Nails are designed to protect our sensitive fingertips from pain and damage. When we have an itch, we'd be lost without them. Our nails (along with hair and skin) reflect the level of health within our bodies. An example of this is when the nails have a bluish colour, this can relate to issues of the heart. An orange/yellow colour can reflect liver problems. Substance abuse affects our nails.They are also hereditary, so expect to see similarities within family fingernails.
When caring for our nails there are obvious things to avoid: Discourage bad habits like biting (nails/cuticles), peeling of the nail tips, pulling hangnails, and causing damage to the nail beds. Excellent nail care STARTS with getting rid of bad habits.
Trim and file your nails gently. Try not to wear your nails too long, this puts pressure on the stress point and can weaken them. Caring for the cuticle is as important as caring for the nails. The cuticle is where nail growth begins.Soak fingertips in warm water and push cuticles back (softly) with a clean steel pusher or orangewood stick. Have a professional trim the cuticle, avoid doing this yourself. Use a 3 sided buffer to shine and smooth the surface of the nails. Buff them in an "X" pattern with downward strokes. Apply strengthener in 2 coats (every other day). When your nails are very brittle or dry follow these steps and remove at the end of the week. Begin this process again and you will see faster results. Strengthener dries very quickly and can be applied in SECONDS. Some favourite brands of strengtheners are OPI's Nail Envy and China Glaze Growth Formula. Applying cuticle oil is ESSENTIAL for smooth, fuss free cuticles. Cuticle oil also strengthens and improves nail condition. Oil lasts long, can be carried everywhere with you, works wonders when applied before bed and a little goes a Long Way! Some favourites are CND's Solar Oil, Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Balm, Star Nail's Cranberry Oil.
Treat and Relax! Get out a fancy glass bowl, not too big or too small. Fill with warm water and drop in lemon, lime, and orange slices. Let the citrus sit a minute or two so the juices settle into the water. Sit somewhere that you can relax and place your hands in the bowl. A 10min soak is just fine. Citrus fruit contains folic acid which strengthens nails. This treatment feels and smells good. Green Tea and Honey also makes a great hand (and Foot) soak. Green Tea is full of antioxidants and honey is THE BEST natural moisturizer (honey is a whole other blog!) After your relaxing soak, rinse hands and apply moisturizer. When choosing moisturizer, avoid creams and lotions that contain alcohol or are heavily perfumed. Some favourite brands are Hempz Creams and Lotions, Body Drench, CND Cranberry, or Pear and Dandelion. Lotions to Avoid would be Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, or the complimentary lotion that comes with the perfume you buy. Professional Tips at your Service. Enjoy! http://www.positivelybeautiful.ca/
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