Fungus: It’s No Fun
If you have thick, brittle, discolored toenails, it is probable that you might have nail fungus. This condition, also known as onychomycosis, is a condition that starts of as a tiny white or yellow discoloration under the nail. This is due to the infection caused by the fungus which has managed to gain entry past the one effective barrier provided by your nails. Because the fungus has now taken up residence under the nails, it makes it all the more difficult to treat.
The discoloration grows larger and larger until the whole of the nail turns yellow, and the nail becomes brittle, which makes it prone to breakage. In severe cases the nail eventually separates from the nail bed, a painful and unsightly condition that leaves the sufferer unable to do simple activities like walking or running. Some people suffer a great deal of embarrassment because the infection also produces a foul odor.
But like any problem, there is always a solution, and that solution may not be that expensive or hard to find. In the case of nail fungus, there are a wide variety of medications that your doctor can recommend that are very effective in treating you of your nail fungus. However, there are also other remedies that others swear that will cure your of your fungus, and all these you will most likely see in your kitchen or medicine cabinet.
Before trying out the medications recommended by the doctor, why not give a few of these home remedies for nail fungus a try:
1. Antiperspirant
The fungus thrives well in moist and dark environments, so to keep your feet from sweating too much, apply unscented antiperspirant on it, especially if you wear closed shoes for most of the day. This will keep your feet sweat free, thus controlling the growth of your fungus.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties. Just rub a few drops of the oil on your toes and you’re ready to go. You can do this a couple of times throughout the day.
3. Tea Tree Oil & Lavender Oil
You can put a few drops of tea tree oil and an equal amount of lavender oil on a cotton ball and apply it on your toenails. The tea tree oil will help fight the fungal infection while lavender oil will prevent irritation.
4. Listerine Mouthwash
You can soak your feet in a basin of Listerine mouthwash . Listerine is a very good antiseptic, which is effective in fighting the infection. Some would recommend using a vinegar and Listerine tandem,, because you will see results faster this way.
You actually have a lot of choices of home remedies for nail fungus that you can choose from, and all these you can easily find at home, in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. Just keep in mind that these may work for you (because they have worked for so many others), but different home remedies may work differently for various kinds of toenail infections, and home remedies usually take a few months for you to see the complete effects.
But, using your own home remedy for nail fungus and with a little patience and a bit of discipline, you’ll have that toenail fungus gone in no time.
The Beautiful World of Nail Polish
Nail Polish is one of the most important constituents needed in order to keep your nails looking lovely and elegant.
How to Care for your Nails and your Nail Paints
Caring for your nails is an important element to good looking and groomed nails. Applying Nail varnish on chipped or broken nails will only make them look worse. You can follow a few simple tips to avoid the most obvious pitfalls and problems encountered when applying nail polish. First and foremost, it is important to keep your hands and nails moisturized at all times. You can use a hand and nail cream to achieve the desired effect. It is also advised to go for manicures once in 2 weeks.
Always store nail paints in a cool place away from sunlight to give them a longer shelf life. When applying nail paint, mix the color evenly by shaking the bottle and warming it up between the hands to let the polish flow freely. Apply Nail Enamel in 34 easy strokes and make sure you apply two thin coats letting the first one dry before you apply the last one. For maximum effect, ensure that the paint you use is a good quality one and is not too old. And lastly remember the golden rule; ‘never apply fresh polish on old paint’.
History of Nail Paints
Since time immemorial, since the uncovering of the practice of nail painting way back in 2800
BC, the Mongolese, Afghan, Australian and various other cultures have been using assorted different products in an effort to beautify and lend color to their nails. While the Chinese used a mixture of beeswax, bark, sap and crushed flower petals with alum, the Egyptians used a dye from the henna plant. They also used Gold and Brass on their nails to give it extra zing!
However, the lower ranks of society was not all owed to apply dark shades and had to contend with lighter shades of nail paints.
During to the 19th Century, the concept of nail polishing took on a whole new aspect. During these times, the nails were lightly colored or tinted with rose fragranced oils and then buffed and polished using a leather chamois piece. Later, the oils were replaced by tinted creams and powders, but the trend of polishing nails continued.
Types of Nail Polish
The 19th century has seen various types of nail varnishes over time. The 2 main forms of paints found today are either high gloss mattes or frosted nail paints. These are among the most popular nail polish types for daily wear. The high gloss mattes look great with all types of shades, mainly the lighter versions while the frosted look complements dark nail colors.
