Maintaining healthy natural nails is not as complicated as many people think.
Just as with hair, nails are usually their healthiest in their natural state, requiring a
little bit of nail polish for protection and regular applications of hand cream as a
moisturizer.
In fact, many argue that using most of the typical nail strengtheners
offered on the market is actually a bad idea because they chemically crosslink the nail
plate. Although such products do make nails more rigid, they also make them less flexible
and thus more prone to breaking on impact. It is actually more important that nails are
kept flexible and moisturized. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. There is
at least one commercially popular nailcare product that will actually strengthen nails
while keeping nails flexible. That product is Nailtiques, which offers several different
formulas for nail therapy, depending on the overall condition of your nails.
Here are some basics
on nail care for you:
Frequent nail splitting can indicate dehydration. If you
are experiencing this problem, it is recommended that you drink more fluids and use an oil
designed to penetrate the nail plate. We recommend Nailtiques Oil Therapy. Then follow up
with a moisturizing cream.
Long nails and pointed nails are, by nature, weaker than
"normally" shaped nails, and therefore require special attention. If you prefer
the long or pointed nail look, several coats of nail hardener will help minimize chipping
and peeling of the nail enamel. Again, the important thing is to find something that
protects AND moisturizes.
Regular use of nail polish can cause a yellowing
discoloration of the nails. This is not considered damaging, but it is useful to keep in
mind. If you prefer the "natural look", use color only
occasionally.
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Below Are Some Useful
Nail Care Tips for You:
Never clip nails to shorten them. Use an emery
board to file nails down to size.
Apply the Nailtiques formula that is right for
you either daily or almost daily to help protect the tips.
Use nail polish remover as infrequently as
possible - especially those containing acetone. Most nail polish removers will dry nails
out. Many specialists suggest using nail polish remover no more than once a week. (Try
Nailtiques' Non - Acetone Remover for great results)
Apply a hand cream or lotion after washing
hands since soaps tend to cause nails and skin to become very dry. Cuticles should remain
moisturized with Vaseline or a moisturizer. (Tip: Use Nailtiques Hand and Cuticle Cream
for the best results.)
Never peel or scrape off nail polish or use
metal instruments on the nail surface to push back the cuticles. This can scrape off the
protective cells of the nail surface.
Break the habit of nail biting! It is very
destructive to both the nail and the cuticle and can lead to infections that can actually
deform the nail.
An excellent time to do your self-manicure is
after a shower, bath or the dishes. These activities will remove dirt from under the nails
as well as soften dry nails.
The cuticle protects the nail root from
bacteria. Instead of cutting the cuticle, push it back gently with a rosewood stick or
rubber - tipped cuticle-pusher. However, should the cuticle be hard and dry and sticking
up, slightly trimming it is justifiable, but never remove the whole thing. Strong cuticle
growth can be controlled with a cuticle softener or cuticle remover liquid.
Keep your nails out of your mouth! Biting
nails can damage the nail and the cuticle leading to a deformed nail shape or uneven nail
growth. You can also transfer harmful organisms to the nail that lead to infection or even
increase one's chance of catching a cold or flu.
Next Month - "Seven Steps You Can Do at Home for an Effective
Weekly Self Manicure Routine"
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