Showing posts with label nail care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nail care. Show all posts

Monday, December 8, 2014

The Correction of Gel and Acrylic Nails


Some believe that by making an artificial extension to their nails, they can walk with them all their life, but our natural nail grows, and hence, there is a zone where the natural nail is not covered by any of the modeling material. In addition to the strip without acrylic /gel, the stress zone is displaced, which may cause the breaking off of the nail. And, of course, the view of nails in 3 - 4 weeks after extention loses all its original appeal.
Therefore, the masters  of nail extensions are recommending to make a correction once in 2 - 3 weeks to adjust the length, stress zone and cut regrown part of the nail with modeling material.
The correcting time can be approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the condition of the nails and the type of materials used.
Most often, the correction does not change neither the color of the french, nor the type of material (acrylic, gel) nor the design ( lacquer effect, french, "aquarium" extension). If you are tired of wearing, for example, pink french, and you decide to make a white one, it is best to remove (acrylic nails- with a special solution, gel nails can be removed only by filing the material) of previous coatings and build new nails, as all the color from the previous design can be seen through, and it affects the beauty of nails. Making the correction, every 2 - 3 weeks your nails will always have a well-groomed appearance.

Friday, January 25, 2008

The Classic Manicure - Technique Of Implementation


The classic manicure is the most common type of manicure. The use of water in the manicure procedures allows us to call it "wet" manicure.

Techniques of implementation for the classic manicure

1. Remove the rest of the old varnish.
2. Using a nail file, give the desired shape to the nails (the procedure in no case should be done on wet fingernails, this can lead to their stratifying). The file should be on the basis of cardboard or rubber, iron nail file is a yesterday story. If you have strong nails, it can be used the boldly sandy or sapphire file. If you can not boast with such nails, preferred are the fine-grained files.
3. Soak the hands in the vessel with a special solution that should soften the cuticle, preparing it for removal, and to provide a calming and relaxing effect on the skin of the whole hand for 5 min. An easy but very useful for the nails is the option - sea salt solution. The components can be more interesting and exotic.
4. After the softening bath, the cuticle is removed with the help of manicure pincher.
5. The barb abrasion is made with manicure scissors.
6. With easy massage movements rub in the nutritious oil or cream for the skin of hands and cuticles.
7. Give the nails a healthy shine with a burnisher.
8. If desired, you can apply on nails a strengthening solution or a nail polish.

Advantages of classic manicure
  • the procedure is very simple and is fairly fast
  • this is the only acceptable method, if hands are badly neglected.
Disadvantages of classic manicure
  • in its process it is very likely to injury the cuticle, and thus the probability of any infection.
The classic manicure is good use as "ambulance" for the nail in any condition. But if you still find the strength to maintain uninterrupted beauty for your favorite hands, it is worth trying other types manicure.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Ten Tips For A Long Lasting Manicure


How many times it happened to you... After less than one day from making your manicure (for what you are so proud), you notice the nail polish peeling off. You correct the problem, but it's not for long time - it happens again and again, and at last you have to make it from the beginning. Of course this spoils your mood. Here are some easy tips on how to make your manicure last longer.
  • Keep your nails short. The longer they are , the more exposed to breaking they are, especially when compared to the short nails.
  • Take care of your cuticles. If you cover the skin around the nails with polish, it will dry out and begin to chip unaesthetic, having the risk of little bleedings. Therefore, before applying the polish collide a bit the skin with a cosmetic stick. Do not cut this skin, as in time it becomes thicker.
  • Before applying a new layer of polish, clean your nails. Never apply the nail polish on the old layer. The nail can be overloaded and it is only a matter of time till the polish layer will crack.
  • Use a colorless nail polish as a base. This way the article will be better fixed and last longer.
  • Every polish layer has to be the thiner possible - and for every instance, it is not recommended to apply more than 2 layers (not counting the base colorless layer).
  • Make sure the first nail polish layer is well dry before applying the second layer. It will settle much more aesthetic and evenly.
  • When applying the base (protective) polish, don't forget the area under the nail ( on the finger tip). The nail tops will strengthen and become less liable to breaking.
  • Get rid of the very old varnish - even if you still like its shade. In time, the varnish ( nail polish) begins to thicken, getting a viscous consistence. An "extreme" solution would be to add a few drops of colorless polish (not dissolving solution!)
  • Avoid long lasting contact of hands with water. Use the protecting glove in the kitchen and do not stay under shower more than 10 to 15 minutes.
  • As a general rule, the mother-of-pearl lasts less comparing to the other polishes.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Lets Strenghten Our Nails

Nail Strengthening is one of the critical elements of care for nails. In this era of all-powerful washing powders and numerous tools for washing, the nails - if mistreated - suffer first - they are stratifying, become fragile and brittle. But they must be strong, resilient and of pink color.

Strengthening of the nails begins with prophylactic procedures. Ideally would be to limit the contact of the hands with cleaning solutions to the minimum. It's fairly easy to do, always use gloves performing household work, preliminarily lubricating the hands with a cream.

