Bobbi's Eye on Beauty - Problem Nails - Toolkit

Nature may not have given you perfect nails, but that's nothing a little nurture can't fix. Puns are the spice of life! Our discussion  identifies the most common problems we have with our nails and offers some on going solutions for them. Though there may be some repetition from the hand and nail care page , it is worth reiterating.

• .SPLITTING NAILS: Even healthy nails will break if you treat them like power tools. Avoid using your nails to pry, pop, or otherwise dislodge things, and keep them hydrated (which, in turn, makes them more pliable and less prone to breakage) by applying moisturizer after washing your hands.

• THIN NAILS: Blame genetics for weak, flimsy nails (many people who have them also have fine hair). Dermatologists recommend taking vitamins like Biotin and vitamin A for stronger nails. Prevent breakage by keeping nails short and using a nail-hardening base coat. Try: Revlon Firma Nail Extra-strength Base & Topcoat. I have found that Sally Hansen Maximum Growth works very well to add strength and condition  my nails. Also proper regular filing (discussed later) strengthens nails.

• RIDGES: Irregularities are often the result of an injury to the cuticle or nail bed. To remove, use a buffing stick, being careful not to take off too much of the surface of the nail. Use a ridge-filling base coat to create a smooth surface.

• YELLOW STAINS: Putting colored polish directly on a naked nail can cause yellowing, particularly if you use dark colors. Protect nails and prevent discoloration with a base coat. To remove stains, run a soft buffer over nails or soak hands in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide. A good cleaning with a nail brush followed by both a buffing and soaking with hydrogen peroxide solution have worked well for me.

Using these techniques regularly will vastly improve the condition of your nails and make manicures so  much nicer. A perfect manicure begins with good care followed by having the right tools. If clothes make the woman, then tools make the manicure. These will help you clip, file, and buff your way to perfection. 

Have these items handy too, for preparing nails and during the manicure.  Cotton balls Cotton cosmetic pads Cotton swabs Hydrogen peroxide solution Antibacterial hand soap  Nail polish remover Find all the tools and products you need in the  manicure and pedicure department at Drugstore.com Here is a divine product that I have used. Must have! HoMedics StyleSpa Elite Deluxe Manicure & Pedicure System With Nail Dryer

NIPPER: A pointed tip provides precision for cutting hangnails. Try: Tweezerman stainless-steel nipper. NAIL BRUSH: A soft brush helps clean nails and cuticles. NAIL SCISSOR: Gentler than clippers, which can bend and break nails. Try: La Cross Nail Scissor. NAIL STONE: A pencil-shaped pumice that removes bits of skin around cuticle area and on nail surface. WHITE PENCIL: Especially designed for nails, this pencil gives the look of a French manicure when run underneath damp nails. Try: La Cross Nail White Pencil CUTICLE OIL: A moisturizing treatment for nails and cuticles. Try Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil. I use Johnson's Baby oil with Aloe Vera and Vitamin-E, even when I'm not doing a manicure.  CUTICLE CREAM: Heals dry cuticles and, with regular use, helps prevent hangnails. Try: Bliss Cuticle Smoother or Sally Hansen cuticle rub. ORANGEWOOD STICK: A multipurpose tool for pushing back cuticles (wrap in cotton to protect skin), removing stray polish (dip in remover first), and cleaning under nails.  EMERY BOARD: For shortening and smoothing nails, look for a two-sided version (coarse and fine grain). NAIL-BUFFING STICK: Three or four textured panels smooth, buff, and shine nails. Try Revlon's Shape 'N' Buff is a combination two grain Emery board and four paneled buffing stick. CUTICLE REMOVER: A treatment that removes dead skin from cuticles. Try: OPI Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment. I love Sally Hansen products for all nails needs. La Cross is a Sally Hansen company, that produces a fine line of nail care tools at reasonable prices.

Get that toolbox ready and
Stay conditioned always

[Bobbi's Home Page] [Bio and Stuff] [Updates] [Friends Photo Album] [Just Bobbi Photos] [Writings] [Writings 2] [SCC 1999] [SCC 2000] [Holiday En Femme ] [TG Girls] [Support] [Girl Girls] [Women's Sites] [Beauty Tips] [Health and Beauty Center] [Shoes] [Clothing] [Cosmetics] [Forms and Transformations] [Books and More] [Barnes&Noble Books] [Video Store] [Music Zone] [My Mirror Site]      Email