Correct nail care: tips and recommendations
Section 1: Fundamentals of nail health – nutrition and moisturizing
Nail health begins from the inside. What you eat directly affects the strength and appearance of your nails. Providing the body with the necessary nutrients is the first and most important step towards beautiful and healthy nails.
1.1. The role of nutrition in the health of the nails:
Nails, like hair, consist mainly of keratin – fibrillar protein. For its synthesis, certain amino acids, vitamins and minerals are necessary. The deficiency of these substances is manifested in brittleness, thinning, the appearance of white spots and other problems with nails.
- Protein: The main building material of keratin. The lack of protein in the diet is one of the most common causes of nail weakness. Include protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds in your diet.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): One of the key vitamins for the health of hair and nails. Biotin is involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for the growth and strengthening of nails. Sources of biotin: eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados, sweet potatoes.
- Iron: The lack of iron leads to anemia, which, in turn, can cause brittleness and thinning of nails, as well as the appearance of spoon -like nails (coilonichia). Sources of iron: red meat, liver, spinach, lentils.
- Zinc: Participates in the synthesis of protein and cell division. Zinc deficiency can lead to the appearance of white spots on the nails (leakonichia), a deceleration of growth and increased brittleness. Sources of zinc: oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts, seeds, legumes.
- Magnesium: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and strengthening nails. Magnesium deficiency can lead to brittleness and stratification of nails. Sources of magnesium: spinach, almonds, avocados, dark chocolate.
- Vitamin C: Participates in the synthesis of collagen necessary for the strength and elasticity of the nails. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the nails from damage. Sources of vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell pepper.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Provide hydration and elasticity of nails. The omega-3 deficiency can lead to dry nails and fragility of the nails. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), linen seed, chia seeds, walnuts.
1.2. Hydration – the key to elastic nails:
Like the skin, nails need moisturizing. The lack of moisture makes them fragile and prone to stratification.
- Drink enough water: The recommended norm is 8 glasses of water per day. Water helps to maintain the optimal level of hydration of the body, which positively affects the condition of the nails.
- Use moisturizers and oils: Apply a cream or oil for cuticle and nails several times a day, especially after washing your hands. Pay attention to the composition – it should have moisturizing components, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shi, jojoba or avocados.
- Wear gloves in contact with water and detergents: Long -term exposure to water and aggressive chemicals dries the nails and cuticle. Gloves will help protect them from negative impact.
- Use moisturizing gloves at night: Apply a thick layer of hand cream in your hands and put on cotton gloves at night. This will allow the cream to absorb better and ensure intensive moisture.
- Avoid frequent use of fluid to relieve varnish with acetone: Acetone dries the nails and cuticle. Use carbon fiber to remove varnish that contain moisturizing components.
1.3. Dietary supplements to strengthen nails:
If you are not sure that you get enough necessary nutrients from food, you can consider taking dietary additives. However, before taking additives, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
- Biotin: One of the most popular additives for strengthening nails. Clinical studies have shown that taking biotin can improve the structure of nails and reduce their fragility.
- Collagen: Protein, which provides the strength and elasticity of connective tissue. Reception of collagen can improve the structure of nails and stimulate their growth.
- Silicon: The mineral that strengthens the nails and improves their appearance. Silicon is found in foods such as oats, barley and green vegetables.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmetane): Organic compound of sulfur, which is involved in the synthesis of collagen and keratin. MSM can improve the structure of the nails and reduce their fragility.
Section 2: Correct Clean Care – Nail Health
The cuticle is a thin strip of skin, which protects the root of the nail from infections and damage. Correct cutting care is an important aspect of nail health.
2.1. The role of the cuticle in the health of the nails:
The cuticle performs a protective function, preventing bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms in the nail root. Damage to the cuticle can lead to inflammation (paronichia) and other infections that can adversely affect the growth and appearance of nails.
2.2. Basic rules stirred for the knife:
- Do not cut the cuticle: Cutting cuticle increases the risk of infections and damage. Instead of circumcision, carefully push the cuticle with a special stick (gun) after a shower or bath when it is softened.
- Moisten the cuticle: Apply cuticle oil or moisturizer several times a day. Moisturization helps maintain the elasticity of the cuticle and prevents its dryness and cracking.
- Use special means to remove cuticle (removers): If the cuticle has grown strongly, you can use special removers that soften and dissolve dead cuticle cells. Follow the instructions on the packaging and do not overexpose the product on the skin.
- Avoid aggressive chemicals: Detergents, solvents and other aggressive chemicals can damage the cuticle. Wear gloves when working with such substances.
- If signs of inflammation appear (redness, edema, pain), consult a doctor: Inflammation of the cuticle may be a sign of infection. Timely treatment will help prevent complications.
