As a woman living in the modern world, I am of the opinion that other women, like myself, are more likely to suffer from unhealthily long nails or from health disorders that destroy them. Why? Polish, acrylics, gels, or stick-on are some of the most common nail enhancements used by contemporary women. These options help to hide the true condition of the nails while also making the nails and cuticles appear highly attractive by using a cuticle nipper. In the pursuit of beautiful nails, several women have ended up acquiring infections that were so serious that they required, in some instances, the amputation of a finger, hand, toe, or foot. This has led to a number of tragic outcomes.
How then can you make sure that your nails continue to look attractive and healthy? Here are some pointers to consider.
1. Cuticle Removal
The removal of cuticles with cuticle nipper incorrectly is the most common cause of infection acquired as a result of getting manicures and pedicures. The cuticle’s primary function is to defend the nail bed from bacterial and fungal diseases and to prevent inflammation. After using some cuticle nipper and lotion to soften the cuticles, the correct procedure for removing cuticles is to soak your fingernails or toenails in warm water for a few minutes before removing the cuticles. To remove the cuticles, first, push them back gently with a cuticle remover. After this step is completed, the cuticle that was pulled back will be lifted over the nail bed. This portion of the cuticle is referred to as the superfluous cuticle. To trim away the superfluous cuticle, you can use cuticle nipper.
Do not try to remove the cuticles by pulling on them or removing them yourself, and if you go to a salon, do not let the beautician use excessive effort to remove the cuticles. If you do this, you expose your nail bed, which makes it more likely that you may get an infection or experience irritation. After trimming away any excess cuticle with a cuticle nipper, apply cuticle lotion or hand lotion to your nails and use cuticle nipper to keep them supple and moisturized. This should be done on a regular basis.
2. Dietary Needs
Your nails will be less likely to become dry and brittle if you consume a diet that is abundant in Vitamin A, Calcium, and Phosphorous. Apricots, carrots, cheese, and broccoli are some examples of foods that are high in vitamin A content. Milk, yoghurt, cheese, and almonds are some examples of foods that are high in calcium content. Calcium and phosphorus are found in high concentrations in carrot juice. The cuticles are attached to the nail bed by thin strips of skin known as hangnails. You can use a quality cuticle nipper to trim them. Consume plenty of foods high in protein, folic acid, and vitamin C to avoid getting hangnails. Both spirulina and kelp are excellent dietary supplements that can help strengthen and improve the health of your nails.
- Dry nails, rounded nails, curved nails, and darkened nails are all conditions that can be avoided by eating meals that are high in vitamin B 12, which can be found in foods like eggs, salmon, liver, cattle, and oysters, among other things.
- Because of the abundance of vitamins and minerals that are found in raw fruits and vegetables, an overall diet high in these foods will result in highly strong and healthy fingernails and toenails. These nutrients are needed for the formation of fingernails and toenails.
3. Keep it Natural
I am aware of how much better gels, acrylics, and stick-on nails look; but, what you may not be aware of is how severely damaging they are to your natural nail plate. I’m not suggesting that you never wear them; don’t get me wrong. All I’m trying to convey is that you shouldn’t make it a regular occurrence. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while. Keeping your nails in their natural state is the healthiest thing you can do for them. The chemicals and adhesive used in the production of artificial nails provide a risk of fungus infections to the natural nails of the wearer. Because methacrylic acid is a corrosive substance, it is utilized in the application of acrylic, but if too much of it is applied, it can seep through the nail plate and harm the nail bed.
You should try to refrain from polishing your nails throughout. For the sake of preventing any discoloration, you should refrain from applying polish to them for at least one full week per month. Removers for nail polish that contain acetone or formaldehyde should be avoided at all costs. It is recommended that you use a remover for nail polish that contains acetate. When removing nail polish, use as little polish remover as possible, and after you’re done, give your nails a thorough washing with soap and water to get rid of any remaining remnants of the lacquer as well as the remover.
4. Always keep your Nails Clean and Trim them Short
The 1980s and early 1990s may have been a fashionable time for long nails, but those days are long gone, and short nails are the look of the day. However, there are some women who want to keep their nails long and polished. Long nails are difficult to keep clean because they tend to trap a great deal of dirt below them, and they are also more likely to break. I am a woman of African descent, and as such, I feel it is completely ludicrous for an African woman to have long nails. This is due to the fact that most African women, like me, are responsible for some form of domestic labor, regardless of how minor.
When performing duties, whether they are related to the household or not, having nails that are extremely long makes it difficult to make full use of one’s hand. Therefore, trim your nails regularly and maintain them clean. It is polished, expertly done, and up to date.
5. Moisturize & Hydrate
Your nails require a significant amount of water in order to maintain their hydration and moisture, much like your skin does. Therefore, it is very necessary to consume at least one liter of water every day, but the number that is advised is two liters, which is equal to eight glasses. Let’s be honest: very few of us are capable of the second option, which is why the first choice is preferable to not taking any water at all.
Invest in a cuticle nipper and a special cream or softener such as lanolin and apply it after every time you use water to clean or perform any other type of job. By Using a cuticle nipper and the cream will help your nails retain their moisture and keep them looking healthy. In addition to that, before you go to bed, make sure you apply some hand cream or lotion to your hands.
