A Question for Nail Techs Everywhere

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Ashley B.

Jan 31, 2012

Ashley B.

First, some background. I have what are called "club thumbs." Think, Megan Fox thumbs, only mine are shorter. And stubbier. Still confused? Google it. Tons of articles on her "deformity."

My question is... Have you ever had a client with the condition? If so, what did you do to maybe make it less obvious, or make the nail look less... Weird?

Honestly, I just don't go to nail salons anymore. Every time I do the ENTIRE salon has a good laugh at the freak show. I can't use cool pre-made nail designs or fake nails, because my nail is too wide. I can't use the thumb nail as an accent nail because it draws attention to them. I've just about given up.

Any help would be appreciated... But I'm guessing not many people have encountered this.... So yeah...

Ashley B.

Jan 31, 2012

Ashley B.

It happens no matter where I go. As soon as they see my thumbs they call over the other people and all start chattering and laughing. Also, it just seems to make the person really mad that they have to work on me.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may have to brave a salon to have my nails shaped, as filing is not my strong suite.

Jasmine P.

Jan 31, 2012

Jasmine P.

I'm so sorry that you have to deal with that. It really isn't nice at all. I had a classmate in high school with the same issue and she just dealt with the embarrassment at salons and paid for manicures. She left the thumb with a solid color and used her ring finger as an accent for any kind of design.

Ashley B.

Feb 1, 2012

Ashley B.

Yeah that's what I do now, minus the salon part.

I have yet to get my nails done since I've been in Thailand, even though an amazing manicure with insane designs is maybe... $5 USD max. If you get them done somewhere more legit. I found somewhere that charged my friend about $2 USD for glittery gradient pink nails with flower designs. So tempting to get them done, but... Ugh.

Jen C.

Feb 2, 2012

Jen C.

No one is ever perfect and your thumbs give you personality. Ignore the haters and do what you like. :)

Tracy C.

Feb 2, 2012

Tracy C.

Hi Ashley, First no professional should be laughing or being put out about doing any kind of nails, that is their job. I have done nails for many years and have had several clients with the same thumb nails. I have found more square with the corners rounded works best. Because your nail is naturally shorter and wider if you start to round it too much the nail will break easier.
If you want neon green and purple flowers do it!! if you really are self concious do it on a different nail but do it!
The style now is different designs on each nail so you could do anything really. If you are doing a design on all nails do include the thumb, if you don't it will attract more attention because it is the different one.
If people are rude or cruel you want no part of them in your life (even for a manicure).
 ;)

Precious F.

Feb 2, 2012

Precious F.

my aunt has a wide thumb probaly not as big but maybe i can help, first she has grown it some and shaped it ,then we used sally hansens salon effects on her nails and i have to use two strips,i try to match up the design and lightly apply at first .when it is centered to your liking,press it on as usual.and there you go! also,most people are not going to notice your nail if you dont,no its true!!!!one or two may in the course of a year but you just rock that mani grl and have fun with it! also,try looking at your hand in the mirror at a normal distance and that is what the world sees,IF they are looking at your hand,because if you are rocking a great eye mr.right will notice that more! Queen Elizabeth the first(king henry the 8th daughter.) was going bald and more and she was in the public eye, so she rocked great clothes and lots of accesories and everybody said how beautyful she was !

Ashley B.

Feb 3, 2012

Ashley B.

Thanks everyone for the tips and encouragement!

Precious, if that's your aunt's thumb I would be stoked to have mine look that normal. Mine are very, very, flat, wide, and super stubby. Haaaaaaaate them. So. Much.

Precious F.

Feb 3, 2012

Precious F.

Wow,but if you want I can still do a tut showing how to nail art your nails.I would do that for you so know one laughs at you.

Heather C.

Feb 4, 2012

Heather C.

Oh Ashley, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself about it. I looked up Megan Fox's thumb and it amazes me how people notice such things. I never pay attention to peoples thumbs lol. I really don't see an issue, embrace it and turn into "your thing". To me, that is a perfect nail to use as an accent nail. Not sure exactly how flat yours is, but a flat surface is perfect to draw little designs on.

I know that things are easier said then done, but you have to look at it from another angle and make it a strength instead of a weakness. Your made just the way your suppose to be..and your beautiful just as you are!

Cecilia N.

May 13, 2015

Cecilia N.

Wow. I probably would have left a strongly worded yelp review to any salon that straight up LAUGHED at my thumbnails. How childish. I have the same type of thumb (brachydactyly type d, to be more specific.)

Cecilia N.

May 13, 2015

Cecilia N.

Thumbs:

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Ashley B.
Ashley B.

Bangkok, Thailand

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