Keep your Hands Looking and Feeling Healthy

Ending a nail biting habit can do wonders for your hands. Improving the health and appearance of the hands can not only lead to increased self confidence, but also help you continue to resist the urge to gnaw on your nails and maintain optimal hand health. Whether or not you’ve kicked your nail biting habit for good, try out some simple tips to achieve healthy, hydrated, and well-kept hands and nails...

1. Try a DIY healthy manicure

There’s nothing like a little self care to help yourself feel and look your best. Try giving yourself a DIY manicure by utilizing healthy tips and tricks to avoid inflicting any damage to the nails. You can also try implementing a nail strengthener instead of a polish as the final step to help maintain the integrity of the nails.

2. Nourish your cuticles

Applying cuticle oil during and between manicures will help repair your nails and the skin around them. By nourishing your cuticles you will ensure that your nails stay strong and stay looking their best. Tip: Dr. Garshick also recommends using plain old vaseline on the surface of the nail and on the cuticles to protect and heal the nails!

3. Use hand cream regularly

Keep a nourishing hand cream by your side whenever possible to help hydrate hands and cuticles. Much like Dr. Garshick’s petroleum jelly tip, hand cream will aid in repairing and protecting dry, damaged hands, nails, and cuticles. Try one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter to get your hands in tip-top shape.

4. Keep a nail file handy

Torn and broken nails keep your hands looking less than stellar. Something as small and simple as a nail file is easy to keep around whether at home or on the go. Grab it whenever you feel bored, or have spare time to avoid jagged nail edges that tend to snag on objects and induce the urge to bite. Source

How to Stop Biting Your Nails

Listen, we all have bad habits. And if you are a chronic nail biter, you are definitely not alone. Many people (20-30% of the population!) bite their nails: “It’s definitely a common thing that we see,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. If you’re looking to stop biting your nails, it’s definitely possible.

That’s not to say most people can stop biting their nails overnight, and that’s okay. “Your nails will always be there, so it isn’t like you can just leave them at home to avoid biting them,” says Sari Chait, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in Newton, MA. It’s tough because you may not know why you bite your nails, or even that you’re doing it at all. Instead of beating yourself up if you’re having trouble ditching the nail-biting habit, be patient with yourself and find some tricks that work for you below. It’s time to stop wondering how you can stop biting your nails for good and start getting on track to beautiful nails and hands. Here’s what to know about why you might bite your nails, whether it’s harmful, how to curb the urge, and how to keep your hands healthy.

Why do I bite my nails?

Sometimes it’s helpful to know the why before trying to address the how. The reasons behind why we do what we do offer a lot of insight into our habits and potential ways to manage them. So why might you gnaw at your nails on the regular? It could be genetic, or a learned behavior from your surroundings—so you might be able to thank your parents for this one. Or it could be more emotional in origin. “There are several reasons people may bite their nails, including a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom,” says Chait, In fact, onychophagia, or nail biting, is classified as a stress relieving behavior, much like teeth grinding, skin picking, and hair twisting. Chait also adds that for many people, nail biting is likely to become a habit over time, “and habits are often mindless.” While you likely have a specific emotionally driven trigger for biting your nails, the more you engage in the behavior and form a habit, the more likely it is that you will find it becomes an unconscious or self-soothing behavior, which is what makes it so difficult to stop.

Is biting your nails bad for you?

Using your teeth to occasionally nip at the random hangnail or peeling cuticle probably isn’t going to cause any major harm. It’s when nail biting becomes habitual that issues can arise. Hygiene is the first thing to consider: Since you may engage in the behavior without thinking, you might be putting your fingers in your mouth when there are invisible dangers on them or under your nails. Constant transfer of germs and debris from the fingers to the mouth poses a serious health risk for many different illnesses from the common cold to a staph infection.

General hygiene issues aside, nail biting can also lead to nail disfigurement and infections of the skin and nails. Nail disfigurement, such as when your nail is ripped or broken, can be rather painful and cause functional as well as aesthetic issues. Additionally, if you bite your nails a lot, the skin around the them is affected, leading to sensitivity and breaks in the skin. Those can then cause infections to the nails, cuticles, and skin; you’ll know that’s the issue if you have redness, swelling, and tenderness.

