While trying to follow a beauty regime, most often the attention is on taking care of our skin and hair. We almost forget about the nails until it hits us that they need some pampering too. This really shouldn't be the case. Nail care is important too to keep your nails strong, healthy and shiny and prevent common issues like brittle nails or dryness. Other that following a healthy lifestyle and making a conscious effort to keep the nails clean, you also need to remember a few basic tips to ensure that your nails are well taken care of.
Ragini Mehra, founder of Beauty Source, and Sapna Bedi-Khaitan, owner of Reign Studio, list down some ways to take care of nails:
1. Practice good nail hygiene
Without proper care, the nails become brittle and thin and so, it is essential to have a regular maintenance routine. Manicure and pedicure help in keeping healthy and shiny looking nails. Ensure that you stick to salons that have technicians who have undergone proper training. Wear gloves for better nail care when working with your hands, such as when you are gardening or housecleaning, to protect the polish and keep dirt out of your nails.
2. Choose correct nail lacquer
Wearing nail polish does not harm your nails, but many of your favourite nail polishes and acrylics are full of harsh chemicals that cause nail brittleness, dryness and thinning. Ensure that you use products that are paraben-free, sulfate-free, formaldehyde-free, toxin-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
Pick a nail colour remover that treats conditions that adversely affect nails and cuticles, preferable something that has the goodness of vitamins A, C, and E.
(Also read: What Are The White Spots On Your Nails Trying To Tell You?)
Ensure that you use products that are free of harmful chemicals
3. Hydrate your hands
It is advised to wash your hands with lukewarm water to help keep the hands and nails soft and smooth. Also, apply a hand cream frequently which is enriched with fruit extracts. It will help in restoring and make the hands look hydrated and moisturised.
4. How to coat nails
The concept of bottom and top coat may seem unimportant, but it will help keep your nails from chipping, splitting and cracking. Besides, that way your nails will also stay protected from being stained. The coats also do an awesome job smoothing imperfections. Try and pick up a top coat which has an external barrier harder than traditional top coats, so it's more durable against wear and damage. Also look for UV protection in the formula to combat environmental damage to include fading and yellowing.
5. Nail extension
Presentable nails are very important, especially for those who frequently attend social gatherings and other events. If your nails take a long time to grow or are short and uneven, you can opt for nail extension for a perfect finish. Make sure that you fix the damaged nails as soon as possible and keep an eye out for dryness, redness and peeling of skin or cuticles.
Moisturise and massage your nails with oils
6. Moisturise the cuticles
Taking care of the cuticles is a critical part for healthy nails. Dry, cracking cuticles not only make the nails look messy, they can also cause hangnails and pain too. Cuticles are part of your skin and act as your nail's protective barrier. Moisturise and massage with oils which have healing properties, such as argan oil, to restore moisture and repair damages.
Follow these simple tips and take care of your nails.
Comments
With inputs from IANS
