The peak season for manicures and pedicures is around the corner. When getting your nails done, it is important to follow care procedures in and out of the salon. Here are a few recommended guidelines for more beautiful, healthy nails.
- Keep your Cuticles!! It may seem strange to ask your manicurist to not cut your cuticles, but many expert dermatologists advise against removing them. Cuticles are natural barriers to fungus and bacteria. If cut, you will risk exposing fingers to infection. Pushing cuticles back is your best option, so make sure your service provider knows to do this once he or she begins.
- Studies have shown that vitamin B7, also known as biotin, prevents brittle nails and increases nail thickness. Foods such as green peas, oats, soybeans, walnuts, brown rice, and sunflower seeds are rich in B7.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone based polish remover. Acetone strips nails, causing them to become brittle. Nail polish with formaldehyde and toluene are also toxic for nails.
- Moisturize your nails with petroleum jelly, cuticle cream, or vitamin E oil.
- Avoid Nail hardeners. Many of these products are not proven to strengthen nails and, in fact, have been shown to cause more damage than good.
- Make sure your nail salon follows standard protocols for disinfecting tools and chairs. Good technicians always take tools out of disinfectant jars, as opposed to drawers.