Nail art is the most versatile and latest fashion statement today. As many other art forms, nail art also requires wild imaginations and creativity. This wild imagination and creativity gives way to plethora of unique and enduring designs and patterns.
Since mankind, women have been decorating themselves with various different ornaments, dresses or painting their nails with henna or juices of barks of trees. With the passage of time and changing scenario of fashion more and more forms of nail decorations came into limelight and since then women are enjoying experimenting their nails. It's truly been said that beautiful and well-groomed nails reflect one's inner personality and mood. People have now become possessive and concern about their nail appearance.
Nail decoration has an age old history, traced back to 3000 B.C. This period witnesses the first nail polish that was originated in China. Various other ingredients like gum Arabic, gelatin and bees wax were used to create varnishes and lacquers for nail paints. Further with the advances in science and technology, many other forms of nail art with added quality, finish and beautiful colors came into existence.
The modern age has given way to various nail products to make nails rocking, beautiful and colorful. An array of nail paints with sleek, flashy and trendy shades and a variety of textures and embellishments are flooding the Indian markets today. The Indian fashion market with various artistic, creative and innovative nail accessories has carved a niche n the platform of cosmetology. The available nail accessories range from simple dots, geometric patterns, funky stickers, tattoos, abstracts, to stencil art, French manicure, portraits, swarovskis and endless other options.
Using multitude of designs and patterns, one can jazz up their outfit and add spice to their look. There are many recognized nail technicians who produce the most attractive and glamorous nail designs ranging from nail polish and acrylic nail art to French manicure and toe nail art. Many people also use assorted nail decorations to add glamour and extra appeal to the nails. These include colored acrylic, glitter nails, gels, airbrushed, 3d nails, water marbling, nail stickers, nail jewelry, crushed shells, stencils and rhinestones.
There are multitudes of nail accessories. The most popular among them are as follows:
oNail Stripes: To apply these strips gently peel off and lay the stripe across the nail.
oStars and Dots: These attractive and beautiful accessories are available in the form of nail stickers or nail polish.
oNail Stickers: To apply one just needs to remove the sticker and place it securely on the nails.
oWater Marbling: This is one of the most demanding arts among today's women. Fill a cup with water and add desired colors of paint to the water, creating a marble design with a toothpick or pin. Then dip nails into the water and after a few minutes remove nails from water and clean off excess polish.
Today, with the blend of various nail accessories, nail decoration have become the most integral part of the fashion industry, attaining a new dimension in the industry.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Is Nail Polish and Remover Safe to Use During Your Pregnancy
Numerous potential mothers are probably wondering, "Is it okay to do my nails during pregnancy?" Fortunately, you can do your nails while pregnant. However, do so with caution. Listed here are some approaches regarding picking a safe nail polish during pregnancy.
Where to Polish
For starters, consider where to do a manicure or pedicure. It is recommended to avoid beauty salons while expecting. The foremost risk presented by nail treatments is smelling dangerous fumes. A bit of the substances in the treatments could also soak in through your skin or mistakenly be consumed if you touch your nails up to your lips.
In the event that you go to a beauty salon to have a manicure or pedicure, you will likely be vulnerable to the harmful substances in the nails treatments not only applied to your nails, but also those associated with everybody else having their nails painted simultaneously. A few people suggest bringing along your personal safer polishes to the salon, unfortunately you will still be around any other fumes in the salon.
Choosing a Polish
It is wisest to select a water-based safe nail polish during pregnancy. In case you are not willing to transition to a water-based formula, at a minimum, pick out a formula that is three free. A good number of labels of lacquer nowadays are 3 free, indicating that they do not incorporate dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, or formaldehyde.
DBP is very destructive to pregnant women because it is a toxin that targets fetal growth and reproduction. Toluene is also toxic while expecting and could cause developmental injury to the unborn infant. Formaldehyde causes cancer and might cause annoyance or an allergic reaction on your fingers.
Even when you decide upon a solvent-based polish which is 3 free, it will nonetheless include volatile fumes, so be sure there is reasonable ventilation when you are polishing and drying your fingernails or toenails!
