How do I take care of my nails?

They’re said to be a woman’s best calling card.
Properly manicured, they perfectly complement style and boost self-confidence.
Nails, as they’re called, don’t need any attention at all.
Just devote a few minutes a week to them, and you won’t have to wait long for the effects.
A variety of silky-textured cosmetics with an excellent fragrance will ensure that these moments are spent under the sign of true pleasure.

However, nails are an inseparable part of well-groomed hands and can cause a lot of problems, especially if they are not given the necessary attention.
The main problems are unsightly, dry cuticles around the nail and brittle, fragile nail beds.
So how can we improve their condition and regenerate them?
The answer is manicure treatments, of which there are dozens.

What types of manicure are there?

Professional nail salons offer a range of manicure treatments.
Their aim is not only to improve the condition and appearance of the nails themselves, but also the cuticles that surround them.
So what are the most popular types of manicure?

Classic (traditional) manicure

The classic manicure, also known as the traditional manicure, is a basic treatment designed to nourish the nail plate and care for adherent cuticles.
The most common elements of the classic manicure are cuticle removal, shortening the nail plate nail plateThe most common elements of classic manicure are cuticle removal, nail plate shortening, shape filing, nail nourishment and painting.

This is achieved by using special care preparations such as cuticle oils, nail conditioners and oil hand baths.
This is an excellent choice for those who don’t have the time to take care of their nails, or who simply don’t have the necessary expertise.

Hybrid manicure

The hybrid manicure is a treatment that has been breaking records in popularity in recent years, giving you the longest-lasting, most impressive nails.
First and foremost, it’s harmless and non-invasive, so it has no negative effect on your nails.

So, what do hybrid nails look like?
The whole procedure involves preparing the nails and surrounding cuticles, then applying a special hybrid base, rubber base or builder base, a colored hybrid varnish and finally a hybrid top coat, matte hybrid top coat or wipe-off top coat.

Each coat is cured under UV or LED light before the next coat is applied.
This type of curing not only protects nails from damage, but also ensures their durability for up to 3 weeks.

What’s important is that with such a manicure, the varnish doesn’t flake, the color doesn’t fade or lose its shine.
Hybrids are particularly impressive in the form of a combination manicure, when the varnish reaches the cuticles.

Gel manicure

Gel manicure involves adding to and extending the natural nail plate.
It’s a treatment that uses special gel builders to lengthen nails and give them a preferred shape, even if they’re damaged or bitten.

The treatment is performed on the natural nail plate using appropriate templates.
These are glued under the free edge of the nail, then the product is applied and spread over them.
Construction gels and hybrid varnishes require curing under UV or LED light, so after shaping the nails, a lamp is used.

Acrylic manicure

Acrylic manicure, like gel manicure, is a way of shaping nails.
It can be used to both build and lengthen nails, and what’s more, it can be used to achieve any shape.
So, how does it work?

Once the nail plate shapes have been prepared, they are glued together, then acrylic powder combined with a special preparation is applied.
The powder hardens after application, and then simply needs to be filed with a nail file to create the nail shape of your choice.

Japanese manicure

Japanese manicure is an excellent choice for people suffering from brittle nail plates, as it is one of the best treatments for regenerating and strengthening nails and adjoining cuticles.
The whole process involves pressing vitamin-containing pastes and varnishes into the nails.

They are enriched with vitamins A + E, keratin and silica from the Sea of Japan.
This blend moisturizes and nourishes nails, giving them an incredibly healthy look and a pearly hue.

Also read: How to do a French manicure?

Manicure for men

Men’s nails and cuticles require a little more attention due to their hardness.
A manicure for men involves pushing back cuticles, shaping nails and applying a clear conditioner specially designed for men.

Proper cleaning: The first step in nail care

Do you want your nails to be strong and smooth?
Remember, nail care doesn’t begin and end with colored polish.
Before taking any steps to care for your nails, remember to clean them thoroughly.
This will ensure that your nails are properly moisturized and regenerate faster.
Remember, nail polish remover is not your enemy.

Aesthetician’s tip: before applying nail polish, wipe your nails with nail polish remover.
This will remove the grease and make the enamel last longer.

Your nails love a bath

So don’t hesitate to give them a bath every few days.
Add a mild soap to the water.
You can also add a little of your favorite oil.
Use argan, jojoba or coconut oil.
If you want to take extra care of your hands, you can occasionally soak them in lightly heated olive oil.

These are highly moisturizing substances, restoring the skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance.
During or just after your bath, spend a few minutes massaging yourself.
Gently rub and press the skin at the base of your nails.
This will stimulate blood circulation, oxygenating your cells and promoting their regeneration.

