If with the arrival of summer you fear that your feet are not ready for the "sandals" test, the first problem to face is the care of the toenails. First, make sure they are healthy. By carefully trimming them and adding some color, you will get some admirable nails.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking Care of Toenail Health
Step 1. Use petroleum jelly or another oil, such as almond oil or shea butter, to soften your nails
In fact, over time, they can harden, but using petroleum jelly or an oil can keep them softer and make it easier for you to cut them. In addition, the oil helps moisturize the nail, preventing it from breaking.
Don't forget to apply the oil around the cuticle as well, as it will improve its appearance and help hydrate the nail
Step 2. Avoid removing the nail polish with acetone-based products which tend to dry out the nails making them more prone to breakage or cracking
- Acetone-free nail polish removers contain ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl ketone to remove nail polish. Check that the label says "acetone free".
- Keep in mind that acetone-free solvents are not as strong, so it may be a little more difficult to remove the nail polish.
Step 3. Add biotin to your diet
Studies indicate that taking a supplement containing this B vitamin can make fingernails and toenails stronger.
Step 4. See a doctor if your nails have become very noticeable yellow
It could indeed be a sign of other health problems.
- For example, if your nails are yellow and detached from the skin, it can indicate a thyroid disease or psoriasis.
- Yellowed but not detached nails could be a sign of respiratory disease, infection or diabetes.
Part 2 of 3: Trim and Clean Your Toenails
Step 1. Trim your toenails once a week
Having them long increases the risk of onychocryptosis, a disorder commonly known as ingrown toenail, which can be very painful and require medical attention. Long nails are also uncomfortable when you wear closed-toed shoes because they press against the shoe, increasing the pressure on the nails themselves. Trimming your nails regularly also helps prevent them from flaking.
- Trim your nails taking care to leave them at the same length as your toes. If they are too long they will break; if they are too short they can promote the disorder of the ingrown toenail.
- Give your nails a square shape rather than a curved one. This type of cut helps prevent onychocryptosis as it does not allow the skin to grow on the nail.
Step 2. File your toenails every four days
Regular checking allows you to keep your nails in perfect shape. Also, remember to always file them in one direction only, as if you move the file back and forth, you risk breaking or breaking them.
Step 3. Do not cut the cuticles, as they help block skin infections
By cutting them, you increase the chance that your skin will contract them.
Step 4. Remove the stains
Gently use a nail polish file to remove stains from their surface.
Step 5. Clean under the nails with a toothbrush
This tool can be useful for removing dirt that collects under the nails. When you shower, add some soap to your toothbrush and use it to scrub your toenails. Be careful not to be too energetic as you could scratch the skin.
If you want whiter nails, apply whitening toothpaste to your toothbrush
Part 3 of 3: Paint the Toenails
Step 1. Gently push the cuticles down
You can lower them so that you can apply the color, but don't force them so as not to break them.
Step 2. Apply a base coat to begin with
This product creates a stronger hold between the nail and the polish, so you won't need to touch up the color often. Also, applying a base helps protect your nails from stains that occur when you remove the nail polish.
Step 3. Apply the nail polish with three strokes if possible
The big toe nail may require a little more polish, but you usually apply a middle brushstroke, then spread it out to the right and left. Let the polish smooth itself by applying a drop of polish to the brush and gently rolling it from the applicator.
Step 4. Don't forget the top coat
This fixing polish adds brightness and protection.
Step 5. Clean up any errors
Remove traces of nail polish that may have fallen on the skin using a brush or tissue and solvent.
Step 6. Avoid very hot water after applying color
Cold water helps the nail polish to consolidate, while hot water, causing the nails to expand, increases the risk of cracking.
Step 7. Have a large selection of nail polishes on hand; this will allow you to always have the right color available, especially if you want to match your nails to your outfit
- Glossy nail polishes tend to last longer than those that aren't.
- Use nail polishes that claim to be "3-Free". These do not contain formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate, chemicals that can be hazardous to health over time.
Step 8. Paint your toenails according to your personality
If you're shy, avoid the quirky fluorescent orange. For a more elegant touch, you can try a French pedicure.
Step 9. Try some fancy designs
An easy way to create them is to paint your toes first on a plastic bag or parchment; then, once dry, detach them and make them adhere to the nail using a base and a fixing product.
Labels and masking tape can help you create interesting designs. Apply a color base and let it dry. Then use the stickers to create interesting effects which you will then paint with another color. You can make curves, stars or even just divide the nail in the middle
Advice
- Plan your nail polish purchases early so you have the right colors - for example, red and green for Christmas.
- Avoid using nail hardeners, as most of these products are unsupported by clinical studies.
