Bowling is a great activity for everyone. If it’s your favorite sport, nothing can discourage you from playing it, not even long nails. If you want to safeguard your long fingernails while having an excellent time bowling, you will need to be careful.
In this article, I will discuss how to bowl properly with long nails and the difficulties you may encounter in this situation.
So, to overcome the problems you might face when bowling with long nails and have a great time, read the information below.
Can You Go Bowling with Long Nails?
Yes. You certainly can! It is possible because you don’t need to put your fingers in close contact with the pins. The ball’s weight and momentum make it quite simple.
All you have to do is roll the ball down the lane and watch it take care of everything.
Problems Faced When Bowling with Long Nails
Although it is possible to bowl with long nails, you could also lose your nails if you are not attentive. You may face several problems if you can’t handle the process properly. The following are some common ones.
1. Nails Getting Chaffed
Bowling balls are usually heavy. So, you might end up chafing, hurting, or leaving a mark on your nails. It generally happens when you don’t have good posture.
2. Breaking Nails
If you have long nails, keep them away from the bowling ball’s finger holes. I once broke one of my nails trying to insert it in the holes. To make sure you don’t repeat this mistake, use an alternative technique.
3. Finger Injuries
Any tearing or breakage of your long or fake nails might leave long-term marks on the skin. If you are not safeguarding your nails properly when bowling, you may get injured, and the broken nail may pierce the skin, causing bleeding.
Can Bowling With Long Nails Be Dangerous?
Most people don’t consider bowling a risky activity. However, bowling with long nails could be dangerous.
Your long nails might veer off course and damage the ball or potentially strike another bowler. The ball can also become twisted in the lane, which would force it to veer suddenly and even strike you.
If you have long artificial nails like mine, it might seem difficult to grip your ball properly. This can make your throw inaccurate when you don’t have good posture.
Can You Wear Fake Nails or Acrylic Nails When Bowling?
Even though you can bowl with fake nails, it is quite difficult, and I don’t recommend it. From my experience, I know that fitting fake nails in the bowling ball holes is hard.
Either you will injure yourself by pressing on the bottom of the finger hole, causing your nails to rise in the nail rood, or the long fake nails might come off as you release the ball.
This might result in a bad bowling performance. So, if you want to see accurate throws and play some serious games, having fake nails might not be a good idea.
Having long acrylic nails may also cause a hassle while bowling. But there are some things you can do to make it work. First, you will need to trim your nails properly and file them to ensure they don’t get in the way when you are bowling. Second, pick a ball that has a big thumbhole to fit your acrylic nails properly.
Finally, if you still face trouble with acrylic nails, try wearing sporting tape around the finger holes or gloves. This will help prevent any catching or slipping on the ball. However, keep in mind that this might not help if you have very long nails.
Practice is a must to have a successful throw, whether you are playing with long acrylic or fake nails.
Bowling Techniques For Long Nail Bowlers
Bowling with long nails might seem difficult at first if you don’t know some simple techniques. Here’s the simple and effective technique I used to successfully bowl with my long nails:
- First, cup and stabilize the ball using both your hands. If you are doing it correctly, your wrists might get plenty of support. It will ensure neither of your arms is bearing any of the brunt of the throw.
- Before making a move, you will need to go to the foul line. Then, assume the correct posture required to make the throw.
- Now, spread your legs out to shoulder width. This may provide you with a sturdy foundation and also prevent you from getting hurt.
- To begin the swing, bring your arms back between your legs. Make sure you are keeping the ball cupped.
- Then, make a big show of maintaining your upright posture and straight legs as you flip the ball over to the opposite side.
When maintaining these techniques, I always make sure I have filed my nails smoothly and that the tips are rounded as well. You should also do so to prevent your nails from snagging on the lane or the ball.
Adjust your grip slightly by cradling the ball in your fingers instead of holding it in the palm of your hand. This might take a little practice. However, once you master it, you will be able to bowl with long nails like everyone else.
How To Protect The Long Nails While Bowling
To properly protect your nails when bowling, make sure to avoid contact with your nail bed and skin. You can do this by picking a ball that is suitable for your hand. You will have to use a loose grip. Try avoiding heavier balls since they might be harder to control.
You should also be careful when you remove your hand from the ball. Your nail might get ripped off if you are not cautious enough. So, consider wearing gloves while bowling if you want to ensure your nails’ safety.
Look after the nails before attempting bowling matches. If you have natural nails, try using products to strengthen them. Hand cream can be helpful to keep your cuticles and nails healthy, too. Making this a step in your manicure routine can keep your nails damage-free. I have had great results from regular nail care. Now, they don’t break as easily with pressure.
Products To Protect Your Nails While Bowling
If you have tried bowling with long nails for a long time and didn’t get good results keeping your nails protected, I can recommend some products that might help you. These goods might solve your manicure problems while maintaining your best performance in the lanes. Most of these products are designed specifically for bowling, and some have various other applications as well.
- Protective Tape: You can use this tape to wrap your fingers and thumb to prevent blisters, cuts, calluses, and fractured nails. You can decide how much tape to use during bowling.
- Performance Tape: These colored protective wraps can help keep your nails safe and secure from cuts, blisters, and calluses. They are a combination of soft cotton cloth and a mild adhesive. You won’t get the goop like with other tapes. I have tried it. It’s really good.
- Finger Cots: These are comfortable and elastic. You will find them cut-resistant as well as durable. Using comfy elastic bands helps them stay in place. They might help you preserve your manicure while protecting the fingers and thumb from abrasions, cuts, and calluses.
- Right-Hand Wrist Support: Right-hand wrist support can help you have satisfied control, less strain, and keep you on the lanes longer. It can also protect your nails from shattering, chipping, and breaking while providing superior ball control.
- Fingertip Bandages: These bandages might already be in your first-aid kit. Fingertip bandages help you get a wrap around your finger that has a cushioned pad to cover and protect your nail. They are usually made of flexible, breathable material, so you can apply them as loosely as needed.
Conclusion
As I have played with both short nails and long nails, I will definitely recommend having short nails when bowling to perform better. However, if you want to bowl with longer nails, it is also possible. Just make sure to maintain the aforementioned tips.
Whatever method you prefer in bowling, practice is a must. The more you practice, the more successful you’ll be bowling with long nails.