All or Nothing!

If you wear any type of nail polish on your fingernails or toenails, I’m sure you have experienced some minor or major chipping. This can be frustrating and most of us continue to allow it to chip instead of taking it off and applying new polish. But I am here to tell you that you must make sure you have even and complete coverage of polish.

Causes...
Chipping is bound to happen! How soon and how much are determined by a number of factors:

1. The type of work performed by the hands
2. How the nail was prepped before the polish was applied
3. The quality of the polish (base & top coat, color polish or nail strengthener)
4. Health conditions that affect the fingernails and toenails

Do’s and Don’ts...
Since I’ve been into nail care, I’ve learned to adopt an “All or Nothing” mentality when it comes to nail polish; and I suggest you adopt this same frame of thinking. Polish makes your hands and feet “pop with color” and adds personality and interest. So if your nail polish has begun and continues to chip, remove the polish. Never put another coat of the same or a different color on top thinking this will cover the chipping. Now you have created a situation in which your polish is uneven: thick in some places and thin in others. Not to mention, when you finally take the polish off, it will take more cotton, remover, and time. Even clear polish chips and peels and when that happens, you are left with shiny spots here and dull spots there.

Solutions...
Some solutions that may help minimize chipping and keep polish “looking fresh, shiny, and bright,” is to put a clear coat of polish on your nails every two days, wear gloves when washing dishes or your hair, do not tap your nails on surfaces or put your fingers in your mouth.

So Now...
So remember, think, nice, even, complete coverage when wearing polish and adopt the phrase “All or nothing!”

Why should I care about keeping my nails, hands and feet groomed?

Have you ever paid attention to someone’s hands or feet and thought something like “How could they have the audacity to walk around looking like that?” It’s the truth right? But the main reason why many individuals walk around with issues like dry hands, skin build-up on their feet, and long discolored thickened toenails, is because they are not educated on the importance of nail and skin care.

Keeping well-groomed nails, hands, and feet, should be a part of your daily hygiene regimen. This goes for both men and women. Frequent manicures, pedicures, moisturizing, exfoliation, and a well balanced diet, will help keep your nails and skin healthy and simply beautiful. You know how good you feel when you get your hair done or cut, when you have on a new outfit, pair of shoes, perfume or cologne? Well having and maintaining nicely manicured hands and pedicured feet will make you feel good as well because it enhances your personal appearance.

Nails are also a prime source for the transmission of macro and microscopic organisms, toxins, and irritants, as well. In addition to bathing, washing your hands periodically throughout the day with antibacterial soap, using hand sanitizer, and even using antibacterial lotion are ways in which you can limit the amount of bacteria your nails harbor and transmit. When washing your hands, you need to make sure to wash under your nails free-edge and around the cuticle area. These are places where bacteria like to camp out. If you have a nailbrush handy, or even an extra toothbrush, you could use it to scrub around and under your nails when washing. When bathing, be sure to wash in between toes and under toenails and make sure your feet are completely dry before placing them in slippers or closed toe shoes. Fungi like to grow in dark, damp and moist places.

I hope today’s entry helps you to understand why it is important to keep your nails, hands, and feet well groomed!