Choose Right Color Of Nail Polish

Applying nail polish is a must for enhancing the beauty of nails and hands. There are wide varieties of nail polish colors available. However, choosing the right nail polish shade is quite difficult. Read on to learn the art of choosing right nail polish shade.

Well manicured and painted nails look truly beautiful and appealing. Nowadays with such a wide range of nail polish colors available, one is often left confused over which one to choose. Sometimes, we see a lovely color on our friend’s hand but we wonder if the same shade will look good on our hand. It is no doubt that beautiful nails enhance your attractiveness and give a good appearance. 

For the perfect look, select the right nail polish color for your hands and feet. In this era, with more than 10000 shades of nail polish available in the market it is often a difficult decision for a woman to make over which color to choose. Here are some tips to consider when you are selecting a nail polish color.

Co-Ordinate with Your Outfit 

Different colors go with different dresses. Some particular shades may go well with red dresses and the same may not be ideal for a green dress. If you are wearing a bright colored dress which is grabbing all the attention, it might not be the best choice to wear an equally bright nail polish as it might look too dazzling. 

If your dress is already very bright, then opt for a pale and light nail polish. It is also important to provide contrast. Hence, if your outfit is going to be dark colored choose a lighter shade of nail polish and if your outfit is going to be light in color, then choose a dark color nail polish.

Depending on Your Skin Tone 

While many people select nail polish colors depending on a variety of factors, some choose to stick to the basics and select colors as per skin tone. They feel that the best way to select a color for nails is as per skin tone. Depending on your complexion, some colors can actually enhance your skin tone while some others do not go along well with the skin tone. 

For Fair Complexion - When it comes to nail polish color, fair skinned people are very lucky because they can carry off a number of colors with grace and elegance. They can wear all those shades which people with other skin tones cannot pass off. However, there are certain shades which people with fair skin tones should avoid wearing like gold, yellow, green or dark blue. 

For Medium Complexion - Glittering and vibrant colors complement a medium skin tone. Also try to opt for those shades which appear more metallic. The reason being that metallic shades will make your medium skin tone appear more tanned. For medium complexion, do not pick out shades like dark purple, red or navy blue. 

For Dark Complexion - If you have a dark skin tone, then dark colors will look good on you. Remember, dark skin appears nicer with medium to dark color nail polish. According to some experts, yellow based nail polish colors look good on dark complexions.

Depending on The Occasion 

Think about the occasion you are dressing up for. If it is a more professional outing, then light, neutral colors would be appropriate. On the other hand, if you are going out for a party, then you can use a bright color. Thus, you must take into consideration the occasion for which you are displaying your nails.

Other Tips for Nail Polish Color Selection 

Some people also like to select a nail polish color depending on the season or latest trends. Like in summer, people opt for softer, pastel shades and choose deeper and darker shades for the winters. Some like to keep up with the latest fashion trends and choose a color which is in vogue. Some women like to have everything coordinated and well matched. They like to match the color of their lipstick to their nail polish color as well. 

Some women like to select a nail polish color as per the color of their jewellery and accessories. If you are still confused and not sure which color to choose, then the best thing is to experiment with colors or choose as per your mood. Paint your nails and flaunt them because beautiful nails look truly amazing.

Stop Biting Nails

Nail biting is common in people. Such problem can be an obstacle for maintaining beauty of nails. Here are some tips to cure yourself of this bad habit and keep your nails looking good.

As far as bad habits go, biting one's own nails is extremely common. It usually starts out as a childish behavior, but if not curtailed, may persist into adulthood. In other cases, nail biting develops in adults who are under a lot of stress. Once it becomes a habit, the nail biting happens almost subconsciously. Apart from making your nails look bad, this habit can lead to bleeding nails, which are painful. In addition, your nails can also develop an infection. 

If you bite your nails, you may have tried to stop doing so and found it difficult. Do not despair. Curing yourself of this bad habit is possible.

