Published On:Tuesday, August 17, 2010

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Writer

MOST people do not pay close attention to the minor dissimilarities in their nails when it comes to the texture, colour or the casual chipping.

These defects may not be very noticeable, but they are more important than you may think and may even point to bigger health issues.

According to trained professionals, nails play a very important part in your overall health and should always be maintained in the proper manner.

Among the most important things you can do for your nails are regular manicures.

Experts recommend to have a manicure at least once a month, or even once a week.

Nails, professionals say, should always be properly cleaned, cut /trimmed, filed and buffed, and the proper tools should be used.

Sharp-edged tools should not be used to clean under the free edge of the nail as this could puncture the hyponychium, causing the nail bed to separate from the nail plate which can lead to a fungus infection.

Kordelle Thompson, manager at the KNS Nail Institute, providing the Tribune Health with nail care tips said: "One thing you can do is get regular manicures. Some people tend to use the wrong tools such as bobby pins. A suggestion is to get a professional manicure done at least every week or two weeks. Also use (proper) implements and clean tools. Dirty tools have bacteria and you tend to pick up a bacteria infection if the tools are not properly cleaned."

Scrubbing

Ms Thompson advised persons to properly scrub under the nails using soap, cuticle oil and a good moisturising lotion for afterwards. If you are going to do any household cleaning you should wear gloves, especially when gardening.

When washing dishes use gloves as too much contact with water can cause the nail to soften and this can cause breakage.

Persons with acrylic nails, she said, should maintain their nails by getting a fill-in every two weeks.

Also, if nails chip around the cuticles and water gets under the nail and the acrylic this can lead to something called a "Pseudomonas infection" caused by the so-called blue-green pus bacteria that especially affects those who are immuno-compromised.

Acrylic nails need proper maintenance, regular fills to prevent lifting, which occurs when the overlay separates from the nail plate.

"Fungus can occur whether one has acrylic or not, this can be caused once dirt gets under the nail, as well as using dirty implements - nail files, nippers, toenail clippers, dirty towels - these can all be the cause of you contracting fungus."

According to Ms Thompson, when having your nails done by any professional make sure that the file or any other tools used are washable/sanitisable. Be sure to ask questions about the products being used. Also, make sure good quality products and clean and/or disposable towels are used on you.

If you notice the file is dusty with debris, or it looks dirty, immediately request clean tools.

Nails grow 1/8 inch a month. And persons should take nutrients, drink lots of water, eat fruit and vegetables to promote growth, Ms Thompson said.

Dawn Francis, a nail technician at the Clippendale's Beauty Salon on Mackey Street, told Tribune Health that it is important to clean your nails on a daily basis.

Clean Daily

"My number one tip would be to use a nail brush to clean your nails daily along with soap and water, this goes especially for people with (long) nails.

"Another tip is to keep a coat of hardener on your nails, keep them glazed for protection. With your natural nails you can sometimes get something called a 'detergent finger', this (happens) when people often put their hands in washing chemicals, powders and liquids."

At the Tamco Royal Nails Supplies and School, staff member Tameka Strachan emphasised the importance of moisturisers.

"At the nail supply store we have a treatment called 'tree oil', this moisturises the cuticles and strengthens the nails. We also have a moisturising scrub for people that have dry hands and people that have tears or damaged cuticles.

"That puts the moisture back into the skin, when you wash your hands you'll feel the difference and it is excellent for people that deal with a lot of chemicals," she said.

And it's not only women who are concerned with their nails these days.

Nassau resident David Johnson said he makes sure to get his nails treated regularly.

"I go to a spa every month to get them clipped, massaged and get the dead skin clipped off. Sometimes when I go I'm not the only guy there either; it's affordable as well.

"I go because I'm a man and I don't really know how to care for my fingernails like they should, so I would rather go to a professional," he said.

Trends

When it comes to new trends in the market, Ms Thompson of the KNS Nail Institute said gel and solar nails are becoming very popular.

The trained nail technician admitted that she is not very familiar with solar nails - which are similar to acrylic nails but are reportedly more durable - but is assured that Bahamians will become aware of them very soon.

"The gel is a soft or gel like product applied to the natural nail, it is cured under a lamp; it's more durable, flexible, odorless, thin, natural feeling, crystal clear; there's no lifting. The solar is also used on the natural (nail) and has pretty much the same benefits when used," she said.