YOU’RE NAILING IT!
Happy Friday you lovely lot!
Today’s blog is dedicated to the little pieces of keratin that grow out of all 20 of your digits…you guessed it, nails.
Whether you are a nibbly nail biter, acrylic fanatic, or a low maintenance au natural kinda’ gal, we hope there will be something for everyone to take away from this week’s entry.
If this years’ goal was to leave nail biting in 2022, and it hasn’t quite worked out, do not fret, there are still 338 days left of 2023 to grow strong, healthy nails!
Many people struggle to break the habit, because what they fail to consider is what controversial Freudian psychology refers to as ‘oral fixation’. When people bite their nails, it is often the ‘hand to mouth’ action where the habit has formed and not necessarily the biting itself. A way to successfully quash the habit, is by replacing the behaviour with a more positive one: applying lip balm/ lip oil, popping in a piece of gum or sugar free mint. This can help to redirect the habit and allow your nails to grow.
However, a common problem among nail biters is that they struggle to recognise when they are biting their nails. Whether it be for comfort, to relieve stress/anxiety or simply to satisfy the habit, it is often after they have nibbled away at their nails, that they notice they’ve done it again. This can be very frustrating when you are trying your best to kick the habit and grow your natural nails out. A tip, if that resonates with you, is to find out your typical nail-biting triggers, e.g., when watching tv, when tired or anxious etc, and apply lemon juice, salt, or even rub jalapenos on your fingernails. This can help you to recognise that initial hand to mouth movement and make a conscious decision to stop biting.
Maybe to prevent short, bitten nails, you have made the decision to book a monthly appointment at the salon with a nail technician. For so many, nail appointments are therapy, and not only is getting your nails done a form of self-care, for many women they enjoy taking time out of their week to have a good chinwag with their nail tech! They are wonderful and can often recreate flamboyant nail art designs to achieve your desired look. For some salon-goers, they feel they are stuck in a cycle of acrylic nail application and would rather something less damaging. If that’s how you feel, maybe consider transitioning over to gel nails or asking your nail tech if they do a builder gel manicure to have the perfect balance between strong, natural nails with no artificial tip, without cutting out your lavish designs. Having a conversation with your nail technician about a gradual transition from tips to natural nails with gel can help to get the ball rolling - if that’s what you want.
For those of you who like to keep your nails au natural with as little maintenance as possible, but are still on a mission to maintain strong, healthy, natural nails, here are 10 tips to aid you in your nail journey:
1. Cut your nails with sharp, clean, nail scissors or clippers.
2. File your nails – not only does this allow you to shape them, but it also prevents chipping and tearing your nails.
3. Consider investing in a good protective topcoat - prevents against chipping, peeling and damage, and gives them a glossy or matte finish.
4. Wash your nails and hands regularly to prevent spreading bacteria that collects under your nails.
5. If you use a UV lamp, ensure you apply SPF first – hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging skin.
6. Invest in a cuticle oil, this will help to keep your nails healthy, strong, and also maintain a manicure for longer – apply daily.
7. Don’t pick at your cuticles.
8. Don’t use your nails as a tool, such as opening pop cans.
9. Don’t neglect your toenails, a simple trim, file, and topcoat is more than sufficient.
10. Moisturise – your hands and nails need moisturiser too.
If you are a DIY queen and enjoy doing your own nails at home, or are lacking inspiration for your upcoming appointment, @thehangedit on Instagram is sure to help you out! She posts simple and gorgeous designs with tools you’ll have at home, such as bobby pins and cotton buds. We love these stunning designs she created, and think they will be so very fitting for Valentine’s Day!
Speaking of valentines…stay tuned for next week’s blog (sshhhhh)!
That’s all from me lovelies, take care and have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Reference list:
Healthline. (2020). Oral Fixation: Meaning, Psychology, and How it Presents in Adults. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-fixation#can-it-be-treated.
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Fingernail do’s and don’ts. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954.