Perhaps one of the things we do best is play with our nails. And we shouldn’t just feel justified about that one time we braved a manicure as an adult, either. “Nails really pay off,” says Stephanie Snyder, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. That’s because the nails we make now might be some of the best we’ll ever make. We’ve compiled a list of 20 major factors that will give you the best manicures and forever keep those happy fingers healthy.
Keep these 20 tips in mind — and try not to get disheartened when the nails go dry — and your next few chipped or yellow fingertips won’t be a sign that you’ll never work out again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Keep them covered. A lot of nail polish will break down over time. So instead of using matte polish that won’t wear well for more than a few days, protect your new nails with something like Sally Hansen’s Gelcoat Gel Formula ($11). It’s quick drying, so you’re not risking your nails getting brittle or dry.
Always apply a hydrating topcoat, especially if you’ll be painting that overnight. Sally Hansen Gelmarine Dry-Top Coat ($8) and Essie Gelraline ($8) are go-to options. Keep in mind that the topcoat you choose can be a bit messy, so be prepared to grab a new handkerchief — or, if you’re going wet, the back of your hand, in case the water runs onto your nails.
Look for a shade with an average beige or mauve and avoid browns and brick black, as these are almost universally harsh on the nails. For the manicure itself, black polish provides some protection, but white polish — or a single color — will pull out the pigment in your cuticles, so orange polish or mauve-and-white pairs work better, too.
Never paint your entire cuticle area black for the manicure, but carefully work around the cuticle to keep from pulling out the paint, and use a topcoat before painting.
Decide whether you’re going for nail polish or manicure appliqués first. Both require applying topcoat before painting them.
For manicures, don’t go too hand-to-hand, so keep your nails neatly in place. If you do wear nails nails, use a good topcoat afterward — Sally Hansen Gelmarine Gel Formula ($8) is one of our favorite options. For manicures, be careful to hold your nails at least as long as your digits, to prevent them from getting cramped.
You’ll get better results if you skip the gel-based manicures in favor of UV lights that can dry nails faster and prevent them from getting brittle. Use the UV in both on a weekly basis to prevent drying out. Same goes for abrasion, which can be prevented with good topcoat protection.
0 Comments on "Benefits of Healthy Nails"