DEFINITION

The following is a list of some hints when caring for your nails.

DESCRIPTION

1. NAIL ENAMEL DOES NOT STAY ON
Ensure the nail is completely clean and free of any oil before applying a base coat. Use the nail polish remover first whether there is any nail polish on the nail or not. This will clean the nail surface.
Ensure a base coat and top coat are used whenever a coloured enamel is applied. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician which are the best products for you to use.
Allow time for the nail enamel to touch dry between coats. It takes approximately 8 hours for a complete manicure to completely set. As most women are unable to wait such a long duration, it is important to allow as much time as possible. Ensure this time consists of passive activities. These activities may include reading or watching T.V. Do not perform any heavy chores including scrubbing or ironing.
2. HANGNAILS
Hangnails are small pieces of nail, on either side of the fingernail, that have come away from the nail plate. They can catch on clothing and be rather painful. To address this problem:
- Frequent use of a hand lotion or cuticle treatment will help to condition the nails and cuticles.
- Gently nudge back the cuticles when applying any hand lotion. This will help to keep the cuticles free of any nail.
3. NAIL BREAKAGE
Correct filing and shaping will help reduce nail breakage. Always use an emery board.
Keep nails at a medium length (very long nails are naturally weaker).
Always protect the hands from harsh detergents and too much water. Wear a pair of rubber gloves available from your Pharmacy.
Always protect fingernails with a protective and strengthening product. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for advice.
4. SOFT NAILS
Keep the nails out of water as much as possible.
Apply a nail hardener to the surface. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for some gelatine capsules to take internally. They usually take one or two months to have an affect.
5. BRITTLE NAILS
Protect the hands using rubber gloves. Ask your Pharmacy for a suitable pair.
Apply a protective nail coat every day.
6. DISCOLOURED NAILS
This is usually the result of wearing nail enamel without first applying a base coat.
Nails can be coloured by hair dye. Always use rubber gloves when using any hair colourant.
A nail buffer will help remove any surface stains on the nails.
NOTE
The key to any lasting nail manicure is the application of the nail enamel in a series of light even coats with adequate drying time between each coat. The suggested time between each coat is 30 minutes.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) Your Pharmacy stocks rubber gloves.
2) Ask your Pharmacist about a suitable nail hardener.
3) Always purchase the best quality nail scissors you can afford.
4) Make sure that the emery board you use is of a good quality. Ask your Pharmacist or Cosmetician for advice.
5) Your Pharmacy stocks a nail buffer.

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