Be honest with yourself: are you happy with your nails? If you’re like most of us, you know that there are certain things about your nails that you’d change if you could. Well, the good news is that you probably can make changes that will leave you with stronger, more attractive nails. More importantly, most of those changes usually involve doing things just a little bit differently – or, more accurately, not doing certain things. Here are four things you should never do to your nails if you want your fingernails to always look their best.
Don’t be Lazy with Your Nails
When most of us notice problems with our nails, it’s usually after a prolonged bout of neglect. Proper fingernail care takes time and attention, and many of us put it off at the worst possible times. Unfortunately, that procrastination and neglect can all too often result in weak or damaged nails that we’re almost ashamed to be seen with. To avoid nail care laziness, make a habit of developing a regular nail care ritual. Apply cuticle oil and lotion daily. That tiny bit of attention will help you to more quickly identify nail problems and deal with them before they get out of hand.
Don’t Put Your Nails to Work
No, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a job where you work with your hands – if you remember to protect your nails, that is. What you shouldn’t do, however, is get in the habit of using your nails as tools. Don’t use them to open bottles or cans, slice open letters, peel off stickers, peel fruit, or – well, you get the idea. Bottom line: if there’s a tool that can do the job, use it and let your nails take the day off.
Don’t Make Nail Polish an All-Day, Everyday Thing
Does it feel like your nails always have polish on them? If you’re one of those people who reapplies polish right after removing it, consider giving them a break every now and then. Oh, and don’t leave your polish on too long either. Most experts recommend removing nail polish after about a week, to help guard against staining.
Don’t Neglect Professional Nail Care
Finally, don’t forget to let the professionals do their jobs too. While you might treat yourself to manicures and pedicures at home, there is great utility in allowing professional nail technicians to do the job for you on a regular basis. There’s more to a professional manicure or pedicure than simply painting the nails, after all, and we can all benefit from that special attention.
The reality is that healthy, beautiful nails don’t happen by accident. They require attention and care – and a break with bad habits that can put them at risk. If you can make these four tips part of your ail care regimen, you can guard against that risk and better ensure that your fingernails and toenails remain at their healthy, attractive best.