But the base for strength nails is the intake of vitamins and micro-elements, and of course, calcium (required, together with vitamin D). For this, the daily meals should also include almonds and dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese). Also fish and red meat (iron), carrot juice (vitamin A) and spinach (iodine).

Strengthening nails includes supplying them with nail oil or therapeutic cream for cuticle moisture. When applying oil to nail, pay attention to the nails' contour and cuticles, rubbing the moisture on the nail basis with circular movements of the other hand thumb. The composition of ready funds to strengthen nails very varied. Allantoin and pantenol effectively heals the cuticles, especially after cutting them. The nails growth is fastened by liposome and nutrients that encourage the formation of new cell growth in the zone nail plate. Also the creams may contain keratin and sulfur amino acids, proteins and vitamin C, which help to strengthen nails and improve their resistance to the harmful effects of the environment.

For strengthening your nails by your own at home it is useful to use olive oil, adding a few drops of lemon juice - its has a lot of very valuable vitamins to strengthen nails.Apply the oil drops 1-2 times a week.

Also the nails gain more strength after regular massaging, giving them hardness and elasticity. Massage the cuticle area with a very soft brush, previously moistures with glycerin soap. This causes a soft peeling, detracting from the cuticle and skin dead cells preventing the formation of unaesthetic cracks. Particularly useful in combination with massage are the little baths with sea salt, which also contains a wealth of minerals and iodine with an ideal ratio, do it three times a week. Only use sea or oceanic salt without aromatic additives. Dissolve one tea spoon of salt in warm water and hold the hands in the solution for 20 minutes. The procedure is repeated for 10 days successively. After a month, it can be done again.

If you are seriously concerned about the problem of strengthening nails, try to reconsider your views on manicure, giving up to the option of trimming manicure and to the rough metal file, it is better to have modern variants of glass files. Manicure needs to be done regularly, at least once a week or 2. To remove varnish use solutions without acetone. And do not forget that the nails need to periodically rest from varnish, even the high-quality one- in rhythm of 2 days every 5 days of painted nails. Sometimes you can use instead of the color polish, the curative polish, which is called Strengthening polish. It protects nails from the harmful effects of the environment, helps making the fragile and thin nail plate more robust. It looks like colorless polish. Then it can be used as a nourishing base (2-3 layers), under the decorative manicure.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Home Nail Care

Caring for hands and feet nails is not only a must for our beauty, but also very important for our health. The most beautiful, graceful hand can get bad image if it has bad cared, untidy nails. Proper care of the nails helps maintaining their health, hiding their deficiencies.

Once a week it is necessarily to dedicate half an hour to your manicure. If you have a good set, it will make it easy, even if you are not professional. You have to purchase a good file with a special sputtered surface. But scissors and metal skin file is not recommended to use.

It is also recommended to acquire special "orange" sticks, which can help us easily postpone the skin from nails after a brief warm bath. Cutting up this skin with scissors should not be done in any way, as the only result will be the skin growing constantly and becoming thicker and look more and more unattractive. This skin should be removed using special lotions, which also slow its growth.

Poor quality nail polish or its frequent use, the use of different solvents or acetone to remove polishes, all these cause our nails to become dry and brittle. It is better to use special polish nail remover liquid for getting rid of the polish from your nails. It cleans easily the varnish residues from the nail without irritating the skin, and they usually contain vitamins and special supplements to strengthen the skin around the nail.

Be careful with artificial nails. If you wear them improperly, they can cause fungus infection, which causes the nails discoloring and in the end they get thicker losing their form. For such diseases to cure, it can take six months or more.

Your nails are your business card. Every person should have nice, clean fingernails, including men.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Nail Strengthening Oil

What are nails? Nails are proteins whose structure is similar to that of the hair. They grow in their top end where under the soft arched cuticles new cells are formed. They "shove" down the nail constantly renewing it. Normally, when the organism is in a healthy state, they grow about 4mm monthly. Biting the nails, tearing the cuticles as well as stress, can stimulate the nails' growth. And on the contrary: bad health and inferior nutrition can delay it. Obviously, the nails' condition is one criteria for the internal health of the organism. Their brightness, easy splitting, white spots, rough cuttings, and lack of brilliance - indicate a disorder in the organism. Add the frequent contact with different kinds of detergents, chemicals, inappropriate nail polishes, nail polish cleaners, bad working conditions and all the unfavorable effects of the environment, there is no doubt: our nails are subjected to more severe trials than the nature has foreseen!

What to do? Our first steps refer to our nutrition and the regular reception of complex vitamins and micro-elements (especially in winter and spring). The most important of them is biotin (vitamin of B-group) and Vitamin C. It is also important to avoid factors causing stress. In this way we help our organism to keep a healthy status and consequently "produce" healthier and more beautiful nails.

