Beauty is in the details. An entire outfit can be thrown off by something as small as wearing the wrong shoes or picking a very unflattering pair of earrings. Your nails say something about you, too. Are they bitten down into bloody, ugly nubs? Has the polish chipped? Are your cuticles showing? These little things make an impression on people you meet. Here are some tips on keeping them looking beautiful.
Keep a small pot of petroleum jelly in your bag
This is great for moisturizing lips and also rubbing into cuticles. It gives incredible hydration and a natural sheen to even ‘bare’ nails. Other substitutes are castor oil and even olive oil (add a little after you wash the dishes).
Keep hand in glove
Rubber gloves can protect your hands and nails while you do errands lilke washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, gardening, etc. Treat your hands to your favorite hand cream before slipping on th gloves.
Handle the orange stick well
You don’t need to cut away your cuticles but you can push them back with an orange stick. Just use gentle strokes and keep the stick at a 45 degree angle. This will protect your cuticle from being injured, which will make your entire nail weaker.
Stay straight
Whenever you cut your toenails, cut straight. This helps prevent ingrown toenails. Be especially careful if you have diabetes, because even small cuts and wounds can take longer to heal.
Keep a towel nearby
Damp toe nails and nails are at a hgiher risk for being injured (like tearing a nail in half—ouch!). Dry thoroughly after doing chores or after long baths and swims. Be sure to dry between the toes and crevices, to avoid fungal infection. (Other ways to fight the fungi: wear cotton socks and always bring an extra pair when you exercise so you can switch on a clean and dry pair when you’re done with your workout.)
Take the right nail nutrients
Biotin supplements can help reduce brittleness. You can also drink a glass of milk and eat one egg a day—these will significantly increase your zinc intake.
For more tips, read our article on the secret to more youthful-looking hands.
Photo from advice.lovelyish.com
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