Avoid these four nail mistakes, as advised by Adele's manicurist:
In the pursuit of beautiful and well-groomed nails, it's essential to prioritise their health and strength. Here are some tips from celebrity manicurists and nail care professionals to help you achieve just that.
The Importance of a Base Coat
One common mistake to avoid is skipping the base coat. This practice can lead to staining of the nail plate and weaker nails. To prevent this, it's recommended to use a good-quality base coat or polishes that include a base coat to protect and nourish your nails [1].
Maintaining Cuticle Health
Biting or peeling nails and cuticles weakens nails, making them prone to breakage and infection. Maintaining cuticle health is as important as nail health, so avoid picking or biting [1].
Proper Polishing Techniques
Applying polish on dirty or oily nails traps dirt under polish, increasing infection risk and causing chipping or peeling. Nails should be cleaned thoroughly with alcohol before polishing [3]. Over-buffing nails thins them, making them brittle and vulnerable to damage. Buffing should be limited to about once a month [3]. Filing wet nails is also not advisable as it can weaken them. Filing should be done on dry nails to avoid weakening [3].
Essential Products for Healthy Nails
Hand cream that nourishes and repairs is essential for hand and nail health. Good-quality cuticle oil is also crucial, especially for damaged nails. Nail strengtheners can help restore the health of brittle nails [2].
Caution with DIY Gel Manicures
Michelle Humphrey, a celebrity manicurist, advises against using at-home gel nail kits due to a surge in nail allergies. DIY gel manicures are not recommended as they can lead to poor nail health [4].
Signs of Unhealthy Nails
Unhealthy nails can present in various ways, including peeling, bruising, splitting, horizontal ridges, discolouration, thickening of the nail plate, nail bed separation, and soft, bendy nails. These signs might indicate underlying health conditions, so it's essential to pay attention to your nails' health [5].
Nail Technology and Proper Application
Nail technology involves complex science and knowledge of anatomy for proper application and maintenance. Using precision scissors for trimming nails can help prevent over-filing and damage [3].
Protecting Weakened Nails
A specific nail strengthener product, created with bonding technology, works to protect weakened nails and improve brittleness. If nails keep snagging and snapping, it might be time to cut them short and start again [6].
In conclusion, maintaining healthy, strong, and well-maintained nails requires careful attention to detail and following expert advice. By avoiding common mistakes, using the right products, and understanding the complexities of nail technology, you can ensure your nails stay beautiful and healthy.
- To protect and nourish your nails, consider using a good-quality base coat or polishes that include a base coat.
- Maintaining cuticle health is crucial, so avoid biting or peeling nails and cuticles.
- Before polishing, clean your nails thoroughly with alcohol to prevent trapping dirt under polish.
- A hand cream that nourishes and repairs, good-quality cuticle oil, and nail strengtheners are essential products for healthy nails.
- DIY gel manicures are not recommended due to a potential surge in nail allergies, and signs of unhealthy nails, such as peeling, discolouration, or thickening, may indicate underlying health conditions.