How does Nail Strengthening Oil work? First of all it is a barrier. Being a blend of almond oil and five essential oils, it stimulates the growth (rosemary oil), keeps a normal level of moisture and vitalize the cells (eucalyptus and almond oil). The three citrus oils -lemon, grapefruit and citronella are the perfect combination for general care of the nails. As all citrus oils are sensitive to UV rays, avoid the disposition of the nails to the sun or artificial rays. Lecithin, Vitamin E and Vitamin C as natural antioxidants have been added to stabilize the product and prevent it from oxidizing, at the same time improving its action to the nails.

How to use it? Use a small brush To apply the oil on the nail and around cuticle. Massage the skin around the nail until the oil is completely absorbed. Leave for at least 20 minutes. After that you can wipe it, but it is not necessarily to wash the oil as it it not harmful for the health. If you want to put polish on the nails, carefully wipe them off with a cotton fabric.

The massage stimulates and improves the blood circulation around the nail this way improving the "feeding up" of the cells that produce the new nails.
It is recommended to use a nail strengthening oil daily, or at least 2-3 times a week and soon you will see the results. The whole nails will be renewed in about 6 months.

The beautiful nails are not only a natural "decoration"; they are the evidence of our body's health!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Nail Designing

Nail designing is the latest craze among girls at the moment. You can make your nails look absolutely fabulous and freaky with the use of nail designing techniques.

Nicely manicured fingers will always look attractive. Manicured fingers will not only look stylish, but they also reflect your sense of personal hygiene.

The designing of nails starts with the cleaning. It is always better to keep your nails clean. Your nails can be cleaned by soaking your fingers in a bowl of warm soap water for 10 to 15 minutes. A small fine brush can be used to remove the dirt from any cracks in the nails.

There are many creams and polishes on the market that will strengthen your nails and prevent them from cracking. Nail hardeners are the perfect item for those who have very fragile nails. These hardeners can keep your nails strong for over time.

The good old glossy enamel, when applied on your nails, will make the nails look attractive. Not all girls or women are blessed with long nails. There are artificial nails available on the market will make your nails look longer.

Your nails can be decorated with cute, trendy paintings. There are a variety of nail polishes that add a touch of life to your nails. These polishes may be matte finished or gloss finished.

A type of nail designing accessory called glitters is used to make your nails sparkle. Many tattoos are also used to decorate nails. Your nails can also be made attractive with the help of stones and jewels. The nails can also be designed using the skills of a professional.

Many kits are available at affordable prices to allow you to decorate your nails. The kits include nail hardeners, base coats, nail polishes, glitters, manicure kits, fine brushes, nail dryers, etc. The kits come with design catalogues from which you can choose your designs.

You can design your nails according to your creativity and imagination. Many contests featuring nail designing are held in colleges and other institutions.

By Elizabeth Morgan

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Nails Reveal Your Character

It may take weeks, months or even years before you can truly know someone but our ancestors had a shorter way of judging people: they simply looked at their fingernails.

If you want to discern a person’s character, then the best place to start is by looking at his or her fingernails, according to Barkham Burroughs who wrote this “useful” guide in 1889. Some of his wacky insights include: White marks indicate misfortune so better avoid that person. Pale or lead-colored nails are found in melancholy people while broad nails mean that person is shy, timid, and gentle.

People who quest for knowledge are said to have round nails. A quarrelsome and ambitious nature is supposedly evident in those with narrow nails. Burroughs said conceited people have small nails while those who delight in war have red and spotted nails. If you have ingrown nails, consider yourself lucky for you enjoy the fine things in life and have good taste!

The day in which you cut your nails was also believed to have an effect on your future. In “A Dictionary of Superstitions” edited by Iona Opi and Moira Tatem, we get the following advice: Cut them on Monday, you cut them for health; cut them on Tuesday, you cut them for wealth; cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for news; cut them on Thursday, a new pair of shoes; cut them on Friday, you cut them for sorrow; cut them on Saturday, see your true love tomorrow; cut them on Sunday, the devil will be with you all the week.”

Today, we know that nails reflect our state of health and they mirror certain diseases. Deep horizontal grooves often indicate a serious illness while discoloration, thinning, thickening, brittleness, small white spots, and flatness can result from nutrient deficiencies, a drug reaction or poisoning or local injury.

“Doctors often look at nails to see how healthy a person is. Pink nails show that the person has enough iron in their blood and that the blood is circulating well around the body,” according to the Child and Youth Health web site of the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service in South Australia.

When fungi invade the nails, the resulting infection is called onychomycosis or ringworm of the nails. This occurs in two to 18 percent of the population worldwide and is common in people over 60. Onychomycosis is often caused by fungi called dermatophytes which are responsible for 90 percent of cases. This leads to thickened, discolored, streaked or spotted nails.

“A fungal nail infection can make wearing narrow or tight shoes, walking, or standing for long periods of time uncomfortable and in some cases painful. Over time, a fungal nail infection can cause permanent nail damage. As it invades more of a nail, it becomes more difficult to cure. An untreated nail infection can also spread to other nails and skin,” said the editors of WebMD.

