Nail care for moms
As mothers, we keep ourselves busy with household chores from washing the dishes to doing the laundry that we almost forget to take care of our nails’ health, too.
NCCC Mall Buhangin invited me to share tips on nail art and nail care to moms during its Glam Mom event held on Mother’s Day (May 12.) Harmonails Nail Spa and Salon (located at 3rd floor, near Activity Center, of NCCC Mall Buhangin) sponsored the nail care topic.
To make the discussion more interactive and authentic, I conducted a short survey from moms who are members of Dawow Moms group in FB. I wanted to know what are the common problems and questions they have about their nails.
I got more than 10 questions and categorized each to answer them collectively.
Why do we need to remove our nail polish before labor and delivery?
Nails are one of the important body parts that is being monitored while we are on the hospital’s delivery table. The pulse oximeter is placed in our nails to measure the oxygen levels in our blood. Nail bed is the best place to detect cyanosis (discolouration of the skin) due to low oxygen levels.
What is the best nail length and nail care while having newborn?
After giving birth, wait at least three to four months before putting on some nail polish. Allow yourself to readjust in the transition of hormonal imbalance from pregnancy to the so-called “fourth trimester” or the three-month postpartum. Short nails are recommended to those who have newborn so you won’t accidentally scratch the baby’s sensitive and soft skin.
How to get rid of ingrown toenails?
Miss Len, the owner of Harmonails and an expert in nail care, suggests that nails at the edges or corners of our nail bed must not be cut to avoid irregular growth and infection. To treat an ingrown or infected toenail and help relieve its pain, soak your feet in a warm foot bath diluted with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Aside from the relief of pain, it can also help to draw out pus from your toe.
Intervention for brittle nails
Avoid excessive application of merthiolate to get rid of brittle and dark nail beds. For home remedy, rubbing garlic on nails can help. Small amount of coconut oil is also helpful. It is also recommended to use breathable type of nail polish. Always use base coat and nail hardener.
Expiration date for nail products
Nail polish can only be used within one to two years once opened. For acetone, it is recommended to buy small ones which is only good for personal use.
Many nail problems are due to poor nail care. Aside from having nice and pretty nail polish, it will always be best to maintain healthy nails.
[The writer appreciates comments, questions, and story suggestions. Contact her through ara3casas@yahoo.com, @mommyaracasastumuran on Instagram, and subscribe to her Youtube channel www.youtube.com/c/AraCasas Tumuran.]