T&T Manicure - Pedicure

Ten interesting facts you did not know about your nails.

On: 30 / 05 / 2018 Comment: 0

Did you know that your nails tend to grow more in the summer?  Increased sun exposure provides vitamin E that stimulates growth. It is always a good idea to take advantage of the good weather so that they receive all of the benefits of the sun, always using sun screen of course.

The nails protect the tips of our fingers and it would be very difficult for us to do certain things without them, for example: scratch ourselves, untie a knot or pick up small things. What’s more, the toenails act as a counterweight to the pad of the toe and help us to walk correctly.

 

But what are they made of? They are made up of three layers of keratin, so it is important to cut them with utensils that ensure a precise cut, gently file them and protect them so that the layers don’t open and leave the nail weakened.

 

What are the parts of the nail?

Cuticle

Lateral nail fold

Free edge

Nail plate

Lunula

Matrix



The cuticle protects the contour of the nail, so it is important to nourish it so that it stays hydrated and flexible. With2-3 weekly applications of almond oil it is easy to do so.

The lunula, the white part at the base of the nail, is usually more visible on the thumb or the big toe. It is a delicate part composed of cells originating in the matrix that have not yet fully hardened.

 

How fast do they grow? On average, fingernails grown between 3 and 6 millimetres per month, so it takes between 3 and 6 months to renew a nail completely. Imagine if we never cut them! We would have 3-metre long nails by the time we reached 80! Toenails grow at a different rate of between 1 and 1.5 millimetres per month.

Children’s and men’s nails grow faster, so it is important to check them frequently and cut them with scissors or nail clippers if you prefer.

And the strangest fact is that the nails on the hand we use most grow the fastest, especially the nail on the middle finger.

What would perfect nails be like? Strong and flexible, oval with a smooth surface and an even colour (pink at the base and white on the free edge). Sometimes little white spots appear under the nails, they are little bubbles of air made by minor injuries. This is called “leukonychia” and has nothing to do with a lack of calcium.

 

How to take care of them

-          Enjoying a healthy, balanced diet contributes to the appearance of our nails, skin and hair.

-          Always use gloves when in contact with water, cleaning products or when doing manual work that may damage them.

-          Not biting them is paramount. If you want to avoid it, use Stop Bitten Nails by Beter Nail Care and you will quickly see results.

-          Finally, a good manicure and pedicure with the right products will keep them beautiful and healthy. Watch the “Step by step manicure” video or discover how to give yourself a pedicure at home and enjoy having magnificent nails.