Why not pick a water-based formula during pregnancy? Some safe nail polish brands to go with are Acquarella, Keeki Pure & Simple, and Scotch Naturals.
What About Polish Remover?
Traditional nail polish remover is utilized to remove traditional nail polish and artificial nails and contains acetone as the main ingredient. Shellac nail polish is taken off using pure acetone. The possible health problems of acetone can include eye discomfort, drying of the nails owing to repeat or extended exposure, and breathing in excessive concentrations can potentially result in nausea, headache, lightheadedness, unconsciousness, and respiratory irritability.
Possible substitute types of pregnancy safe nail polish remover are Scotch Naturals soy-based remover, Acquarella water-based remover, and Keeki Pure & Simple non-toxic remover.
What About Acrylic Nails?
The safety concerns for wearing fake nails while expecting include smelling the dust and harmful chemicals and developing a bacterial or fungal problem in between the acrylic and true nail. Even though you may have applied fake nails before getting pregnant, you may be much more susceptible to the smell and more likely to have a hypersensitivity to the chemicals.
Where to Polish
For starters, consider where to do a manicure or pedicure. It is recommended to avoid beauty salons while expecting. The foremost risk presented by nail treatments is smelling dangerous fumes. A bit of the substances in the treatments could also soak in through your skin or mistakenly be consumed if you touch your nails up to your lips.
In the event that you go to a beauty salon to have a manicure or pedicure, you will likely be vulnerable to the harmful substances in the nails treatments not only applied to your nails, but also those associated with everybody else having their nails painted simultaneously. A few people suggest bringing along your personal safer polishes to the salon, unfortunately you will still be around any other fumes in the salon.
Choosing a Polish
It is wisest to select a water-based safe nail polish during pregnancy. In case you are not willing to transition to a water-based formula, at a minimum, pick out a formula that is three free. A good number of labels of lacquer nowadays are 3 free, indicating that they do not incorporate dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, or formaldehyde.
DBP is very destructive to pregnant women because it is a toxin that targets fetal growth and reproduction. Toluene is also toxic while expecting and could cause developmental injury to the unborn infant. Formaldehyde causes cancer and might cause annoyance or an allergic reaction on your fingers.
Even when you decide upon a solvent-based polish which is 3 free, it will nonetheless include volatile fumes, so be sure there is reasonable ventilation when you are polishing and drying your fingernails or toenails!
Why not pick a water-based formula during pregnancy? Some safe nail polish brands to go with are Acquarella, Keeki Pure & Simple, and Scotch Naturals.
What About Polish Remover?
Traditional nail polish remover is utilized to remove traditional nail polish and artificial nails and contains acetone as the main ingredient. Shellac nail polish is taken off using pure acetone. The possible health problems of acetone can include eye discomfort, drying of the nails owing to repeat or extended exposure, and breathing in excessive concentrations can potentially result in nausea, headache, lightheadedness, unconsciousness, and respiratory irritability.
Possible substitute types of pregnancy safe nail polish remover are Scotch Naturals soy-based remover, Acquarella water-based remover, and Keeki Pure & Simple non-toxic remover.
What About Acrylic Nails?
The safety concerns for wearing fake nails while expecting include smelling the dust and harmful chemicals and developing a bacterial or fungal problem in between the acrylic and true nail. Even though you may have applied fake nails before getting pregnant, you may be much more susceptible to the smell and more likely to have a hypersensitivity to the chemicals.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Fighting Nail Fungus with Proper Nutrition
One in every five people will be infected with fungus in their life. Fungi are molds and yeasts that can live in the top layer of the skin and nails. Toenail fungus and nail fungus infections are very common, accounting for approximately fifty percent of all nail disorders. This fungal infection can become quite unsightly and painful. Fungal growth at the nail usually begins as a light colored spot under the tip of the fingernail or as discoloration of the nail. As the fungus grows, it will continue to spread until the entire nail becomes thick and yellow with crumbling edges. If no treatment is given to destroy the fungus, the condition will worsen and eventually the nail will have a distorted shape. The color may become green, brown, or black, and the fingertips may begin to emit a foul odor. The fingers or toes may become painful to use.
