If you’re someone who pays any attention at all to the experts who routinely offer advice on health and beauty regimens, then you probably already know what they say about skin care products: to choose the right ones, you have to know your skin type. It might surprise you to learn, however, that the same principle applies when it comes to your fingernails. Like many people, you may not even be aware that there are different nail types – but there are. The good news is that once you learn to identify your own nail type, you can better ensure that your manicure is specifically tailored to take advantage of your nails’ unique nature.
The Different Nail Types
There are four main types of fingernails, characterized by certain attributes. They include oily nails, dry nails, sensitive fingernails, or nails that are essentially a combination of those types. Depending on your nail type, you may need to provide different types of nail care techniques to get them to look their best and remain as healthy as they can be.
- Oily Nails: If you have oily skin, there’s a good chance that your nails will tend toward the oily side as well. Oily nails are most often identifiable by their shiny nail bed. Those natural oils tend to keep the nails relatively helpful, but they pose a special problem for manicures – at least when it comes to durability. Ordinary nail polishes seldom last for more than a few days before they start flaking off. With oily nails, a gel polish is a better option.
- Dry Nails: Dry nails can be recognized by their propensity for being rough, flaky, and easily cracked. If you find that your fingernails often chip, split, and break off – or if your cuticles tend to flake and crack, then chances are that you have dry nails. In-between nail care sessions at your salon or spa, you can help to properly care for these types of nails by applying oils rich in vitamin E, and using hand creams throughout each day.
- Sensitive Nails: You have to be especially careful with sensitive nails, as they often have irritated areas of skin around them and tend to be weaker than other types of fingernails. In most instances, the best course of action involves identifying the source of the irritation and avoiding the problem. Wear gloves when you wash dishes or garden. There are also allergen-free nail polishes that you should use to avoid any sort of reaction.
- Combination Nails: The biggest problem with combination nails is that they tend to be hard to grow out to your desired length. It’s important to moisturize them to keep them flexible and supple, and maintain your nail care regimen to protect the surface and provide it an opportunity to grow.
At Tiffany Beauty Spa, we know how important it is that you consistently receive the best manicure service in Fort Lauderdale. That is why our nail technicians will work with you to identify your nail type and ensure that your manicure provides the care you need to keep your fingernails healthy and looking their best at all times. Call us today to learn more, and to schedule your next appointment.