Saturday, February 14, 2009
5 Ways to Ruin Your Nails
1. Excessive environmental dryness
Are your nails worse in the winter? If your nail condition is literally changing with the seasons, it may be due to humidity. Nails, like skin, are subject to the drying effects of the environment. Solution: If your nails are dry and raggedy in the winter use more lotion.
2. Hyper hand washing
Does your job (or hobby or home life) cause you to wash your hands on some occasions more than others? Washing your hands with soap and water can dry out nails. That could be causing an apparent seasonal change. Solution: Use a mild hand wash instead of bar soap and don’t skimp on the lotion.
3. Damage from drying solvents
Are you engaged in any activities that would expose your nails to solvents? For example, home repair projects (like painting a room or varnishing wood trim) could be seasonal activites that negatively impact the condition of your nails. Solution: make your husband do it. (That’s a suggestion from Sarah.)
4. Negative nail product usage
Do you occasionally use nail hardening products? Since you asked about several Sally Hansen products, I’m guessing you do. Those products do make nails harder but they can also make them brittle and more prone to breaking. That’s because they use a chemical called formaldehyde to cross link the keratin protein in nails. Solution: Skip the hardeners and see if it helps. (And to answer your question about why they have so many products that seem to do the same thing, we have one word: Capitalism.)
5. The horrible heartbreak of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disease that causes your skin to become red and scaly. About half the people who suffer from this condition also have nail problems, particularly pitting, rippling, and/or splitting of the nail. Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis, so you’ll have to amputate the affected fingers. (Just kidding; I wanted to see if you were still reading.) Solution: If you think psoriasis might be responsible for your nail problems, check with a dermatologist for treatment options.
http://thebeautybrains.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Brittle Nails
- The most common nail wreckers are harsh detergents and water, which can stress nail fibers. So be sure to put rubber gloves on while you clean or do dishes.
- Also, avoid using perfume lotions that usually contain alcohol if your nails are brittle. It will only make your nails worse.
- It may be possible that your calcium intake is low, as well.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Quick Hand Treatment
Hands are the most visible parts of you, but they also take a lot of abuse. You use them in everyday activity, and yet, they are the ultimate accessory. You must give them the same attention you give your face.
* Soften your hands even while you do the dishes. Add a little almond oil (about a teaspoon) to dishwater. The water will soften rought skin while the oil seals the moisture.
* Slough off dead skin cells with a solution made of sea salt lemon. Brush it into hands with an old toothbrush. Do this twice a week to soften hands and remove discoloration.
* Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, then, using a coarse washcloth, rub briskly. While skin is slightly damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon olive oil. Place hands in small plastic bags, then in a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes. The heat helps the treatment penetrate.
* Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for thirty seconds (or until warm, but comfortable to the touch). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin. Not only is milk loaded with lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates dead skin, but its high calcium content will strengthen fragile nails.
* Soften your hands even while you do the dishes. Add a little almond oil (about a teaspoon) to dishwater. The water will soften rought skin while the oil seals the moisture.
* Slough off dead skin cells with a solution made of sea salt lemon. Brush it into hands with an old toothbrush. Do this twice a week to soften hands and remove discoloration.
* Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, then, using a coarse washcloth, rub briskly. While skin is slightly damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon olive oil. Place hands in small plastic bags, then in a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes. The heat helps the treatment penetrate.
* Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for thirty seconds (or until warm, but comfortable to the touch). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin. Not only is milk loaded with lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates dead skin, but its high calcium content will strengthen fragile nails.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How fast do nails grow?
There is no "sure thing" to make nails grow faster. The average adult's nails grow one-eighth of an inch per month. Regular salon treatments, a healthy diet, vitamins, cuticle conditioners and nail strengtheners all can help promote healthy, new growth.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Common Nail Questions
Q: Why do nails split or become yellow?
A: Nails can split or yellow for a number of reasons. Excessive exposure to the elements or chemicals, poor diet, nail biting and other habits can be the cause.
Q: How long will it take for my nails to return to normal after removing my acrylics?
A: If your natural nails were filed properly in the beginning, and if you've been maintaining your artificial nails with regular visits to the salon, your nails will be in good condition after the acrylic nail is removed. Be sure to use a product that will strengthen your natural nails.
Q: How long do artificial nail applications usually last?
A: Artificial nail applications should be maintained every two weeks. It is important to have regular fills because if the acrylic lifts away from the natural nail, moisture and bacteria can accumulate between them. A professional nail technician can spot problem areas better than someone with an untrained eye.
Q: What are gel nails? How do they differ from acrylics?
A: Gels and acrylics are similar in that they both can be used to extend the length of the nails and make them stronger. One advantage of gel services is that they are odorless. Like acrylic, gels can be applied over the natural nail or over artificial nail tips.
Q: How are artificial nail applications maintained?
A: Every two weeks your nail technician will fill in the area near the cuticle between where the natural nail has grown and where the artificial nail or tip is attached. This "fill" includes re-sanitizing and re-applying the acrylic where it has grown out.
Q: Will my natural nails continue to grow under the acrylics?
