Irritation and injury to the bed of the nail can cause ridges to appear in the nail itself. The only solution you have here would be to lightly buff the surface of the nail to minimise the ridges followed by an application of ridge filler. This will help to encourage the nail to form a more natural shape with a smoother appearance.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/22 | Permalink to this article
If your nails are stained try soaking them in a very weak solution of warm water and peroxide, make sure the nails are clean from grease and dirt before you do this and do not leave your nails in for long. If you wear nail polish and you are finding that it’s the polish itself that has stained your nails then why not try a clear base coat on your nails before applying the chosen colour.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/22 | Permalink to this article
Strong nails tend to be hereditary, when cutting your nails do not use nail clippers as they tend to bend the nail, use nail scissors. Taking a vitamin A supplement in your diet can help and so can the use of topical nail strengthening treatments/supplements. Make sure that you look after your nails with regular grooming, buffing, filing or cutting any ridges or chips to prevent further weakness to the nail.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/22 | Permalink to this article
Something that working in the garden can put you at risk, many fungal problems are down to poor hand hygiene. Antibacterial hand washes are essential and ensuring that any hand/nail items used are also sprayed with an antibacterial spray when used e.g. clippers, nail brushes, scissors etc. If you do have any nail fungal problems that are persistent consult a doctor/dermatologist, most of all avoid biting your nails otherwise you are in danger of increasing the risk of infection.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/22 | Permalink to this article
Cuticle remover – A cream formula is best and can be applied to the cuticle to help remove any dead skin.
Cuticle stick – Often called an orange or orangewood stick, these are used to push cuticles back make sure that you use the stick with some cotton wool wrapped around the end, never push your cuticles back with the bare wood.
Cuticle cream – A specialist cuticle cream can be applied in order to smooth the area and reduce the possibility of hangnails.
Cuticle/Nail oil – Vitamin E oils and sweet almond oil can be applied to condition cuticles, some shops stock oils that can be applied to condition both the nail and the cuticle.
Emery board – Make sure that you use the right emery board for the job in hand, fine grain for smoothing and coarse grain for shortening and shaping.
Buffing stick – Softly used in a swift motion across the nail will help to produce a shine on the nails.
Nail brush – An essential for any gardener, make sure you replace the brush as soon as its bristles loose their density.
Nail scissors – a much more gentle option to trimming nails and are better for precision clipping.
Nipper – Handy tool for cutting/trimming hangnails, normally with a pointed tip to allow precise cuts.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/22 | Permalink to this article
When you’re in the garden try to remember that your nails are not a tool! If you don’t have that knife or secateurs to hand do not abuse your nails, go and get the right tool for the job in hand. Moisturise your nails as you would do your skin, try rubbing some sweet almond oil into your nails on both fingers and toes before bedtime, this will help prevent splitting. You can also apply vitamin E oil to your cuticles this will help them remain hydrated and healthy and prevent uncomfortable and unsightly hangnails.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/22 | Permalink to this article