Antifungal pills may be prescribed for severe cases but they can be expensive and cause serious side effects. What’s more, not all of them work. Some of the newer oral antifungals are safer and more effective but still take time to work. A better alternative is Somasin AFS, the safe and natural way to get rid of stubborn nail infections.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Manicure Tips For The Busy Girl

A manicure should be an integral part of your regular beauty routines. But, if you don't have the time or the finances to visit a salon for a manicure as often as you would like, you can always do it yourself in your own home. Here's our guide to getting a thorough DIY manicure performed by your very own hands for your very own hands.

1. Apply some nail varnish remover to a cotton ball so that it's semi-saturated than quickly remove the old varnish from each nail, rubbing outwards from the cuticle to the tip. But try to avoid getting the remover into the cuticle and surrounding skin. Also, it is best to avoid varnish removers that contain acetone, even if the bottle states that they also contain conditioners. Acetone will dry out your nails, which is very unhealthy for them. When finished removing the varnish, rince away all traces of the remover using warm tap water. Dry your fingers thoroughly.

2. Shape your nails using a medium emery board, filing from one edge of the nail to the center, then from the other edge to the center. Hold the emery board at an angle of about 45 degrees so that you are mainly filing the underside of the nail. The most natural-looking and easiest-to-manage shape of finger nail is an oval shape, slightly squared at the tip. It is also the strongest shape.

3. Dampen your hands then massage them with an exfoliator. Either use a commercial exfoliating product or make some up yourself by mixing some coarse sea salt with an essential oil. This is great for the circulation!

4. Soak your fingers in a bowl of warm water.

5. Scrub the nails gently using a soft-bristled brush, then dry your hands thoroughly using a soft towel.

6. Massage some cuticle oil or cuticle softener well into the base of the nails. Leave it for a few minutes so that it is well absorbed. Then gently push back the cuticles using either a special hoof stick or a cotton bud. Remove the residue of the oil with a tissue then rinse the nails in warm water to finish.

7. Use cuticle scissors to remove any ragged cuticle skin or hangnails, being careful not to damge the underlying cuticle.

8. Moisturize the cuticle using cuticle oil, or if you don't possess any, you can use moisturizer cream.

9. Massage your hands and fingers thoroughly using hand cream.

then two thin coats of colored nail polish, and finally a top coat to seal in the color and protect the nail surface. You should let the basecoat10. Rinse your fingers to remove all traces of the cream and dry thoroughly, then you are ready to apply the nail varnish. Varnish is applied in four coats: a clear basecoat to protect the nails, dry for around three minutes before applying the polish. The nail polish is applied using three strokes working from the base to the tip of the nail, first of all along the center of the nail, then at either side. Leave three minutes between the coats, then five minutes drying before applying the top layer.

11. Use a white pencil to color underneath the tips of your nails to make them look brighter and add emphasis.

As an alternative to applying nail polish, you could try simply buffing your nails. This will make them smooth and shiny. Buff them gently in one direction only, from the base to the tip, raising the buffer after each stroke. So about ten strokes of the buffer on each nail.

By: Bianca Tavares

Article Source: http://www.articlestoreprint.com

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Brittle Nails - Easy To Break

Nails define your hand in many ways. The shape and the look of nails make your hand look good. By using a good nail polish it can make your hands look better. But if nails are bad then no matter how much you cover it up it will not work. Brittle nails are one of the problems with your nails. These nails happen to be so weak that they break, spilt or tear very easily. It is the dryness in the nails which reaches to such an extent that they tend to break without much hassle. Brittle nails are a common problem faced by many women.

Some of the causes for brittle nails is due to excessive contact with water, detergent, drying out of nails due to overheating in your own house, constantly falling ill and increasing use of nail polish remover. When it comes in contact with chemicals present in detergent or cleansers it makes the nails very weak. Your nails are also affected due iron deficiency. When you go for swimming the chlorine water does not work in your favor. You also lack essential calcium and fatty acids which makes your nail strong and less brittle. Low levels of zinc, iron and also thyroid problems may lead to brittle nails.

Some of the things which you can do to avoid brittleness of your nails

* Massaging your nails with castor oil frequently as this would keep your nails fit and fine

* Whenever in contact with chemicals wear cotton gloves and on top of the rubber gloves as it would protect your nails from getting wet either by sweat or water

* Involving food like salmon, tuna, shrimp, trout, milk in your diet improves your nails life

* Intake of herbs and vitamins as consulted by doctor should be taken

* Keep your nails short if you know they are brittle


By: Sharon Hopkins

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Saturday, July 14, 2007

More Nail Tips

Shaping Your Fingernails

Polished nails and healthy cuticles aren't the only things that make your fingernails beautiful. Keeping your nails trimmed and shaped properly helps to create a glamorous look to your hands. Every hand is different, but there are few common shapes and sizes to hands that can help you to determine how you should shape your nails. The way your cuticle is shaped will also help
* For cuticles that are oval at the base, square shaped nails are appropriate
* For cuticles that are pointed, oval shaped nails might be better suited
* For small hands and fingers, try almond shaped nails
* Short and plump fingers look best with squared-off, oval nails
* Thicker hands or fingers with a wide nail bed should have squared off ends.
* Longer nail beds look best with rounded nails.

