6 Everyday Struggles Only People with Long Nails Truly Get in 2025

I love my long nails. They’ve become part of my look—something that makes me feel polished even on days when I’m wearing the same hoodie for the third time. But let’s be honest: long nails make simple things surprisingly annoying. Sometimes, it feels like the world wasn’t designed for people like us.

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to make daily life less frustrating. If you’re also living that long-nail life, I think you’ll recognize a few of these everyday struggles—and hopefully find some of these tips useful.

1. Typing Shouldn’t Be This Hard

Ah, the daily keyboard struggle. Long nails and flat keys don’t mix. You either type at a weird angle or keep hitting the wrong keys altogether. After an hour of work, my hands used to feel sore just from the effort of “adjusting.”

Here’s what changed it for me:
I switched to a keyboard designed with nail-friendly ergonomics in mind. A slightly elevated key height and smoother key travel made all the difference—no more weird hand angles, no more fatigue after a long day.
It wasn’t just a comfort upgrade—it actually helped me type faster and more accurately.

(Side note: If you’ve ever had this problem, check out TAPÉ Daydream — it’s the one I wish I found sooner.)

2. Opening Cans Is… a Situation

There’s nothing glamorous about struggling with a soda can. That tiny metal tab? Basically a built-in nail trap. I’ve definitely bent a nail or two thinking, “I’ve got this.” Spoiler: I didn’t.

What I do now:
I keep a thick rubber band in the kitchen drawer. Wrapping it around the tab gives just enough grip to lift it without using my nails directly. On the go, I carry a flat keychain tool. It looks like a bottle opener but helps with almost anything sealed or stuck.

3. ATMs Are Basically Nail Traps

There’s something about using an ATM that feels like a small public performance. You’re trying to enter your PIN or tap a menu option, but with long nails, those tiny buttons suddenly feel like landmines. You either miss the button completely or accidentally hit two at once—and if there’s someone waiting behind you, the pressure’s on.

And then there’s the card part. Ever had your debit card sink a little too deep into the slot? Pulling it out with long nails is a joke. I’ve stood there wiggling it back and forth like I’m playing a claw machine. Once, I actually had to use a folded rewards card to pinch and slide it out. Felt ridiculous, but hey—it worked. Better awkward than stuck.

What works for me:
I now use the side of my finger or my knuckle to tap the keys. It might look funny, but it’s way more accurate and saves my nails from getting jammed. And for those card moments, I keep a spare card in my wallet—something thin and sturdy—to help grab the real one when it’s being difficult. A little weird? Maybe. But it’s way better than leaving your card behind because you couldn’t get it out.

4. Picking Up Small Things Feels Like a Game

You drop a coin, a ring, or even just a receipt—and suddenly you’re crouched down, chasing it around like you’re in a claw machine. Long nails just don’t let you get under tiny objects like normal fingertips do.

What I carry:
An old gift card or hotel key card lives in my wallet now. It’s perfect for sliding under small things and nudging them into reach. At home, I keep a pair of silicone-tipped tweezers. Highly recommend.

5. Packaging vs. Nails: Who Wins?

Let me answer that: not me. From snack bags to delivery boxes, packaging is a constant threat to my manicure. Tearing into a sealed bag feels like picking a fight I probably won’t win.

What saves me:
Mini scissors. I keep them everywhere—in my bag, at my desk, even in the glove box. When I don’t have scissors, I use a hairpin to pierce the seal before opening it. Way better than risking a ripped nail.

6. Buttons and Pants: Why So Difficult?

Last but not least, good old clothing buttons. Jeans are the worst offenders. Getting that button through the hole without getting stuck or pinching a nail takes patience—and sometimes contortion.

Here’s my fix:
I use the side of my finger instead of trying to push straight through. Also, I’ve leaned into clothing with zippers or magnetic closures when I can. It’s a tiny shift that’s made my mornings much smoother.

Final Thoughts

Long nails are beautiful. They’re fun, bold, and sometimes totally impractical—but that’s part of the charm. I’ve had to adjust how I do everyday things, but once you find your rhythm, it’s not so bad. The little tips above have saved me from daily headaches, and hopefully, they help you too.

If you’ve got nail hacks, tools, or just relatable nail fails, share them. I love hearing how others make long-nail life work—it’s kind of a sisterhood, isn’t it?

So here’s to strong nails, clever fixes, and finding ways to make it all work—one smart shortcut at a time.

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– 5 Best Keyboards for Long Nails Compared 2025

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– Working with Long Nails at a Desk Job: The Struggles I Didn’t See Coming