Nail polish is one of the most visual aspects of perfectly manicured hands. While the lovely colors may be adding an irresistible appeal to your nails, this decorative look can also cause excessive damage to them. Nail polishes have preservatives like formaldehyde and solvents like toluene. Even nail polish removers have acetone that damages the nails. Nails take 6 months to recover from the excessive damage caused by the chemicals in nail polish and nail polish removers. The average growth rate of a nail is 3mm per month and with this type of damage, nails take a long time to recover. Also, toenails take twice the time that fingernails take to grow, so these should not be ignored.
A report suggests that out of 20 hazardous ingredients that may cause respiratory tract infections, 17 are present in the nail polish you wear. Does this mean we should stop using nail polish? Not at all. That is definitely not a very practical solution. Knowing what goes into nail polish bottles is the key to saving your nails. It is always a good idea to check the ingredients of your nail polish. There are many quality brands available in the market that can offer complete care and brightening and strengthening of nails.
Do It Yourself
D-I-Y is a low maintenance option that can help in keeping your nails clean, healthy, and pretty. Buy clear nail polish from any drugstore and refer to any of the multiple videos available on youtube. If you cannot avoid salons, make sure that your manicurist first applies a base coat. You can also look for nail polishes that have Vitamin E and other natural oils.
Take a Break
As your body needs oxygen, your nails need to breathe too. You may have noticed that with the persistent use of nail polish, your nails turn pale yellow and dry. This is another effect of the harmful ingredients present in nail polish bottles. To avoid this, it is a good idea to maintain some gap between consecutive applications of the nail polish.
Choose the Right Product
You should always try and choose nail polishes that are infused with ingredients like vitamins and natural oils that will nourish your nails. These nail polishes may be a little expensive because they may contain botanical extracts and other oils. However, one cannot put a price on good health, and you may consider them an investment in getting strong, healthy nails.
Go With the Pro
Following a regular treatment plan is also a good way of protecting your nails. You should get a professional manicure every now and then to maintain the beauty of your nails. The beautician can remove any overgrown skin or help with ingrown nails etc. In case of nail break, prefer a clear brightening product that can moisturize and strengthen your nails.
To avoid the hazardous effects of chemicals to you and the beautician, choose salons that are airy and well ventilated. Ensure that they use natural moisturizers and removers. You may save a few bucks in ‘pocket-friendle’ salons, but in the long run, you may affect your health and well being..
Bring your Own Products to the Salon
Avoiding the salon is not a feasible option as the comfort and ease provided by them is incomparable. But it is not economically feasible at times for these salons to keep natural products as it costs them too much. They need to consider the type of clientele they have and other logistics as well. In such cases, if you still do not want to give your favorite salon a miss, you can request them to allow you to use your own products for your treatment. Have a word with the manicurist or the manager and convince them of your concern.
This step will help you to arouse a sense of awareness about the demand and the availability of such eco-friendly and natural products. More importantly, you will decrease the exposure you and the manicurist have to these hazardous chemicals.
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The credit for those yellow stains on your nails goes to dark shades of nail polish. In spite of using nail-polish remover, getting rid of this discoloration is not easy. To avoid this, always apply a layer of base coat. Change your nail polish frequently, but allow a gap of a few days in between, to allow your nails to breathe.
A Quick Tip
To grow healthy nails quickly, dip your nails in cuticle oil for a few minutes and then wash your hands. Then apply a good vitamin infused base coat from a trustworthy brand. But, if your nails have already been damaged it will take a few months to regenerate your nail plate. Prior to using any color, a strengthening base coat application is vital to prevent your nails from any damage.
Your nails may be a very tiny part of your body, but it is important to take good care of them so they remain strong and healthy.
Writer for I’m Fabulous Cosmetics Blog: Jason Liu