with the mini murals on each nail. Ugh.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lola Rose
it's not that important. if anyone comments, just redirect to your training or a good cover story. You can also have nice looking short nails. just buff, file and topcoat!
that's a good idea!
I think I will try the buff-and-clear-gloss thing. Sounds low-maintenance, but might add a little polish to my look. Thanks, all! :)
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Picaresque
that's a good idea!
I think I will try the buff-and-clear-gloss thing. Sounds low-maintenance, but might add a little polish to my look. Thanks, all! :)
Ya, I've heard that shiny durable nails are a sign of fertility, so it makes you innately more attractive to men.
(durable as in no splits or jagged edges)
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I personally think it matters :-/ I really think the details (fresh roots, clean nails, clear skin, etc) make a difference. Guys love that stuff and take it for granted when it's there, but definitely notice when it's not there. I think appearance is up there with sales skills in terms of money-making. You're supposed to be a fantasy girl, you know? Lame, but a reality. A guy once told me "the way a girl keeps up her hands and feet is the way she keeps up THE REST of herself" WINK WINK
I think at minimum they should be filed into a neat shape, cuticles pushed back, buffed, then painted with a clear topcoat or a polish close to your skin color and your feet should match. That's not too hard. Nice looking feet are WAY important.
I really think pink/white acrylics OR your natural nails grown out a little painted into a french manicure AND with a matching french pedicure looks best. Since it's neutral, it goes with everything. Super feminine!
But if your hobbies are more important than being "stripper perfect" - more power to you! I know if I am not well-kempt, I feel out of sorts and less confident. Being "stripper perfect" is damn high maintenance. It's silly, but I try my best to do it. It helps me be confident to make money.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ViolaStrings
"the way a girl keeps up her hands and feet is the way she keeps up THE REST of herself"
well? it's true.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
mine are short because i play guitar, sculpt, draw, paint, etc. there's no way in hell i could have long nails. they're usualy painted some random fun color.. blue, black, white, red, fushia, orange, purple, whatever.
i've never noticed it effecting my money one way or the other. of course, to put it to the test i'd have to actualy get longer nails and see if i make more.
that's not happening though.
and to this:
"the way a girl keeps up her hands and feet is the way she keeps up THE REST of herself"
i don't know about that. i'm a maticulously clean person. there is a diff between being high maintenance and caring about the way you look. i'm not a "slob" but i frequently have chipped nails. big deal. the only insight it gives to my personality is that i use my hands a lot and i'm a busy person.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
I bite my nails. Badly. They are seriously down to the cuticle. I have done it since I was about 3 years old, and I cant seem to stop. I try to have acrylics on my nails most of the time, but they are hard to keep up because when they start getting to be about a week old, I want tostart picking and biting, so i have to get them filled every week.
Honestly, when my nails arent done, most people do not notice. I get a few guys here and there that say oh my, you need a manicure or why do you do that to yourself? I guess the worst is that bitten nails portray a nervous personalty, and that puts people off. But most guys dont notice. I dont think it has ever affected my money or ever been a reason I have gotten turned down for a dance. However, having my nails done makes me much more confidant cause Im not always trying to hide my fingers, or make sure no one notices my hands. SO the confidance of having manicured nails does help me feel more confidant, and more classy. I get the pink and white acrylics.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
why don't you just get your nails manicured and painted and keep them short?? Thats what I do and thats what is really in style right now, so I cant see how anyone would have a problem with it.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
^ because i don't see the point in having them manicured and painted. i've had it done a couple times and they just wind up looking the same as if i did it at home. unless you're getting longer nails or something really fancy, i see it as a waste of money.
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
[quote=Kaylinn;942620]Honselty, when my nails arent done, most people do nto notice. I get a few guys here and there that say oh my, you need a manicure or why do you do that to yourself? I guess the worst is that bittne nails portray a nervous personalty, and that puts peopel off. But most guys dont notice. I dont think it has ever affected my money or ever been a reason I have gotten turned down for a dance. [/quote
People don't usually tell a dancer why they turned her down for dances. It's not like they're going to fill out a comment card and put it in the suggestion box, you know?
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Re: how much does it *really* matter?
of course guys notice this stuff!
Have you seen the way they talk about cars?
Tomboys are cute, but since you are generally trying to appeal to as many guys as possible, why not be the ultimate fantasy girl? The girl that primps herself all day to look good for her man. Chances are he's not getting that at home.
And does anyone seriously think a guy is going to tell you he doesn't want a dance from you because you look unkept?