Nail fungus may be treated with a variety of prescription medications, either oral or topical. These medications can be often be costly and may come with side effects, so it is wise to combat this situation in its early stages with one of many natural remedies available and to consistently maintain proper nutrition to boost the immune system and enable it to fight the infection. While there are many products that have anti-fungal properties Fungal Research, LLC, only recommends the best, most effective products for rapid response and long-term results.
It is well known that proper nutrition is the key to good health and longevity. Making a commitment to a well balanced diet is the single most important thing that you can do to sustain a healthy body. Good nutrition keeps your weight in a desirable range, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and a host of other serious ailments. Eating a well balanced diet also gives your immune system the resources to prevent an array of viral and fungal infections, including nail fungus.
According to many nutrition experts, the majority of the calories consumed each day should be carbohydrates, up to 60%. However, it is very important to be conscious of what carbohydrates you are using to fill this requirement. Packing your diet with sugar and wheat flour is a sure way to load up on calories and eventually pounds as these substances contain little or no value and are almost immediately transformed into sugar. This is especially important if you are infected with nail fungus as a high blood sugar contributes to the spread of infection. Bacteria, viruses and fungus feed on sugar. Carbohydrates that benefit your body are those found in whole grains, beans, vegetables and non-tropical fruits. Fruits are great but too much provides simple sugars in the form of fructose, which can feed the fungus. Did you know that blueberries are a great immune booster?
The cornerstone of a healthy diet is variety. This is especially true when choosing fresh fruits and vegetables. Because processed foods are lacking in the basic nutrients that the body needs to sustain a healthy immune system, it is important to limit the consumption of these foods and focus on raw, preferably organic vegetables and fruits. Green leafy vegetables are especially necessary as they contain an abundance of the photochemicals that protect your body against cancer, environmental toxins and many degenerative diseases.
Another important factor impacting your immune system is the proper intake of healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, oily fish, walnuts and flax. Eating vegetable protein from beans, fish, and low fat dairy products also contributes to overall good health and the strengthening of the immune system. Consuming at least 40 grams of fiber a day promotes the elimination of toxins from the body and drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will also keep your immune system up and lower your chances of contracting infections such as nail fungus or candida.
Preventing any ailment is typically much easier than curing it and the best way to maintain good health and an immune system that can successfully fight off potentially harmful infections, such as nail fungus, is to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. By making wise food choices and giving your body necessary nutrients, you are taking an important first step to ensuring your own good health.
In addition to good nutrition, there are some common sense steps to take to lessen your chances of suffering from nail fungus. Keeping nails clean and trimmed is important because fungus can make a home under the nail. Never pick at hangnails or other skin around the nails because this can make a way for germs to find a way into your nails.
If you typically have your nails done at a salon, be sure that it is a reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue using nail polish or artificial nails as they can trap moisture under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also important to keep the hands clean, especially after contacting fungus that may reside on other fingernails or toenails because of the contagious nature of the fungus.
Nail fungus may be treated with a variety of prescription medications, either oral or topical. These medications can be often be costly and may come with side effects, so it is wise to combat this situation in its early stages with one of many natural remedies available and to consistently maintain proper nutrition to boost the immune system and enable it to fight the infection. While there are many products that have anti-fungal properties Fungal Research, LLC, only recommends the best, most effective products for rapid response and long-term results.
It is well known that proper nutrition is the key to good health and longevity. Making a commitment to a well balanced diet is the single most important thing that you can do to sustain a healthy body. Good nutrition keeps your weight in a desirable range, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and a host of other serious ailments. Eating a well balanced diet also gives your immune system the resources to prevent an array of viral and fungal infections, including nail fungus.