How to stop biting your nails

“The way to manage nail biting is by identifying the habit and triggers, becoming aware, and identifying alternative behaviors,” says Chait. Below are nine tips to help you quit— one trick might work for you, or you can mix and match to personalize your own game plan to ditch the habit for good. Before you jumpstart your journey to strong nails, remember to not give up. It’s okay if you slip up, and you should probably expect to. But don’t get discouraged! Habits take a while to form, so it is only natural that they can’t be broken instantly. Find some tips below that seem like they might work for you and keep trying until you get there!

1. Find your triggers

First, it may help to think about why you engage in nail biting. Try to keep a written log of when you feel compelled to bite to discover trends. Chait says that “it’s important to identify what triggers you to bite your nails so you can then tune in quicker when faced with that trigger (e.g., anxiety).” Once you identify triggers, emotions, and patterns related to a behavior, the behavior becomes easier to modify.

2. Treat yourself to manicures

Try treating yourself to an at-home or salon manicure. The experts agree that time and money spent on having nails painted or decorated may help deter nail biting. Additionally, manicures help to form a protective barrier over the nail which is helpful in making you more aware of when you’re biting at them. One caveat: “Artificial nails can also have their own potential for injury to the nail,” says Dr. Garshick. Something like a simple polish or decorative nail stickers might be a better choice over acrylics or glued-on tips if you’re trying to maintain optimal nail health.

3. Keep nails short

Whether you manicure your nails or not, keeping them short and sweet could help you avoid gnawing them off. The closer the nail is to the fingertip, the more difficult and less tempting it is to nibble. Proceed with caution here, though: Dr. Garshick warns that you have to be especially careful not to bite with shorter nails to avoid biting at the skin itself, which can lead to infections in the area.

4. Try an unpleasant polish

There are many foul-tasting nail polishes on the market today meant to help deter nail biters. Chait notes that these products “can condition you to stop biting your nails, as each time you put your fingers in your mouth, you experience something unpleasant.” A great, dermatologist-backed polish is the bitter tasting Mavala Stop Deterrent Nail Polish, which Dr. Garshick recommends to her patients.

5. Habit reversal training

Habit reversal training is an effective way to learn how to stop biting your nails (it can be used for other habits as well). It involves replacing a harmful behavior with a healthier one. Chait explains that “the idea is to become aware but without judgment.” When you notice yourself engaging in the behavior, extend yourself some grace. Instead of thinking of the act as a failure, reflect on the external and internal factors that may have caused you to bite your nails and then move to identifying an alternate behavior. Chait suggests finding something to do with the hands to keep them busy and away from the mouth, like a fidget toy or stress ball. Similarly, gum or a lollipop helps to occupy the mouth.

6. Try gloves or mouthguard

These provide a physical barrier to prevent nail biting and will make you instantly aware of when you are engaging in the habit without causing you any harm. While this might be a bit extreme for the office or other public places, Garshick says these items can be useful if you mostly bite your nails at home, while watching television or out of boredom. Plus, you can use the gloves to extra advantage, says Dr. Garshick.“It can be good for the health of the skin on and around the nails to apply vaseline and then gloves on top. This is going to help hydrate the skin, lock in moisture, and form physical protection as well.”

7. Breathing exercises

Engaging in breathing exercises can be especially helpful if your nail biting habit is anxiety induced. Breathing exercises are well documented to combat stress and anxiety, as well as a slew of other ailments. Once you feel that pang of anxiety, or you know a particular trigger is emerging, instead of biting your nails you can center yourself mentally and emotionally by employing deep breathing.

8. One finger at a time

Slow and steady wins the race! The tried and true figure of speech is totally applicable in this case. The American Academy of Dermatology Association promotes taking a gradual approach to ending a nail biting habit by working on resisting one finger before moving on to the next, until you work your way up to the whole hand. Dr. Garshick agrees that breaking a habit slowly instead of all at once can be helpful for a lot of people.

9. Contact an expert

Sometimes we all need a little extra help. It is essential to know when a task might be bigger than just you. If a few weeks pass and you are still struggling to make progress, or you are experiencing health issues or distress, it might be time to speak to a professional. Any infections or changes to the nail should be addressed by a dermatologist, while a psychologist or counselor can help you identify your triggers and offer alternative coping strategies. Source

Different Nail Shapes: Find Your Perfect Style

Your nails are more than just a canvas for polish—they're an extension of your personal style. The right nail shape can enhance the natural beauty of your hands, complement your lifestyle, and even impact how long your manicure lasts. Whether you prefer a classic look or something bold and edgy, understanding different nail shapes can help you make the best choice for your next manicure. 