On the extremes, high glitter nail polish is increasingly trendy among teenagers who prefer to wear anything with a flashy effect. While on the other hand, colors like matt blacks, dark blues and greens etc. are widely popular among Gothic and punk followers, both male and female. The high fashion world is also falling in step and such a pallet is no longer restricted to the rebels of society! On a sober note, the French are also known to use flesh tones most often in their popularly known French Manicures. This trend has caught up with the rest of the globe as well .
Also popular are the versions of clear vanishes with light invisible tints which give just a hint of healthy color to the nails. However, these polishes are also increasingly popular among men, who are now more conscious of their overall grooming. Among the latest trends, nail designs and nail piercing are also highly popular.
Nail Polish in the 21st Century
It was not till the 1720 that the true nail enamel we use today came into being, thanks to the discovery of automobile paint. Since then, Nail Polish has been through various transitions in terms of its chemical content in an effort to make it nontoxic as well as more and more nail friendly, but it’s basal form has not changed. Today, most nail varnishes are manufactured with some pigment mixed with color and dissolved in solvents.
Digital Nail Art: The Future Of Beautiful Nails?
How is the procedure performed?
After the nails are given a basic manicure, which involves cleaning the nail, removing the cuticle and any dead skin around the edge of the nail.
How Long Does It Take?
The printing itself takes approximately 10 seconds per nail, and depends on the design –
sometimes even quicker. The whole process including nail preparation and drying of coats in between can take 15 minutes.
How Long Do The Designs Last?
They last as long as a normal nail varnish treatment. With the application of two thin coats of clear nail varnish – paying special attention to the tips, then if you are careful with your nails, the designs can last up two weeks or longer.
Are The Inks And Varnishes Dangerous?
All the inks and varnishes have been tested to comply with all safety standards and are perfectly safe.
Are Your Hands Safe In The Machine?
Your hands are placed inside a special cradle which holds the nails at a safe distance from the printer head. The Printer actual y sprays the design onto your nails, so you don’t feel a thing. If by any chance, you happened to move your fingers whilst in the machine, the sensitivity of the safety cut out will stop the printing immediately.
Can It Print a French Manicure?
Certainly can, just use the white base coat and the machine can print the French manicure with more flair and design than you could ever do with air brushing.
Can It Print Toe Nails?
Yes, fashion now goes a step further, and the world of design and art is now available for your toes.
Where Can I Find Digital Nail Art?
At any reputable nail salon, if there isn’t a machine in a salon near you, then tell them to get a machine so that you can try it out.
To make the most out of this technology, the professional nail technician would have to be experienced with general manicures and pedicures. These are the basics to any nail care business, but also a knowledge of computers and how they work is advisable. The software is easy to use, but the process needs a bit of practice in order to become proficient. With expert guidance and advice from a reputable company, then using this new technology will enhance your business and bring colorful designs into the lives of many clients nails.
How long does it take?
The printing itself takes approximately 10 seconds per nail, and depends on the design –
sometimes even quicker. The whole process including nail preparation and drying of coats in between can take 15 minutes.
How Long Do The Designs Last?
They last as long as a normal nail varnish treatment. With the application of two thin coats of clear nail varnish – paying special attention to the tips, then if you are careful with your nails, the designs can last up two weeks or longer.
Are The Inks And Varnishes Dangerous?
All the inks and varnishes have been tested to comply with all safety standards and are perfectly safe.
Are Your Hands Safe In The Machine?
Your hands are placed inside a special cradle which holds the nails at a safe distance from the printer head. The Printer actually sprays the design onto your nails, so you don’t feel a thing. If by any chance, you happened to move your fingers whilst in the machine, the sensitivity of the safety cut out will stop the printing immediately.
Can It Print A French Manicure?
Certainly can, just use the white base coat and the machine can print the French manicure with more flair and design than you could ever do with air brushing.
Can It Print Toe Nails?
Yes, fashion now goes a step further, and the world of design and art is now available for your toes.
Where Can I Get Digital Nail Art?
At any reputable nail salon, if there isn’t a machine in a salon near you, then tell them to get a machine so that you can try it out.
To make the most out of this technology, the professional nail technician would have to be experienced with general manicures and pedicures. These are the basics to any nail care business, but also a knowledge of computers and how they work is advisable. The software is easy to use, but the process needs a bit of practice in order to become proficient. With expert guidance and advice from a reputable company, then using this new technology will enhance your business and bring colorful designs into the lives of many clients nails.