Natural Nail Care 101
Do's and Don'ts
Some basic information on what you need to know to keep your fingernails in healthy condition.
Always remember, treat your nails like jewels and not tools.
Fingernails: What's Normal and What's Not
Take a close look at your fingernails. Are they strong and healthy looking? Or do you see ridges, dents, or areas of unusual color or shape? Many less than desirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper fingernail care. Others might indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
Your fingernails are composed of layers of a protein called keratin. Many people don't know this but they grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, also called the free edge. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.
Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
· Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail
· Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails
· Thinning or thickening of the nails
· Separation of the nail from the nail bed and/or surrounding skin
· Bleeding around the nails
· Swelling or pain around the nails
· Failure of nails to grow out
Fingernail Care: Do's
1) Please keep fingernails dry and clean as much as possible. Use a nail brush and scrub under your nails as often as possible. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to weak or split fingernails.
2) Please try to wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals. Always protect your hands as well and moisturize once the gloves are removed.
3) Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the free edge in a gentle curve if desired (although its not necessary). If you prefer to use a nail file instead of clipping, please file in one direction only, do NOT file back and forth in a sawing motion, that will only break down the fibers and weaken your nails.
4) Remember to use moisturizer on your hands, wrists, arms and elbows daily. When you use hand lotion, don't forget to rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles as well. Also remember that lotion will just coat, oil will permeate the skin and therefore hydrate it better. So oil those cuticles as much as possible as it promotes healthy nail growth.
5) When possible, apply nail polish or a keratin type protective layer on your nails. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen your weak or fragile nails. Follow any advice on the bottle and advice from your friendly nail tech as well.
6) Ask your doctor about biotin or a Hair, Skin & Nails Supplement which can be found in many stores, and it can be found over the counter without a prescription. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails. I suggest speaking to your doctor about which supplement is best for you.
Fingernail Care: Don'ts
1) Please don't bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection. Also there is so much dirt and grime under your nails that you don't see. Its also a really bad disgusting habit.
2) Please don't pull off or bite your hangnails, it never ends well. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail, which can cause bleeding and may also lead to infection. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails, if you cant do it yourself, ask someone to do it for you and by all means, please make sure the scissors or nippers are clean!
3) Please don't use any type of harsh nail care products on your natural nails. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula, pure acetone will not have a color to it and non-acetone 9 times out of 10 will have a color.
4) Please don't ignore problems when you see them or even if something feels funny. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation. Especially if it is concerning to you.
3) Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the free edge in a gentle curve if desired (although its not necessary). If you prefer to use a nail file instead of clipping, please file in one direction only, do NOT file back and forth in a sawing motion, that will only break down the fibers and weaken your nails.
4) Remember to use moisturizer on your hands, wrists, arms and elbows daily. When you use hand lotion, don't forget to rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles as well. Also remember that lotion will just coat, oil will permeate the skin and therefore hydrate it better. So oil those cuticles as much as possible as it promotes healthy nail growth.
5) When possible, apply nail polish or a keratin type protective layer on your nails. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen your weak or fragile nails. Follow any advice on the bottle and advice from your friendly nail tech as well.
6) Ask your doctor about biotin or a Hair, Skin & Nails Supplement which can be found in many stores, and it can be found over the counter without a prescription. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails. I suggest speaking to your doctor about which supplement is best for you.
Fingernail Care: Don'ts
1) Please don't bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection. Also there is so much dirt and grime under your nails that you don't see. Its also a really bad disgusting habit.
2) Please don't pull off or bite your hangnails, it never ends well. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail, which can cause bleeding and may also lead to infection. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails, if you cant do it yourself, ask someone to do it for you and by all means, please make sure the scissors or nippers are clean!
3) Please don't use any type of harsh nail care products on your natural nails. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula, pure acetone will not have a color to it and non-acetone 9 times out of 10 will have a color.
4) Please don't ignore problems when you see them or even if something feels funny. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation. Especially if it is concerning to you.
4a) Please don't ask your nail tech friend to diagnose your nail issues, we are not medical doctors and the only thing we will tell you to do is consult a real doctor.
A Note About Manicures and Pedicures
1) If you rely on others to perform your manicures and/or pedicures for healthy-looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board.
2) DO NOT have your cuticles removed, they act to seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection. They are also live skin!!! Once cut they just keep growing back and thicker.
3) Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection.
4) You might also ask how the foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between clients and the filters are cleaned regularly. Some salons are even using drop in bags now.
It's easy to neglect your nails, but taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong.
PLEASE NOTE: If anyone would like any product suggestions, please feel free to reach out and I will gladly give you a list of my favorites.
Stay tuned tomorrow to discuss some basic nail health and common disorders.
With love,
A Note About Manicures and Pedicures
1) If you rely on others to perform your manicures and/or pedicures for healthy-looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board.
2) DO NOT have your cuticles removed, they act to seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection. They are also live skin!!! Once cut they just keep growing back and thicker.
3) Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection.
4) You might also ask how the foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between clients and the filters are cleaned regularly. Some salons are even using drop in bags now.
It's easy to neglect your nails, but taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong.
PLEASE NOTE: If anyone would like any product suggestions, please feel free to reach out and I will gladly give you a list of my favorites.
Stay tuned tomorrow to discuss some basic nail health and common disorders.
With love,
Maria
*The opinions and information expressed in this post are those of the author's only*
*The opinions and information expressed in this post are those of the author's only*
Comments
You’re the best nail tech ever! Love u mama