Avoiding Ingrown Nails
An ingrown finger or toe nail occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin. If ingrown nails go unattended, you may need to have a physician remove the painful nail from your skin.
The easiest way to make sure you don't get an ingrown nail is to take extra care when trimming you nails.
- Keep your nails short, but not too short. Nails shouldn't be much shorter than the tip of your finger or toe.
- Clip straight across the natural line of your nail.
- Do not cut the corners of your nails extremely short or dig down into them.
- Do not wear ill-fitting or pointed-toe shoes.
- If you have the beginnings of an ingrown nail, soak your feet or hands in warm, soapy water. Then, apply an antiseptic to the area to keep it clean.
- File your nail to try to deter it from entering the skin, but do not cut it super short or dig at it.
- Visit a doctor if the nail is embedded into the skin, the pain is unbearable or there are any signs of infection.
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Choosing Nail Polish
Any woman can wear any nail polish color as long as she's comfortable with it. Here are some tips for choosing nail polish colors that are right for you.
- Women with very short nails should stick to light colors, as dark colors may make them look even shorter.
- Select neutral or light colors for business meetings and job interviews. Dark colors and reds are normally considered inappropriate.
- Leave the black and metallic colors for evening. Wearing these colors in the office place is usually not acceptable, unless you work in a very creative environment.
- Pick nail polish labeled "long-lasting" and "chip-resistant" to avoid frequent touch-ups.
- Find "speed-dry" polish if you are always in a hurry when you polish your nails.
- Look for shades that coordinate with the lipstick and blush colors that you normally wear.
- Dare to be different with blues, purples and even greens for festive occasions.
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How to Avoid Finger Nail Infection or Fungus
Women oftentimes get a finger nail infection or fungus by getting a professional manicure at a salon in unsanitary conditions. However, there are many things you can do to lower your risk of getting a painful infection, fungus or disease.
Bring your own manicure or pedicure kit with you to the salon. By bringing your own kit, you won't risk using nail products that have been utilized by someone else. Be sure to disinfect your own kit after each use.
Remove your old polish yourself before heading to the salon. Also, you should bring your own nail polish with you, including base coat and top coat.
Check the salon for unsanitary conditions. Is the floor clean? Are the disinfectant containers clean and clear? Does the manicurist use clean, disinfected instruments for each new client? Are emery boards and buffers discarded after one use? Does the manicurist wash her hands after each client?
Check the pedicure tub to make sure it has been cleaned and disinfected before you put your feet into it. Do not have a pedicure or maincure done if you have any cuts or abrasions on your skin.
If you don't feel that the salon is up to your sanitary standards, do not have you nails done there. There are plenty of other options.
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How to Do a French Manicure
Follow these simple steps to do a French manicure. You will need to purchase a tip guide or French manicure kit.
- Clean and trim your nails to the desired length.
- Apply a thin, clear base coat to your nails.
- Allow the base coat to dry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Place the tip guide against your nail. This guide covers the lower part of your fingernail and follows the curve of your nail.
- Apply a layer of white or off-white polish to the exposed tip.
- Allow nails to dry for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the nail tip guides and paint the entire length of your finger nails with a beige or light pink polish.
- Wait two minutes and apply a second layer.
- Add a thin layer of top coat.
- Allow your nails to dry completely and then buff for extra shine.
- Add a layer of top coat every other night to keep nails looking beautiful.
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Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Nails
One of the best nail care tips is that healthy, strong nails require sufficient supplies of calcium, protein, iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin B and vitamin A.
There are several signs you should look for in your nails to be sure you are lacking proper nail nutrition.
Nails That Break Easily
Lack of calcium, protein or vitamin A can cause nails to become thin and brittle.
Nails With Ridges
Lack of B vitamins oftentimes causes ridges in your nails. Horizontal ridges can also be a sign of iron deficiency.
Frequent Hang Nails
Getting hang nails often sometimes signals a lack of protein and folic acid.
To get an adequate supply of vitamins for strong nails, be sure to eat a balanced diet and take a daily multi-vitamin with iron. Women should also take calcium supplements, if you do not eat or drink calcium-rich foods.
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