Maintaining strong and healthy nails is not so difficult if you know your nail type.Each nail type is unique and needs to be taken care accordingly. Knowing your nailtype will also help you to go for the right treatment if you have any nail-relatedproblems. There are five different types of nails: dry, brittle, damaged, soft andnormal nails.
Dry nails - Dry nails appear dull and lack luster.
- They may have superficial ridges and flaking free edges.
- They may peel easily.
- Cuticles are very dry.
|  |
One of the common causes of dry nails is exposing your nails to harsh environmentalconditions which draw out moisture from your nails. Cold weather conditions andfrequent use of nail polish remover can also dehydrate your skin. All these willmake your nails flake as your nail plate becomes thinner and weaker.
If you have dry nails, the best way to treat them is by rehydrating your nails.You can apply vitamin E oil or wear a moisturizing base coat regularly to nourishthe nails. Moisturizing will help prevent flaking of the free edges. Avoid frequentchange of soaps and/or handwash.
|
|
Brittle nails - Brittle nails are very hard.
- They would break or crack very easily.
- They lack flexibility and moisture. If you press the sides of your nail together,brittle nail would not bend.
- They usually have a thicker nail plate and tendto curve as they grow longer.
|  |
| The main cause of brittle nails is believed to be frequent hand washing and drying.Exposure to household cleaning products may also contribute to brittle nails asthese products diminish moisture in your hands. Apply a moisturizing cream everytime when you wash your hands. You can wear hand gloves when engaging in activitiesthat are rough on your nails. Over-the-counter creams may also help. Consult yourdoctor for the right treatment. |
|
Apply a moisturizing cream every time when you wash your hands. You can wear handgloves when engaging in activities that are rough on your nails. Over-the-countercreams may also help. Consult your doctor for the right treatment.
Damaged nails - Damaged nails flak or split easily.
- Nails are very thin and weak.
- They have a very slow growth or appear not to grow at all.
- The free edges of your nails may disintegrate when youtry to file them.
|  |
Damaged nails are caused due to severe dehydration. Constant nail biting over aperiod of time, medication, underlying disease, nail elongation techniques, etc.may lead to damaged nails.
Make sure that you moisturize your nail at the beginning of manicuring to hydrateand nourish your nails to prevent them from flaking when it is filed later on. Regularuse of cuticle oil also will help. Try using gloves while doing household chores.
Soft nails
|
- Your nails bend easily at the slightest touch.
- Nails rarely grow past your fingertips.
- Nails split and peel easily.
One of the most common causes of soft nails is exposure to water. Excess use ofdetergents and other chemical products also affect your nails. Rubbing of essentialoils on the nail may be beneficial in treating soft nails.
|  |
Wear gloves while washing and avoid long soaks in strong detergents.
Applying hand cream after washing your hands is also recommended.
|
| |
Normal nails - Normal nails appear pink and shiny.
- They look strong and healthy.
- They have a normal growth and grow easily.
- They will bend slightly when you press.
| 
|
To maintain healthy nails, do moisturize them regularly by using hand creamsand avoid excessive exposure to water and harsh detergents.
|