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You know how they say first impression is everything. Are you making good first impressions? Do you know that for some people, the first thing they notice about you, are your nails? Healthy nails are not just, well, healthy. They look beautiful also. They pull together your look and complete your outfit. If you like to rock your natural nails all of the time or even maybe sometimes, then this article is for you. I’m going to be sharing with you how to maintain a short natural nails.
When it comes to maintaining a short natural nails, keeping them healthy is the key. I don’t do so much with my nails in terms of artificial nails and the likes, but I do a lot with them in terms of keeping them healthy and strong. Which in turn keeps them looking their best.
1. Practice Good Nail Hygiene.
This is the first step to maintaining your short natural nails. Keep your fingernails clean and dry at all times to prevent harmful bacteria from growing under them. However, you don’t want to over do the washing of hands as this can lead to brittle nails and breakage. Use a good hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to supplement your hand washing. Also ensure that you keep your nail tools clean and sharp to prevent infections. I really cannot stress this enough.
2. keep Your Hands Off Your Cuticles.
My number one rule is to never manipulate your cuticles in any way. They’re there for a reason which is to protect your nails from fungus and bacteria. Cutting or pushing back your cuticles disrupts the natural protection they offer making your nails prone to infections. These infections can damage your nail bed and also lead to permanent damage. So, if you’re on a journey to healthy short natural nails, it’s best to keep your hands off your cuticles.
3. Keep Your Nails Moisturized.
Moisturizing your nails also keeps your cuticles looking their best while also offering protection against breakage and infections. If you find that your nails break so often, try keeping them moisturized. All you have to do is put some oil on around your cuticles as this helps to keep the entire nail moisturized. This will not only make them look beautiful but will also reduce the incidence of breakage.
Also Read: These Are The Best Cuticle Oils To Moisturize & Nourishe Your Cuticles.
4.Cut Back On Professional Manicures.
One way we pamper ourselves is to treat ourselves to some good pedicure and manicure. That feeling that comes with someone else working on our nails while we relax is just heavenly. But doing them too often can cause your nails to become dry and brittle. So, in order to maintain short natural nails, try to cut back on professional manicures and only do them every other month.
Constantly exposing your nails to harsh
chemicals and ingredients used in professional nail parlours can make you more susceptible to nail infections. These infections which can be chronic are usually characterised by red, puffy and angry looking nail beds. Healthy nails should be flat when you take a sideway glance at them and not puffy-looking. If you find that you really cannot cut back on your trips to the professionals. Take with you, your own tools to cut back on your chances of getting an infection.
5. Shy Away From Nail Hardeners.
Did you know that nail hardeners are not clinically studied? So, there’s nothing to backup their claims. Experts say that these products even cause more damage than good. For me, I never have the need to use them and this is because keeping my nail beds moisturized ensures they stay strong. My advice? Ditch the nail hardeners and choose a good oil that can help with keeping moisture in your nails. Besides, flexible nails are healthy nails.
6. Take Biotin Supplements.
Experts have shown that biotin supplements can help to strengthen weak and brittle nails. Biotin supplements belong to the vitamin B family and I take them whenever I notice my nails have become brittle and break too easily. Usually, I take 2.5 milligrams of biotin everyday until I start to see a difference and trust me, you will definitely see a difference.
7. Do Periodic Nail Checks.
Doing periodic nail checks not only help to catch the onset of any nail issue or infection but can also help to catch diseases that are much more serious on time.
White nails, for instance, might mean the onset of a liver condition. While yellow nails with a slow growth rate might mean the onset of a lung disease.
So doing periodic nail checks can and will help you stay on top of your health matters. If you’re worried about your nail-health endeavor to see a board-certified dermatologist ASAP.
8. Lastly Toenails Are Never To Be Left Out.
Most of the time, our toenails are covered in shoes and because of this, we don’t show enough love to them. While you strive to keep short natural nails on your hands, do the same for your toenails.
Personally, I love having my toe nails look their best because I wear a lot of open shoes and flip-flops and looking down at perfectly manicured and natural toenails is very pleasing to me.
UP NEXT: Learn How To Cut Your Nails Neatly – Like A Pro.
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