Mastering Nail Care: Essential Tools For Healthy Nails

Proper nail care is an important part of personal hygiene and health. Keeping nails clean and trimmed can help prevent the spread of germs and infections. Healthy nails are also an indicator of overall wellbeing. This article will provide an overview of the essential tools needed to keep nails looking and feeling their best.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Appropriate hand hygiene includes diligently cleaning and trimming fingernails, which may harbor dirt and germs and can contribute to the spread of some infectious diseases.”

Having neat, clean nails also gives a good impression and can be important for certain professions. Mastering basic nail care involves learning to properly trim, file, buff, and care for cuticles and nails. Using the right tools and techniques can help nails stay strong and prevent issues like hangnails or ingrown nails.

This guide will walk through the key tools and provide tips for keeping nails healthy and attractive. With a basic nail care routine, it’s possible to have pretty nails at home without frequent salon visits.

Basic Nail Tools

Having the proper basic nail tools is essential for maintaining healthy nails at home. Three of the most important basic tools are nail clippers, nail files, and buffers.

Nail clippers are used to trim and shape the nails. Look for nail clippers that are made of high-quality stainless steel and have sharp, precise blades for clean cuts. The handle should fit comfortably in your hand ¹.

Nail files and buffers smooth and shape the nails after clipping. Files come in varying grits – a more coarse grit file will shape the nails more aggressively, while fine grit files refine the shape and smooth the nail edges. Buffers are less abrasive and polish the nails to a shine ².

Using high-quality clippers, files, and buffers helps shape the nails properly and prevents snags and tears that can damage the nail bed over time.

Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are an essential tool for maintaining healthy nails. There are a few different types of nail clippers to consider:

• Standard nail clippers have straight jaws and are good for trimming most nails.
• Toenail clippers have wider, curved jaws that make them easier to use on thick toenails.
• Angled nail clippers have jaws set at an angle, making them useful for trimming hard-to-reach nails.
• Electric nail clippers use a motor to operate the blades and can trim nails smoothly.

When using nail clippers, make sure to sterilize them first with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of infections. Position the clippers so the nail fits comfortably between the blades. Trim the nail straight across in one motion, avoiding the skin around the edges of the nail. Cut nails after bathing when they are soft and avoid trimming nails too short, which can lead to ingrown nails. Always use a sharp pair of nail clippers specifically designed for finger or toenails.

Proper nail clipper use prevents nail splitting and hangnails by providing clean, even edges. Investing in a quality pair and maintaining their sharpness allows for easy, safe nail trimming.

Sources:
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Nail-Clippers

Nail Files and Buffers

Proper filing technique is essential for shaping and smoothing nails. The main types of nail files and buffers include:

• Glass files – Made of real glass, these files gently smooth nails without damaging them. Glass files last longer than emery boards.
• Emery boards – The most common disposable nail files. Emery boards come in various grits from fine to coarse.
• Metal nail files – More durable than emery boards, metal nail files come in various shapes and abrasiveness levels.
• Buffing blocks – These are used after filing to further smooth and shine the nails. Buffing blocks are gentler than files.

When using a file, hold it perpendicular to the nail and apply gentle yet firm downward strokes starting from the corner. Work from the edges to the center (Source). Apply lighter pressure as you get closer to the cuticle to avoid damage. For very coarse files, limit use to the edges of nails only.

Buffing blocks can provide a final smoothing and shine after filing. Gently buff each nail using small circular motions. Avoid excessive buffing, as this can thin the nails. Finish with a nail oil or moisturizer.

Cuticle Care

Proper cuticle care is essential for maintaining healthy nails. The cuticle is the thin layer of skin surrounding the base of the fingernail. Keeping cuticles well-moisturized prevents hangnails and infections (source). Using cuticle clippers, pushers, and creams can help improve cuticle health.

Cuticle clippers are small, pointed tools used to neatly trim excess cuticle tissue. It’s important to avoid cutting the cuticle too short, as this can lead to ingrown nails and infection. After clipping, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticle from the nail plate. This helps keep the nail bed tidy (source).

Applying cuticle cream or oil daily keeps cuticles hydrated and flexible. Look for creams containing moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. Massage the cream into cuticles and nails to rehydrate the skin and stimulate circulation.

With proper tools and care, the cuticle area can stay healthy, preventing hangnails and promoting strong, beautiful nails.

