After being cooped up in my apartment for the last couple of months (as have most of us), I got the exciting news last week that I was able to return to the office. Now, while I do love working from home, I also miss my colleagues, I was craving my morning coffee on the train and I yearned for a return to some form of normalcy.
Getting ready for that first day back felt unreal. Work clothes? What are those? Briefcase? If I can find it! Shiny shoes? Not as comfortable as my slippers, but I could get used to these again. Once I had my personals together, my last piece of preparation was making an appointment at my local nail salon. I had literally done nothing with my nails in the last few weeks, and they were looking decidedly uncared for.
Good news: my usual salon was open! Bad news: I couldn't get an appointment for 4 weeks. It looked like I would have to do something about my gnarly-looking nails myself.
I've never really taken much notice of what Melissa (my nail technician) did with my nails; I usually take that time to relax and read my magazine. So I decided to do some research first, before I tackled my talons. I learned that there are quite a few do’s and don'ts when it comes to nail care. After following this advice for a couple of weeks, my nails not only look fantastic, but they feel stronger too.
- Use a cuticle oil - You should use this oil on a daily basis. It helps hydrate your cuticle and nail bed, which in turn encourages strong and healthy growth.
- Always cut nails straight across - This helps to avoid ingrown nails.
- Wear rubber gloves - Too much water can cause your nails to become brittle and weak, so wear gloves when doing the dishes or while doing anything else that involves exposure to water.
- Never cut your cuticles - Soak your nails in warm water and gently push the skin back.
- Use a fine grade file - This will help gently shape the nail, and always ensure you move in one direction, to avoid splitting and tearing the nail.
- Buff your nails gently - This helps keep them extra strong and shiny.
- Polish your nails - Using nail polish helps to protect your nails. If you're not a fan of color, a simple clear varnish does the trick.
- Water, water, water - Last of all, ensure you stay hydrated. Water is very important for healthy nails and will help stop nails from cracking.
Will these tips stop me from attending my monthly nail appointment with Melissa? Most definitely not, a girl has to have some treats. But it did make me more aware of the simple changes I could make, and as a result I have happy healthy nails.