Think about the problem 

The first step to cease nail biting is to admit you have a problem and accept that you need to curb it. Grab a camera and take pictures of your bitten nails. When you look at the pictures, it should make you want to stop. Make a list of all the problems your nails have like split nails, pain, bleeding, etc. Then, visualize how your nails would look if you did not bite them.

Start with one nail 

Pick a single nail to protect first. Make a firm resolution not to bite that nail at any cost. If you feel the urge to bite, target any one of the 'unprotected' ones. The un bitten nail will start to grow properly, as a reward for your efforts. After a few days, select another nail to protect and so on. This way you are not forced to stop biting your nails all at once and can gradually reduce the frequency of nail biting.

Record your progress 

Keep a journal or book of your progress in halting the nail-biting habit. Paste the initial photographs of your nails in them. Then, every week, take another photograph of your nails and compare them with the initial ones. These 'before and after' pictures will show you the progress you are making. In addition to the pictures, prepare a chart showing how much your nails are growing. On average, it takes around three weeks for a nail to grow half a centimeter. Make entries in your journal about how long you expect your nails to be after every month and compare the size to your expectations.

Eat a balanced diet 

Nail biting is sometimes in response to a calcium and magnesium deficiency. These two minerals are present in your nails and if you constantly bite them, it could be a sign that your body wants these substances. Therefore, add calcium- and magnesium-rich foods to your diet such as milk, green vegetables, whole wheat bread, and seafood. Not only will it minimize your nail biting but also it will keep your nails healthy and help them to grow faster.

Look for a distraction 

If possible, try to find another habit to replace the nail biting. For example, whenever you feel the urge to bite your nails, you could flex your fingers or try drumming them on the table instead. Whatever habit you choose, make sure it is not detrimental to your health. Alternatively, try to keep your hands and mouth busy so you are not tempted to bite your nails. Chewing gum is a good way to occupy your mouth when you feel the urge to bite your nails. For your hands, try a hobby like knitting, painting, etc. Not only will you stop biting your nails but also you will create something beautiful. 

Another option is to fit artificial nails on your fingers. Maybe you can keep a pair of gloves with you and put them on when you feel like nibbling at your nails. 

Biting your nails is not just an aesthetic problem but also a medical one. If you can stop this bad habit, you will have healthy and great looking nails to show off.

Nail Art

Nail art is a great way to make your nails stand out from regular ones. It is an excellent combination of art, beauty and trend which has no boundaries. Read about the basic steps in this process. 

Nail art involves decorating your nails. While nail art has gained prominence only in recent years, it is actually an old practice. Decorating nails was a popular practice in the ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Indian civilizations. Today, nail art has been given a fresh coat of paint, so to speak, with the introduction of new trends like adding glitter and jewellery. Here are the basics of creating nail art.

Keep your nails healthy 

Good, healthy nails are a prerequisite for nail art. You might wonder what difference it makes since you are anyway painting over your nails. If your nails are pitted or uneven, you will not have a clear surface to paint over, and the painted surface will look ugly. A manicure is not essential for nail art but it does have the benefit of keeping your nails clean and their shape even.

Choose good quality products 

There are a variety of nail art products available in the market, and you can choose the ones you are comfortable working with. While nail polish is the most obvious art product you would use, a better option is paints. Acrylic paints are the preferred choice for professional nail art designers. These are available in many colors and different brands and cost a few hundred rupees. 

As you experiment with different products, you will learn what works for you and which ones suit your budget. Ensure that the paints you use are non-toxic and safe for your skin and your nails. 

You will also need implements to create the designs on your nails. You can purchase a nail art kit that contains all the required brushes, stripers, etc. Alternatively, you can just buy a few different-sized brushes and improvise designing tools using toothpicks, Q-tips, etc. The latter option is good if you are just starting out and do not want to invest in an expensive art kit for the time being.

Learn different techniques 

If you are new to the world of nail art, you may need a little help starting out. Consider attending a beginner's course in nail art at a local beauty parlour. The course will teach you whatever you need to know about nail art in terms of choosing materials, proper techniques of application, etc. 