A: Yes. If your nail technician uses good products, such as the OPI acrylic system, and applies and maintains them correctly. Artificial nails can actually improve the health of your natural nails by protecting them from biting, picking, excess moisture and other elements that can weaken or damage them.
Q: What are the main advantages of artificial nail applications?
A: For people who have a tendency to bite or pick at their nails, there is a 90 percent success rate of stopping with artificial nail applications. There are two reasons for this.
- First, people are less likely to ruin something they've spent time and money on. - Secondly, nail biters are generally inspired by having beautiful hands for the first time in their lives. Ask your professional nail technician about OPI’s Competition Formula 3000™ Advanced Acrylic System. It can give you the long, healthy-looking nails you’ve always wanted!
Q: How long will a basic manicure or pedicure last?
A: A basic manicure or pedicure will last one to two weeks, depending on your lifestyle and the type of service you've had. If, for example, you work in the garden without gloves, your manicure probably won't last long. Artificial nail services, such as acrylics, tips, wraps and gels maintain their fresh appearance much longer.Maintaining your nails between salon visits with OPI products will give your nails a just-manicured look.
Q: Why should I take the time to have my nails professionally manicured?
A: A Beautiful, well-groomed nail is an important part of your overall look. Attractive nails and hands enhance your appearance, whether you spend your days in a kitchen or in a boardroom. A basic manicure takes between 30-45 minutes. Artificial nail services, such as tips, acrylics and gels, average about an hour. The cost is quite reasonable, and the results are well worth it.
http://www.opi.com
A: Nails can split or yellow for a number of reasons. Excessive exposure to the elements or chemicals, poor diet, nail biting and other habits can be the cause.
Q: How long will it take for my nails to return to normal after removing my acrylics?
A: If your natural nails were filed properly in the beginning, and if you've been maintaining your artificial nails with regular visits to the salon, your nails will be in good condition after the acrylic nail is removed. Be sure to use a product that will strengthen your natural nails.
Q: How long do artificial nail applications usually last?
A: Artificial nail applications should be maintained every two weeks. It is important to have regular fills because if the acrylic lifts away from the natural nail, moisture and bacteria can accumulate between them. A professional nail technician can spot problem areas better than someone with an untrained eye.
Q: What are gel nails? How do they differ from acrylics?
A: Gels and acrylics are similar in that they both can be used to extend the length of the nails and make them stronger. One advantage of gel services is that they are odorless. Like acrylic, gels can be applied over the natural nail or over artificial nail tips.
Q: How are artificial nail applications maintained?
A: Every two weeks your nail technician will fill in the area near the cuticle between where the natural nail has grown and where the artificial nail or tip is attached. This "fill" includes re-sanitizing and re-applying the acrylic where it has grown out.
Q: Will my natural nails continue to grow under the acrylics?
A: Yes. If your nail technician uses good products, such as the OPI acrylic system, and applies and maintains them correctly. Artificial nails can actually improve the health of your natural nails by protecting them from biting, picking, excess moisture and other elements that can weaken or damage them.
Q: What are the main advantages of artificial nail applications?
A: For people who have a tendency to bite or pick at their nails, there is a 90 percent success rate of stopping with artificial nail applications. There are two reasons for this.
- First, people are less likely to ruin something they've spent time and money on. - Secondly, nail biters are generally inspired by having beautiful hands for the first time in their lives. Ask your professional nail technician about OPI’s Competition Formula 3000™ Advanced Acrylic System. It can give you the long, healthy-looking nails you’ve always wanted!
Q: How long will a basic manicure or pedicure last?
A: A basic manicure or pedicure will last one to two weeks, depending on your lifestyle and the type of service you've had. If, for example, you work in the garden without gloves, your manicure probably won't last long. Artificial nail services, such as acrylics, tips, wraps and gels maintain their fresh appearance much longer.Maintaining your nails between salon visits with OPI products will give your nails a just-manicured look.
Q: Why should I take the time to have my nails professionally manicured?
A: A Beautiful, well-groomed nail is an important part of your overall look. Attractive nails and hands enhance your appearance, whether you spend your days in a kitchen or in a boardroom. A basic manicure takes between 30-45 minutes. Artificial nail services, such as tips, acrylics and gels, average about an hour. The cost is quite reasonable, and the results are well worth it.
http://www.opi.com
Nail Ridges
There are many different causes of nail ridges. Trauma to the nail, certain medications taken over long periods of time, and chronic health conditions can cause temporary or permanent nail ridges. Vertical ridges are also common as we age.
If ridges are temporary, they will grow out within six months to a year. To diminish ridges, you can buff lightly with a soft buffer, lifting the buffer between strokes to prevent friction heat. Use a light touch; over-buffing can damage nails. Your nail technician should recognize these and treat them appropriately.
If ridges are temporary, they will grow out within six months to a year. To diminish ridges, you can buff lightly with a soft buffer, lifting the buffer between strokes to prevent friction heat. Use a light touch; over-buffing can damage nails. Your nail technician should recognize these and treat them appropriately.
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