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I've written about hair, now let's talk about Nails.
My nails were one of the first things my husband noticed when we first met. I'll be honest, I didn't really care too much about them nor did I think he would notice on our first date. But he did-- and he made one comment to me I will never forget: "I like it when girls have long nails" and ever since then I've treasured my nails and realized that these little things we carry at the tip of our fingers hold a lot more value than we give them credit for.
tip 1: Don't use your nails as tools.
Rather than using your nails, use other parts of your hand, or a pen, to perform tasks like dialing the phone. Don't pick, poke or scrape with your nails and especially avoid opening soft drink cans with your nails.
tip 2: Wear gloves.
Detergents are particularly harsh on your nails and can cause splitting and peeling. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. You should also wear gloves when gardening to protect your nails from infection and prevent dryness, damage, and loss of natural oils.
tip 3: Don't bit your nails or pick at your cuticles.
Aside from the obvious reason that biting shortens your nails, these habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter the nail bed and cause an infection. Remember your nails grow slowly so an injured nail retains signs of damage for several months.
tip 4: Look after your cuticles.
The cuticle is a barrier that keeps bacteria from the nail matrix, where new cells are generated, so it should not be cut or trimmed. On the other hand, you do want to keep cuticles from becoming overgrown, which suffocates nail growth. If your cuticle has grown out on to the nail plate, after sufficiently softening your cuticles in warm water, very gently use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back. As well as pushing your cuticles back this will help to remove dead skin and debris that may have accumulated. Hold the cuticle pusher at an angle, and use tiny circular movements, so that you are as gentle and careful as possible and do not damage the cuticle. When you have finished, don't forget to moisturize your hands.
tip 5: Look after your nails.
Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. Use manicure scissors or clippers and a nail file to smooth nail edges. Never pull off hangnails - doing so almost always results in ripping living tissue. Clip hangnails off, leaving a slight angle outward.
tip 6: Caring for brittle nails.
Trim brittle nails after a bath, or a 15 minute hand soak in bath oil, and then apply a moisturizer. Don't use nail polish remover more than twice a month. Instead, touch up the nail polish. When you do need to use a nail polish remover avoid those that use acetone, which dries out nails. Also consider using a nail strengthener and growth formula.
tip 7: The role of the almighty diet.
Unless your diet is deficient in protein and vitamins, dietary changes that supposedly strengthen nails won't work. Your nails can however offer telltale signs of dietary problems such as:
Lack of vitamin A and calcium causing dryness and brittleness.
Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causing hang nails
White bands across the nails caused by protein deficiency.
A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid causing splitting nails.
Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leading to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved ends and darkening of nails.
Insufficient zinc causing development of white spots on the nails.
Red skin around your cuticles can be caused by poor metabolism of essential fatty acids.
If you are concerned that your diet may not be balanced and healthy you should consult a medical or nutritional professional.
tip 8: Moisturise your nails.
Nails need moisture just like your hands do. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturising your hands. Be sure to apply moisturiser each time you wash your hands
tip 9: Use colored nail polish.
Use colored nail polish while you are growing your nails. If you prefer a softer look, try a sheer shade. Colored nail polish helps you become more aware of your hands and how to use them in a way that keeps your nail polish undamaged and hence, protected. It also makes chips easier to spot so that you can make immediate repairs.
Long, beautiful natural nails take commitment and tender loving care to grow and maintain. Be patient, the average nail takes 3 to 6 months to grow.
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