Achieving healthy and beautiful nails requires consistent care and attention. This guide outlines essential do’s and don’ts for maintaining optimal nail health.
**Do’s:**
* **Let Nails Breathe:** Regularly allow your nails to remain free of nail polish to promote natural health.
* **Moisturize Regularly:** Keep hand lotion or cream readily available, especially near the kitchen sink, and apply it after each hand washing.
* **Protect During Chores:** Always wear gloves when doing housework or gardening. Apply hand cream or lotion before putting on gloves for added protection.
* **Apply Nail Oil:** Regularly apply nail oil to strengthen and nourish your nails.
* **Maintain a Balanced Diet:** Ensure your daily diet includes sufficient calcium and vitamin A for healthy nail growth.
* **Keep Manicure Tools Clean:** Regularly clean your manicure set to prevent infections.
* **Professional Manicures:** Consider getting a professional manicure at least once a month for thorough care.
* **Minimize Sun and Water Exposure:** Prolonged sun exposure and excessive swimming can dry out nails. Counteract this by keeping nails and cuticles well-moisturized.
* **Soap Bar Trick:** Before tasks like dusting or gardening, press your nails into a bar of soap. This prevents dirt from getting trapped underneath and simplifies cleaning.
* **Protect Polish in the Bath:** Apply a thin layer of skin cream over nail polish before bathing to help maintain its integrity.
* **Repairing Breaks:** For broken nails, seek professional help for ‘false’ nail application if needed. Otherwise, carefully file the nail down. For severe breaks, temporarily mend with a small piece of cello tape and reapply polish after removing all polish.
* **Oil Brittle Nails:** If your nails are prone to breakage or splitting, consistent oiling is crucial.
**Don’ts:**
* **Avoid Using Nails as Tools:** Refrain from using your nails for tasks better suited for tools like scissors, pliers, or hammers.
* **Don’t File Damp Nails:** Filing damp nails can cause them to weaken and split.
* **Avoid Cutting Cuticles:** Cutting cuticles can lead to infection and damage.
* **Limit Hot Water Exposure:** Avoid washing clothes or dishes in excessively hot water, as it can dry out your hands and nails.
* **Don’t Bite or Chew Nails:** This habit damages nails and can introduce bacteria.
* **Use Proper Cleaning Tools:** Avoid using sharp metal instruments to clean nails. Instead, use a nail brush and orange stick.
* **Avoid Chipped Polish:** Chipped nail polish indicates poor grooming.
* **Limit Detergent Exposure:** Avoid prolonged exposure of your hands to detergents.
* **Don’t Peel Off Polish:** Always use nail polish remover to avoid damaging the nail surface.
**Nail Polish and Length Considerations:**
* **Polish Selection:** Choose nail polish shades carefully. Deep tones complement long, slender nails, while pale colors can make short nails appear longer and suit delicate hands.
* **Nail Length:** Consider your lifestyle when deciding on nail length. Long nails may not be practical if you type frequently, do housework, play guitar, or are active in sports.
**Filing Techniques:**
File your nails rather than cutting them, as cutting can weaken the nail structure and lead to flaking. File in one direction only, from the sides towards the center, using the softer side of an emery board. Aim for a rounded tip that mirrors the shape at the base for a balanced oval appearance.
**Tips for Beautiful Hands:**
* **Elbow Darkening:** Apply a mixture of lemon juice and milk cream to darkened elbows for 30 minutes, then wash off.
* **Cucumber and Lemon Treatment:** Alternatively, apply a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice (equal parts) to elbows for 15 minutes, then wash off.
* **Reduce Hand Hair:** Apply a smooth paste of gram flour and oil to hands with excessive hair. Wash off after 30 minutes.
* **Almond Oil Massage:** Regularly massage hands with almond oil to maintain their condition.
* **Stain Removal:** To lighten stains or discoloration, rub a little lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide on the affected area after washing and before drying.
* **Jewelry for Large Hands:** Wear exotic bracelets high on the arm and wide, ornamental rings.
* **Jewelry for Small Hands:** Opt for delicate jewelry and nail polish shades. Narrow bracelets and rings with elongated settings are ideal.
* **Jewelry for Square Hands:** Choose small and simple jewelry.
* **Wrinkled Hand Care:** Use rich cream after steaming the hands.
* **Freckle Treatment:** Use a good bleaching cream to address freckles, recognizing that results are temporary.