Taking care of your nails can be time-consuming and laborious. However, if you don’t have the time to devote to nail care, be mindful that certain everyday habits can damage your nails. The following article will reveal seven such habits and offer advice on how to break them.
1. Using Hairspray Can Damage Your Nails
You may be wondering how hairspray could possibly affect your nails. Surprisingly, it can! Hairspray contains approximately 50% alcohol, which can dry out your nails, making them weak and prone to breaking.
Additionally, certain chemicals in hairspray can also harm your nails. To avoid this, remember to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after using hairspray.
2. Opening Cans with Your Nails
A common habit that many people have is using their nails to open cans or even to scrape off product labels. However, this practice can cause your nails to crack and sustain other types of damage.
3. Cutting the Cuticles
Some people believe that cutting the cuticles, or the skin around the nails, makes their nails look cleaner and healthier. In reality, cuticles protect your nails, and removing them increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
4. Letting Your Nails Grow Too Long
While some people prefer longer nails for aesthetic reasons or to create different nail styles, this is not a healthy habit. Longer nails provide an ideal environment for bacteria and dirt to accumulate. It’s best to keep your nails at a moderate length and maintain good hygiene.
5. Leaving Nail Polish on for Too Long
When your nail polish starts to chip, it’s tempting to leave it on rather than removing it. However, just like your skin, your nails absorb the substances applied to them, and these substances can be harmful. To keep your nails healthy, remove polish as soon as it starts to chip or after a week at the latest.
6. Wearing Tight Shoes
Wearing tight shoes can harm your toenails. If you persist in wearing shoes that are too tight, you risk injuring your nails, which may even become detached from the nail bed—a painful experience.
7. Swimming Regularly
The chlorine in swimming pools can irritate your nails. If you swim regularly, protect your nails by applying a strengthening top coat and moisturizing your nails with a cream containing lanolin, a protective wax.
In conclusion, while these seven everyday habits may seem harmless, they can negatively impact the health of your nails. By being mindful of these habits and making a few simple changes, you can ensure that your nails stay strong and healthy.