Simple Do’s and Don’ts of Nail Care

“I love your nails!” How many times have you heard that one? Whether it was said to you, you overheard it or you were the one saying it, we have all heard it. Nail care may seem trivial, but it gets noticed. If your nails never get taken care of, you may end up with more problems than you thought. Even though it is not always at the top of your ‘To Do’ list,  here are a few simple tips to help keep your nails healthy:

Do file your nails regularly. It is much easier for them to break when they become uneven and long. They can still look pretty without being super long.

Do use the proper nail file. The right nail file may be petty, but it can go a long way when filing your nails. It is better to use a cushion file or a crystal file. Try to avoid using the metal ones that come in a lot of nail kits because they are too rough.

Do apply cuticle cream everyday. It prevents cracking and peeling of the skin around the nail—which can be very painful.

Do moisturize your hands daily. Use the moisturizer around your cuticles and fingernails as well. No one wants their skin cracking, especially in the dry winter season.

Don’t bite your fingernails. It is a bad habit out of nerves and anxiety—but it must stop! It can ruin your nail beds and cause a lot of pain. Not to mention, your nails do not look very nice when they are bitten down to the bed.

Don’t pull hangnails. They are very annoying and sometimes they hurt, but it is even worse to pull them. Use a cuticle cutter and carefully clip them off.

Don’t expose your nails to harsh chemicals. Wear gloves when doing any type of cleaning, including washing dishes. The dish soap may say it is safe for hands, but it is not good to soak hands in water for long periods of time because the nails become weak.

Photo by Shantelle Williams