2.3. Methods left for a knife:
- Checking the cuticle: The safest and most recommended method for caring for the cuticle. Gently push the cuticle with a special stick (cannon) after a shower or bath when it is softened.
- European manicure (UNDERSTANDED manicure): A method in which the cuticle is not cut, but only pushed and processed with special means. This method is considered safer and more sparing for nails.
- Classic manicure (rubberous manicure): A method in which the cuticle is cut off with special forceps or scissors. This method is not recommended, as it increases the risk of infections and damage.
- Hardware manicure: A method in which the cuticle is processed with a special device with nozzles. This method requires experience and qualifications, since improper use of the device can damage nails and cuticle.
Section 3: Proper technique of haircuts and cutting nails
The shape and length of the nails is a matter of taste, but the correct technique of haircuts and sawing is important to prevent brittleness and stratification.
3.1. Choosing the shape of the nails:
The shape of the nails should correspond to the shape of the fingers and hands. An incorrectly selected form may look inharmonic and emphasize the disadvantages.
- Square form: Suitable for long and thin fingers. The nails are cut straight, and the corners are slightly rounded.
- Oval form: Suitable for short and wide fingers. The nails are fed in the form of an oval, which visually lengthens the fingers.
- Round shape: Suitable for short and full fingers. The nails are fed in the shape of a circle, which makes the fingers more elegant.
- Almond form: Suitable for long and narrow fingers. Nails are sawn in the form of almonds, which gives the hands an elegant look.
- Styletto (acute form): Suitable for strong and healthy nails. Nails are sawn in acute form, which requires special care and strengthening.
3.2. Nail haircut technique:
- Use spicy and high -quality nippers or scissors: Stupid tools can lead to nail stratification.
- String your nails with small steps: Do not try to cut off most of the nail at once.
- Shoot your nails straight or slightly round the corners: Depending on the chosen shape of the nails.
- Do not cut your nails too short: Leave a small free edge (1-2 mm).
3.3. Nail cutting technique:
- Use a fine -grained file: A rough saw can damage the nails and lead to stratification.
- Sprinkle your nails in one direction: Do not saw your nails back and forth, as this can lead to stratification.
- Keep a file at an angle of 45 degrees: This will help to give the nails the desired shape.
- Sprinkle your nails carefully and slowly: Do not press on the file too much.
- Smooth sharp corners: To avoid hooks and injuries.
3.4. Types of nail files:
- Glass saw: The most gentle nail saw. It does not injure nails and prevents stratification.
- Ceramic saw: Suitable for thin and brittle nails. She gently cuts her nails and does not cause stratification.
- Metal file: The most common nail saw. It is suitable for all types of nails, but can damage thin and brittle nails.
- A file with diamond spraying: Suitable for hard and thick nails. It effectively cuts nails, but can be too aggressive for thin and brittle nails.
- Buffic: Used to polish nails and give them shine.
Section 4: Choosing and applying nail polish – protection and aesthetics
The nail polish not only gives the nails an aesthetic look, but also protects them from external influences.
4.1. The choice of high -quality nail polish:
- Pay attention to the composition: Avoid varnishes containing harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene and dibylftalate (DBP). These substances can cause allergic reactions and damage nails.
- Choose varnishes with strengthening components: Some varnishes contain vitamins, minerals and other strengthening components that help strengthen nails and prevent their fragility.
- Pay attention to the consistency: The varnish should be homogeneous and easy to apply. Too thick or too liquid varnish can lie down unevenly and quickly cooked.
- Choose varnishes with good resistance: The varnish should stay on the nails for at least a few days, without racing and not dimming.
- Buy varnishes from trusted manufacturers: Famous manufacturers of nail polishes usually monitor the quality of their products and use safe ingredients.
4.2. The correct technique of applying nail polish:
- Prepare your nails: Degrease your nails with a removal of varnish without acetone.
- Apply the base coating: The basic coating protects the nails from the pigments of the varnish and improves the clutch of the varnish with the nail.
- Apply the first layer of varnish: Apply the varnish with a thin layer, starting from the base of the nail and moving to the tip.
- Let the first layer dry: Before applying the second layer of varnish, make sure that the first layer is completely dry.
- Apply the second layer of varnish: Apply a second layer of varnish in the same way as the first.
- Let the second layer dry: Before applying the top coating, make sure that the second layer is completely dry.
- Apply the top coating: The top coating protects the varnish from chips and gives it brilliance.
- Let the top coating dry: To accelerate drying, you can use special drying for varnish.
4.3. Removing nail polish:
- Use non -zaceton removing varnish products: Aceton dry nails and kutikulu.
- Moisten a cotton pad to remove varnish: Attach a cotton pad to the nail for a few seconds so that the varnish dissolves.
