I used nail polish on both my finger and toenails throughout my chemo and didn't lose any nails at all....I didn't use black though! I think the darker the colour, the better but mine was just a dark pink.
I also got ridges in my finger nails and toenails and they are still growing out of my toenails (last chemo 29th Dec).
Sarah, you are right about the time that your hair falls out and I also used baby shampoo (still am!). I'm going to the hairdresser on 27th May for a cut and colour - I don't have much hair but it is growing at different speeds and I could do with a tidy up! I'm hoping to be able to go "wig-less" soon :)
Maria, I would try to avoid bugs if you can! I know its hard with a sick child but when we have chemo it knocks our immune systems about quite a bit and you may end up getting quite sick if you catch anything.....
Good luck with the rest of the treatment
Louise :)