A nail art course can help you immensely but it is not necessary. You can also invest in a few books on the subject. For ideas, you need not look further than your own imagination. If you cannot still think of what to draw on your nails, there are plenty of websites with design ideas and tutorials on how to go about them. There are designs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Do not forget the base coat 

Nail art is similar to painting on canvas. In this case though, the easel is your nail and the base coat is your canvas. Before you begin painting on your nail, apply a coat of clear nail polish. The base coat strengthens the nail art and holds the different colors together. Depending on the type of design you wish to create, the base coat may also be of one or more colors. For added strength, two coats of the base color are preferred.

Take care of your nail art 

After drawing your designs and making sure the paint is dry, apply a coat of clear acrylic paint over it. This acts as a seal and protects the design while you go about your daily work. Reapply the top coat every three or four days to keep your nails looking shiny. In addition, apply cuticle oil on a daily basis to moisturize the nails. Whenever possible, wear gloves while doing work such as gardening, washing dishes, clothes, etc. 

How To Apply Nail Polish

Applying nail polish is also an art. Do not skip this guide on how to apply nail polish. It is possible to get beautiful hands and nails in just few minutes. Regular nail care and an occasional manicure are the best ways to get beautiful nails. Neat, clean and well manicured nails add charm to your personality. Here is your own guide to get beautiful and attractive nails. Remove the old nail polish  You will need some cotton balls and a nail polish remover (acetone) to get rid of the old nail polish. Take some nail polish remover on the cotton ball and press it on the nail for a few seconds. Wipe out the old nail polish with the same cotton. Make sure that you have removed the entire nail polish residue properly. Do not use nail polish remover too often, as it can harm your nails and cuticles. Remove cuticles  Nail cuticles keep bacteria away from entering into the body. Proper care of nail cuticles boost the growth of nails. Invest in a cuticle remover and cuticle stick also known as orange stick. Push your cuticles behind with the cuticle stick after softening them with the help of the cuticle remover. Be careful while using the cuticle remover, avoid applying force. Shape your nails  Make use of the emery board to give a nice shape to your nails. Maintain one direction and file nails from corners to the center. Sharp-corner square nail shape is now in. Long and oval shape nails look stunning but you need to be extra careful with them. If you really want to save efforts and time to manicure then rounded and short shape nails are for you. Just a few minutes of filing and you will get the desired shape. Clean your hands  Soak your hands into warm soapy water to get your hands free of dusts, old nail varnish remains, dead skin and oil. A few drops of lemon juice into warm water would be the substitute to deep cleanse your hands. Dry your hands with towel. Now you are almost ready to get your nails painted. Apply base coat  You are on your way to get glamorous nails. Varnish you fingernails or toenails with nail gloss. Nail Gloss keeps your nails sparkling and moisturized. Apply nail paint  Now it is time to decorate your nails with color or texture of your choice. Combining two shades of colors can give wonderful effects. Multicolor shades can also be used to beautify your nails. Start applying strokes of the nail polish from the base and work upwards.  To prevent nail enamel from getting damaged make sure that you wipe out excessive nail polish from the tips of the nails. Let the first coat of nail polish dry before applying the second coat. Application of two coats of nail paint gives the smooth texture and makes it appear even. Let the enamel dry completely. You can use a blow dryer to dry the nail polish completely and save time. Apply top coat  Top coat is also called as sealer as it seals the nail paint. Top coat prevents nail paint from chipping or cracking. Any transparent nail polish can be used to give the top coat. Top coat will help your nail polish last longer. Moisturize your hands  Apply a good quality hand moisturizer to your hands, cuticles and skin around nails to protect them. Hand moisturizer is the essential thing to carry in your handbag, so your hands will never go dry. How to get French manicure?  Women are always fascinated with neat and clean looks they get with the French manicure. Get done with cleaning, trimming and shaping your nails. Apply the base coat. Get tip guides from market which help to cover the lower part of the nails and help to locate the curve of your fingernails.  Cover the open part of your fingernail tips with white nail polish. Let the white coat dry completely. Remove the nail guides and coat your nail with a nail polish that is either pale pink or light beige. Apply two coats of nail polish. Let the last coat dry. Apply the top coat to add sheen to your nails. You are all set to flaunt your well groomed nails.  Avoid nail biting and cuticle picking for the well being of your nails. Add lots of proteins and nutrients in your diet. Healthy and strong nails can depict your health. Wear cotton gloves while washing and cleaning. Massage your hands and fingernails with body oil before going to bed.  Hit the market today and buy all the essential make-up products you will need to groom your nails. Make your own manicure kit. Add the craziest shades of pink and blue to your collection. Go out of the way by wearing black nail polish to show your wilder side or opt for an elegant French manicure to put forth a ladylike look. Now start practicing to say thank you, when you get showered by al those compliments!