- Remove varnish in one motion: Do not trim the nail too much so as not to damage it.
- Moisten your nails and cuticle: After removing the varnish, apply a moisturizer or oil on the nails and cuticle.
4.4. Alternatives to traditional nail polishes:
- Gel polish: More persistent than ordinary varnish. Requires drying in UV- or LED lamp.
- Shellac: A variety of gel polish, also requiring drying in a lamp.
- Acrylic nails: Artificial nails extended using acrylic powder and liquid.
- Gel nails: Artificial nails extended with a gel.
Section 5: Professional nail care – when to contact a specialist
Regular home -made nail care is important, but in some cases the help of a specialist is required.
5.1. Signs of problems with nails requiring a doctor’s consultation:
- Changing the color of the nails: Yellowing, blue, blackening of nails can be a sign of fungal infection or other disease.
- Changing the shape of the nails: Thickening, deformation, the appearance of recesses or bulges on the nails can be a sign of the disease.
- Saveting and fragility of nails: If the nails are constantly relaxed and broken, despite the proper care, this can be a sign of a deficiency of nutrients or disease.
- The appearance of stains or strips on the nails: White, yellow, brown or black spots or stripes on the nails can be a sign of the disease.
- Inflammation or pain around the nail: Redness, swelling, pain around the nail can be a sign of infection.
- Survival of the nail: If the nail grows into the skin, this can cause pain and inflammation.
5.2. Professional procedures for strengthening and restoring nails:
- Paraphinotherapy: Moisturizes and nourishes the skin of hands and nails, improves blood circulation.
- Sealing nails: A procedure aimed at strengthening and restoring nails using special tools.
- Ibx System: The system for restoring and strengthening the nails, which penetrates the structure of the nail and restores it from the inside.
- Japanese manicure: A procedure aimed at strengthening and healing nails using natural components.
- Medical pedicure: The procedure aimed at solving the problems of the feet and nails, such as fungus, corns, corns, ingrown nails.
5.3. The choice of the master of manicure and pedicure:
- Pay attention to the qualifications and experience of the master: Make sure the master has certificates and work experience.
- Pay attention to the purity and sterility of the tools: The tools should be sterile and disinfected.
- Pay attention to the working conditions: The office should be clean and tidy.
- Read reviews about the Master: Before recording for the procedure, read reviews about the Master on the Internet.
- Talk to the master: Discuss your wishes and problems with nails.
Section 6: Home tools for nail care – recipes and tips
Natural ingredients available at home can be effective for nail care.
6.1. Oils for strengthening and moisturizing nails:
- Olive oil: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, moisturizes and nourishes nails.
- Coconut oil: It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, strengthens the nails and prevents their stratification.
- Almond oil: It softens and moisturizes the cuticle, improves nail growth.
- Jojoba oil: In structure, it looks like a skin lard, is well absorbed and moisturizes the nails and cuticle.
- Avocado oil: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, nourishes and strengthens his nails.
- Castor oil: Strengthens the nails and stimulates their growth.
6.2. Baths to strengthen nails:
- Bath with sea salt: Strengthens the nails and prevents their stratification. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of sea salt in warm water and lower your hands into the bath for 15-20 minutes.
- Bath with lemon juice: It brightens the nails and strengthens them. Mix the juice of one lemon with warm water and lower your hands into the bath for 10-15 minutes.
- Bath with apple cider vinegar: It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, strengthens the nails and prevents their stratification. Mix apple vinegar with warm water in equal proportions and lower your hands into the bath for 10-15 minutes.
- Bath with a herbal decoction: Soothes and softens the skin of the hands and nails. Brew a chamomile, calendula or nettles and cool the decoction to a comfortable temperature. Lower your hands in the bath for 15-20 minutes.
6.3. Masks for strengthening nails:
- Mask with honey and lemon juice: Strengthens the nails and brightens them. Mix honey and lemon juice in equal proportions and apply to the nails for 15-20 minutes.
- Mask with olive oil and egg: Nourishes and strengthens his nails. Mix olive oil and egg yolk and apply to the nails for 20-30 minutes.
- Avocado mask and honey: Moisturizes and nourishes nails. Mix the pulp of the avocado with honey and apply to the nails for 20-30 minutes.
6.4. Tips for nail care at home:
- Wear gloves when performing homework: Protect your nails from water and detergents.
- Avoid using nails as tools: Do not open the bottles and do not tear off the labels with nails.
- Take breaks between varnish: Let the nails take a break from the varnish so that they can breathe.
- Regularly do your hands massage: Massage improves blood circulation and stimulates the growth of nails.
- Observe sleep and rest mode: The lack of sleep and stress can adversely affect the condition of the nails.
