Our salon reopened for hair appointments on June 1st, but massage therapy and facials have not yet resumed in Connecticut. Many of our clients have also been missing professional nail care and we’re excited to reopen for these services on June 17th!
In the meantime, we have 7 tips to care for your nails from the comfort of home.
What Do Healthy Nails Look Like?
Healthy nails are smooth and uniformly colored. Especially if you got regular manicures and pedicures pre-Coronavirus, you may notice your nails are brittle or have discolored spots.
Small white dots are often caused by nail trauma or a mineral deficiency.
1. Keep Nails Clean & Dry
The Coronavirus has reminded us all of the importance of proper handwashing. While lathering and rinsing for at least 20 seconds, don’t forget to scrub under your fingernails! Dirt and bacteria trapped under the nails can lead to an infection.
2. Trim, Shape & File Regularly
We love to show off long, manicured fingernails but regular trims are important to avoid snags and hangnails. Rather than cut too close to the nailbed, trim the tips and shape them with an emery board.
In between cuts, regularly file the nails to maintain their rounded form. Don’t forget to follow the same process for your toenails!
3. Avoid Cutting Your Cuticles
Cuticles seal your skin to the nail plate, so it’s important to keep them intact. To prevent drying and cracks, use a cuticle pusher and cuticle oil to lock in moisture. If you have loose skin around the nails, use a small cutting tool rather than pulling to avoid exposed skin.
4. Disinfect & Replace Nail Tools
Regular sanitation of your nail tools will keep bacteria from growing. Nail clippers and cuticle pushers should be cleaned with soap and water, then sterilized with rubbing alcohol.
Nail buffers, files and pumice stones should be replaced every couple months, depending on how often you use them.
5. Eat Protein-Rich Foods
Our nails are made of a protein called keratin. To support nail strength, growth and overall health, add protein-packed foods to your diet, such as:
- Eggs
- Lean poultry
- Tuna
- Yogurt
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Pumpkin seeds
6. Wash & Moisturize Feet
Our feet work hard every day to support us – never neglect their care! Always wash your feet in the shower and use lotion after toweling off to seal in moisture. You can also soak your feet in a warm tub of water with aromatherapy salts to replicate the spa experience!
7. Remove Rough Skin
Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin that harden over time due to friction and pressure. Use a pumice stone or callus file to remove hard skin from your feet.
Calluses are particularly dangerous for people with diabetes or poor circulation and can lead to a serious infection.
We look forward to resuming our nail and massage services on June 17th! To book your appointment, contact us today.