Hands are parts of the body that are always used, for example for typing, cleaning, or gardening. Using this can cause dirt to build up under the nails and lead to stains on the surface. Luckily, you can have clean and healthy nails. Just clean your nails regularly, wear gloves if possible, and trim your nails when necessary.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preventing Dry Nails
Step 1. Don't bite your fingernails
In addition to making nails look damaged, this habit will also push bacteria and saliva to the nail bed. This causes dirt and dust to collect under the nails making them look dirty. In addition, the habit of biting nails also triggers infections in the cuticles and the skin around the nails.
If you are tempted to bite your nails, cut them short to make them harder to bite
Step 2. Wear gloves when you are going to do activities that can get your hands dirty
If possible, put on gloves before any activity, whether digging, scrubbing or brushing things, or washing dishes. This will protect your nails from dirt and harsh cleaning soaps won't damage them.
Thick and strong washing gloves can be purchased from most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can purchase a box of latex (or latex-free) gloves for one use
Step 3. Rub your nails in a bar of soap
Sometimes, when you're working with hard-to-clean materials like ink or dirt, you can't wear gloves. In this situation, you can protect the underside of your nails by rubbing your nails against the surface of a bar of soap. The detergent from the soap will be pushed into the nail bed and protect it from dirt or dust.
If the soap is too hard to scrub or scrape off, wet it with running water for a few seconds first
Step 4. Remove dirt from under the nails periodically
If your fingernails get dirtier during the day you move around, get the dirt out from under your nails every time you see them. You can use a toothpick, a pointed nail polish stick, an orange stick (a kind of manicure stick), or the flat/blunt end of a cuticle pusher.
Make sure you wipe your nails and cleaning tools with a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Otherwise, your friends or those around you will be disgusted
Step 5. Paint your nails
This step may not always work, depending on your job or your choice of dress style. However, if possible, take time each week to paint your nails. Solid color opaque nail polish can hide dirt or discoloration under the nail.
Keep the coat of paint stuck to the nails. If the paint layer starts to crack or fade, remove it using nail polish remover and repaint from scratch
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Nails
Step 1. Remove the polish from the nail
Wet a cotton swab with nail polish remover. After that, carefully wipe the cotton that has been moistened on the nails. The nail polish will slowly lift when you rub the cotton on the surface of the nail. However, do not rub the cotton too rough so that the nails are not damaged.
- Nail polish remover liquid can be purchased from most supermarkets, convenience stores, and beauty product stores.
- Don't soak your nails in paint-removing liquid. This can weaken the nails and make the skin dry.
Step 2. Scrub the stains that stick to the nails
If your nails are very dirty, make a cleansing paste to whiten them. First, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of lemon juice to make a paste. Use an old toothbrush to rub the paste on your nails for 1-2 minutes before rinsing your nails.
- If your nails are very dirty, leave the paste on them for 2-15 minutes before rinsing them off.
- This technique can also be followed using whitening toothpaste.
Step 3. Wash your nails
Wet hands under warm running water. After that, dispense a small amount of hand soap into your palms. Make a lather by rubbing your palms together. Cover the entire hand with foam. After that, use a nail brush or sponge to rub the soap suds on your nails. Don't forget to clean the top and bottom of your nails.
Use hand soap for sensitive skin to keep your nails moist
Step 4. Use a moisturizer
After cleaning your nails, apply moisturizer all over your hands and nails. Make sure you also coat the cuticles and the backs of your hands. Moisturizer makes nails look shiny and clean.
Choose a moisturizing product that contains sunscreen to avoid skin damage caused by sun exposure. Repeated exposure to sunlight can trigger wrinkles and patches on the skin
Method 3 of 3: Trim Nails
Step 1. Trim your nails
Use sharp nail clippers to trim the nails. First, cut the nails horizontally (straight) first. After that, cut both ends of the nail into a smooth curve so that it is not sharp. You can cut your nails as short as you want. However, keep in mind that short nails are easier to maintain.
If you are afraid of getting an infection, clean the nail clippers before using them by dipping them in rubbing alcohol
Step 2. File your nails to smooth out any sharp edges or edges
Choose a standard nail file (also known as a 240 grit nail file). Files like this are perfect for natural fingernails. After that, file the nails that have been cut by rubbing the tool on the nails in the direction of nail growth. You can also file your nails by rubbing the tool back and forth. However, this pattern of care can cause damage to weak nails.
If you want, you can use a nail polisher or nail buffer. However, the use of such a tool is not recommended for people who have thin nails
Step 3. Coat the nail surface with a top coat or nail strengthener product
Clear nail polish or top coat makes nails look shiny and clean. Meanwhile, the nail strengthener not only gives the nails a shiny appearance, but also repairs the damage to the nails. Apply a thin layer of product on your nails and allow the coating to dry for 10 minutes.
Top coat and nail strengthener will not look like nail polish when applied to nails. Therefore, this step is considered useful for everyone, regardless of their preferences for using nail polish
Warning
- Don't cut the cuticles. This layer of skin protects the fingernails from infection.
- Do not immerse nails in water. This can damage your nails and cause them to peel or crack.
