Nail care tips for tidy men, women

You point and wave your fingernails in people’s faces all day so you want them to be as clean and neat as you keep your hair, skin, clothes and shoes. Proper nail care is sometimes overlooked because it seems easy enough for men and women to clip them when they are long and get manicures and pedicures for a professional look. But, these actions are not enough for healthy nails. Here are nail care tips for you to practise daily to keep a tidy image and have strong nails at all times.

Clean and dry your nails thoroughly

Check your nails regularly for dirt and clean them. Wash your hands with soap or salt in warm water. Remove the dirt with a nailbrush, toothbrush, toothpick, cuticle pusher or an orange stick. Dry your hands with a washrag properly after cleaning them.

Clip, file and buff nails regularly

Make it a habit to clip, file and buff your nails very often. If you bite your nails, stop it immediately. Keep a nail clipper, nail file and buffer in a handy bag at home, in your vehicle’s glove box and your handbag or briefcase. Hangnails attack at anytime and you don’t want to be stranded in public with a nail problem.

Nail care includes healthy cuticles

Your cuticles seal the skin to the nail so removing them can cause a nail infection. The cuticles are very delicate so it is important to keep them clean, moisturised and pampered. Soak hands and feet in soapy warm water at least twice a week, dry them properly and apply cuticle oil to your fingernails and toenails.

Disinfect your nail tools

Disinfect tools before use especially if they are shared by other people in your home. Sanitising your tools may remove some germs but since you are dealing with your precious nails, you must kill all bacteria by soaking tools in disinfectant for at least 10 minutes. When you go for a manicure or pedicure at a salon, observe that the tools are properly disinfected before they are used on your nails or kindly discuss the topic with your nail tech. You don’t want to leave the salon with a nail infection.

Moisturise hands with oils and creams

Your nails usually benefit from the moisturisers that you use during skin care. However, you may want to use oils and creams specifically made for nail care to achieve strong, well-nourished nails. Five recommended products for nail care are:

Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails

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Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

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CND SolarOil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner

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L’Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

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Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil

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Proper nutrition for nail care

Nail care requires a proper diet enriched with Biotin. Eat Biotin-rich foods like egg yolk, dairy products, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds and cauliflower. Take B-Complex vitamin, Vitamin B7, coenzyme R or Vitamin H to add Biotin to your diet. This aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth (source).

Protect your nails with gloves

Avoid contacting your nails with harsh detergents, grease, stones and plenty water for long periods. Wear gloves when doing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, hand washing clothes, servicing your car engine and gardening. Gloves prevent nails from becoming damaged and brittle.

Nail design precautions

Painting your nails looks nice but it is wise to take a few precautions to prevent damage to your nails and overall health. Here are some tips to maintain healthy looking nails and body:

– use a base coat to protect nails from becoming stained

– apply gels and acrylics scarcely such as for special events only

– choose a nail polish that does not include harsh chemicals that will cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and respiratory problems, damage to your nails, liver, kidneys, reproductive system and nerves, or irritate your eyes, nose and skin. Some harsh chemicals are Phtalates (Dibutylphthalate or Diethylhexyl Phthalate, Toluene or Methylbenzene, Xylene, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Ethyltosylamide and Triphenylphosphate.

September 2019 www.sweettntmagazine.com

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