Grooming Fingernails: Easy Tips For Perfect Sides

Grooming your nails is an important part of self-care. Well-groomed nails not only look great, but they are also less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, which can lead to infections. To properly groom the sides of your fingernails, you should first prepare your nails for cutting by softening them with a shower or bath, or by soaking them in lukewarm water. Next, use a nail clipper or nail scissors to cut your nails straight across, leaving the corners intact at the sides. This technique helps prevent ingrown nails. After cutting, use a nail file to smooth and shape the sides of your nails. Start with the coarser side of the file to remove any excess nail and finish with the finer side to smooth and soften the edges. Remember to always file in the same direction to avoid weakening your nails. Finally, apply a moisturiser to your nails and cuticles to keep them flexible and healthy.

File nails before clipping

Filing your nails is an important step in nail care. It helps to keep nails strong and healthy, while also giving them your desired shape. However, it is easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails, and even nail bed or cuticle damage. Therefore, it is important to file nails before clipping.

Firstly, it is important to soften your nails before filing. The best time to file your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower, as the heat and moisture make your nails softer, so they are less likely to snap. If this is not possible, you can soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.

Next, you should choose the right file. For natural nails, a higher grit number is best to prevent tearing. A 180 grit is recommended, but if you are new to filing, a 240 grit is a better option. Glass files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean.

When filing your nails, it is important to use the correct technique. Hold your fingers towards your face, with the underside of your wrist facing up and your nails bent towards your face. Start from one of the outside corners and file towards the centre. Do not file back and forth across the entire nail tip, as this can damage the nail. Instead, file in one direction only, using a light stroke, and make sure you soften off the corners of your nails.

Finally, it is important to keep your nail file clean to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Use the right tools

Using the right tools is essential for achieving well-groomed nails. Here are some tips to help you select the appropriate tools and use them effectively:

Firstly, it is important to have the right nail clippers or scissors. For your fingernails, opt for regular nail clippers or nail scissors. You can find sharp and big nail clippers at manicure supply stores or online. If you have thicker fingernails, consider using a heavy-duty clipper. For your toenails, use a dedicated toenail clipper, which is specifically designed for thicker nails. In case you have very thick toenails, you may need a toenail nipper, a spring-handled tool that can handle the extra thickness.

Disinfecting your tools is crucial to prevent infections. Clean your clippers or scissors by soaking a scrub brush in a disinfectant solution containing 70% to 90% isopropyl alcohol. Use this brush to scrub your tools, then rinse them in hot water and ensure they are completely dry before storing them away. Remember to disinfect your tools regularly, ideally once a month.

Nail files are another essential tool for grooming the sides of your fingernails. Multi-sided nail files, with different grits on each side, are particularly useful. Start with the coarser side to shape your nails and remove any length, then move to the finer side to smooth out any rough edges and achieve a softer finish. Metal files are long-lasting and effective, but paper files can also be used. When filing, always file in the same direction, avoiding a back-and-forth motion, to prevent weakening your nails.

Additionally, consider using an orange stick to clean beneath your nails. This helps remove dirt and debris that can accumulate, even with short nails. Wrap a small piece of cotton around the end of the orange stick and soak it in nail polish remover to tackle stubborn dirt or old polish.

Clean your tools

Clean nail tools are crucial, even when doing your nails at home. If your nail tools aren't sanitized properly, or at all, this can lead to problems like infections and fungus.

• Start by getting a clean and dry scrubbing brush. Use it to dust away any dust and debris into the bin.
• Take your nail tools to the sink and fill the sink with some hot soapy water. Give them a good wash.
• When done, rinse them off and dry them with a clean towel or fresh paper towel.
• Once they are sanitized and completely dry, you can now disinfect your nail tools.

To disinfect your nail tools:

• Soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70 to 90 percent isopropyl alcohol and then use the brush to scrub your nail clippers or nail scissors.
• Afterwards, rinse the tools in hot water and dry them completely before putting them away.
• You can also use a disinfectant solution that is at least 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Soak your tools in the solution for at least 10 minutes.

You can clean your nail tweezers, nail clippers, and cuticle pushers like this. For nail scissors, you can also disinfect by soaking with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, or boiling them in water for 30 minutes.

Remember to disinfect your tools monthly.

Moisturise nails

Dry nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, gender, and environmental factors such as cold, dry weather. Dry nails can lead to issues with manicure longevity, as nail polish doesn't adhere well to them, and they are more prone to breakage and splitting. Therefore, it is essential to keep your nails moisturized.

Firstly, it is important to minimize your nails' exposure to water, as it can weaken their structure and compromise their ability to retain hydration. Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing any other activities that involve submerging your hands in water, and try to keep your hands out of the water while taking a bath.

After exposing your nails to water, make sure to apply moisturizer immediately to prevent them from drying out. You can use a variety of products, such as cuticle oil, hand cream, or a moisturizer containing hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, avocado oil, or shea butter. These products will help to nourish and strengthen your nails, keeping them moisturized and healthy.

Additionally, consider exfoliating your nails once a week using a product containing glycolic acid or urea. This will help break down the bonds of the keratin in your nail cells, allowing the moisturizer to penetrate better and helping your nails to retain moisture.

Finally, maintaining a healthy diet and taking supplements can also contribute to nail health. Ensure you are consuming enough water and eating a nutrient-dense, varied diet rich in protein. You can also consider taking a biotin supplement, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, to help strengthen your nails. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking medication.

Exfoliate and clean nails

Exfoliating and cleaning your nails is an important step in achieving stronger, shinier, and healthier nails. Just like your skin, your nails can accumulate dead cells and buildup from environmental exposures such as water, nail polish, and chemical products like nail polish remover. By exfoliating your nails, you can buff away these damaged cells, exposing the healthy nail bed underneath and promoting nail growth.

There are two main ways to exfoliate your nails: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is a simple process that can be done at home and is safe for people of all ages. It involves using tools like emery boards, nail brushes, and buffing blocks to manually remove dead skin and smooth the nail surface. You can also create a natural scrub by mixing equal parts baking soda and water and gently massaging it onto your nails in circular motions. This method helps remove stains and smoothen the nail surface.

Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves using products containing ingredients like glycolic acid, which is known for its nail-rejuvenating properties. Chemical exfoliation can be more effective at removing damaged cells and improving nail texture and strength. However, it is important to be cautious when using these products, as they can be strong and may require specific concentrations, such as a 70% glycolic acid solution. At-home chemical nail exfoliator kits, such as Dr. Dana Stern's Nail Renewal System, offer a convenient way to chemically exfoliate your nails.

After exfoliating your nails, it is essential to seal in moisture to maintain their health and shine. Choose hydrating products specifically designed for nails and cuticles, such as cuticle oils and hand and nail creams. Regular upkeep of your nails through exfoliation and hydration can give them a glossy appearance, making it look like you have clear polish on even when you don't.

Additionally, keeping your nails clean is crucial for achieving a well-groomed look. Start by soaking your nails in warm water to loosen dirt and soften your nails, making them easier to clean and clip. You can add essential oils or sea salt to the water for a more indulgent experience. After soaking, scrub your nails with soap and rinse them thoroughly under warm water or in a clean tub of water. Dry your nails and hands completely with a clean towel, and let them air dry before putting on any shoes or socks.

By incorporating exfoliation and proper cleaning techniques into your nail care routine, you can achieve and maintain healthy, strong, and shiny nails without having to rely on nail polish or salon treatments.

Frequently asked questions