When it comes to nail shapes, there are plenty of options to suit every preference. These choices include different types that cater to various needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular shapes to consider:

• Square Nails- Clean, modern, and effortlessly chic, square nails are ideal for those who love a classic, polished look. With straight edges and a flat tip, this shape works best on shorter, natural nails and is great for minimal maintenance. It pairs perfectly with neutral shades for a timeless touch or bold colors for a striking contrast.
• Oval Nails- A flattering choice for almost any hand shape, oval nails create an elongated and feminine look on the fingers. The rounded edges soften the appearance of the nails, making them perfect for both casual and elegant styles. If you love a sophisticated yet natural aesthetic, this could be your go-to shape.
• Squoval Nails- Squoval nails combine the crispness of square nails with the elegance of oval shapes, creating a contemporary yet chic appearance. This form achieves a look that's both sophisticated and practical, rounding the edges to reduce snags, perfect for those leading active lives. Squoval nails cater to individuals who seek elegance without sacrificing structure.
• Almond Nails- For those who want a delicate yet high-fashion appeal, almond nails are the way to go. This shape features a tapered, rounded tip that elongates the fingers and adds a touch of elegance. It's a favorite among those who love a graceful and trendy manicure.
• Stiletto Nails- If you love making a statement, stiletto nails are your best bet. These nails are long and pointed, exuding confidence and drama. They may not be the most practical for everyday wear, but they definitely turn heads. Pair them with bold colors or intricate nail art to amplify their affect.
• Coffin Nails- Also known as ballerina nails, coffin nails combine the sleekness of stiletto nails with a squared-off tip. This shape is trendy, edgy, and perfect for those who want a striking yet wearable look. They work best with longer nails and add a modern touch to any manicure.

Your ideal nail shape depends on more than just aesthetics. This guide will help you evaluate factors that influence the appearance of your nails. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Nail Length and Shape

Shorter nails tend to suit square or oval shapes, while longer nails allow for dramatic styles like almond, stiletto, and coffin shapes. Consider how much length your nails can maintain without breaking or becoming uncomfortable.

Lifestyle and Maintenance

Do you use your hands a lot for work or daily activities? If so, opting for durable shapes like square or oval may be a better choice. Longer, more intricate shapes like stiletto or coffin require extra care to avoid breakage.

Trends come and go, but the best nail shape for you depends on your personal style. Minimalist? Stick to square or oval. Fashion-forward? Almond or coffin might be your match. Love drama? Stiletto nails will make a bold impact. Let your personality shine through your manicure!

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Natural Nail Care Tips for Healthy Nails

Before diving into natural nail care tips, it’s essential to understand what makes nails healthy. Nails are made of keratin, a type of protein. When your body is low on keratin, your nails become weak and brittle. Factors such as diet, hydration, and proper care are crucial for maintaining nail health.

Here are a few essential natural nail care tips...

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is vital for healthy nails. Ensure your diet includes:

• Biotin: Found in eggs, almonds, and avocados, biotin promotes nail growth and strength.
• Vitamin E: This antioxidant, found in spinach and nuts, helps in repairing damaged nails.
• Iron: Essential for preventing brittle nails, iron can be found in red meat, lentils, and leafy greens.

2. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to maintaining nail moisture. Drink plenty of water daily to keep your nails hydrated from the inside out.

3. Use Gentle Nail Care Products

Opt for organic nail care products that are free from harsh chemicals. Products with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are excellent choices.

4. Avoid Excessive Water Exposure

While it’s important to stay hydrated, excessive exposure to water can weaken your nails. Don’t forget to put on gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your nails.

5. Moisturize Regularly

Just like your skin, your nails need moisture. Apply natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil to maintain hydrated cuticles and nails.

6. Trim and File Properly

Regular trimming and filing prevent nails from breaking. Consistently file in a single direction to prevent splitting.

How to Strengthen Nails Naturally...

1. Use Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

• Lemon juice and olive oil make a powerful duo for healthy nails home remedies. Lemon juice strengthens nails, while olive oil hydrates them.
• Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with three tablespoons of olive oil.
• Warm the mixture slightly and soak your nails for 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat this remedy once a week for best results.