It is recommended by experts that the free edge of your nails should only extend a few millimeters beyond the tip of your finger. To begin shaping your nails, start by trimming them with a quality clipper. If you use a clipper that is too hard to squeeze, you'll end up breaking your nails or making inaccurate cuts. Once you have trimmed your nails into the desired shape for your hand type, you can begin to file your nails for smooth edges. Here are some filing tips to keep in mind:
* Don't file your nails from side to side, it can weaken the stress points of the nail's free edge
* Gently file from the corner of your nail to the center in one direction
* To make sure both hands are the same length or shape, hold the same finger from each hand up to one another
* Metal files can split your nails. Use a soft, flat emery board.

Tips for Beautifully Polished Fingernails

Beautifully polished nails aren't just for hand models. Besides your face, your hands are another area that people first notice about you. Nail polish can help your hands look younger, smoother and even thinner. Polishing your nails may seem like a no-brainer, but here are some helpful tips you may not have been aware of before:
* If you are already wearing a polish or not, before you apply nail polish, always remove the excess oils from your nails with nail polish remover
* To avoid cotton ball fuzzies stuck to your nails, use a makeup sponge with polish remover
* To avoid yellowing nails after your polish is removed, try buffing the tops of your nails. This will also smooth out the roughness of your nails
* Always, always, always use a base coat! This also will help eliminate the discolorization of your nails
* Water-based nail enamels, hypoallergenic and unscented nail products are available if you have sensitive skin
* Choose a shade that enhances your fingers and toes
* Instead of shaking your polish, roll the bottle in the palm of your hand, your nail polish will last longer
* Don't put too much polish on the brush
* When painting your nails, apply the polish to the tips of your nails and slightly underneath the tip of your nails
* Fast drying enamels are fabulous, but they also chip faster
* Nail polish takes a full hour to completely dry without smudging
* Once your nails have dried enough, usually 10 minutes, add a top coat
* To keep your nails looking glossy, apply a new coat every other day.

Copyright (c) 2007 Barry Lycka

Article Source: http://www.articlestoreprint.com

Monday, July 9, 2007

Nails Are A Great Health Barometer


For alternative health physicians, fingernails are an excellent barometer on how well you are absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. So if you have a poor diet, it stands to reason that your nails won’t be in good shape.

Common problems include white spots, ridges and brittleness and if you suffer from these problems, these steps will show you how to obtain healthy nails.

If you are suffering from a fungal infection (causing abnormal growth, extreme brittleness, discolouration) and want to know how to obtain healthy nails

- it can be difficult to remove from the nail and the nail bed. The initial course of action will be anti-fungal medication from your doctor, then follow up with our suggestions below.

Nutritional deficiencies

If you want healthy nails, first understand that nails in poor condition are an indication of a nutritional deficiency.

White spots can indicate a zinc deficiency, ridges in the fingernails can indicate iron and/or a calcium deficiency and brittle nails can indicate a deficiency of the sulphur-containing amino acids.

A nutritional program for healthy nails

* Supplement with the base line nutritional program of all 90 essential nutrients - vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Out of all of these, plant derived minerals produce excellent results in terms of stronger nails and rapid growth.

* Treat the fingernail problems directly with a supplement containing gelatine – especially important for vegetarians.

* Digestive enzymes before meals to improve the absorption of nutrients.

You should begin noticing results within a couple of weeks!

By Paul Newland

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Newland

Friday, July 6, 2007

9 Easy Steps To A Pedicure

Before putting on those sexy, comfortable open toe shoes make sure your feet skin is in good condition. With these easy nine steps you too will have silky feet. So go ahead get ready to do your own pedicure.soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in warm water containing Epsom salt or foot soak

Use a pumice stone, exfoliating scrub to gently scrub the soles of your all over your feet and heel to remove dead skin.

Dry your feet.

Trim your toenails and push back cuticles.

Rinse feet once again and pat dry.

Massage feet with plenty of foot lotion. Body lotion, petroleum jelly or cream can be use to replace foot lotion.

Wrap feet on plastic bags and cover for at least 15 minutes.

Paint toe nails. Make sure to apply at least to coats of nail polish and a top coat of clear nail polish to give it more shine. Give it enough time to dry, before putting on any shoes. If you put on shoes too soon your pedicure will get ruin.

Enjoy your self given & low cost pedicure!

Author: Kenia Morales

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenia_Morales

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Do You Still Bite Your Nails?

