Many women take the time to have their nails professionally manicured. Nail care is a very specialized field, however, and often manicurists have minimal training in nail products and nail problems. It can therefore be quite difficult to find a well-trained manicurist.
Cuticle removersFor some reason the cuticle is considered an ugly structure, yet its main function is to protect the nail growth plate from bacterial and fungal infection which will occur if the cuticle is damaged. It is far better to leave cuticles alone, as fifty per cent of nail problems would be avoided if cuticles were not removed or pushed back.
Nail hardenersMost nail hardeners contain formaldehyde which does not strengthen nails, and nail hardeners which contain formaldehyde have been banned in the United States. Formaldehyde can cause severe allergic reactions, so nail hardeners are best avoided.
Nail polishesMost nail polishes contain sulphonamide resin which gives the nails durability and gloss. It can, however, cause allergic reactions which, strangely enough, produce dermatitis on the eyelids. Some nail polishes, such as Almay, do not cause allergies but they chip easily and wear poorly. Nail polish can be made more durable by using a base coat and a top coat. Contrary to popular belief, nail polish does not harm the nails; in fact it protects them from wear and tear. Even if nail polish is not worn routinely, it is advantageous to use top coat nail polish to protect the nail from peeling.
Nail polish removersNail polish removers contain acetone and alcohol which are very drying. To minimize this effect, moisturizers and less drying chemicals are increasingly being used in nail polish removers.
Acrylic nailsAcrylic nails have become very popular because many women find it difficult to keep their own nails in good condition. Acrylic nails are very durable and hold nail polish well; however they can also cause a number of problems. An allergic reaction to the glue, called methylmethacrylate, can occur, producing severe dermatitis around the nails and even nail destruction.Fungal infections can also occur if moisture gets in between the artificial nail and the normal nail. This can be avoided by filing the nail regularly and by applying an anti-fungal agent to the nails before the artificial nails are put on.Artificial nails can also make your own nails softer, which is evident when the artificial ones are removed. Your own nails may also lift or be completely destroyed when the artificial nails are taken off. This is more likely if your cuticles have been pushed back or removed.Problems with artificial nails can be minimized by selecting a good manicurist with adequate training. Sculptured nails must be filled regularly, that is every two to three weeks, to minimize the risk of fungal infection, and are best kept short, as this will minimize the chances of your own nails and the artificial nails lifting off the nail bed. The cuticles should always be left intact.
Nail wrapsNail wraps are used for repairing broken nails, and are best applied by a trained manicurist. Either silk or fiberglass is used.
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