Hey there, let’s talk nails!
Nails are a big part of our beauty routine – no matter if you prefer simple neutral colors or maximalist nail art.
However, with so much information online, these days, there are a lot of misleadings on how we should care for our nails.
I’ve heard it all, from myths made up when our grandmas were still young to good advice and bad advice and everything in between.
Well, it’s my time to break down some of the most common nail myths.
Sit tight because you will know no fear next time it is time for your nail care session.
Myth 1: White Spots Mean You Have a Calcium Deficiency
This one is very common, and I can’t even begin to tell you how frequently I have heard it.
You check your nails, there are some white spots present, and you panic at this point thinking, Oh no! I must get more calcium!
The reality?
Calcium deficiency does not lead to white pigments on nails.
In fact, they are most often the consequence of trauma to the nail matrix, which is the region from which new nail cells develop.
It’s possible that you hit your finger somewhere along the way without really noticing it, or it could be as a result of allergies to specific nail polish or other items.
What to do about it?
No need to panic.
These spots will gradually disappear as your nails grow.
It is unnecessary to stack up calcium unless you intend to for other health issues.
However, if you are seeing persistent white spots that are more than usual or your nails are weak or brittle, perhaps you should consult a dermatologist anyway.
Myth 2: Cutting Your Cuticles Is Necessary for a Clean Manicure
I regard most of this to be rather tedious and unrewarding, I mean unlike cuticles, I used to embrace cuticle trimming as an obligatory process so as to attain that seamless cut.
But hold up—this is a BIG no-no!
One of the functions of the cuticle is to protect the nails from pathogenic bacteria and infection.
Once you cut those cuticles, it is like leaving the door wide open for all sorts of bacteria and viruses to come in.
So, what should you do?
Instead of cutting, lightly push the cuticle back on the base of the nail using a cuticle stick or a soaked finger after soaking the hands in warm water for some time.
If absolutely necessary, you may remove excess worked tissue, such as hangnails, but never touch the normal tissue that is the healthy cuticle area.
They can also be kept soft and pliable by applying cuticle oil or cream regularly.
Myth 3: Frequent Manicures Will Ruin Your Nails
I’m not going to lie – this one had me stressed for some time!
I love going for nails ‘mani pedi’ just as much as you, but there’s this question that I used to have.
Would regularly going out for a mani session be destructive to my nails?
The good news?
Frequent manicures are not such a disaster if you are taking care of your nails in between appointments and applying good products.
The crucial factor is the proportion of all factors.
Allow a rest from artificial nails from time to time for a few weeks, especially if you are a fan of gel or acrylic nails.
Dealing with polish, acetone and buffing the skin with gel over time leads to thinning and eventually splitting of the nail.
That is why at least once in a few weeks, let your nails out in the air for a week or two, and keep them nourished with a good hand and nail cream.
Myth 4: Gel and Acrylic Nails Are Bad for You
This is a pretty common argument in every nail society – gels vs acrylics, which is better for your nails?
The fact is that no type of nails is bad per se for your nails as long as you follow the application and removal rules.
The trouble usually roots from trying to remove it the wrong way (we all love to pick off our gels, don’t we?).
This causes damage to the top layer of the normal nails causing fragility in the nails.
The solution?
Gel and acrylic nails should always be professionally removed.
For those who are keen on doing it themselves, they ought to soak the product off rather than pick or scrape it off.
And of course, do not neglect your nails and apply a strengthening or nourishing base coat between the treatments.
Myth 5: Filing Nails Back and Forth Causes Splitting
Oh, I recall someone telling me to only ever file one direction or splitting or breaking would surely occur.
But guess what? It’s not as black-and-white as we thought!
In fact, going against this practice may not even be particularly damaging although it is advisable to do it gently with a soft, safe-fin nail file if your nails are delicate and prone to snapping.
Here’s the deal: If you are filing your nails by using a coarse file or by applying a lot of pressure on your nails, then yes, filing the same edge of the nail back and forth will harm the latter.
But a light hand and a good quality file makes all the difference.
Just make sure to file from the edge toward the center of your nails to prevent undue straining to the tip of your nails.
Myth 6: Nails Need to “Breathe”
Given the opportunity, I operated under the false impression that improving the general condition of my nails included taking breaks from polish, for the sake of letting them “breathe”.
Here’s the scoop—your nails are made of keratin, a protein that does not require any fresher air or room to breathe!
It is not the air that feeds our nails but the blood supply present in our nails bed.
So, why take a break from polish?
Well, you see, nails themselves don’t require oxygen, but the skin surrounding the nails, as well as the cuticles, may appreciate a bit of the polish recess.
Daily application of polish, especially when incorporating harsh removers can cause your nails to per dry and subsequently, risk chipping over and damage.
Rather, regular breaks from gel and the use of moisturizer will be beneficial.
Myth 7: Nail Polish Causes Yellow Nails
For instance, you take off your bright red polish, only to discover that your nails underneath are yellow.
It is hard not to blame the polish.
Even though it is not uncommon that dark shades would at times stain your nails, the issue is on how you are using your polish in the first place.
Solution?
Adopt the policy of always applying a base coat.
This little effort makes sure that the effect of the pigment in the nail polishing will not discolor the fingernails.
Some of us have already gone through a little yellowness of the nail, fear not, it is most likely that the discoloration will go away with time.
In order to achieve a bit quicker, you can also lightly buff the top of your nails, but try not to make it overboard.
Myth 8: You Should Cut Nails Straight Across to Prevent Ingrown Nails
This is a debunked myth however it does have some truth in it but “no” it’s not so easy as cutting them straight and it’s all fine.
On the other hand cutting your nails straight might have sharp corners that will plunge into the skin causing even more in-grown nails problems.
The trick?
If you have to cut your nails, instead of going straight at the edges, in-between the ends of the nails and the skin, keep it slightly faint.
The corners of the nails should be curved slightly.
Make them a little rounded to contour the shape of the nails and thus prevent any excessive pain.
Myth 9: Longer Nails Are Healthier
Even longer nails may look healthy, but in most cases they are not really good for our body.
It doesn’t mean that long nails are a sign of unhealthy nails.
Long nails are simply more vulnerable to brittle breakage.
Focus on strength, not length.
If you have naturally long healthy nails go ahead and flaunt those nails there is no need to cut them.
However if your nails are weak or brittle then it is best to have them shorter to minimize the instances of splitting and tearing.
It is therefore always advisable to strengthen the nails to improve their health, regardless of the length.
Myth 10: Nail Products Can Cure Fungus
Oh and who in the world has not dreaded the nail fungus that is an uninvited guest to your nails.
Everyone is familiar with this issue, but it’s important to know that none of the most exquisite nail preparations will help.
You would have tried over the counter polishes or treatments and those could at best slow down the progress of the nail fungus but not cure it.
What to do?
In the case that you have observed signs of fungal infections it is recommendable to seek the services of a dermatologist.
They may recommend more potent remedies that will address the cause and will heal the problem.
In the meantime avoid digging into the cuticles as nails should be clean and dry to avoid worsening of the fungal growth.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it for 10 out of the most famous nail myths that anyone can ever encounter!
It’s easy to get caught up in the do’s and don’ts of nail care, but remember: It means that each set of nails is unique.
The only thing that one can advise is to identify what is effective for your nails and enjoy the manicure process.
If you are into bold colors, nude colors or you simply want to let your nails grow with natural shine, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping them looking and feeling their best.
So go forth oh nail lovers and show off those manicures with confidence!