Woman just love taking care of themselves, it is a fact. Having all the latest products on the market is a must, but how many times do the little things that matter, actually get left out? The nails are one of the most ignored parts of the body, and worse, many women bite their nails.

Why Biting Your Nails Is Not Good For You:

Not only is biting your nails unhygienic, but if you do bite them, they are likely to grow back really jagged and uneven.

Do you know that when you bite your nails, you are ingesting a lot of germs? Studies have shown that under your nails, there is more bacteria there than if you were to lick a toilet seat. You definitely would not lick a toilet seat, so why bite your nails? Some men also find women who bite their fingernails, a turn off!

Imagine this scenario, you have taken a date home and things have progressed. You are running your hands through your dates hair, and all the sudden they notice your finger nails all chipped, broken and covered in dirt. They are hardly likely to find that a turn on, and they probably will not want to see you again.

The state of your nails can be an indicator of your overall general health, and if you use your hands a lot, especially whilst speaking, many people will see the state of them. With just a bit of care, your nails will thank you in the long run and it will be so much healthier for you than putting all that bacteria into your mouth. However, in order to look after your nails properly, you will need to understand them a little bit more and know what they need.

What is a Nail and How Can You Care For it?:

A nail consists of a hard protein called Keratin. They are basically on our fingers to protect them from any kind of trauma, and they even help to pick up small objects. Women see their nails more of a cosmetic purpose however, and they often have manicures to make them look their best.

Manicures are actually good for the nail, and as well as looking good, they also help to keep the nail healthy. In order to get the most out of your nails it is essential that you see a professional manicurist, instead of trying to do it yourself.

Basic hygiene is also not hard to do, yet it will keep your nails really healthy. Moisturizer is essential in aiding with the condition of your hands and nails, and you can buy specially designed polish which strengthens the nails. A good nail brush also comes in handy and using soap with it will really help to get rid of any bacteria.

However, do not take that as a sign that you can now safely chew your nails. If you do have a problem with not being able to stop biting your nails, there are special products on the market which taste horrible, which are designed to stop your habit.

If you do not take proper care of your nails and you simply carry on biting them without cleaning them, you are potentially likely to get infections and cold sores within the mouth. Even if you have been doing it for years, the risk is always there that you will pass something on into the mouth. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

Overall, it really is so much better for your health if you stop biting your nails. They will look so much better, and you will not have to worry about putting off a potential date either! Usually nail biting is simply a habit, and with little work, it can be cured.

By: Louise Forrest

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Monday, July 2, 2007

Six Tips For Long Lasting Summer Nail Polish

Warm weather is here, and that means most of us will be wearing nail polish more often to show off our hands and feet. The barer summer clothes and sandals mean your feet and hands will be center stage, so putting a few extra minutes into proper nail care is must for the prettiest looks. Whether you are applying nail polish to your hands or toes, the basic principles to make your manicure or pedicure last are the same.

1. Prepare your nails properly before polishing. Nail polish won’t adhere well to nails that are dirty or oily. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any lotions, dirt or oils, and then brush each nail with a bit of nail polish remover. This will remove all oils from the nail itself and prepare it for accepting polish.

2. Lightly buff your nails and file off any rough edges. Polish will be more prone to peeling and flaking if the nails are rough around the edges or have ridges in them. Filing and buffing gives a smoother surface so that polish won’t flake.

3. Choose the right polish. Did you know that nail polish expires? Most brands will only last about a year before they become thicker and start to clump. Polish that’s too thick will go on thicker and won’t dry well, leading to more chance of smearing or smudging. Most nail polish formulas are similar and will last almost a week, but fast drying formulas are an exception. The extra ingredients that allow fast drying polishes to set so quickly also makes them peel more quickly, so try to avoid fast-dry formulas unless you absolutely have to use them. The extra few minutes spent drying a standard nail polish will be well worth it if your manicure lasts days longer.

4. Care for your polish properly. Summer weather is especially tough on nail polish – the high temperatures can cause polish to separate and the color to change. To keep your nail polish in top condition, refrigerate it in the summer. You should also clean the polish bottle carefully after each use by wiping the outside edge of the bottle with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover to keep the bottle from sticking shut. Finally, be sure that you gently blend the nail polish before applying by rolling the bottle between your hands. Shaking a bottle of polish will create air bubbles in the polish that can cause bumps and clumps when you apply it – guaranteed to shorten the life span of your manicure or pedicure.

5. Use a base coat and top coat. It takes a bit more time to do a complete manicure rather than just throwing on some polish, but its well worth the effort. After your nails are clean, be sure to apply a base coat; this product prepares the nail for polish and gives nail polish something to cling to so that it lasts longer. Follow this with two thin coats of polish in the desired color, and then finish off with a quality top coat. When you apply the top coat, be sure to run the brush horizontally across the tip of the nail with a bit of it going under the edge of the nail. This will help prevent peeling and seals the manicure properly.

