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Your hands are constantly busy, whether you’re typing away, tidying up, or tending to the fields. This continuous activity can lead to unsightly dirt accumulating beneath your fingernails or staining their surface. Thankfully, achieving clean and attractive nails is something anyone can accomplish. Simply make it a habit to clean your nails regularly, wear gloves when possible, and groom them as needed.
Steps
Preventing Dirty Nails
Avoid the habit of biting or chewing your fingernails. Not only will this leave your nails looking damaged, but it will also introduce bacteria and saliva into your nail beds, resulting in the accumulation of dirt and debris underneath your nails. Moreover, nail-biting can increase the risk of infections in your cuticles and the surrounding skin.
- If you find yourself tempted to bite your nails, trim them short so they're out of reach.
Protect your hands with gloves when dealing with dirt. Whether you're gardening, scrubbing surfaces, or washing dishes, wearing gloves is essential. This safeguards your nails from dirt and prevents harsh cleaning agents from causing damage.
- You can find durable cleaning gloves at most grocery stores. Alternatively, for one-time tasks, consider using latex or latex-free gloves.
Utilize a bar of soap to clean under your nails. Sometimes, when handling tough-to-clean substances like ink or potting soil, gloves aren't feasible. In such instances, safeguard the area beneath your nails by running them across a bar of soap. This action deposits soap into your nail beds, preventing dirt and debris from accumulating.
- If the soap is too hard, moisten it under running water for a few seconds.
Regularly remove dirt from beneath your nails. If you notice dirt accumulating under your nails throughout the day, make it a habit to clean them promptly. Tools like toothpicks, pointed nail-cleaner sticks, orange sticks, or the flat end of a cuticle pusher can be used for this purpose.
- Dispose of the debris properly by wiping it onto a tissue and discarding it to avoid causing discomfort to others.
Consider painting your nails. While this may not be suitable for all professions or personal styles, if feasible, allocate time each week to paint your nails. Opaque nail polish effectively conceals any dirt or discoloration beneath your nails.
- Maintain your nail polish by removing any flaking or fading polish with nail polish remover and reapplying as needed.
Keeping Your Nails Clean
Remove any nail polish. Soak a cotton ball or pad with nail polish remover. Gently rub the damp cotton over your nails to remove the polish without causing damage.
- Nail polish remover is readily available at grocery stores, department stores, and beauty outlets.
- Avoid soaking your nails in nail polish remover as it can weaken them and dry out your skin.
Eradicate stubborn stains. For deeply stained nails, prepare a whitening paste by combining 2 ½ tablespoons (1.25 oz) of baking soda, 1 teaspoon (.16 oz) of hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this paste with an old toothbrush, scrubbing for one to two minutes before rinsing.
- If stains persist, allow the paste to sit for an additional two to fifteen minutes before rinsing off.
- Alternatively, whitening toothpaste can also be used for this purpose.
Cleanse your nails. Rinse your hands with warm water, then apply a small amount of hand soap to your palms. Generate lather by rubbing your hands together, and use a nail brush or sponge to scrub the suds onto your fingernails, ensuring thorough cleaning of both the top and bottom surfaces.
- Opt for a hand soap suitable for sensitive skin to maintain nail moisture.
Moisturize. Following nail cleansing, apply moisturizer generously to your hands and nails, paying attention to the cuticles and backs of your hands. This will impart a glossy, clean appearance to your nails.
- Select a hand moisturizer containing sunscreen to shield against sun damage, which can cause wrinkles and pigmentation.
Caring for Your Nails
Trim your nails. Use sharp manicure scissors or nail clippers to trim your nails. Begin by cutting them straight across, then gently round the edges to avoid sharpness. Decide on your preferred nail length, but remember, shorter nails are easier to maintain cleanliness.
- To prevent infection, sanitize your clippers with rubbing alcohol before use.
Smooth sharp edges with a nail file. Opt for a standard nail file with a 240 grit, ideal for natural nails. File your nails in the direction of growth to prevent damage. Avoid excessive back-and-forth filing, especially if your nails are fragile.
- For delicate nails, choose a softer nail file.
- Consider using a nail buffer for a glossy finish, but avoid it if you have thin nails.
Enhance your nails with a top coat or strengthener. A clear top coat adds a polished shine to your nails, while a strengthener repairs and beautifies. Apply a thin layer and allow it to dry for ten minutes.
- Top coats and strengtheners don't resemble nail polish, making them suitable for all, regardless of polish preference.
Expert Tips
Important Notes
- Avoid cutting your cuticles as they serve as a protective barrier for your nails against infections.
- Avoid prolonged soaking of your nails in water as it can lead to nail damage, causing them to become brittle and flaky.
