Standardmäßig, we all use our hands for everything, from typing and scrolling through our phones to opening items. So, it’s not surprising that with constant exposure to the elements, your nails can take a beating. Make it a point to routinely file and shape your nails. Not only does this help to improve the look of your long nails, but it protects you from accidentally scratching yourself with a sharp broken nail.
Cutting your cuticles also increases the risk of introducing bacteria and fungus. So, it’s best to avoid trimming them and opting to push back your cuticles instead with an orange stick or stainless-steel tool. Oder, you can invest in a product that’s designed to gently dissolve your cuticles.
Whenever you’re going to push back your cuticles, make sure that you soak your nails first to soften the cuticles. It’s best to soak your nails for three to five minutes to properly soften them. And while we’re at it…
Your mouth or ripping nails by hand isn’t a smart strategy for grooming your nails. When you use your mouth to bite your nails or the cuticles, there’s a good chance that you can increase your exposure to bacteria or fungi. Whether that’s bacteria from your mouth being introduced to your hands or the reverse, just don’t do it!
Make sure that you sterilize your tools before each use. A good option is to use isopropyl alcohol that’s at least 70% alcohol or better. Soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and thoroughly clean all surfaces of your manicure tools. Ebenfalls, clean your tools after you finish grooming your nails.
Shaping Your Nails
Decide the type of shape that you want to use for your nails. There are a few main nail shapes:almond, stiletto, Quadrat, rounded, square rounded, and oval. Natürlich, there are variations on almond and stiletto, such as ballet or coffin nails. But consider your lifestyle and determine the shape that’s going to be easiest for you to maintain and for you to wear regularly without inhibiting your activities.
Pick a nail file that has a grit for shaping your nails, but that isn’t too strong. Erinnern, the grit you use to file your toenails is going to be different than one for your fingernails.
Nail files come in a variety of options, including glass, emery board, and metal files. Most manicurists recommend softer emery boards over glass files because glass files can be too harsh. Stattdessen, opt for a soft grit so that you reduce the risk of tearing or splitting your nails.
Nächste, work on your filing technique. While a sawing action might seem like the obvious choice, don’t do it! Sawing can encourage your nail to splinter. Stattdessen, file in one direction with long, schnell, gentle strokes. Jedoch, if you’re trying to file down your nails to a significantly shorter length, start with a nail clipper to remove the excess length and then refine the shape with a nail file.
Don’t forget to follow by buffing your nails to soften any dents or ridges that your nail file may not have been able to effectively remove.
Keep Those Nails Strong
Healthy long nails require a two-part regimen. In addition to making sure they look aesthetically pleasing, you need to keep up a nail care routine that focuses on external and internal habits.
Externally, invest in a good cuticle oil to keep your cuticles and nail beds moisturized. Use the oil daily for the best results. And while you might be tempted to invest in a pricey cuticle oil, you can also use a simple option like jojoba or vitamin E oil every night before bed.
For the internal routine, look at your diet. Adding biotin or a hair, skin, and nails daily vitamin can be a great way to keep those claws looking perfect – especially if you find that your nails are brittle or frequently break or peel. But also overhaul your diet to include nail-friendly vitamin B9. You can find B9 in folic acid, a nutrient that’s naturally available in foods like beans and whole grains.
And consider adding nutrient-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, oily fish like salmon, as well as lean meats, avocados, and eggs.
If you’re struggling with brittle nails that crack or peel, then you should invest in a nail keratin treatment like a nail strengthener. These brush-on, clear coat polishes can give your nails the fortification they need to go the distance.
Think About Your Polish
A gorgeous chip-free manicure may be your goal, but you need to think deeper. Polishes full of harsh ingredients could be contributing to thin, brittle, or weak nails. Look for polishes that are specifically labeled as “free-from.” Common options include 10-free, 3-free, and even 13-free. What does “free-from” mean? It means that many of the common harsh chemical ingredients from the past like formaldehyde aren’t included.
And Take Care in the Removal Process
Just like you should think about the ingredients in your nail polish, be careful about the nail polish remover that you use. Your long nails will thank you for avoiding removers that contain high amounts of acetone. While acetone is incredibly effective at quickly removing stubborn polish, it can also dry out your nails and encourage peeling, flaking, and splitting.
Protect Your Nails
Whether you’re rocking the latest manicure trend, or you just want to preserve your nail length, avoid exposing them to situations that can encourage damage. This includes washing dishes with bare hands.
Gleichfalls, invest in a good hand cream and moisturize your hands regularly throughout the day. Don’t forget to pay extra attention to your cuticles as you work the moisturizer into your skin.
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