Everyday Habits You Didn’t Know Were Ruining Your Nails

1. Leaving polish on for too long: While it might seem harmless to leave chipped polish on your nails, it’s definitely healthier to remove it. “The danger with keeping your nail polish on too long is that the pigment in the nail polish can soak into the top few layers of the nail and dry it out,” foot specialist Joy Rowland, DPM, told Cleveland Clinic. Keep this in mind especially for toenail polish, which many women slap on and forget about until their next pedicure. best fashion tips[/b] and style ideas by stylelikeu recommend avoiding back-to-back polish appointments. Instead, let nails breathe for a week. These are the things your manicurist is secretly thinking about you.

2. Not washing hands thoroughly: While we know you’re washing your hands several times a day, are you using a technique that reaches your nails? Neglecting your nails in the hand-washing process could allow bacteria to accumulate underneath, leaving the tips of your fingers prime candidates for infection. Wash hands with a clean nail brush at least once a day.

3. Using nails as tools: This list of no-nos is extensive. Never use your nails to open cans of soda or soup (use a spoon instead), pick at packing tape, unscrew a nail, scrape off price tags (try a penny), or complete any other task for which a tool has already been invented.

4. Washing dishes without gloves: "Nails swell in water, which leads to chipped nails and weakened nail beds," stylelikeu- best fashion tips[/b] and style ideas told that. Additionally, dish detergent could dry out skin and nails. Throw on a pair of cleaning gloves to protect your hands

5. Cleaning without gloves: While you don't want your housecleaning gloves to be the same as your dish-washing ones, you will want a pair for each. Exposure to cleaning products could dry out our nails. Hint: Alcohol-based cleaners are the worst offenders.

6. Skipping your veggies: Your nails reflect the foods you eat. So if you make a habit of choosing bad ones, don't expect picture-perfect nails. Foods high in iron (eggs, spinach, red meat, etc.), can strengthen nails. For an extra boost, add two tablespoons of flaxseed oil to your breakfast each morning.

7. Leaving nails unprotected in winter: Guess what? More gloves! When the air is dry and the temperature drops, protect your nails with a cozy pair of gloves. To add moisture to the mix, apply hand cream just before slipping them on.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

This article provides practical advice for maintaining healthy nails, focusing on common habits that can cause damage and offering simple solutions to prevent them.

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Common Nail Care Mistakes and Solutions​

The article outlines several frequent errors people make in their nail care routines, along with straightforward tips to avoid them:

1. Leaving polish on for too long: Keeping nail polish on for extended periods, especially when chipped, can lead to pigment absorption into the nail's top layers, causing dryness. This is particularly relevant for toenail polish, which is often neglected.
   
   • Solution: Remove polish promptly and allow nails to "breathe" for about a week between applications.
2. Not washing hands thoroughly: Simply washing hands isn't enough; neglecting the nails during the process can lead to bacteria accumulation and potential infections underneath the nail tips.
   
   • Solution: Use a clean nail brush at least once a day to ensure thorough cleaning under the nails.
3. Using nails as tools: Using nails to open cans, pick at tape, or scrape off tags can easily lead to breakage, chipping, or weakening.
   
   • Solution: Always use appropriate tools for tasks, like spoons for cans or a penny for price tags, rather than your nails.
4. Washing dishes without gloves: Exposure to water causes nails to swell, leading to chips and weakened nail beds. Dish detergents also contribute to dryness of both skin and nails.
   
   • Solution: Wear cleaning gloves specifically for washing dishes to protect your hands and nails.
5. Cleaning without gloves: Similar to dishwashing, direct contact with household cleaning products, especially alcohol-based ones, can severely dry out nails.
   
   • Solution: Use a separate pair of gloves dedicated to general household cleaning tasks to shield your nails from harsh chemicals.
6. Skipping your veggies: Nail health is a direct reflection of diet. A lack of essential nutrients can result in less-than-perfect nails.
   
   • Solution: Incorporate iron-rich foods like eggs, spinach, and red meat into your diet to strengthen nails. For an added boost, consider two tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily.
7. Leaving nails unprotected in winter: Cold, dry winter air can strip moisture from nails, making them brittle.
   
   • Solution: Wear gloves when temperatures drop and the air is dry. For extra moisture, apply hand cream before putting on your gloves.

By adopting these simple practices, individuals can significantly improve the health and appearance of their nails, preventing common damage and maintaining their strength and vitality.