According to many nutrition experts, the majority of the calories consumed each day should be carbohydrates, up to 60%. However, it is very important to be conscious of what carbohydrates you are using to fill this requirement. Packing your diet with sugar and wheat flour is a sure way to load up on calories and eventually pounds as these substances contain little or no value and are almost immediately transformed into sugar. This is especially important if you are infected with nail fungus as a high blood sugar contributes to the spread of infection. Bacteria, viruses and fungus feed on sugar. Carbohydrates that benefit your body are those found in whole grains, beans, vegetables and non-tropical fruits. Fruits are great but too much provides simple sugars in the form of fructose, which can feed the fungus. Did you know that blueberries are a great immune booster?
The cornerstone of a healthy diet is variety. This is especially true when choosing fresh fruits and vegetables. Because processed foods are lacking in the basic nutrients that the body needs to sustain a healthy immune system, it is important to limit the consumption of these foods and focus on raw, preferably organic vegetables and fruits. Green leafy vegetables are especially necessary as they contain an abundance of the photochemicals that protect your body against cancer, environmental toxins and many degenerative diseases.
Another important factor impacting your immune system is the proper intake of healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, oily fish, walnuts and flax. Eating vegetable protein from beans, fish, and low fat dairy products also contributes to overall good health and the strengthening of the immune system. Consuming at least 40 grams of fiber a day promotes the elimination of toxins from the body and drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will also keep your immune system up and lower your chances of contracting infections such as nail fungus or candida.
Preventing any ailment is typically much easier than curing it and the best way to maintain good health and an immune system that can successfully fight off potentially harmful infections, such as nail fungus, is to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. By making wise food choices and giving your body necessary nutrients, you are taking an important first step to ensuring your own good health.
In addition to good nutrition, there are some common sense steps to take to lessen your chances of suffering from nail fungus. Keeping nails clean and trimmed is important because fungus can make a home under the nail. Never pick at hangnails or other skin around the nails because this can make a way for germs to find a way into your nails.
If you typically have your nails done at a salon, be sure that it is a reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue using nail polish or artificial nails as they can trap moisture under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also important to keep the hands clean, especially after contacting fungus that may reside on other fingernails or toenails because of the contagious nature of the fungus.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Different Nail Tips for 5 Different Nail Types
Different people have different types of nails. Knowing your particular nail type will allow you to properly care for and maintain healthy nails. For example, there are people who have nails that grow slow and there are others who feel like they have rough and dull nails. When you've identified what you're dealing with, treating and caring for it will be easier. Here are 5 different nail tips for 5 different nail types:
1. Soft fingernails - soft fingernails are easier to break. Also, they rarely and slowly grow longer than your tips. Since these bend and break easily, you can make them harder by regularly applying nail hardener. The hardener will help reduce the peeling and, at the same time, protect the protein fibers, thus the stronger fingernails. Other tips include:
a. Avoid hydration - this will make them soft and prone to breaking. You can protect them by wearing gloves when performing chores at home.
b. Avoid chemicals and detergents - this can also affect the integrity of your fingernails.
c. Apply Elemi oil - if you don't have gloves, you can use this as it repels water from your fingernails.
2. Brittle fingernails - I know a lot of people who have weak and brittle nails. One way of knowing if you have weak and brittle nails is by pressing your nails together. If they don't bend upon applying pressure, then your nails may not be as strong as you think or wish they are. This is the reason why you can't seem to grow them long because they crack and break quickly. Brittle nails are dehydrated and this is the reason why you should avoid using nail hardeners. You can use the following products to add moisture and revitalize your nails:
a. Moisturizer
b. Hand butter
c. Almond oil
3. Dry fingernails - the best way to check if you have dry nails is by running your thumb across your fingernails. If you noticed roughness or if there are ridges on your nails, then they're in a desperate need for a moisturizer. And speaking of moisturizer, that's all you need-a good moisturizer. Here are other tips to care for dry nails:
a. Vitamin E capsule - open and rub the powder directly on your nails. Do this at least 2 or 3x per day. It works by protecting and repairing damaged nails and skin because it contains antioxidants.
b. Don't use shimmer nail polish - if you have dry nails, this product will further dry your nails out.
c. Use liquid hand soap - bar soaps are nice but one of their ingredients is Sodium Laurent Sulfate which also has a drying effect.
