The art of perfecting your manicured nails!
Manicures can make your nails look gorgeous, but there are mistakes that meddle with the desired results and lead to issues, such as damaged nails, infections, or ruined polish. We all know how indispensable manicures are when it comes to softening the rough and callused edges and improving the texture and firmness of the skin. Besides being a therapeutic self-care, it is an amazing way to relax and release muscle tension. However, while opting for a manicure service, it is also pertinent to know the blunders that often outdo the efforts.
Let’s go over the most common manicure mistakes, their consequences, and why to avoid them.
Slicing cuticles during a manicure instead of gently pushing them back removes the natural barrier that protects your nails from infections, increasing the risk of bacterial or fungal issues. This can lead to painful infections, redness, and swelling around the nail. Instead of cutting, use a cuticle pusher to gently move them back. Keeping the cuticles intact helps maintain the health of your nails and keeps infections at bay. A cuticle cream at your disposal will ensure fab and healthy cuticles.
Forgetting the base coat when applying nail polish, especially when they are in a hurry. Without a base coat, nail polish can stain your natural nails, especially with darker colours. This can lead to yellow, discoloured nails that are difficult to clean or restore. The base coat acts as a protective barrier between your nails and the pigments in nail polish. It also helps the polish adhere better and last longer. It is also crucial not to apply too many coats, which leads to early peeling and smudging. Stick to two coats.
Filing nails in a back-and-forth motion is common, but it can weaken the nail structure. This sawing action creates tiny cracks and weakens the nails, making them prone to splitting, peeling, and breaking. The prudent way is to file in one direction and repeat it till the nails are in your desired shape: starting from the side to the centre. This ensures a smooth finish and reduces the risk of damage to your nails.
If you have a penchant for excess buffing of the nails for a shiny, smooth surface, it is time to correct the habit. Tempting might be, but this is counterproductive. Overbuffing thins the nails, making them fragile and more susceptible to breakage. It can also cause the nails to lose their natural moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. Buff only when necessary and do it gently. It’s better to focus on moisturizing and nourishing your nails rather than thinning them through incessant buffing.
Forgetting to apply cuticle oil or hand cream after a manicure is a common post-manicure mistake. Without proper moisture, your nails and cuticles can become dry, leading to hangnails, peeling, and cracked skin. Dry nails are also more likely to break and peel. Moisturising after a manicure helps lock in hydration, keeps nails flexible, and prevents breakage. Always follow up with a nourishing oil or cream for better nail health.
Many people peel off their nail polish, often scratching harshly, when it starts to chip. Peeling off polish also removes the top layer of your nails, making them weak, uneven, and prone to splitting or peeling. Instead of peeling, use a proper nail polish remover. Removing nail colour the right way protects the integrity of your nails and keeps them smooth and health
