How To Take Care Of Your Fingernails

Proper care of your fingernails is as important as washing your hair or brushing your teeth. Regular nail hygiene always results to stronger fingernails. It prevents bacteria from growing under each nail, which can result to chipping and breakages.

Aesthetically, well-groomed fingernails make your hands look like a million bucks.

Some people invest or get extra help to make sure they can give the best care for their nails.

Long fingernails are sexy but in general, health is better than length, so follow these tips and make it a habit to maintain beautiful fingernails.

Keep your fingernails clean and dry. It is important to keep your fingernails (and the skin around them) free from dirt. Pamper your nails by applying soap then gently scrub your nails and skin with a toothbrush. This will remove dirt and exfoliate dead skin naturally.

Be gentle with your fingernails. It is a no-no to use harsh chemicals in cleaning and in removing stains on your nails.

1. Dip your fingernails for a couple of minutes in this mixture: a table spoon of lemon juice and a cup of water. Then clean with hot water and use a moisturizer – a mix of almond and avocado oils or other nutrient-rich oils will do.
2. Dip your fingernails for 8-10 minutes into a lukewarm mustard oil once a day or warm olive oil for 15-20 minutes every other day. Rub each nail slowly and gradually to ensure usual blood circulation around the fingernails. This will help your nails strong.
3. Massage your fingernails using a cotton ball dipped in fresh lemon juice. Rinse them right away after a minute or two.
4. Don’t cut your cuticles. Your cuticles are set to seal the base of your nail for protection against bacteria and possible infection.

Cut your nails if they’re too long for you. If you are not comfortable with your nail length anymore, trim them, preferably in a straight line to avoid problems with ingrown nails.

Use emery board. Emery board (nail file) is a piece of cardboard covered with a rough material used for smoothing and shaping nails. This is for those whose work causes frequent wear and tear, and with a nail file will help smoothen away any rough edges that happen on the spot.

Protect your nails.

1. Wear gloves if you’re using cleaning chemicals at home, during gardening, or doing some laundry. Similarly, a pair of mittens will protect your fingernails against dryness during cold weather.
2. Give your nails a break from one nail polish to another. Without giving your nails a time to rest from these chemicals, they can make them dry, turns them yellow, and overtime will weaken the structure of your nails.
3. Disinfect your manicure tools before and after using. Avoid buying nail polish with toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene for both can make your nails brittle, and use a base coat.
4. Minimize acrylic or gel manicures to avoid frequent exposure of your hands and nails to UV light as a drying device. This is to help reduce the increased risk of cancer.
5. Protecting your nails means you have to consider adding vitamins and minerals like biotin, Vitamin E and fish oil to your daily intake. Also eating of protein-rich foods can contribute to a stronger nails.