Maintaining clean, healthy nails is essential for good hygiene and looking your best. However, nails are susceptible to damage from poor manicures or daily activities. By adopting a few simple habits, you can keep your nails strong and well-groomed, no matter how active your lifestyle is.
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Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Moisture can weaken nails, causing them to split or become susceptible to infections, especially fungal ones. Keeping your nails clean helps eliminate dirt and bacteria, reducing infection risks and promoting overall nail health.
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Trim Nails Straight Across
Cutting nails straight across helps prevent them from growing into the skin, which can lead to painful ingrown nails. Using sharp scissors or clippers ensures a precise cut, reducing the likelihood of nail damage.
See Also: Discover the Perfect Shape, Length, and Color for Elegant Nails
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Slightly Round the Tips for Added Strength
Slightly rounding the nail tips after cutting them straight across enhances their strength, reducing the risk of breaks or snags. This also helps maintain a uniform shape that is less prone to catching on objects.
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File Nails to Keep Them Smooth and Snag-Free
Regularly filing your nails smooths rough edges and shapes them properly. This prevents snags that could lead to tears or breaks, keeping your nails strong and well-maintained.
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Avoid Biting Nails or Removing the Cuticle
Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and increase the risk of infections. Removing the cuticle, which protects the area around the nail, can expose nails to bacteria and pathogens, raising the risk of infections and nail damage.
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Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools
Using your nails to open cans, scratch off labels, or other tasks can cause them to chip, break, or weaken. Treating your nails gently helps keep them strong and healthy.
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Regularly Trim Toenails
Keeping toenails short reduces the chances of trauma or injury. Long toenails are more prone to catching on shoes or objects, leading to painful breaks or injuries.
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Soften Thick Toenails with Warm Salt Water Soak
Soaking your feet in warm salt water softens thick toenails, making them easier to trim. The salt helps cleanse and reduce swelling, making the trimming process more comfortable and less damaging to the nails.
See Also: The Ultimate Nail Care Routine: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Nails
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Avoid Self-Treating Ingrown Toenails
Trying to dig out an ingrown toenail can cause more injury, infection, and pain. If an ingrown toenail is infected or painful, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for safe treatment.
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Wear Properly Fitted Shoes
Shoes that fit well prevent unnecessary pressure on your nails and reduce the risk of trauma or ingrown toenails. Alternating shoes daily allows them to air out, helping prevent moisture buildup that can lead to fungal infections.
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Use Flip Flops in Public Pools and Showers
Wearing flip-flops in communal areas like pools and showers protects your feet from fungi and bacteria that can cause infections. These environments are often warm and moist, perfect for fungal growth that can affect toenails.
Following these guidelines will help you maintain healthy, strong nails while reducing the risk of common nail issues.
