Do you find that no matter how much you wash your hands, your fingernails still look dirty underneath? This dirty dirt is common, harmless, and nothing to be ashamed of, so don’t hide your hands just yet. Let’s delve into what this nasty dirt is and how to get rid of it once and for all.
What is that thing?
Fingernails are made of a protein called keratin. Debris from keratin and skin cells accumulates under the nail and turns grayish when it comes into contact with dirt and oil. It’s also common for personal care products like lotions, makeup, and soaps to build up under your nails. And how many times have you stuck your fingers in a bag of potato chips? (Ahem!)
Is it harmful?
If the dirt changes color to a greenish hue, it could be a sign of bacterial growth. These bacteria can cause an infection, which is common in people who wear artificial nails, such as acrylic or gel nails.
Acrylic and gel nails carry a higher risk of infection because they are often longer and have micro-openings that trap bacteria, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
Tips for keeping it clean
Now you know what causes that nasty gunk under your nails, but how do you keep them clean and shiny every day? Nail care is essential for healthy nails and skin, so here are seven tips.
- Keep it short: Short nails are less likely to harbor bacteria. Never share your nail clippers with others, as this will spread germs and could lead to infection.
- Washing your hands: Frequently washing your hands with warm water and soap is the most basic thing you can do to keep your fingers clean and germ-free. It may be tempting to swap soap and water for an antibacterial hand sanitizer, but nothing beats good old-fashioned soap and water. The soap will kill the germs, while the water will flush them down the drain.
- Keep dry: Make sure to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them. Keeping your hands dry reduces the chance of your nails becoming too soft from moisture and minimizes the possibility of infection and breakage.
- Cut it off: If you have a hangnail, cut it off with nail clippers as soon as possible. Never use your teeth (yuck, we know!) because this will introduce bacteria into the area and possibly damage your teeth.
- Use the bar: Dip your nails into a fresh bar of white soap. It may sound strange, but doing this will remove dirt from under your nails and also help whiten the underside of them.
- Take care with your moisturizer: thick creams trap oil and dirt, making them more likely to seep under your nails along with the cream. Opt for a thinner lotion instead of a thick hand cream.
- Don’t give up: nail brushes can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. Furthermore, a study using brushes and pick sticks showed they aren’t necessary. Instead, an orange stick will effectively remove visible dirt from under your nails. Be careful, though, because the skin tissue under your nails is very delicate.
- Take a break: Give your nails a rest from polish, top coats, and other artificial nail treatments. Once a year for three or four weeks is enough for natural nails to regain their strength. People who wear gel nails should take a break once every eight weeks for one week.
Five steps to a deep nail cleaning
If you’re looking for a way to deep clean under your nails from time to time, this is a simple five-step protocol that will leave your hands and nails spotlessly clean.
- First, gently clean the dirt from under your nails with an orange stick. It’s usually easier to clean under your nails when they’re dry than when they’re softer after cleaning. Trim your nails with nail clippers if necessary.
- Next, wash your hands with soap and water while rubbing them for 20 seconds.
- Deep clean your nails by soaking them in a bowl of equal parts clean water and apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes. This type of vinegar is high in acetic and malic acids, known for their antifungal and cleansing properties. These acids help whiten nails and prevent infections.
- After soaking them in apple cider vinegar, wash your hands again with warm water and soap.
- Complete your cleansing routine by pampering your nails with moisture. Massage a small amount of cuticle oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, or tea tree oil onto each nail. Some of these products have a thick texture, so make sure your hands are completely clean and dry before applying them.
7 common mistakes when cleaning your nails
No one wants to intentionally sabotage their nail health, but some of us may be doing it without even realizing it. Below are seven common mistakes people make daily when cleaning their nails. Don’t fall into the trap of these nail errors.
- Not cleaning your tools: It’s easy to forget to clean your nail tools when you’re in a hurry, but not doing so can spread germs and lead to infections. Keep your nail tools clean by washing them with warm, soapy water, rinsing them thoroughly, and wiping them down with 100% pure isopropyl alcohol.
- Buffing your nails too often: Buffing them is great, but doing it too much will make them thin and weak.
- How to remove nail polish: One of the worst things you can do to your nails is remove nail polish. When removing nail polish, you run the risk of peeling off layers of your nails.
- Cutting your nails from side to side: No, we’re not talking about a horror movie. Filing your nails with a back-and-forth cutting motion is harmful and causes breakage. Opt for filing in one direction only to protect the health of your nails.
- Ignoring your cuticles: The skin around your nails and hands is just as important as the skin on your face. Keep it moisturized with cuticle oil to maintain healthy, strong nails.
- Skipping the base coat: The base coat is often an afterthought, but it should be at the top of your to-do list. A base coat fills in wrinkles and helps nail polish last longer. It also strengthens your nails.
- Using nail polishes with chemical components: formaldehyde and toluene pose serious health risks. Unfortunately, these chemicals are found in many current nail polishes. Read nail polish labels before choosing to coat your nails with their color.
Conclusion
Keeping your nails clean is an essential part of hygiene. Washing your hands daily, removing dirt and oil from under your nails, and keeping your hands moisturized are not only crucial for your health, but they also make you feel and look good.