4. Healthy fingernails - not everyone is cursed with soft, brittle, dry and damaged nails. If you're one of those people who's lucky enough to have healthy nails, you can take care of them by regularly using hand cream. You may also want to avoid detergents and hot water because they are one of the culprits when it comes to damaging and weakening nails.
5. Damaged fingernails - take care and get your healthy nails back by applying cuticle oil on a daily basis. This will encourage growth of newer and much healthier nails.
1. Soft fingernails - soft fingernails are easier to break. Also, they rarely and slowly grow longer than your tips. Since these bend and break easily, you can make them harder by regularly applying nail hardener. The hardener will help reduce the peeling and, at the same time, protect the protein fibers, thus the stronger fingernails. Other tips include:
a. Avoid hydration - this will make them soft and prone to breaking. You can protect them by wearing gloves when performing chores at home.
b. Avoid chemicals and detergents - this can also affect the integrity of your fingernails.
c. Apply Elemi oil - if you don't have gloves, you can use this as it repels water from your fingernails.
2. Brittle fingernails - I know a lot of people who have weak and brittle nails. One way of knowing if you have weak and brittle nails is by pressing your nails together. If they don't bend upon applying pressure, then your nails may not be as strong as you think or wish they are. This is the reason why you can't seem to grow them long because they crack and break quickly. Brittle nails are dehydrated and this is the reason why you should avoid using nail hardeners. You can use the following products to add moisture and revitalize your nails:
a. Moisturizer
b. Hand butter
c. Almond oil
3. Dry fingernails - the best way to check if you have dry nails is by running your thumb across your fingernails. If you noticed roughness or if there are ridges on your nails, then they're in a desperate need for a moisturizer. And speaking of moisturizer, that's all you need-a good moisturizer. Here are other tips to care for dry nails:
a. Vitamin E capsule - open and rub the powder directly on your nails. Do this at least 2 or 3x per day. It works by protecting and repairing damaged nails and skin because it contains antioxidants.
b. Don't use shimmer nail polish - if you have dry nails, this product will further dry your nails out.
c. Use liquid hand soap - bar soaps are nice but one of their ingredients is Sodium Laurent Sulfate which also has a drying effect.
4. Healthy fingernails - not everyone is cursed with soft, brittle, dry and damaged nails. If you're one of those people who's lucky enough to have healthy nails, you can take care of them by regularly using hand cream. You may also want to avoid detergents and hot water because they are one of the culprits when it comes to damaging and weakening nails.
5. Damaged fingernails - take care and get your healthy nails back by applying cuticle oil on a daily basis. This will encourage growth of newer and much healthier nails.
Monday, January 7, 2013
High Quality Nail Clippers for Nail Grooming
Thanks to the rise of the fashion and beauty blog era and the likes of social media content farms like Pinterest, nail art has become one the most popular beauty trends of current generations. Blowing typical grooming traditions out of the water, this trend focuses on turning simple manicures into beautiful works of art. Long gone are the days of a simply manicure where a demure clear coat or even an elegant French tip are sufficient. These days, ladies are looking for the boldest colors, intricate patterns, and even unique construction to set their paws apart from others. Plenty of steps go into creating a set of these stunning talons, beginning first and foremost with the shaping process. As most manicurists would agree, shaping the nail can make all the difference in the look of a manicure style, and while trendy shapes come and go, nothing is as important as a clean cut.
If you've ever wondered how the manicurists seem to glide through each nail with ease, you can usually thank the help of professional grade tools. While these tools may come from specialty stores made from specialty materials, they are often not much more in price than what one would typically pay for at a drug or beauty supply store. In fact, when you factor in the number of tools you've gone through over the years (countless clippers surely) it's easy to see why a manicurist would look to the dependability of a high-grade style. So many of us have the talent to create our own amazing designs or easily follow the tutorials of others. It's almost a shame to waste money going to a salon to achieve the same look you could do at home on the cheap.