- Ask correctly: Provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals for the health of nails.
Section 7: common problems with nails and ways to solve them
Despite the proper care, various problems can occur with nails.
7.1. Browneness of nails (onhoshisis):
- Reasons: The deficiency of nutrients, the lack of moisture, the frequent use of fluid to relieve varnish with acetone, the effect of aggressive chemicals, injuries, some diseases.
- Decision: Proper nutrition, moisturizing nails and cuticles, the use of an adacceton remedy for removing varnish, wearing gloves when performing homework, taking vitamins and minerals (after consulting a doctor), strengthening baths and nail masks.
7.2. Nail stratification (onycholysis):
- Reasons: Injuries, fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema, prolonged exposure to water and detergents, the use of aggressive chemicals.
- Decision: The exclusion of traumatic factors, the treatment of fungal infection (if necessary), moisturizing nails and cuticles, wearing gloves when performing homework, taking vitamins and minerals (after consulting a doctor), using special tools to strengthen nails.
7.3. White spots on the nails (leikonichia):
- Reasons: Injuries, zinc deficiency, stress, some diseases.
- Decision: Protection of nails from injuries, proper power, taking zinc (after consulting a doctor), reducing stress levels.
7.4. Yellow nails:
- Reasons: Smoking, the use of dark varnishes without a basic coating, fungal infection, psoriasis, some diseases.
- Decision: Refusal of smoking, the use of the basic coating before applying dark varnishes, the treatment of fungal infection (if necessary), whitening baths for nails (with lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide).
7.5. Involved nail (onychocryptosis):
- Reasons: Incorrect nail cutting, wearing tight shoes, genetic predisposition, fungal infection.
- Decision: The correct haircut of the nails (directly, without rounding of the corners), wearing comfortable shoes, treatment of fungal infection (if necessary), treating the ingrown nail with antiseptic agents, in severe cases – surgical intervention.
7.6. Nail fungus (onychomycosis):
- Reasons: Infection transmitted by contact.
- Decision: An appeal to a dermatologist to prescribe antifungal drugs.
Section 8: the influence of age and hormonal background on the condition of the nails
The condition of the nails can vary with age and under the influence of hormonal changes.
8.1. Age -related nail changes:
With age, nails become more thin, dry and brittle. The growth of nails slows down, their appearance worsens.
- Decision: Proper nutrition, moisturizing nails and cuticles, the use of strengthening nails for nails, taking vitamins and minerals (after consulting a doctor).
8.2. The effect of hormonal background on the condition of the nails:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause and other conditions can affect the condition of the nails.
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Pregnancy: In some women, nails become stronger and grow quickly, in others – more thin and brittle.
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Menopause: A decrease in estrogen levels can lead to dry nails.
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Thyroid diseases: They can cause a change in color, shape and structure of nails.
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Decision: Consultation with a doctor to correct the hormonal background (if necessary), proper nutrition, moisturizing nails and cuticles, the use of strengthening nails for nails, taking vitamins and minerals (after consulting a doctor).
Section 9: Failure Protection from external factors – prevention and warning
Prevention of the negative impact of external factors is an important aspect of preserving the health of nails.
9.1. Protection from the effects of water and detergents:
Long -term exposure to water and detergents dries nails and cuticle.
- Decision: Wearing gloves when performing homework, using soft detergents, moisturizing nails and cuticles after contact with water.
9.2. Protection from exposure to sunlight:
Ultraviolet rays can damage the nails and cause their dryness and brittleness.
- Decision: The use of sunscreen for hand, wearing gloves in the sun, the use of nail polishes with UV protection.
9.3. Protection against mechanical damage:
Injuries and blows can damage nails and lead to their stratification and brittleness.
- Decision: Protection of nails from injuries and blows, wearing gloves when performing hard physical work, proper nail care.
9.4. Protection from exposure to low temperatures:
Low temperatures can cause dry nails.
- Decision: Wearing gloves in the cold season, moisturizing nails and cuticles, using protective hand creams.
Section 10: Current trends in nail care and manicure
The beauty industry is constantly developing, offering new products and technologies for nail care.
10.1. Natural and organic nail care products:
More and more people prefer natural and organic tools for nail care that do not contain harmful chemicals.
10.2. Strengthening nail coatings with vitamins and minerals:
Modern strengthening nail coatings contain vitamins, minerals and other useful components that help strengthen nails and improve their appearance.
10.3. Eco-manicure:
Eco-manicure is a type of manicure in which environmentally friendly materials and methods are used.
10.4. Minimalistic nail design:
The minimalist nail design is a modern trend that is characterized by simplicity and elegance.
10.5. Smart manicure technologies:
Technologies are developed that allow diagnosing the condition of the nails and develop individual care programs.