Common Nail Problems

Are your nails perfectly healthy? Read on to learn about some of the common nail disorders that affect people.

Your nails are not just present for cosmetic purposes. They serve an important function of protecting the delicate tips of your fingers. Therefore, having healthy nails is not only aesthetic, but also beneficial for your hands as well. Nails are subjected to a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. Daily activities such as washing clothes and utensils tend to strip away the protective cover of your nails. This leaves the delicate nails exposed to the elements. 

Nail problems usually do not appear instantly. They build up over time before they are actually noticed by the individual. Although many disorders are due to external factors, some problems may be a result of internal conditions or as a side effect of illness. Here are some of the most commonly encountered nail problems.

Discolored Nails 

This is one of the most recognizable nail problems. At some point or the other, everyone experiences this disorder. 'Discolored' is a term given to nails that have lost their original color. These nails may turn yellow, blue, red, green, or purple. The discoloration may be present in only part of the nail or it may be seen in the entire nail. 

Discoloration of nails can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is poor blood circulation. This is synonymous with heart problems, hence, people with a heart condition will often display nail discoloration. Poor blood circulation is also related to trauma. This happens when blood gets trapped between the layers of the nail, for example if the nail is caught between drawers. 

For nail discoloration caused due to trauma, the discoloration grows out along with the nail. In other cases, discoloration needs to be examined, and the underlying cause determined. If discoloration is a side effect of medication, your doctor may suggest withdrawal of the medicines for a while. Physically, discoloration may be covered up by applying nail polish or using artificial nails.

Eggshell Nails 

In this condition, the nails become so fragile that even slight pressure exerted on them causes damage. The nails themselves are extremely thin and fragile, which gives them their name. As the nails grow, they tend to curve over the tip of the finger, rather than grow straight ahead. This makes them more susceptible to breakage. 

Eggshell nails are usually caused by a combination of stress and poor diet. This deprives the nails of their necessary vitamins and minerals. In some cases, fragile nails may be caused due to prescribed medication, which affects the supply of nutrients to the nail. Eggshell nails are usually dealt with by trimming them on a regular basis. This keeps the nails short and prevents them from growing over the fingers. Simultaneously, a change in diet or medication will also be required. This is to bring the nails back to their original healthy state.

Ingrown Nails 

This condition mostly affects toenails. Ingrown nails are those that grow into the sides of the skin surrounding the nail. Thus, the nail grows sideways instead of forwards. Ingrown nails are usually caused due to improper nail-cutting and filing techniques. It may also occur due to the usage of improper footwear, which presses the nail into the foot. A third cause is due to injury to the foot, around the nail region. 

Most cases of ingrown nails involve the big toe on either foot. Other nails may also be affected but this is not as common. If an ingrown nail is not treated in the early stages, it leads to more problems later on. An untreated nail continues to grow deeper into the skin, causing intense pain and suffering. Treatment of this condition is by removing the ingrown nail. In the early stages, the ingrown nail may be removed by a pedicure at a beauty parlour. If the nail has grown too deep, then it can only be extracted through surgery.

