Our hands and feet do a lot of work. In fact, they do all the work. From physical labour to creating kickass ideas on your laptop, to taking you from one place to another, they are busy all the way in writing your stories. Thus, why not make those toes and fingers a little prettier to perk up your confidence? Hence, the nail paints come to the rescue. What started off as simple nail colours are now available in an array of textures, and shades that reflect your persona. While we only had one form of nail paint nearly two decades ago, now, we have gel nail paints, matte nail colour, nail lacquers, and much more. Take your pick and flaunt your nails while you create those groundbreaking PPTs and give new ideas to the world. But, but, but, how do you keep those nails in the best of conditions? Nails too require care and nourishment so as to prevent breakage and discolouration, so that your nail paint can look even hotter on those pinkies. Well, let’s first tell you how you can identify if your nails are unhealthy. Precisely, if you notice the following: If your nails start splitting or peeling often, a direct result of vitamin deficiency. White spots on your nails are also a sign that you need to take notice. Swollen and itchy cuticles are also a sign of unhealthy nails. A change in nail shape. Fret not. Here are a few tips and tricks for you to keep your nails in the best of shape, so that your nail paints shine out. Wash The first and most important step is to maintain adequate hand hygiene. Wash your hands and feet with soap and water at regular intervals to keep them free of all the accumulated dirt and bacteria. This will make sure that your nail beds, cuticles, and even the insides of your nails are clean. After washing and towelling them dry, brush them for any dry residue. Moisturise We follow a CTM (Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise) routine for our faces. Why not do the same for our hands and feet as well? Maintenance of hand hygiene often leads to dry cuticles and nails. Use a good hand cream or feet cream, or simply a body moisturiser, after washing. This will help soften your cuticles and nail beds and ensure that they are clean as well as cared for. Nail cutting Practice nail cutting, it’s essential for healthy nails. Your hair require regular trims to get rid of the split ends. It gives it a healthier look and immense volume. Similarly, even your nails require frequent trims, depending upon your growth. Go Natural As much as we share a common love for nail paints and nail art, it is imperative to let your nails breathe once in a while. Apply your favourite shades, but also make sure that you leave your nails free of any colour. Excessive application may lead to weakening of nails, making them brittle. Hydrate We cannot stress enough on the importance of hydration. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to prevent dehydration. Lack of proper moisture in the body can lead to weaker nails that break and peel. This can be combated with adequate water intake. Apart from doing the aforementioned things, here are a few things that you should avoid if you want healthy and beautiful nails that will perk up your favourite nail paint shade, when applied. Stop picking on your cuticles Honestly, just stop. It is a tempting thing and a nervous habit, but it can seriously put your nail out of shape, permanently. Your cuticles form a protective shield around your nails. You rip those tissues away and your nails are prone to bacteria and dirt that can weaken them. Say no to nail biting This is another nervous habit that you need to get rid of. While picking on cuticles ruins the shape of your nails from below, biting ruins the shape of your nails from above. In fact, if the bite gets deep enough, it can lead to bleeding and infection as well. Nail paints shine bright on healthy nails. Take good care of yours for optimum effect. Then you can take your pick from House of Makeup’s wide range of nail paints that come in numerous shades. If you want a luscious lacquer effect, go for ‘House of Makeup Nail Lacquer’. On the other hand, if you want nail paints that will dry quickly and stay long, pick ‘House of Makeup Matte Nail Lacquer’. Either way, these nail paints will perk up your pinkies like none other. Just log on to houseofmakeup.com, choose your favourite texture and shade, and place the order.
