Nailcare Tips
When it comes to Nailcare, we've been there, done that, now serving 131 tips in 9 categories ranging from Common Nail Care Problems to Seasonal Nail Trends.
Hard Nails For Men
Men's nails are stronger and grow faster than women's nails, but their larger surface area makes men's nails more prone to breaks and chips. Nice nails look good on everyone, including men, and make a good impression at the office or on the golf course. If you're playing Rugby on Sunday, clean up your nails for Monday. A simple swipe of nail hardener on men's nails will keep them looking good and strong. If you're really concerned about your manly appearance, use hand lotion once a day to help keep the cuticles soft and the nails flexible. And one last tip men: don't forget about your toe nails.
Keep Your Nails From Breaking
If you have weak or frail nails, strengthening them can be tough. But, we found some tips that you can do to strengthen your nails, which will make them less likely to split or break.
- Keep your nails short and trim your nails after a bath or a 15-minute hand-soak in bath oil. Then apply a moisturizer.
- Moisturize your nails and cuticles at bedtime.
- Apply a nail hardener without toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde. These chemicals can irritate the skin.
- Touch up dull nails with an additional coat of polish instead of using nail polish remover every week.
What Makes Nails Harder?
Nail hardeners are basically clear nail enamel, with added resin concentrations. They are used as the first coat of enamel applied to a clean nail and nail hardeners can also serve as a base coat. For those with sensitive skin, it's good to point that nail hardeners may contain the same toluene-sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin as nail polish, and the same dermatological considerations apply.
What's Inside the Bottle?
Ever wonder what is inside the nail polish? What makes nail polish and nail hardeners. Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University published the answer: Nail hardeners are used to increase the strength of brittle nails due to excessive contact with solvents, detergents, and water. Originally, nail hardeners were formulated with at least 10 percent solutions of formaldehyde; however, the Food and Drug Administration recalled these products following reports of illnesses and reversible nail damage. Free formaldehyde in concentrations of 1-2 percent is still permitted, but acetates, toluene, nitrocellulose, acrylic, and polyamide resins are now used to structurally reinforce the nail plate. Some products actually contain 1 percent nylon fibers and are known as fibered nail hardeners. Other additives purported to strengthen the nail include hydrolyzed proteins, modified vegetable extracts, glycerin, propylene glycol, and metal salts.
Strong Nails Need Care
Keeping your nail polish on too long has its disadvantages - chipping, cracking and natural nail discoloration. Make it a habit to remove nail polish, even it's clear, once a week. Keep a tin of cuticle cream kept in your work desk, next to your nightstand or in your kitchen drawer to remind you to nourish your nails on a daily basis.
Nail Care Myths
Life is hectic enough, who has time to get manicures on a regular basis? Here's a hint: you don't need to pay for regular manicures to keep your nails in good shape. Here are some more common nail myths you can forget about: There's no need to: * Indulge in acrylic nails * Forego regular household chores * Avoid colored nail polish Well cared for nails are the result of regular maintenance, without having to take up too much of your time. Here's a trick: Keep a nail file, some hand cream and a bottle of clear nail polish on the table by your bed. For you work-a-holics, keep the same products in your desk drawer. If the tools are within reach, you're likely to remember to use them.
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| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