2. Try a Biotin Supplement

If your diet is lacking, consider a biotin supplement. Biotin, a B vitamin, has been shown to improve nail strength and growth.

3. Avoid Harsh Nail Products

Steer clear of nail polish removers containing acetone, as they can dry out your nails. Instead, opt for acetone-free removers.

4. Apply a Natural Nail Hardener

Look for nail hardeners with natural ingredients. Avoid those with formaldehyde, as it can cause more harm than good.

5. Massage with Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is excellent for repairing damaged nails. Carefully rub the oil into your nails and cuticles daily.

Healthy Nails Home Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

• Apple cider vinegar contains nutrients that are beneficial for nail health.
• Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
• Soak your nails for 10 minutes daily.

2. Baking Soda Scrub

• Baking soda can help in whitening your nails and preventing fungal infections.
• Make a paste with baking soda and water.
• Gently scrub your nails with the paste once a week.

3. Coconut Oil Massage

• Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer and helps in preventing nail infections.
• Grab warm coconut oil and massage it into your nails and cuticles.
• Do this every night before bed.

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Happy Holidays!!

 

Wishing you a Happy Holidays and a blessed New Year!

UpKept 

707.208.7646

info@stayupkept.com

Address:

536 Main Street

Vacaville, CA 95688

(Inside Jon Edwards Salon & Spa)

The Importance of Sanitation in Nail Services: Protecting Clients and Yourself

Risks of Poor Sanitation in Nail Salons

In a nail salon setting, cleanliness is essential to protect everyone involved. When tools, surfaces, and workspaces are not sanitized regularly, they can harbor bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For example, without nail salon sanitation protocols, bacteria like Staphylococcus can transfer through nail tools or workstations, leading to infections. Other potential health issues include fungal infections, warts, and even certain blood-borne diseases if tools are not properly sterilized.

The nail salon industry, just like any personal care industry, requires high standards of sanitation to ensure that clients leave healthier than when they arrived. By adhering to nail care sanitation rules, nail professionals contribute to a safer work environment, protecting both themselves and their clients.

Key Nail Hygiene Practices for Nail Technicians

• Hand Hygiene for Clients and Technicians: Hand hygiene is the foundation of safe nail services. Before beginning a service, technicians should thoroughly wash their hands and have clients do the same. For additional safety, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content can be used. Clean hands are a simple yet effective way to reduce the spread of germs.
• Using Disposable and Reusable Tools Correctly: Disposable tools, such as nail files and buffers, are intended for single use only. For reusable tools like metal clippers, nippers, and cuticle pushers, thorough sterilization after each use is critical. A best practice is to have dedicated tools for each client or to use a UV sterilizer to eliminate potential pathogens. This practice not only upholds nail hygiene practices but also enhances customer trust.
• Sanitizing Surfaces and Workspaces: Nail salon surfaces, from the worktable to the drying station, should be disinfected between clients. Technicians should use EPA-registered disinfectants to wipe down all surfaces, ensuring the area is free from any residual bacteria or fungi. It’s essential that every technician practices regular workstation cleaning as part of daily nail salon sanitation.

Nail Care Sanitation Rules for a Safer Salon

Establishing consistent nail care sanitation rules not only helps prevent infections but also builds a reputable and trustworthy salon environment. Below are some crucial rules every salon should incorporate:

• Follow Proper Sterilization Procedures: Sterilization is non-negotiable for tools that come into contact with skin or nails. After each use, tools should be scrubbed clean, soaked in a disinfectant solution, and stored in a sterile environment. This ensures that all tools meet sanitation standards, supporting overall nail salon sanitation.
• Educate Clients on Aftercare: While much of the focus is on in-salon sanitation, encouraging clients to practice nail hygiene at home can also prevent infections. Simple aftercare tips, like not biting nails and cleaning under them regularly, can enhance the benefits of professional nail hygiene practices.
• Maintain a Regular Sanitation Schedule: A cleaning schedule ensures that surfaces, tools, and equipment remain sanitized throughout the day. Technicians should follow a routine that involves disinfecting all high-contact areas at the beginning and end of each day and after each client. Following a structured cleaning schedule creates an environment of safe nail services where sanitation is prioritized.

