Nail Care Tips for a Healthy Nail and Toenail
A nail salon or nail spa is usually a specialized beauty salon business that specializes in nail care services including manicures, pedicure, and toe nails. Often, nail spas also provide skin care treatments. Individuals who work in nail spas are often called nail professionals, manicurists, pedicurists, or technicians. Nail professionals include nail technicians who apply acrylics, gel, stain, or natural nail polish; those who shape and fix artificial nails; and individuals who help maintain the premises.
The working conditions in nail salons can vary depending on the type of business. Some salons that cater to a more mainstream clientele provide a more relaxing ambiance with clean, manicured hands and feet. Others are set up as day spas where customers focus only on their toes and nails. Yet others are small, boutique-style locations that may include spa-like treatments only.
Nail care involves proper cuticle care. This means ensuring that cuticles are smooth, healthy, and hair-smooth. Smooth cuticles ensure that there is less dead air within the cuticle; thus preventing split ends from forming. Additionally, healthy nails and cuticles also help reduce the risk of developing calluses, a buildup of bacteria and dry skin. Likewise, healthy nails prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast in the nail bed, which creates an environment in which fungal growth can take hold. Nail cuticles must also be cut regularly to prevent injury and infection.
Good nail care also involves properly exfoliating and moisturizing toenails and finger tips. Exfoliating strips or loofahs are good at removing dead and flaky skin from fingernails and toenails. Failing to exfoliate is like leaving your fingernails looking dull and unclean. Moisturizing is necessary to have healthy fingernails and toenails, as it keeps fingernails and toenails healthy and vibrant.
Once a year, you should visit a dermatologist for a professional cleaning. A dermatologist has the equipment necessary to safely and efficiently remove any form of infection (onychomycosis, cutis excess, fungal growth). However, in some cases, particularly with infection, a simple disinfection (such as using chlorine bleach) may not be enough. In these instances, your dermatologist will likely recommend the use of a medicated solution, such as erythromycin or clindamycin.
Nail care also includes the use of high quality clippers and combs. It is important that you choose high quality clippers that do not cause pain or irritation, but are comfortable to use, so that you can maintain good nail hygiene habits. You will want to purchase a set of high quality clippers with replaceable combs. If you feel a pain or irritation while using the clippers or after you have removed your nail polish, you should discontinue your manicure and put on gloves, especially if you are working in an environment where there is a risk of infection. Sterilizing your nails will help to prevent any infections from occurring.
After a manicure or pedicure, you will want to keep your nails clean by applying a thin layer of nail polish (semi-permanent), which protects the surface of your nails, but allows you to practice good nail hygiene habits. In order to apply the semi-permanent coat, you will need to soak your hands and nails in a solution (rubbing alcohol). After the solution has dried, you can paint your nails straight across (if your nails are relatively clean). You may need to reapply the semipermanent coat several times throughout the week if you keep up with your manicure, as it will eventually start to peel off.
Proper nail care will help to maintain a healthy fingernails and toenails. Nail trimming is a simple process that ensures that you maintain a healthy fingernails and toenails. Nail trimming involves using a trimming blade to shape your nails, so that they are even and neat. Nail trimming also helps to avoid problems with ingrown toenails, which may grow through the cuticle and cause pain or infection. Proper nail care and general health can also contribute towards better overall health.