Nail problems are very common and affect most people at some point in their life. If left untreated, most problems can have painful consequences. It is important to recognize the early signs of these problems so that you can seek the appropriate treatment options.

Artificial Nails

Artificial nails are available in different sizes, colors and quality. All you have to do is select the color you like, and stick them on with nail glue, which is also available in the packet. They can stay on for a few months at a time, as long as you take care of them. If your hands will be spending a lot of time in the water, for example, if you are a swimmer or if you do a lot of housework, wash dishes and the like, your nails may come of a little sooner, but all you need to do is glue them on, and you're set!

It makes sense to carry glue along with you, because in the event that one of your fake nails slips off, you can stick it back on. 

Don't worry if you lose a nail, you get plenty extra nails in each packet. The nails look incredibly real and healthy. No one would ever guess that what you've got on your fabulous fingers is not the real McCoy.

After sticking them on, you could polish them, remove the polish, file them or clip them no, they won't grow back! All you could do is clip them to the size you want, as they may be longer than you would like. You could also simply leave them on, without applying any nail polish, and you'd look like you've just stepped out with a very expensive French manicure from a top-of-the-line salon! The ends of your nails are polished white, and your nails have an incredible shine. You'd never believe that they aren't real.

If you are a habitual nail biter and would like to kick the habit, perhaps it is time you stuck on some fake nails. The next time you bring your fingers to your mouth, all your teeth are going to encounter is plastic, and that's not going to be very easy to chew off!

If you want to remove your artificial nails, soak them in warm water for around ten minutes, and very gently peel them off. You may need the help of a nail file or other sharp object to pry them loose. Make sure you are very gentle, as you don't want to injure your nails. It may be time to remove them when you find that your natural nail has grown, and you can see the real nail under the artificial one.

If you are careful with artificial nails, you will not cause any damage to your original nails, but just bear in mind that these products will not make your nails any healthier, though they may cause nails to look healthy! In order for your nails to remain healthy, you should remove the artificial nails once in a while, and let your nails breathe for a few weeks, before sticking them on again.

Certain salons also apply artificial nails, so you could perhaps get it done at your parlour the first time before experimenting on your own. However, there is nothing easier than simply gluing them on, but make sure you read the instructions. First of all, you will need to pick the nails from the selection, to fit on each finger. Each nail should have a number written on the underside, and these numbers come in pairs. Once you select the nails for one hand, simply select the same numbers for your other hand.

Care Your Hands

Most of us spend money like water on face creams, moisturizers and anti-wrinkle lotions. And yet, when we reach the age of reckoning, we act surprised to see our hands staring back at us, wrinkled and spotted and we shake our heads as if to say - now when and how the devil did that happen NULL Let's start at the very beginning. Things would be a lot less complicated if we understood the simple fact that the hands and face are the first to show signs of ageing. They are the areas that undergo the maximum exposure to the sun and the elements. And plus, with all the work we do with our hands, it's no wonder they find if hard to escape the tentacles of age.

This said, it follows that these are the areas that need the maximum care and attention. Though the market is flooded with cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up removers, creams that claim to prevent wrinkles, reduce wrinkles, delay the onset of wrinkles and so on and so forth for the face, there is little else you can apply to your hands other than the 
standard hand and body moisturizing lotion. And if you're really lucky, you might chance upon a hand cream. There's no need to despair though, as hands don't ask for much. All they really need is moisturizing - lots of it. (Of course, exercise won't hurt either!)

Keep a piece of lemon next to your hand-washing soap. Rub it over your hands at least once a day, before washing. This will help delay the onset of age-spots.

Make it a point to wear rubber gloves when doing housework like dusting, cleaning out a cupboard or arranging shelves. In fact, it is a good idea to wear cool cotton gloves whenever possible.

If you crack your knuckles, stop now unless you think wobbly fingers are a turn-on.

