Nail Care Tips

Nail Care Tips

The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks which make up the body. The nail care help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects.

Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection.

Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week.  Nice looking, neat, natural nails require care and proper manicuring. A shortish nail that is straight across the top with rounded edges is the current in style shape.  Other shapes include square, round, and oval.

1. Infections
- you may have a nail fungus infection if your nails go crumbly and whitish/yellowish and separate from the nail bed
- hangnails or loose skin around the sides of your nails should be trimmed with a shape scissor or nail nipper to reduce the risk of skin tearing or infections getting into the skin

2. Basic Nail Care
- Wash hands with mild soap, using a nailbrush.
- Soak the hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles (the bits of skin at the bottom of the nails).
- Very gently push back the cuticles if they are long and ragged.
- Trim the nails to the same length, cutting off any snaggy or spiky bits.
- File the ends of the nails to smooth them off.
- If your hands are dry, apply some hand cream (it doesn't have to be the girly stuff that stinks of flowers, lads).
- Try not to bite your nails.

3. Filing Nails:
- file the nail when the free edge is 1/4 th  long (otherwise the nail will weaken)
- file from the corner of the nail towards the center in one direction.
- Should be done whenever necessary (sharp edges, weekly basis)

4. Buffing Nails:
- gives nails a shinier finish
- don't go back and forth to create heat - does damage to the nail
- should not be done all the time

5. Clean Nails:
- clean the nails from oils, lotions, and old polish
- ensure the nails are dry before beginning your new manicure

6. Base Coat:
- the base coat protects the nail from staining and keeps the polish from chipping (so it lasts longer)

7. Applying Polish:
- two thin layers of polish looks better than one thick layer
- apply polish to the sides and finish through the centre to keep a nice finish to the polish
- ensure the polish is thin enough prior to applying to the nail Drying Time:
- allow several minutes for polish to dry before applying the next coat
- drying time allows the next coat to adhere properly to the first coat
- dark shades need more time to dry

8. Top Coat:
- apply to nail once last coat of polish has dried completely

9. Moisturize:
- after nails are completely dry, apply moisturizer to hand and nails especially the cuticles

10. Cuticle Oil:
- massage into the cuticle to moisturize and soften dry spots on the cuticles

11. Bed Time:
- apply cream to nail and hands before going to bed