Five Nail Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making
Having glossy, healthy nails is one way to show that overall you take good care of your body and health. But, there’s a wrong way to care for nails and even the most diligent manicurists can end up making mistakes that sabotage their own efforts. Here are five nail care mistakes you may be making and how to improve your nail care habits.
1. Overusing Nail Polish
If you wear nail polish often, you may be doing more harm than good. While it’s okay to wear it a few times a week, frequent coats of polish can cause your nails to become dry and brittle. Furthermore, the solvents and chemicals in nail polish can contribute to discolouration and weakening of the nails.
Frequent coats of polish can cause your nails to become dry and brittle.
The best way to prevent nail discolouration and damage is to give them rest days between coats of polish. When you do apply nail polish, make sure to use a base coat, top-coat and alternate the colors you wear.
2. Going Too Early
It’s possible to wait too long between mani-pedi appointments. Putting off regular manicures for too long can cause nails to become brittle, disfigure and discolour. Any chip, split, or snag in the nail can be indicative of a problem and should be addressed quickly.
Therefore, it’s important to set a regular schedule for yourself and stick to it. Manicures should occur every 3-6 weeks to keep the nails in the best shape.
3. Ignoring the Cuticles
Cuticles are an especially fragile area of the nail that deserves attention – and proper care! When you remove your cuticles or use harsh chemicals to do so, you can damage the protective layer of the nail and cause infections or ailments.
If you’re looking to remove dead skin around the cuticles, simply soak your hands in warm water and massage the area with a cuticle oil to get the job done. This will keep your nails looking healthy and moisturized.
4. Not Updating Tools
When you’re doing your own nails at home, it’s important to use the right tools – and keep them up-to-date. As with any tool, nail equipment can experience wear and tear over time. If you’re using old tools on your nails, you run a higher risk of bacteria entering your body and causing infection.
Make sure you’re replacing your files, clippers, and manicure sets every few months to avoid any unwanted health issues.
When you’re doing your own nails at home, it’s important to use the right tools – and keep them up-to-date
5. Eating Foods with Low Protein
Nails are partially made of a protein-containing material called keratin. If you have low amounts of protein in your body, it will make it tougher for your nails to stay strong and healthy.
So, in order to maintain nail health, make sure you’re eating protein-rich foods. Common sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, and beans.
In Conclusion
Nails are a reflection of your overall health, so it pays to take good care of them. By avoiding the mistakes above, you can keep your nails looking glossy and healthy for a long time.
Create a schedule for yourself, use the right tools, and pay attention to your nails’ needs. With proper care, your nails will stay looking pristine for years to come.
