1. paint optimally
Have you decided on a shade? Great. To ensure that you can enjoy well-groomed fingernails for a long time, follow these rules: First use a base coat, then apply two coats of color, finishing with a top coat for a high-gloss result. Wait two minutes between each coat to allow the polish to dry a little. Always leave a millimeter between the cuticle and the polish so that the nail can breathe. You can then enjoy well-groomed fingernails.
2. use a build-up treatment
An inexpensive intensive care product from the kitchen: a hand and nail bath in olive oil works wonders for skin and nails. Heat the oil slightly in the microwave and leave to soak in for ten minutes. Give your hands and cuticles a good massage, which also promotes blood circulation. Alternatively, use nail oil from a bottle.
3. stains and discoloration
Have you forgotten the base coat for dark polish and now your nail plate has turned yellowish? No problem: A bath of water with baking soda has a lightening effect, and special whitening polishes also help. Incidentally, white spots are harmless. They are caused by injuries to the nail root and are not an indication of calcium deficiency or similar.
4. brittle thing
Especially now in winter, the freezing cold outside and dry heating air inside can dehydrate the nails. For well-groomed fingernails, use care products with silicon and sulphur to protect and remineralize.
5. shaping and shortening
It is best to only file fingernails, not cut them. Metal is taboo, but sandpaper, mineral or glass files are recommended because they are gentle on the nail. Important: only file in one direction.
6. always take good care of your nails
Do you dream of beautiful, strong and long nails? If they just won't grow, this may be due to a lack of certain nutrients. Protein-rich foods such as poultry, pulses, milk and soy as well as food supplement capsules can help. The latter should contain silica, biotin, vitamins and minerals and unfortunately require a little patience (approx. three months), but then it works.
7. fill fine grooves
Longitudinal grooves are genetic and can increase with age; they are harmless. Transverse grooves can be caused by injuries or a vitamin or iron deficiency. To prevent the manicure from becoming uneven, use a groove filler as a base coat.
8 Kiss your hand, madam!
What good are well-groomed fingernails if the skin feels rough? That's why you should always use a smoothing hand scrub to remove dead skin cells. Don't forget to apply cream.
9. care for cuticles
Top rule: please do not cut! Soak the cuticles first with a little cuticle remover, then gently push them back - you can do this very gently with a rosewood hoof stick. Always good: treat the cuticles with a care stick in between to keep them beautiful and healthy.
10. fungus alarm
Sometimes it does happen: you catch a fungus in the swimming pool or gym. It needs to be treated. It works reliably and effectively with a water-soluble varnish containing the active ingredient Ciclopirox. Tip for infected toenails: wash socks in hot water, disinfect shoes.
You may also be interested in this:
Nail care: professional manicure at home
What the shape of your nails reveals about your personality
Nail fungus: treatment must be carried out immediately
Brittle nails: what to do when they split?
Good polish: the perfect manicure guide
Trick 17: What nail polish can do
Applying nail polish made easy
Help for brittle nails