Nail Polish Remover

Using a high-quality nail polish remover is essential for easily and effectively removing nail lacquer without damaging the nails. There are two main types of nail polish remover: acetone-based and acetone-free. According to CNN (https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/beauty/best-nail-polish-remover), acetone removers work quickly to break down nail polish, but can be harsh and drying on nails and skin. Acetone-free removers are gentler, containing ingredients like glycerin to moisturize, but require more time and effort to remove darker polishes. Cotton pads or balls are the recommended tool for applying remover, as they allow for even distribution and prevent waste.

When choosing a remover, consider your nail health and polish type. Frequent polishers may opt for gentle, non-acetone formulas to avoid damage, while those who change polish less often can use fast-acting acetone removers. For best results, look for removers designed specifically for the nail type, whether natural, gel, acrylic, or dip powder.

Base and Top Coats

Base and top coats are essential products for healthy nails. A base coat is applied first, before nail polish. As the name suggests, it creates a base that allows nail polish to adhere properly to the nail. A base coat provides numerous benefits:

• It helps prevent nails from yellowing or staining
• It creates a smooth surface for even polish application
• It helps nail polish last longer without chipping or peeling
• It protects nails from polish damage

After nail polish is applied, a top coat is used to seal and protect the manicure. Top coats have a quick-drying formula that creates a shiny, hardened layer over polished nails. Benefits of a top coat include:

• It helps nail polish dry faster
• It smoothes out any bumps or ridges in the polish
• It prevents chipping, smudging and extends wear
• It adds glossy shine and richness of color

Using quality base and top coats is one of the best things you can do for long-lasting, chip-free nails and vibrant polish. Investing in these products helps maximize the look and longevity of your manicures.

Color Polishes

Nail polish colors go in and out of style each season. According to Pinterest, some of the most popular nail polish colors for 2022 include soft whites, salted caramels, tender pinks, and sage greens. These muted, neutral tones are predicted to be big for spring and summer. Meanwhile, deep plums, shimmery bronzes, and jewel tones like emerald are expected to trend for fall and winter seasons according to WhoWhatWear.

Some of the biggest nail color trends for 2022 include: pastels, neons, metallics, and two-toned color combos. Negative space manicures, modern French tips, and bold abstract art designs are also becoming increasingly popular according to nail experts. Overall, nail color trends are embracing vivid brights as well as soft, muted neutrals.

When browsing summer 2022 nail colors, look for sandy tans, light corals, seafoam greens, and clean whites. For fall 2022, deep wines, forest greens, and chocolaty browns will be on trend. Regardless of the season, metallics like rose gold and chrome and creative nail art will always be a fashionable option.

Nail Strengtheners

Nail strengtheners are topical treatments that help fortify weak, brittle, or damaged nails. They work by providing key nutrients like calcium, biotin, keratin, and proteins to nourish the nail plate and stimulate growth. Some of the top ingredients to look for include:

• Calcium – Helps strengthen nails and prevent peeling or cracking
• Biotin – Promotes healthy nail growth
• Hydrolyzed wheat protein – Seals in moisture and reinforces nails
• Keratin – The protein that makes up most of the nail plate for added reinforcement
• Silica – Stimulates faster nail growth

According to dermatologists, some of the best nail strengtheners include Duri Rejuvacote, which contains keratin, calcium, and wheat protein, as well as Orly Nailtrition with hydrolyzed keratin and calcium. For severely damaged nails, look for products with extra nourishing ingredients like oils, vitamins, and antioxidants.

When using a nail strengthener, apply it to clean, bare nails every day or every other day. Let it fully dry before applying base coat and polish. Be patient – it can take up to 6 months to see significant improvement in nail strength and thickness. Avoid peeling or picking at nails while using the strengthener. Always finish with a high-quality top coat for added protection.

Conclusion

In summary, the essential tools for maintaining healthy nails include nail clippers, nail files and buffers, cuticle care products, nail polish remover, base and top coats, color polishes, and nail strengtheners.

Nail clippers allow you to properly trim your nails so they have a smooth edge. Nail files and buffers let you shape your nails and smooth out any rough edges. It’s important to gently push back and care for your cuticles as well. Using nail polish remover allows you to start fresh with each new manicure. Base and top coats help protect your nails before and after painting them. Fun color polishes let you decorate your nails in different shades. Finally, nail strengtheners containing ingredients like calcium or biotin can help reinforce weak or brittle nails.

With proper and regular use of these basic nail tools, you can maintain strong, healthy nails that look great.