Long nails can look very elegant, but only if they are kept in shape. File them regularly with an emery board - steer clear from a steel file as it can wreak havoc. And remember, nothing looks as unattractive on hands than dirt under the nails. So if you can't keep nails clean, keep them short and simple. Hey, no one said looking good was easy! 

Try some of these simple hand exercises: 

·         Stretch your fingers wide and clap hard, so that your fingers of both hands are aligned - i.e. thumb to thumb, forefinger to forefinger. Not only is this yogic exercise good for the hands, it aids blood circulation as well. Don't do this in public though, unless you want to be mistaken for the alternate species of humankind. 

·         Stretch your hands out in front of you, pull back curling in fingers with as much pressure as possible, as if you are trying hard to pull in something heavy.

·         Hold both hands in front of you with palms facing inwards, loosen their wrist grip and flap them backwards and forwards. Feel them tingle as the blood rushes to them.

·         Squeeze the tip of each finger as hard as possible for about five seconds. Any longer, and you'll be getting into acupressure - which is another story entirely.

·         Close your fingers and circle your wrists ten times in each direction.

Then of course there is always the alternative to visit your neighborhood beauty parlour. Most parlours provide an intensive manicure which could last from half an hour to an hour, in which you get a full cleansing and moisturizing treatment by the use of hand masks, followed by a hand massage. No, you say. You prefer lathering on hand cream every chance you get to sitting in a parlour staring at the roof for an hour while you get waited on hand and foot for one simple reason: You have a life. (Which means, in sour grape terminology, you have a job, a million other things to do and don't get the time.) Well, if only you knew how appealing a beautiful pair of hands is, you'd make sure you take out the time.

Nail Care And Manicure

A diet rich in calcium would assure strong and healthy nails. But if your nails are basically soft, buy any good nail strengthener that is available in the market and apply it on your nails. But do take care of the cuticles while doing so, as we do not want them to harden too.  

The cuticles protect the nails and require attention too. Do not damage them by pushing them back constantly. If at all they are in bad shape, gently apply oil or a good cuticle cream to heal the rough edges. 

It would be a good idea to keep your nails fairly short to avoid breakage or any other sort of damage. Be especially careful when trying to open tin cans or bottle tops, as your nails are obviously quite delicate and meant for better things. 

Ridged or flaky nails may be the result of washing your hands in hard water or the use of a particular detergent. It would be a good idea to use a cream polish remover in such cases or better still, give your nails a breather and do not apply polish for awhile.  
  

1. Never ever use metal implements for a manicure.  

2. Start by removing the old varnish with a good nail polish remover.  

3. Take an emery board and use the rough surface to shape the nails. But do it gently and carefully so as not to file down the sides too steeply. Use the other side to smoothen out the ragged edges. Always remember to hold the emery board at a slight angle to the surface of the nail to prevent flaking and file in one direction only from each side to the centre.  

4. Now put your fingertips in a soapy solution and scrub gently. But do not soak them. Make sure that you dry them thoroughly after they feel smooth. Also be careful not to damage fingernails when wet.  

5. It is now time to use a cuticle cream or lotion which should be applied gently around the cuticle. You can do this with the help of an ear bud or a cotton wool tipped orange stick. Apply the cream gently, as this is the most delicate portion of the nail.  

6. Now clean the nails once again with a good nail polish remover.  

7. Then apply a base coat and give it time to dry completely.  

8. Next you can apply a good varnish of your choice. To do this, take out the brush from the nail polish bottle and make an outline of a half-moon on your nail. Then spread the color in deft broad strokes from the beginning of the half-moon to the tip of the nail. Use the same method for all the nails. Remember that practice will make you perfect.  

9. Remove a thin hairline of color with the help of your thumbnail, from the edges to prevent chipping.   

10. After the polish is completely dry, you can apply a topcoat for added gloss and protection.  

11. Lastly, use a good hand cream or a hand and body lotion to massage your hands right from the tips of your fingers to your wrists, as you would smooth on a pair of gloves. Wipe off any excess cream.  

12. Enjoy your brand new pair of hands.