6. Don’t rush things. Be sure to let your nails dry five to ten minutes between each coat. If the coat below isn’t completely dry before you add the next one, your nails won’t dry properly for quite a while, leading to chips and smudges. If you are in a rush or simply impatient, plunge your nails into ice water for a few seconds between coats – this will quickly dry and seal the polish.

Enjoy your beautifully painted, long lasting nails! Remember not to open soda cans or pick at envelopes with your freshly painted nails. Using your nails as tools won’t help you keep your nail polish fresh at all!


By: Sally Hart

Article Source: http://www.isnare.com/

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Choose Nail Care Products According To Your Nail Condition

Beauty and health of your nails is not just a matter of a woman's vanity. Today, men and women alike have learned the importance of nail care, or are just about to learn more.

Choosing nail care products proper to your actual nail condition is as necessary and individual as choosing a hair conditioner or shampoo, which treats your head and hair the right way.

Nailtiques are cosmetic products that give your nails a full range of caring services. It is not only color added to your nails but treatment for dry nails, as a result of problems such as a fungal infection or just because continuous exposure to detergents or any other harmful element.

Nail Moisturizer is a product that does not recognize gender and nobody will notice that you are using a nail product, yes, you my fellow male friend. Even nowadays, many men feel embarrassed if someone discovers them applying a product to improve the condition of their nails.

The advantage of Nailtiques is that its moisturizers are greaseless. All the nail care products are fortified with natural ingredients, including jojoba, collagen, and aloe Vera. Similar properties seen in Rejuvacote, which is a nail strengthener, that can fix damaged nails naturally.

Nail care products include conditioning creams and enriched solutions that can penetrate your nails for solving a number of cosmetic problems or injuries caused after medical nail conditions or work accidents.

People who handle tools and machinery are vulnerable to suffer nail injuries, so nail care products can also be applied as a preventive measure, reinforcing your nails’ condition. Rejuvacote has transparent enamel with a protein formula that seals the layers of your nail together preventing incidents that make your nails look ugly.

Enriched nail creams can be applied at night before going to sleep and washed off in the morning, as natural as if they were your own second skin. Wearing gloves after cream applications will aid with your nail care and will provide the full effect on your nails.

Both Nailtiques and Rejuvacote are products you can trust for your nail care, promoting flexibility and strength of your nails. Perhaps this is the reason Rejuvacote is renowned as "Your Nail Doctor".

If you want to wear natural, strong and vital nails, pay more attention to your nail care, and do not worry about the products because these products are unisex.

Of course, if you are a sexy woman wanting to impress your man, color enamel comes in fancy, trendy tones, but the same formula that fortifies your nails, fix injuries, and improve your overall nails health.

By: Natalie Aranda

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Nail It - Here’s To Healthy And Beautiful Nails!

There is no substitute for a healthy diet as you are what you eat. Radiant health shows not only in the rosy glow of your skin and the healthy bounce of your hair, but also in the vitality of your nails. When the balance of health is disrupted, the first signs actually appear on your nails.

Have a look at your nails. Are they discolored, brittle or jagged around the edges? If they are, you just may not be getting the right nutrients into your body despite eating well and consuming supplements.

Here are a few tips that will help you have great nails and good health.

Nail Nutrition 101

* Water, the essence of life, is a must in your diet. Consuming enough water and other liquids is vital if you want to avoid chips and cracks in your nails. Fresh carrot juice is excellent for strengthening nails, as it is rich in both calcium and phosphorous.

* Broccoli, onions, soy and papaya are rich in sulphur, biotin and silicon – essential in nail-building materials. Do eat more servings of vegetables and fruits at meal times as this boosts your intake of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which will keep shabby looking nails at bay.

* Ensure a healthy daily intake of calcium, protein and zinc. White bands and spots on your nails are a clear indication that these elements are lacking in your system. They also tend to make your nails look diseased, so do include these basic nutrients to add a glossy sheen to your nails.

* Consider including royal jelly, spirulina and kelp in your intake. These supplements are rich in silica, zinc and vitamin B, which help nails grow strong and healthy.

* Do not forget to include protein, folic acid and the all-essential vitamin C in your dietary intake because a depletion of any one of these nutrients can cause very painful episodes of hangnails – the annoying, little triangular splits of skin around the fingernails.

* Curved and darkish looking nails can be avoided by ensuring a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 in your system, while reddish-looking skin around your cuticles may indicate that something is not quite on par as far as your metabolism rate is concerned.

Facts To Remember

You can tremendously improve the health of your nails by remembering that the greatest foes of healthy nails are harsh detergents and water.

This deadly combination actually causes stress upon nail fibres, which eventually lead to split or brittle nails. The best thing you can do – and do religiously – is to don a pair of rubber gloves while you clean or do the dishes.

You should also know that filing the corner of your nails is a big no-no. This will weaken the nails and they will break more easily as a result. So if your manicurist insists that the latest trend requires you to file those corners, then it’s about time you change your nail care attendant.