How Proper Sanitation Benefits Both Clients and Technicians

For Clients:

Clients benefit from proper sanitation through safer, more hygienic nail treatments. Clean practices reduce the risk of common infections and create a better overall experience. Knowing that a salon adheres to strict nail care sanitation rules also instills confidence, as clients are more likely to return to a salon they trust.

For Technicians:

By practicing effective nail hygiene practices, technicians protect themselves from potential exposure to infections and health hazards. Working in a clean environment also promotes productivity and job satisfaction, as technicians are more comfortable and confident knowing they’re providing safe nail services.

Common Sanitation Mistakes to Avoid

Despite the importance of sanitation, some common mistakes can slip through if technicians aren’t vigilant. Here are a few practices to watch out for:

• Using Unsterilized Tools: Reusing tools without disinfecting them is one of the most dangerous practices, as it exposes both clients and technicians to possible infections.
• Neglecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing gloves and face masks when necessary can reduce direct exposure to pathogens, and it’s a simple step that many overlook.
• Not Cleaning Foot Baths Thoroughly: For salons offering pedicures, foot baths must be disinfected thoroughly after each use. This step is crucial in maintaining safe nail services, as foot baths can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly.

In the nail care industry, strict adherence to nail salon sanitation standards is essential to providing high-quality, safe nail services. Following nail care sanitation rules and promoting nail hygiene practices helps technicians create a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for every client. Source

Why Our Hands Get So Dry in the Winter

What Causes Dry Hands?

1.) Lack of moisture

Sadly, that crisp, clear winter air we all love is the leading cause of dry hands in winter. The dry air of winter saps moisture from our skin. For most people, the two areas left exposed during winter, the face and the hands, suffer the most.

2.) Overwashing

While it’s essential to wash our hands often to prevent illness and infection, you can overwash your hands. And yes, unfortunately, this does include super long hot showers and baths. Spending a long time in a hot bath might relax your tired muscles, but it could also dry out your skin.

3.) Using harsh chemicals or soaps

Another significant factor in your skin’s moisture levels is the type of chemicals and soaps you use every day. While that strong detergent might be the best at removing tough grease stains on your pans, they’re also great at removing moisture from your hands. Similarly, the soaps you use for washing your hands and the hand sanitizer you keep on your desk could be drying out your skin.

How To Care For Dry Hands

While it might sound like it’s all doom and gloom for your hand health during winter, there’s no reason to worry. We’ve got six tried and true methods below to help you keep those gorgeous hands happy, no matter the season.

1.) Moisturize

The number one wellness practice is to keep your skin moisturized. During the winter, keep a bottle of hand cream in your bag or car; that way, you can apply it throughout the day. We recommend reaching for something stronger at night, like an intensive care hand cream. These more potent formulas usually contain shea butter and other nourishing ingredients and can go a long way to keeping your skin hydrated.

2.) Limit time in the bath or hot shower

As hard as it can be to get out of that steamy hot shower during icy, cold winter mornings, the truth is, it has to be done. Hot water can cause damage to the keratin in our skin cells, making it difficult for them to retain moisture. If you must have a long shower before work, do your best to keep the temperature warm (rather than blazing hot). And while you might love your long bath before bed, the same principle applies here: limit the time spent in a hot bath or reduce the temperature.

3.) Use gentle soaps and gloves

Everyone will have to keep washing their hands and cleaning their house. However, hundreds of gentle handwashing soaps are available on the market. Invest in high-quality hand soaps for your bathroom at home, and keep one in your bag for work.

Try not to expose your skin to harsh cleaning chemicals as much as possible. You can also switch to a non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which will be gentler on your skin. It’s also essential to keep a pair of rubber gloves with your cleaning supplies.

4.) Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is more than just a must for healthy, hydrated skin; it’s necessary for our health all around. During the winter, drinking the recommended amount of water daily is crucial. Keep a reusable water bottle with you, and do your best to refill it at least six times a day. Staying hydrated not only ensures that your hands and skin look great but you’ll also reduce general headaches and fatigue. Drinking water is a must for everyone, no matter your skin type.

5.) Use cotton gloves at night

If you need something more substantial, cotton gloves for dry hands are a great option. While sleeping in cotton gloves might seem like an excessive step, this simple step makes a huge difference when dealing with dry hands. Moisturize with good-quality hand cream, and then sleep in cotton gloves for the rest of the night to lock in moisture. We promise you’ll wake up with smooth, hydrated hands.

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