Nigeria Health & Lifstyle

NAIL CARE

Clean nails that is well taken care of can certainly add to the beauty of the hands. Taking care of your nails requires proper nourishment like a diet rich in calcium for healthy and strong nails.

A weak nail can result from two major factors: Poor nail protection, and poor hydration. So form a habit of protecting your fingernails, the nails softens more when it comes in contact with water too often, making it more prone to tearing. Even too much exposure to sun rays and chemicals can also affect your nails. Use a sunscreen for your hands and nails when you are outside.

Adequate care and attention should be given to the cuticles, because that is where the nail is formed, it is the cuticles also that protects the nails and acts as a barricade that blocks bacteria from entering the body.

Do not cause damage to them by pushing them back constantly. If at all they are in bad shape, it will ultimately affect your nails, Moisturise the cuticle always with cuticle oil or cream which can be gotten in a pharmacy, apply apply the oil or cuticle cream to smoothen any rough edges. Cuticles should be trimmed to avoid suffocation nail growth or cause hangnails. Do not cut cuticles with scissors or razor blade Trim cuticles with nail cutter or a cuticle nipper, to remove hangnail.

keeping your nails short helps to avoid breakage or any other sort of damage.
Apply caution when trying to open tin cans or bottle caps, so as to avoid any serious cut or injury- your nails are quite delicate and fragile
Washing your hands in hard water or the use of detergents and soaps can cause the nails to be brittle and flaky.



Nail Care

1.   Avoid Contact with sharp objects if you are keeping long nails.
2.  Do not use metal nail files for your nails, because it can rip the nail or create
      a jagged edge, Its best to use emery boards, it is inexpensive and the
      results are far better and neater and safer than the metal file
3.   Remove all trace of the old varnish with a good nail polish remover.
4.   Use a nail cutter to trim the nails into a U-shape, remove any hangnail soon
      as you are done with cutting.
5.   Use a nail file to shape the nails. But do it gently and carefully so as not to
      file down the sides too steeply, from each side to the centre. Use the other
      side to smoothen out the ragged edges.
6.   After Filing your nails, use a nail buffer to clean out flakes and particles from
      the fingertips in lemon juice for 5 minutes , it will make your nails healthy. But
      do not soak them. Make sure that you dry them thoroughly after they feel
      smooth. Also be careful not to damage fingernails when wet.
7.   It is now time to use a cuticle cream or lotion which should be applied
      gently around the cuticle. You can do this with the help of an ear bud or a
      cotton wool. Apply the cream gently, as this is the most delicate portion of
      the nail. Petroleum jelly or baby oil works just well too.
8.   Now clean the nails once again with a good nail polish remover.
9.   Then apply a strengthening base coat and give it time to dry completely.
      Nail strengtheners provide a protective layer across the nail. However too
      much use of strengthener causes brittle nails
10. Next you can apply a good varnish of your choice. To do this, take out the
      brush from the nail polish bottle and make an outline of a half-moon on
      your nail. Then spread the colour in deft broad strokes from the beginning
      of the half-moon to the tip of the nail. Use the same method for all the nails.
11. Remove a thin hairline of colour with the help of your thumbnail, from the
      edges to prevent chipping.
12. After the polish is completely dry, you can apply a topcoat for added gloss
      and protection.
13. Use a good hand cream or a hand and body lotion to massage your hands
      right from the tips of your fingers to your wrists, as you would smooth on a
      pair of gloves. Wipe off any excess cream.