Long fingernails and the workshop - two things that don't always go well together.
Let me explain.
Woodworking, and other crafts, can be fairly physical activities. For example, they can involve moving lots of things from one point to another - repeatedly. Tools, raw materials, more tools, finished materials, chemicals, more tools, etc. I've spent the last decade in the workshop environment, and I'm sure I've moved enough lumber to occupy a small (to mid-size) tree farm in northern Wisconsin.
During those last ten years, my gender identity agreed with that on my birth certificate, i.e., male. As you've probably figured out (hint - the name of this site), I now identify as a transgender female. I won't get into the details of my decision to transition (for now), but it is no surprise that this decision has brought about lots of changes for me. For example, longer fingernails. And to a lesser extent, fingernail polish.
I don't, of course, want to alienate any other gender identities when it comes to the length of one's fingernails. I realize there are those out there who have long fingernails, but do not identify as female. And let's not forget the lazy nail-clippers who just can't quite be bothered, or those guys who leave one long fingernail on their little finger - something to do with drugs? I really don't know.
One of the stereotypical traits of the 'standard american female' is longer fingernails. As I began my transition, this was one of the things I could easily do - something that did not involve much of anything but waiting and occasional selective trimming. Growing my hair long was much the same.
As a budding trans female, I really enjoyed my longer fingernails - even more so when adding a little color. I did not, however, enjoy the first time I shattered one of those long fingernails while working in my shop. Ouch. It isn't only the constant threat of moving something wrong or catching a fingernail end on something, but fingernail polish (painstakingly applied) can be scratched or melted off in all sorts of ways.
I should clarify that I'm only going to discuss fingernails - not toenails. Thankfully, my toenails are safely ensconced in appropriate footwear any time I'm in the workshop. They are thus able to safely maintain their fabulous red coating (OPI Nail Lacquer, Big Apple Red). :)
Always wear closed-toed shoes in a workshop environment! You will protect your toenails, and the delicate bones of your feet.
Back to fingernails...
I know that not all 'stereotypical' women have long fingernails. I have female friends who hate long nails and the maintenance that goes along with them. When I began my transition, I enjoyed having my fingernails longer (and painted) because it made me feel more feminine - and it was a conspicuous change from my old male self. However, I realize shorter fingernails didn't make me any less female, and certainly don't invalidate my gender identity. People can have their fingernails any length or color they choose and still have a valid gender identity. I decided on a 'fingernail compromise' of sorts: I get to have the pretty longish fingernails I want when I'm not in the shop - and the shop gets to mess them up, resulting in hours of 'fingernail repair' and annoyance. It's a win-win. ;)
In the workshop, safety and proper equipment is important for everyone, long and short finger-nailed alike. There are some things we can all do to stave off workshop-related damage:
- Work gloves: Full-fingered work gloves can do a decent job of protecting your fingernails, but they can't realistically be worn all the time while working on a project. Certain activities require a lot of dexterity - and delicate tasks rely on having feeling in your fingers. Safety is a concern too - some tools can't be safely used with gloves (i.e., many kinds of power saws). Finger-less work gloves are great at protecting the hands, but not so much the fingers, because... you know... the finger-less part.
- Disposable (Latex / Vinyl / Nitrile) Gloves: Disposable gloves are wonderful for protecting nail polish from solvents and other nasty chemicals. Since they typically fit tightly on the hands, you don't lose much in the way of feeling or dexterity. It is very important, however, to know how any chemicals you're using will react with the material of the specific gloves you're using. For example, using wood stain on a piece of newly built furniture - the stain will melt off any nail polish it comes into contact with unless you wear Nitrile or Vinyl gloves. Latex gloves won't stand up to the petroleum-based solvent in many wood stains.
- Nail Polish: The science behind nail polish has come a long way, with polish becoming harder and hardier. My experience with nail polish is somewhat limited, but I have had great success with nail hardeners and associated products. No product will protect your fingernail from a misplaced hammer blow, but they can help prevent scratches and dings. For example, I use Sally Hansen Miracle Gel (#550 'Hunger Flame' for anyone who cares to know), and I find it can stand up to more abuse then typical one-coat polish.
- Being Mindful: This may sound simplistic, but it is surprising how often missteps occur just because someone doesn't have their mind on what they are doing. For example, using a bench-mounted sander and not paying very close attention to how close your finger tips are to the sandpaper (Nothing gets rid of your long fingernails faster then course sandpaper moving at ~ 2500 feet per minute). Being mindful also means being aware of your own limitations and being smart about possible impairments. Ripping a bunch of lumber on the table saw might sound like a fun thing to do after a couple of drinks, but cutting off a finger is another great way to mess up your fingernail polish (and, well, your whole day really).
If you spend time in the workshop being a crafts-person, artist, woodworker, etc, and you want long beautiful fingernails (regardless of gender identity), you can have them if you're careful and take steps to protect them. Don't let anyone make you feel that you don't belong in the shop because of something like fingernail choice (I've had some fun and positive conversations about fingernail polish with the checkout ladies at home improvement stores).
That being said, even careful people with short fingernails occasionally have accidents. It happens. At least they grow back.
For me, I still grow my nails somewhat long and I still paint them. I try to be safe and mindful around the workshop when doing things that are likely to damage them.
In summary, you can have fingernails any length or color you choose and still be safe, productive, and valid in the workshop!
Oh, and don't forget your closed-toed shoes (toenails need protecting too!) :)
-Lia
Contact Me
My Writings (Transgender Woodworker content)
Artfully Functional (my studio)
LiaZero.com (all my online content)
My Writings (Transgender Woodworker content)
Artfully Functional (my studio)
LiaZero.com (all my online content)