One of the worst winter woes is sad, dry nails. They break easily, are flimsy, and can't handle the season's shift in climate and temperature. Here are the top worst things you are doing to your nails right now. Stop immediately and see changes by Valentine's Day!
BITING YOUR NAILS
This is one of the absolute worst habits. Not only is it bad for your nails and your teeth, but it makes you look like a truck driver. Aside from that, there are long-term effects. There is likely dirt under your nails, so when you bite your nails you're ingesting that dirt and all kinds of bacteria. Also, there can be really gross side effects like nail and finger deformities, ridges, and bumps after time--No thanks!
NEGLECTING THE CUTICLES
Dry and cracked skin on the hands is never a good look, but don't forget about the cuticles. No one needs any snaggle skin--ew. Make sure you moisturize your cuticles as well--oil or even Vaseline is great for this.
CONSISTENT GEL OR ACRYLIC MANI'S
Trust me, I am guilty of this addiction, like so many of us ladies looking for that perfectly polished look on a consistent basis. BUT, never giving your nails a break is like denying them fresh air. Your nails need to breathe. Give them a break. Let them air out at least once a month and if you absolutely can't stand being sans polish, use a clear nail strengthening polish (you'll get the shine with benefits).
SHAVING BEFORE A PEDICURE
Shaving right before your pedicure actually creates superficial nicks and that essentially leaves your skin susceptible to infection. You can't always trust the nail salon is completely up to code when it comes to sterilizing, so it's best to hold off on using the razor before your appointment. Not to mention, shaving also strips the legs of a thin layer of skin, increasing the chances of red bumps, rashes, and irritation caused by the exfoliation treatments and lotions. Side note: most technicians do not care if your legs are smooth as a baby's booty or like a prickly pear.
WASHING YOUR HANDS WITH BARE NAILS EQUALS SHRINKAGE
Yes, it's ideal to keep your hands clean, but washing your hands when you have bare nails, can make them very brittle and dry. Our nails are super poreous, so when we wash our hands with bare nails (especially with warm water) our nails expand. The minute they're dry, they shrink like your favorite white t-shirt--causing them to be too dry, brittle and very easy to break. Wear strengthening polish to combat the shrinkage. I personally like OPI.
JUNK FOOD & COCKATAILS (SORRY!)
You are what you eat and this doesn't stop with the status of your nails. Junk food, too many cocktails, and coffee can cause ridges in your nails and also make them super thin. The key to keeping your nails in top top shape? Limit your sugar in-take, take hair and nail vitamins, and drink as much water as you can. Nails will no longer be weak and flimsy.
Avoid these top 6 bad habits and you'll have beautiful and healthy nails by Valentine's Day! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter @GoToGirlfriend and tune into EXTRA for my beauty giveaways!
Xo,
Sadie