Investing in a solid pair of nail clippers is a must for those who are intent on facing the task. Great nail clippers will not tear the nails. They should be made from non-corrosive and long lasting materials like stainless steel. Great nail clippers usually come from companies specializing in all sorts of steel goods, so you know the business emphasis is on creating quality steel products. And the best of these companies offer a variety of styles to choose from that best suit your needs and price range. They also should have excellent customer satisfaction and warranties.
Ergonomically designed to help make your job easier, great nail clippers are a grooming must-have. Once you've experienced great nail clippers, it's hard to go back because quality is priceless. Even the smallest and simplest tools in your beauty arsenal should benefit from them. The right products will keep you styling long past the length of any trend so invest in a high quality nail clipper so you can enjoy the benefits for years to come.
If you've ever wondered how the manicurists seem to glide through each nail with ease, you can usually thank the help of professional grade tools. While these tools may come from specialty stores made from specialty materials, they are often not much more in price than what one would typically pay for at a drug or beauty supply store. In fact, when you factor in the number of tools you've gone through over the years (countless clippers surely) it's easy to see why a manicurist would look to the dependability of a high-grade style. So many of us have the talent to create our own amazing designs or easily follow the tutorials of others. It's almost a shame to waste money going to a salon to achieve the same look you could do at home on the cheap.
Investing in a solid pair of nail clippers is a must for those who are intent on facing the task. Great nail clippers will not tear the nails. They should be made from non-corrosive and long lasting materials like stainless steel. Great nail clippers usually come from companies specializing in all sorts of steel goods, so you know the business emphasis is on creating quality steel products. And the best of these companies offer a variety of styles to choose from that best suit your needs and price range. They also should have excellent customer satisfaction and warranties.
Ergonomically designed to help make your job easier, great nail clippers are a grooming must-have. Once you've experienced great nail clippers, it's hard to go back because quality is priceless. Even the smallest and simplest tools in your beauty arsenal should benefit from them. The right products will keep you styling long past the length of any trend so invest in a high quality nail clipper so you can enjoy the benefits for years to come.
Crystal Nail Files Vs Emery Boards Vs Metal Files
You may own one yourself or have given one a test spin at a women's show or local fair - the new crystal nail file. Its sleek, colorful and very chic, but is it worth its $7 price tag and is it really superior to the emery boards we purchase by the dozen?
Emery boards are cardboard with small grains of sand adhered to them and in fact are interchangeable with sandpaper. As you file, the emery board literally tears your nail, that is the nature of how it files.
With emery boards you must file in one direction in order to minimize damage to the nail during the filing process. Sandpaper on a stick aka emery boards, come in different grits so you can file your nail down in length, shape it and then do your best to tame those lethal jagged edges that always form when using an emery board.
Emery boards are rough on your nails but they do get the job done. The coarseness of file you choose to use also depends upon if you have weak, thin, fragile nails or hard, strong hooves.
Unfortunately in doing the job they are designed to do emery boards cause more harm than good to your nails. When using an emery board, you leave the tip of the nail "open" as opposed to being "closed", just like pores on your face being open or closed. Leaving the nail edge "open" means dirt and water can leech inside the nail itself causing chipping, cracking, peeling and weakening of the nails. Also, the harshness of the grinding action of the sandpaper weakens the nail.
Because of the porous nature of the cardboard, glue and sand, dirt and debris can get imbedded into the file and fungus and bacteria can grow rampantly. Though you might not see it with your eyes, a good micro-biologist and a microscope will enlighten you on your science project on a stick! There is no way to clean, let alone sanitize an emery board and they are so subject to bacteria that you should toss out your emery board after each use. This is the mandated practice per the FDA in professional salons and this bring us to the environmental factor. The emery board scores very low on the "green-o-meter". The number of trees used to make millions of files and the landfill space taken up by these little 5 inch sticks, is more enormous than you can imagine. At least one entire football stadium can be filled each year with tossed aside emery boards and it takes years for one to fully decompose in the ground.