By: Ben

Article Source: http://www.articles411.com/

Friday, June 15, 2007

Nail Care Tips: Do You Know These Important Do's And Don'ts?

Applying the nail care tips below will help you maintain your fingernails in prime condition.

As our fingernails are so noticeable and convey a message about us to everyone we meet, it is essential we take just a little time and educate ourselves on how to care for them well.


What follows is a list of nail care tips divided into do's and don'ts:

Nail Care Tips: The DO'S

DO drink plenty of water each day. It's good for your general health and a well hydrated body contributes to healthy nails. Cracked nails may indicate the need for greater fluid intake.

DO apply varnish remover before applying nail polish. This removes any grease on the surface of the nail and gives extra life to the nail polish, so make sure you do this regardless of whether there is old polish on your nails or not.

DO take vitamin supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise due to other health considerations. Vitamins A, C, E, and B12 are especially important. Additionally, calcium, zinc, iron, protein, and folic acid will help avoid white marks appearing on the nails and prevent nails from becoming brittle. Research the foods you need to provide you with these essential vitamins and supplements.

DO use a good quality buffer preferably once a week, no more than twice a week. Be sure not to buff too vigorously and not for too long to avoid damaging the nail. Just a brief gentle buff before applying nail polish can help prevent the polish from peeling due to a rough or uneven surface on the nail.

DO use a soft nail file rather than an emery board. Emery boards can be too rough and damage the nail easily unless used with great care. Better to use a soft cushion nail file and wash it regularly for repeated use. It almost goes without saying, metal nail files are a definite NO NO!

DO wear protective gloves when doing any work that requires the hands to be submerged in water or come in contact with chemicals. Preferably use gloves with a cotton lining so they remain dry inside. Fungus loves a moist environment.

DO give attention to the cuticles regularly, using a moisturizing cream often to avoid the cuticles from drying out. Overgrown and ungroomed cuticles can adversely affect nail growth.

Nail Care Tips: The DON'TS

DON'T file backwards and forwards as this can cause splits in the nails which become even worse if water penetrates after hand washing. Rather use a gentle one way stroking action with the file along with a little patience.

DON'T file the corners of the nail as this can weaken them and make them more susceptible to breaking. File straight across in a way that produces a soft, oval shape. Pointed nails break easily.

DON'T file nails when they are wet. Make sure they are completely dry.

DON'T use varnish remover and reapply nail polish more than once or twice a week. Preferably select a varnish remover that contains moisturizers to avoid the nails drying out.

DON'T use your nails to scratch hard surfaces, pick at an object, remove staples, or serve as a digging tool. Just take a minute to get a proper tool for the job and avoid sacrificing your nails!

DON'T over manicure the cuticles as this can damage them causing them to thicken and overgrow.

DON'T ever cut the cuticles or use metal or sharp objects to push them back. Purchase the proper tool for the job, an Orange Stick. Hold it at an angle and gently push the cuticles back without damaging them. Using a cuticle remover first will help make the job easier and avoid damaging this sensitive skin.

After a nail care session, conduct a little test. To see how smooth your nails really are run them down an old pair of tights or pantyhose. Any snags will help you locate the nail that needs further attention.

The nail care tips listed above require some time and effort and perhaps initially a small investment to obtain the necessary professional tools. However, once you have them and get into a nail care routine, the benefits will make it all worthwhile.

You will feel confident and flash your nails with pride.

By: Mike Jones

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

How To Remove Acrylic Nails

Getting acrylic nails at the saloon can get pretty pricey, as is having them removed there. Thankfully you can do both at home these days. To add your own acrylic nails, purchase a kit in the drugstore. Once you grow tired of them, here’s how to remove them at home.

You can remove acrylic nails two different ways. You can purchase a professional acrylic nail removal kit at your local drug store, or you can invest a dollar or two in a large bottle of nail polish remover. Make sure you buy a kind that has acetone in it, not one of the gentler nail polish removers on the market these days.

Lay out several pages of newspaper on your kitchen table to prevent spills. Keep several paper towels close by as well to wipe off nail polish, dry your hands off and put the acrylic nails on as they come off.

Clip your nails as short as possible to make the process easier. Next apply some petroleum jelly to your fingers (except the nails) to prevent your skin from drying out completely during the soaking.

Pour the entire bottle of nail polish remover in a bowl. Warm it up in the microwave to make the process faster and easier. Soak your fingernails for about 15 to 20 minutes. The acrylic nails should start to come apart from your natural nail at this point. Gently peel them back a little and soak longer if they still seem pretty attached. Repeat this process until you can easily peel the entire acrylic nail off. Don’t force it, or you risk ripping your own nail out of the nail bed, which is very painful.

Wash your hands several times when you’re done to get all the acetone off. Use a good hand moisturizer. The acetone dries your skin out. Your nails will look very rough from the acrylic coming off. Use a nail buffer to smooth them out. They’ll start looking better after a few days.


By: Mila Sidman

Article Source: http://www.isnare.com/