Nail Care Tips: Healthy Manicures

Is it true that artificial nails will eventually weaken my natural nails?

You may experience some thinning of your natural nails once the artificial nails are removed. Prolonged wear of artificial nails can cause fungus to breed. Your natural nails eventually lose strength that cannot be regained. You should leave artificial nails for special occasions, not for everyday wear. If you must have artificial nails, give them a break every three months. This will allow your natural nails to restore their resilience and strength.

My toenails have turned yellow. Why?

If you've noticed discoloration in your nails, it could be due to old nail polish. The old nail polish could have stained the nail plate by being left on for a long time. If the discoloration continues, consult with your doctor; it could possibly be a fungus or a health-related problem. For healthy nails, it is very important to maintain a healthy diet. Calcium is an essential nutrient for your nails, and it can be found in milk, yogurt, cheese and broccoli.

I've heard that cold water dries your nails faster. Is this true?

It won't completely dry your nails, but it can certainly help. Fill a bowl with water, add some ice cubes, and then dip your fingernails into the water several times for up to a minute, removing your fingers repeatedly to prevent frostbite. It is the cold temperature of the water that helps seal in the polish chemicals and harden the lacquer.

I really can't afford to go to the salon every week, but I want my nails to look pretty. How can I apply the polish so that it doesn't look lumpy?

This problem is caused by uneven polish application. The trick is to apply thin layers of polish. Remember - the nail polish brush is designed to hold a lot. To apply, lightly dip the brush into the bottle. As you pull it out, wipe the excess polish on the inside of the bottle's rim. Paint the nails accordingly.