How do you know when your nails are healthy?
Healthy nails should have a pinkish white tone to them. The ends of your nails should be white and even without any splits, breaks or jagged edges.
What are the signs of unhealthy nails that I should look for?
Redness or blistering of any kind around the nail bed, rips or tears in the nail itself or the soft tissues around the nail. Also horizontal lines and grooves into the nail are signs of unhealthy nails. Little white specks in the nail may be signs of painting your nails too often or biting them.
Can I wash my hands too often or too hard?
Yes, while it is important to keep your hands and nails clean, be careful to make sure you are not being too harsh on them when washing . Use gentle soap and a soft toothbrush for cleaning your nails. Try not to over wash your hands with harsh soaps. Use gloves when washing dishes. Remember dish soap is made to cut oil and grease on your dishes. This is great for your dishes and bad for your skin .
What natural oils are great for hands and nails?
Coconut oil is wonderful for your skin. Apply before bedtime and sleep with your hands in gloves to lock in moisture if your hands need a dry skin treatment. You can also add essential oils such as Lavender or frankincense to your coconut oil for added healing benefits. (Also smells great!)
Is my diet important for having healthy nails?
Yes. Your diet has a big role to play in the health of your nails. Our nails are made up of a protein called keratin. Make sure you are eating food rich in protein in vitamins, like vitamin E and omega 3 oils (Found in fish) .
What about gels and acrylics? Are they safe to use?With any type of nail treatment that requires the use of harsh chemicals or UV lights less is better. The UV light is what causes damage to the skin under the nail bed over long use. Try to space out your use of gels and acrylics. Give your nails a break often from harsh chemical treatments and heavily pigmented polishes. These tend to dry nails out and cause discoloration to the nail.
Do I really need a base coat and a topcoat of nail polish?
Yes, I am afraid you do, but let me explain why. The base coat helps to protect your nails from turning yellow when you are wearing heavy pigments. The top coat helps to keep that manicure looking great and helps prevent chipping and cracking of your color nail polish.
What about nail polish removers?
Acetone is very harsh on nails and should be used as sparingly as possible. Make sure to only apply on the nail and try to avoid contact with skin as it is a supper drying agent. Don’t apply polish directly after cleaning with nail polish remover. Instead clean acetone from hands and apply coconut oil or another moisturizer. If you can don’t repaint your nails the same day that you strip them. Give them a little rest, this will help to keep your nails from becoming brittle and breaking off. Chemical free nail polish removers.
What about press on nails?
Press on nails still use chemicals, however using a press on nails for a quick manicure is great when you want that acrylic look without the UV light. Just remember when removing press on nails you need to soak the nail in nail polish remover. Do not try to pull or cut the nail off as it will cause damage to your own nail bed.
What if I cannot wear nail polish or don’t want to wear it, are there other options for natural nail care?
If you want, you can go with clear nail polish, or buff your nails both will give your nails a pretty shine. There are also a number of nail products that are natural and or free of harsh chemicals. Brands like Zoya offer polishes that are free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor.
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