The massage will also help preserve the color of your nails and reduce bruising.
From now on, there’s nothing to stop you having a natural manicure and painting them with colorless nail polish.
Don’t forget that it’s as feminine as color and, above all, that it never goes out of fashion!

Task conditioners

Your nails are exposed to a number of factors every day that can affect their condition.
Typing on the computer, cleaning the house, doing the dishes – these are just a few of the many activities that can affect the condition of your nails.
So make sure you choose the right conditioner.

Choose a clear or milky nail polish.
Nail repair serums, with their highly concentrated ingredients, will come to the rescue of severely damaged nails.
Are your nails thin and split?

Also read: Caring for your nails at home

Then opt for fortifying conditioners containing vitamins, mainly A and E, and the micro-elements silicon, zinc and iron.
If your nails are fragile, make sure they are properly moisturized.
Choose conditioners containing natural oils.

Formulas containing ceramides, which integrate into the plate, work well.
It’s also a good idea to use specialized hardeners to limit damage.
Wondering if it’s possible to speed up nail growth?

Of course you can!
All you have to do is opt for conditioners with plant extracts.
Rich in antioxidants, they stimulate cell growth and prevent premature aging.

Is it a good idea to remove cuticles?

They invade your nails, they break, they tear.
Cuticles remain one of the most controversial issues in manicure.
Some say to cut them with tweezers, others advise using boxwood sticks.
Using scissors or cuticle cutters can easily damage your cuticles and lead to infection.
By cutting your cuticles, you make them grow back faster and thicker.

It’s a much better idea to remove them with a stick.
Before you start, soak your hands in warm, soapy water for a few moments.
You can also apply a hand cream or lotion.
This will soften the cuticles.

The more flexible they are, the less likely they are to be damaged.
It’s also a good idea to buy special cuticle preparations.

Containing oils, it will quickly prove that cuticles aren’t as bad as they’re made out to be.
Before you say cuticles are a woman’s enemy, consider that they have an important function.
They are the nail’s first line of protection against external conditions.

The right nail length and shape

You’ve taken care of your nails, so it’s time to move on to the right manicure.
The shape you want your nails to take is up to you.
Try out the different variations.
Square, almond-shaped or slightly rounded, the modern manicure knows no limits.

The only important thing is that the shape you give your nails is as close as possible to their natural shape.
For this, however, you need the right accessories.
If your nails are exceptionally strong and hard, opt for the metal version.

If your nails are brittle and weak, stone or glass files are ideal, preferably with a small grain size.
Filing your nails will take longer, but it will prevent damage to your nail plate and even out its edges perfectly.
How do I start shaping my nails?
Start by shortening them to the desired length, then gently file the edges.
File nails covered with colored polish.
This will make their shape more visible.

Avoid filing your nails immediately after removing the enamel.
Rub your hands and nails with cream or oil before filing.
Always file your nails in the same direction to avoid splitting.

A universal manicure that adapts to every style

The final step in nail care is the application of nail polish.
Colored nails have been around for centuries.
Already in ancient times, women gave them a variety of colors, using plant pigments for the purpose.
It may be hard to believe, but the first high-gloss nail varnish didn’t appear until the early 20th century.

However, due to its high price, it was only accessible to a limited group of women.
Today, the variety of products makes it possible to quickly create a professional manicure in the comfort of your own home.
For everyday use, soft colors are ideal.
A French manicure is also ideal.

Did you know that nails painted in nude varnish and adorned with a distinctive white line are the work of an American? Jeff Pink was commissioned by a Hollywood film studio to create a nail varnish shade that would match any style.
Why was this?
Because in the 1970s, quick-drying nail polishes were unheard of.

Actresses’ manicures were time-consuming and film shoots were delayed.

The power of color

Like to experiment with fashion?
Go ahead, try nail polishes in intense shades.
Don’t be afraid of color after all, it’s a way of expressing yourself.
Red is the most universal and timeless color.

Whether you like bright colors, or prefer brown, you’re sure to look classy and elegant.
You can also choose from other colors.
Orange, yellow, grass green – you name it!
Choose colors that go with your outfit and make you feel good.

Try glitter rhinestones, glitter varnish or colored confetti.
It’s a way to emphasize the festive character of your style and turn your manicure into a little work of art.
Want your nail polish to last longer?
Use a special base coat.

Also read: Are false nails dangerous for (your health)?

A top coat is also useful, as it hardens the polish and brings out the depth of color.
If you choose to apply more than one coat of nail polish, make sure the previous one is dry before applying another.
Otherwise, unsightly air bubbles may appear.

Beautiful nails are within your reach.
Take care of them with a variety of cosmetics.
You can prepare many of them yourself from readily available natural ingredients.
Find a few minutes in the day for your beauty and see for yourself that taking care of yourself is a lot of fun!