Follow these tips to keep your fingertips strong and beautiful.
Keeping your fingernails looking their best doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does require some regular care. Cuticles should be moisturized and groomed; nails should be properly trimmed, filed and protected. Just follow these common-sense tips.
Keeping your fingernails looking their best doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does require some regular care. Cuticles should be moisturized and groomed; nails should be properly trimmed, filed and protected. Just follow these common-sense tips.
DO moisturize your cuticles daily to prevent hangnails, cracking and peeling. Just before bed is a perfect time. Massaging the cuticle area also stimulates blood circulation, which helps nail growth. When applying hand cream or sunscreen during the day, take an extra few seconds to rub a little on the cuticle area of each finger.
DON’T cut your cuticles. Unless you’re a trained nail tech, you can cause more harm than good because cuticles form barrier that protects the nail. Instead, apply a cuticle remover to soften and dissolve dry, overgrown cuticles. Then use a soft-tipped cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles.
DO shape your nails with a fine-grit cushion file. Coarse-grit files are designed for use on artificial nails, and are too harsh for natural nails. Avoid metal files; cushion files are gentler on the skin around your nails.
Nail care (3 items) (1) (420 x 365)DON’T saw your nails back and forth with a nail file; it can weaken the nail’s free edge. Instead, file nails from the corners towards the center in one direction.
DO try buffing natural nails for a healthy shine that won’t chip off! Use a four-way buffer to shape nails, remove ridges, smooth the nail surface and give nails a super shine without polish.
DON’T over-buff. Too much buffing can cause friction, build up heat and weaken nails. Always use a super-fine-grit nail buffer to lightly smooth ridges. Buff in an X pattern, lifting the buffer between strokes. If you wear polish, apply a ridge-filler base coat first.
DO revitalize fragile nails with a nail strengthening treatment. Apply daily or as directed for best results.
DON’T bite your nails or use them as tools. Both of these activities will, obviously, weaken or break nails. If you get a deep nail tear, mend it temporarily with a clear adhesive tape until it has a chance to grow out.
DO wear nail polish; it can help protect nails and prevent breakage. For a no-fuss natural look, simply apply a topcoat. Make sure your nails are clean and your tips look nice and white before applying any clear or sheer polish.
DON’T expose nails to household cleansers or harsh chemicals. Even prolonged exposure to fresh water can dry out nails and hands. Wear gloves when cleaning, and apply hand lotion after every time you wash or wet your hands.
Source: sallybeauty.com
