HEALTH

 

With all the focus on beautiful hair and radiant skin, sometimes our nails get put on the backburner. But your tips are basically an extension of your skin and need to be taken care of just like any other part of your body. Fitting in a mani-pedi every week is expensive (and can actually damage your nails) so it's great for you to learn how to take care of them on your own—and you don't have to be a nail technician to do it. Below are some tips and tricks for flawless fingers.

Wash your hands daily.
Your parents taught you to wash your hands after every trip to the bathroom but that shouldn't be taken as just a suggestion. Wash and dry your hands regularly and apply moisturizer afterwards. If you are particularly active througout the day and dirt tends to get caked up under your nails more easily, try using a toothbrush at night to get rid of extra grime. 

Trim, don't bite. 
Investing in nail cutters to trim those nails is an absolute must. Nibbling on your fingernails is a very bad habit that weakens your nailbeds and creates jagged nails that just aren't cute. Nail cutters are super easy to use and will keep your hands looking neat and polished at all times.  

Soak your nails in lemon juice.
Mix together a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Microwave for 10-15 seconds and after letting it cool for a moment, place your nails in the lemony mixture. This all natural remedy is an awesome way to strengthen those nails and keep them looking shiny and healthy.

Moisturize your cuticles.
You've applied a hearty amount of lotion to your hands but don't leave your cuticles hanging. During a manicure they regularly push back the cuticle as it grows over the nail. However, this can sometimes irritate the nail and the skin around it causing possible infection. Instead, apply olive oil or lotion to the cuticle. There are also a number of products that can be purchased specficailly for cuticle care. 

Avoid going manicure crazy.
Too much of anything can be a bad thing. Getting consistent manicures where the nail bed is being soaked too often in water or is regularly coming in contact with acetone can do real damage over time. Sometimes you've just got to let yout nails breathe. We promise you'll survive a week without a coat of Posh Pink swiped across your fingertips. 

How do you take care of your nails? Let us know in the comments! 

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Photo credit: Pinterest.

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by Karlyn Sykes | 6/11/2017