Nail care

We should treat our nails thoroughly once a week. We file (don't cut!) It into a pleasant oval shape that ends with the fingertip. Pointed claws are unsightly. Don't file down too far on the sides, this is where the nail is supported.

Arrow nails

The file must be made of good, flexible steel. Small bumps after filing are rubbed off with a sand pad. Then we bathe our fingertips in a warm soapy solution for a few minutes so that the cuticles can be pushed back easily.

The white “half moon” should be easy to see. Cutting the cuticle is not recommended, otherwise it will grow back stronger and harder, and small injuries can easily lead to infections. After washing your hands, use the towel to push the cuticles back well each time. We also rub plenty of fatty cream into the cuticles to keep them soft and supple, they protect the nail roots.

Nail care & nail cleaning

Do not use metal instruments to clean your fingernails. They violate the horny substance and make the edge of the nail darken. We recommend instruments made of wood or horn (ivory would also be suitable, but for the sake of the animals we do without it).

If possible, carry a small toiletry bag with the most important instruments in your handbag so that you can remedy defects or soiling of the nails immediately (but please do so in secret). A white nail pen, with which you run under the damp nail edge, helps to achieve a well-groomed look if the nail edge is no longer perfectly flawless.

Painting nails with nail polish

Whether or not we paint the nails depends on how old (or young) we are, where we work, and what we're up to. Painted fingernails are part of the big dress. However, the paint color must match the rest of the make-up and clothing exactly. Pink varnish does not go with a dark red mouth. With a little skill, however, you can mix many desired tints yourself from two bottles of paint from the same manufacturer. Colorless varnished or polished nails are always right if the shape is good.

With colored polish, however, you can improve wide nail shapes by leaving a strip unpainted at the edges that stretches. In addition, the nail can then breathe better than the fully painted one. Cream varnish can cover up nail damage, but you should consult a doctor if you notice abnormal nail changes, as these occur during certain pathological processes.

Maintain nail damage

Frenchman Georges Muchery built half a science on the study of nails. He wants to be able to read off the mental and physical state of the nail owners observed from the white spots or, for example, the temporarily stagnant growth that is then shown in slight grooves on the nail. He also interprets the shape of the nails differently. For the layman, however, we accept that brittle nails indicate a lack of minerals such as iron and calcium, as well as horny substance, and that can be remedied.

If our varnish on the nail is brittle and damaged, we remove it with a commercially available nail varnish remover. Pure acetone (although cheaper) will dry out the nail too much. Artificial nails made of Plexiglas or plastic are also modern, and are glued on with an adhesive provided if, for example, a nail from the carefully guarded splendor of an artist should break off unfavorably.

But whether it is painted or unpainted fingernails, pointed or round - well-groomed nails are necessary for a woman to look good.