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What exactly is nail care? To care for oneself means to spend time nurturing and pampering. One of these things includes nails. Like other things, there are steps that are involved in nail care. In this case, what nail care tips are important to know?
When providing nail care, it is important to know what helps encourage nail growth and what damages them. By supporting the nails and avoiding damaging activities, the nails stay healthy. It is especially important for people who are providing nail care to know what to do and what not to do.
Proper nail care involves many processes and techniques. From nail care before, during, and after a manicure to how to take care of your natural nails. In this article, I will discuss the important things that one should know when they are providing nail care.
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How Should Nail Care Be Done?
The way one should take care of their nails depends on their state. Manicured nails, for example, may require some more TLC compared to natural nails. Damaged nails, on the other hand, may require the most attention. Whatever it is, here are tips to care for your nails.
Nail Care and Manicures
Manicures can be a great way to maintain a well-groomed appearance while protecting your natural nails. However, the wrong techniques may damage your nails so it is important to take care. Here are some tips on how to care for manicured nails.
- Only Go to Licensed Salons
This is a step in the right direction and is the first thing you can do to minimize the risk of your nails being damaged. A licensed salon is likely to have professional nail technicians. The technique used is important for nail care.
The tools should be properly sterilized and the technician should use quality products for the manicure.
- Stick to Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers
Acetone-based nail polish removers tend to be harsh on the nails and surrounding skin. For this reason, it is good to try to use a non-acetone-based nail polish remover where you can. Alternatives are ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol.
Both are less aggressive and can effectively remove nail varnish or nail products without being too harsh on the nails.
- Keep Your Manicure Well Maintained
When your manicure has reached its expiration date, it starts to chip and peel. This is when the nails are at risk of being damaged. Many people pick at their nails or peel the product off. This actually strips the natural nail.
This is why it is important to maintain your manicure and get it redone or removed before it gets to the point of peeling.
Caring For Natural Nails
- Cut or File Frequently
Cutting and filing nails actually encourage growth. That’s because it stimulates the nails leading to an increase in blood flow. Keeping nails short also makes them less likely to pick up dirt and prevents them from tearing or splitting.
It is important to use the right nail file tools and when cutting, a sharp pair of scissors or nail clippers.
- Keep Your Nails Clean
Keeping your nails clean is an important step in nail care. Not only is this good for appearance, but keeping nails clean helps to protect them from germs. This is particularly true for fungus.
Nails are susceptible to fungal infections, so keeping nails clean is a good way to prevent these.
- Use a Topcoat
If your natural nails are not strong enough to withstand everyday tasks without tearing, then a topcoat is the way to go. Applying a good-quality topcoat will prevent your nails from getting damaged.
An added bonus is that topcoats add shine and make your natural nails look good.
Caring For Damaged Nails
- Moisturize Frequently
Following a proper moisturizing routine is an important step in nail care. Dry cuticles make nails susceptible to getting damaged easily. For damaged nails, moisturizing frequently can speed up the restoration process.
The most effective method is to apply moisturizer after each hand wash and to carry it with you. Apply some each time you remember.
- Keep Them Short
Cutting or filing regularly is important. Damaged nails are likely to tear easily. This causes more damage to the nail. Therefore, keeping them at a good length will protect them from tearing and breaking easily because they are less likely to get caught on things.
- Take a Supplement
Supplements are great for nail restoration. Biotin, collagen, and folic acid are all great for nail health. If your nails are generally brittle, you may actually have a deficiency. Either way, these supplements have been proven to strengthen nails for many years.
Here you can read more about the perfect hand care routine.
How Often Should Nail Care Be Done?
The frequency of the required nail care depends on whether or not you have a manicure and whether your nails are damaged. Nails that need repairing need a lot more attention than natural, healthy nails, for example. I will discuss how often nail care should be done here.
Manicured Nails
Manicured nails usually last about 3 weeks before the product needs to be redone or removed. Maintaining a manicure takes daily work, however. For example, one should wear protective gloves while cleaning and avoid activities that risk damage to the nails.
Weekly care is also necessary to maintain the manicure. This may include applying a new topcoat, removing stains and discoloration, or just general touch-ups.
Painted nails generally need touch-ups within two days of being painted. Using a non-acetone nail polish remover is also advised to keep nails healthy.
Natural Nails
Natural nails should be cared for daily. It is important to keep them clean and dry to avoid any fungal or bacterial infections. This can usually be done by using a soft scrubbing brush, soap, and warm water to gently scrub your nails each night.
Weekly care is also required to either cut or file nails to keep them in shape and stimulate growth. Also, remember the importance of moisturizing.
Toenails
Your toenails are not always free to breathe. Some individuals wear closed shoes on a daily basis. This is the perfect environment for fungus to thrive. Proper toenail care includes allowing your feet breathing time daily.
It is also important to use a soft brush, soap, and hot water to scrub your toenails daily. Cutting and filing them should be a weekly affair. One can care for their pedicure the same way they would for their manicure.
The Bottom Line
Caring for your nails is an ongoing practice. For healthy, strong, and well-shaped nails, daily care is of the essence. Especially ensuring that your nails are clean and moisturized well. These help to prevent damage and promote a more presentable look. Nail care should be incorporated into your daily and weekly routine.
SOURCES:
- Why Is Nail Care Important?
- 8 Tips on Nail Care: A Nail Technician’s Guide
- The Importance of Nail Care
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