Let’s face it, we often splurge on our well-deserved pampering sessions to get ourselves relaxed and energized for an event or a busy work week ahead. When we get our nails done, we often don’t realize that nails need some aftercare as well to make our nails strong and make our manicures and pedicures last. Worry no more! In this article, we’ll cover the things you should do before and after your next manicure + pedicure.

Hydrate your Nails

Keeping your nails hydrated should be a part of your daily skincare routine. Just take a small amount of lotion or petroleum jelly and rub it into your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. You can do this every night before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry. Another option you can go with is castor oil, which contains Vitamin E, a cuticle booster. You can even reach into your kitchen cupboard and use little olive oil as another nail moisturizer. According to MayoClinic.com, you can wear cotton gloves after applying the product to keep the moisture in to make sure that your nails grow stronger.

Keep your Nails Dry and Clean

The primary cause to nail damage is the growth of germs and bacteria in your nails. Keeping your nails clean will prevent the breeding and buildup of bacteria in them. Submerging your nails in water for a prolonged period of time may make your nails weaker and prone to splitting. That is why it is essential that your nails are clean and dry.

Additionally, it is recommended that you invest in quality kitchen gloves before you dive into doing the dishes. Washing detergents have strong chemicals that may cause damage to your skin and nails. The same goes before you do some gardening; wear gloves, so you keep the dirt away from your nails.

Maintain your Nails

Good news! Aside from the relaxation it brings, getting a regular manicure and pedicure will prevent your nails from becoming thin and brittle. Maintaining proper nail hygiene will ensure that your nails are healthy and shiny. We recommend that you only avail of the services of salons whose technicians were properly trained in nail care.

Quit Nail Biting

Some bad habits you develop during childhood may be carried on until adulthood. Sometimes, you bite your nails out of habit without thinking about the damage it does to them. When nails are exposed to saliva, they often become brittle which affects the cuticles. If you want healthy nails, you should stop chewing on your nails immediately.

Avoid Alcohol

Fortunately, girls’ night it doesn’t have to be compromised. The alcohol you should avoid comes in the form of rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer. They can dry out your hands, nails, and cuticles and even lead to chipping your nail polish. Washing with water and soap is still the way to go. However, if it can’t be helped, just apply hand cream after using alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Massage your Fingers

Makeup artists of A-list celebrities shared their few tips and tricks in maintaining healthy and shiny nails. Doing a quick finger massage before bedtime will do the trick! Gently massage a bit of hand cream or cuticle oil into the skin surrounding your nail for a few seconds. Massaging increases blood supply which helps to grow your nails.

Pick Quality Nail Polish

As much as we love them, nail polish may do harm to your nails. Low-quality products may cause brittleness, dryness, and thinning due to the harsh chemicals in the lacquer. Fortunately, there are nail products that are free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, toxins, and gluten. Some even go as far as being vegan and cruelty-free. You can avail of quality nail polish here in Intercosmetics – Esthetic & Spa Supplies.

Final Words

Proper nail hygiene is a sign that a person is taking good care of their body. Discolored and brittle nails are definitely off-putting. That’s not even the worst case; nail infections are unattractive, and more importantly, painful. This is why you need to keep your nails in tiptop shape to avoid potential problems and to ensure your nails grow healthy and strong. Call your friends and schedule that manicure and pedicure date ASAP!