What Are the Absolute Do’s and Don’ts of Nail Care?

Need some tips on how to care for your tips? Don’t we all. These firm little beds that sit on our fingertips are tough but sensitive, and they require specific attention to look and feel their best.

It’s not as easy as getting a manicure and calling it a day. Your nails speak for themselves when it comes to appearance. An unhealthy nail is kind enough to let you know that it’s unhealthy by appearing irregular.

Properly maintaining your nails can help prevent fungal or bacterial infections or fungus from developing.

1. Do: Trim Them Regularly

Make sure to observe your nails regularly, if you don’t already. Keep watch for any irregularities, and make sure to trim them as they grow to prevent bacteria from accumulating beneath them. Trimming them will also prevent any potential tears or injuries that come with having unkept nails. Of course, these aren’t detrimental, but they can be annoying.

2. Do: Clean and Replace Your Tools

The tools you use to clean your nails are just as important if not synonymous with your nail health. Avoid contamination of your tools by sterilizing them in alcohol for a few hours or wiping them down carefully. Don’t leave tools unattended for more than a few hours, as it may cause rust. Thoroughly dry them upon removing from solution.

If you’ve had certain tools for more than a few months, or notice significant wear and tear, consider replacing them. Avoid sharing your tools to minimize your chance of sharing or catching an infection.

3. Do: Inspect Them

As mentioned, taking notice of the state of your nails will help to ensure their health. Check for any stains, yellowing, spots, or survey what they might be trying to tell you by understanding the signs. This includes after use of acrylics.

Many undesirable nail conditions can hide seamlessly under acrylics or polish. If you never take breaks between manicures. Make sure you’re taking a look just after you have them removed at the salon. Try not to go more than a couple of months before seeing the base of your nail. An infection is more important than the extra dollars for a new full set.

4. Do: Use a Cuticle Oil

Cuticles might be the tiniest stretch of skin to deal with, but oh, do they matter. They seal and protect the nail. Keeping them hydrated is a must for healthy, beautiful nails. Be mindful. However, many products tend to contain chemicals that can end up doing more harm than good over time. One fool-proof way to guaranteeing a safe, natural cuticle oil? Make it at home.

5. Don’t: Peel That Polish

Peeling your nail polish off instead of not having remover may be tempting, but know the risk. Peeling your polish off might cause some layers of your nail to go with it, which can be both painful and harmful. Particularly gel polish that is designed for long-lasting wear is dangerous if hand peeled. Think of it as a slightly tougher layer of your skin. You wouldn’t peel your skin off now, would you?

6. Don’t: Overdo your Cuticles

Though cuticles are important to maintaining, overdoing, it can bring on a negative result. Your cuticles, despite needing to be pushed back, are still very sensitive. Be careful not to push them back too far or use tools that are too abrasive. When pushing them back, be gentle and slow.

7. Don’t: Bite Them

Avoid causing infection or inflammation by fighting the urge to bite your nails. Bacteria from the mouth can be damaging to the nail, and saliva makes sure that it spreads underneath the nail where it cannot be removed easily.

Once you’ve got these staples for nail care down, you’ll be on your way to lasting nail health that you’ll be proud of and thankful for.