Complete Nail Care Guide: From Routine to Professional Treatment

In today’s world, self-care encompasses a wide range of practices, from mindfulness to skincare. But what about the often-overlooked aspect of self-care: nail care? 

Beyond the realm of glamorous nail salons and colorful polish, maintaining your nails can be a powerful act of self-preservation and self-confidence, regardless of gender. Contrary to the common misconception, nail care is not exclusive to women. It’s a universal practice that benefits everyone, offering a subtle yet impactful boost to your overall confidence.

A robust nail care routine doesn’t necessitate expensive tools or frequent salon visits; instead, it revolves around simple lifestyle habits that require just a bit of your time. Healthy, strong nails are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as an essential confidence booster, akin to slipping on a pair of luxurious socks or donning fancy underwear. 

With the right guidance, you can achieve the kind of nails that make you feel more empowered and self-assured, whether you prefer vibrant nail colors, a natural look, or somewhere in between. In this article, we will explore the steps to building an effective nail care routine, one that goes beyond cosmetics and becomes a part of your self-care regimen. So, let’s embark on a journey to discover the power of healthy nails and the simple yet transformative habits that will help you achieve them.

Nail Care Routine

1. Proper Trimming and Filing:

Proper trimming and filing of your nails are fundamental to maintaining their health. 

Trimming: Consistent nail trims are as crucial for your nails as haircuts are for your hair. When nails become too long, they are more prone to snags, breaks, and damage. To avoid this, aim to trim your nails regularly, typically every two weeks, but adjust the frequency based on your nail’s response.

Nail trimming

Filing: Nail filing is essential for shaping your nails and ensuring they have smooth edges. Irregular or jagged edges can lead to snagging and breaking. When filing your nails, it’s essential to work in one direction, following the natural grain of your nail. This prevents the nails from peeling or splitting. Consider using a glass or crystal nail file, which is gentler on the nails compared to traditional emery boards.

2. Moisturizing and Hydration:

Moisturizing and keeping your nails hydrated is essential for their overall health and appearance. 

Moisturizing: Moisturizing your nails and cuticles helps prevent dryness, brittleness, and cracking. You can use nutrient-rich oils like almond or avocado oil to massage your cuticles and nails, particularly before bedtime when the skin is soft. Additionally, consider using products that contain humectant ingredients like glycerin, emollients such as fatty oils, and occlusives like silicones, which work together to hydrate both your nails and the surrounding skin.

Woman caring of her finger applying the moisturizing cosmetic cream on fingernail

Cuticle Care: The cuticle serves an essential role in sealing the base of the nail, protecting against infection and damage. Avoid cutting or removing your cuticles, as this can break the seal of protection and make you more vulnerable to bacterial infections. Instead, gently push back your cuticles using a wooden orange stick after a shower when the skin is soft.

3. Choosing the Right Nail Products:

Selecting the appropriate nail products is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy nails. 

Polish Selection: Pay close attention to the ingredients in your nail polish. Toxic chemicals like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene can lead to nail brittleness, splitting, and cracking. Opt for nail polishes that are free of these harmful compounds.

brush, scissors, nail polish, file and tweezers

Base and Top Coats: Always use a base coat before applying nail polish. A base coat helps protect your nails from staining and enhances the color’s vibrancy. Furthermore, a top coat is essential to seal in the color and provide a glossy finish. Consider applying an extra layer of top coat every few days to reduce chipping.

Nail Files: Choosing the right nail file is crucial. Traditional emery boards can cause peeling and damage to your nails. Instead, opt for a glass or crystal nail file. These files create a smooth edge on the nail and can be used on even the most brittle and damaged nails.

UV Exposure: If you decide to get acrylic or gel nail treatments, be cautious of UV exposure. UV light from the drying device can damage the skin around and below the nail, increasing the risk of skin cancer. To mitigate this risk, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 before the procedure or use gloves that expose only your nails while shielding the rest of your hands from harmful UV rays.

Professional Nail Treatments

1. When it’s time to consult a dermatologist

When facing nail problems, it’s natural to have doubts about consulting a dermatologist, but their expertise in identifying and treating underlying health issues that manifest through nail changes is invaluable. Seeking a dermatologist’s guidance can not only address cosmetic concerns but also ensure early detection and management of potential medical conditions, promoting overall well-being. Below are reasons to seek a dermatologist:

Dermatologists: Nail Detectives: Dermatologists are highly specialized medical professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders. They possess the knowledge and training needed to accurately identify a wide range of nail conditions, ensuring you receive targeted treatments tailored to your specific issue.

Nails as Health Indicators: The condition of your nails can serve as a window to your overall health. Dermatologists are skilled at recognizing subtle signs and symptoms that may suggest underlying medical conditions. Changes in nail color, texture, or shape can be early indicators of systemic diseases like diabetes, heart problems, or autoimmune disorders. Consulting a dermatologist can potentially lead to early detection and timely management of these health issues, safeguarding your well-being.

Cutting-Edge Tools and Therapies: Dermatologists have access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatments not readily available elsewhere. They can perform specialized tests such as nail biopsies to precisely diagnose nail disorders. Moreover, dermatologists can offer cutting-edge therapeutic options, including laser therapy, topical medications, or surgical procedures, tailored to the specific nature of your nail problem. This comprehensive approach ensures you receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.

Preventive Nail Care: Seeking early intervention from a dermatologist can prevent minor nail issues from escalating into severe and complex conditions. By addressing concerns promptly, you can maintain overall nail health and prevent complications. Dermatologists can also provide guidance on proper nail care practices and recommend preventive measures to minimize the risk of future nail problems, ensuring long-term nail well-being.

Here’s a closer look at some common nail changes one to consult a dermatologist:

  • Discoloration or changes in nail color: To rule out underlying health conditions, such as melanoma, diabetes, or anemia.
  • Lifting or separation of nails from the nail bed: To identify and treat possible causes, including fungal infections or psoriasis.
  • Persistent redness and swelling around the nails: To diagnose and address potential infections early on, preventing complications.
  • Greenish-black discoloration of the nails: To seek treatment for bacterial infections and prevent further discoloration.
  • Pitted or dented nails: To determine if underlying conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia areata are present.
  • Yellowing, thickening, or slowed nail growth: To assess if these changes are due to lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a nail infection.
  • Deep grooves or gaps in the nails: To investigate the underlying causes, such as fever, injury, chemotherapy, or stress.
  • Overgrown or excessively thick nails: To identify conditions like psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation problems and provide appropriate treatment.
  • Spoon-shaped or concave nails: To check for an iron deficiency caused by dietary issues or underlying health problems.
  • Curved nails with fingertip swelling: To determine whether it’s a harmless trait or indicative of more severe underlying health issues.
  • Any unusual color changes in the nails: To assess if these changes indicate potential systemic diseases, such as diabetes, heart problems, or autoimmune disorders.

Conclusion

Indeed, nail care is a universal practice, and its benefits extend beyond gender stereotypes, offering a simple yet impactful way to boost your confidence and overall self-care. However, it’s essential to recognize that maintaining beautiful and robust nails goes hand in hand with a balanced diet. Ensuring your daily intake includes essential nutrients like biotin, vitamins, and minerals can substantially bolster the strength and resilience of your nails. Thus, it’s clear that what you eat plays a pivotal role in nurturing your nails and should be an integral part of your self-care routine.