Tips for great nails
Well cared for nails should be part of every well groomed lady’s beauty routine. Even if you cannot afford regular manicure and pedicures, it is worth having at least one done initially to give your nails proper shape.
You can then maintain your nails yourself, by regularly cleaning, filing and applying fresh coats of nail polish whenever the old polish looks faded or is chipped. These tips will help you have good-looking nails all the time.
Before you have your nails done professionally, it pays to select the place or person doing your nails wisely. They should have proper sterilising equipment and this you can find out by politely asking and observing.
This is important to avoid fungal nail diseases that can damage your nails if not treated promptly, many of which are difficult to cure.
There are also numerous diseases that can be transmitted from blood that may be on the tools used, so be careful! Better still, invest in your own tools and if you can afford it, sterilising equipment.
Always use colourless nail polish as a base, before applying the colour of your choice to prevent the colour staining your nails.
If your nails are already stained, squeeze enough lemon juice in a small bowl to soak your nails in. Soak them for about 20-30 minutes. Wash your hands and use a moisturiser or hand and nail cream.
If your nails are soft and tend to break easily, warm up a little olive oil and pour into a small bowl. Wash your hands thoroughly, dry with a clean towel and soak your nails in the warm oil for 20 minutes. Do this once or twice a week, until the condition of your nails improves.
Never scrape off your nail polish, as this will damage your nails. Use nail polish remover instead.
Avoid using your nails as tools to open tins or containers and always wear rubber gloves when doing housework or washing dishes to protect your nails.
Deal with chips, uneven parts and broken nails as soon as they happen to avoid them getting worse. Filing your nails back and forth weakens them. File in one direction up to the centre on each side of the nail instead. Trim the tip with a nail clipper and file once again in one direction to give the nail shape.
[email protected]