Metal files fare slightly better than their bacteria on a stick friend, the emery board, but not by much.
Metal files are manufactured in two ways: one, there are actual tiny flakes of metal adhered to a metal or cardboard stick and two, a metal stick is formed and the stick itself is roughened to create the filing surface. In both cases tiny, minuscule bits of metal flake off when filing. While metal is a lot stronger and more durable than sand granules, the metal used to make the files is usually of a lower grade and actually quite soft as far as metals go.
Metal files also grind the nail and leave the nail tip "open" as opposed to "closed". Due to the nature of the metal bits on the file, dirt and debris can be trapped between the tiny little metal-like "teeth" and can stick to the metal. Metal is non-porous so bacteria growth on the file itself is not likely, however bacteria can grow on the nail debris and any dirt caught in the file itself. You can rinse off a metal file but you need to be careful of rust forming in any cracks and crevices between the "teeth".
The metal files cannot be sanitized to the FDA's satisfaction for the ultimate in cleanliness.
On the green-o-meter metal files score slightly higher than their cardboard friend because of the lack of trees used in its production. Metal does off-gas some nasty chemicals during the production process and metal files should be thrown out after several uses since they cannot be efficiently sanitized. They do take a lot longer than emery boards to decompose in landfills.
Your highest quality crystal files are cut from actual crystal and the surface of the crystal is treated in the manufacturing process to roughen it, creating the filing surface.
The crystal nail file is very smooth as it glides over the nail tip. It doesn't tear the nail like the emery board or metal file, so you can file in both directions and as an added bonus - no more jagged edges! When you file your nails with a crystal file, you'll notice how smooth the nail tip is.
The crystal file closes the nail tip and actually seals it, preventing water and debris from leaching into your nail. After using a crystal nail file for a period of about one month, users report a noticeable difference in their nails being stronger and they "don't chip and crack and peel as much".
Crystal is non-porous and very hygienic. No bacteria or debris can grow on the filing surface, nor get trapped in the roughened surface of the crystal file. The same is true for the crystal pumice file which can be left right in the bathtub without fear of mold, mildew, fungus or bacteria growing in it or on it!
Your better quality crystal nail files are made from recycled crystal. There are some factories that make them from new, large sheets of crystal-glass, but your highest quality crystal factories have found a use for the crystal left over after making vases and stem ware. The crystal is melted down and formed into large sheets. From these sheets, the various sizes of nail files and pumice files are cut.
There are no varying grits of a crystal file, with the exception of the pumice file. The pumice file is made with a coarser surface and can be used for calluses, dry skin, toe nails and artificial nails.
Crystal nail files meet all of the sanitization requirements of the FDA. They can be sanitized in alcohol, under UV light, and baked in an autoclave. Because of their hygienic nature, crystal files are perfect for diabetics - especially the pumice file. You don't have to worry about cutting yourself while you're taking care of your feet, the way diabetics do.
Crystal nail files will last years, if not a lifetime. Crystal is naturally very hard when it is found in nature. When crystal is formed in the earth, it has a slow cooling rate therefore the crystal molecules have more time to form strong lattice type formations, which have a tough, sturdy bond. As compared to glass, which cools very quickly and the molecules don't have time to form the sturdy lattice support system, crystal is the superior material.
The crystal nail file scores high ratings on the green-o-meter because its made from recycled materials and several factories use lead-free, environmentally safe dyes. They last for such a long time that landfills will not be largely impacted by constant consumption such as their cardboard and metal stick friends. One crystal nail file and pumice file could last a person's entire lifetime!
Emery boards are cardboard with small grains of sand adhered to them and in fact are interchangeable with sandpaper. As you file, the emery board literally tears your nail, that is the nature of how it files.
With emery boards you must file in one direction in order to minimize damage to the nail during the filing process. Sandpaper on a stick aka emery boards, come in different grits so you can file your nail down in length, shape it and then do your best to tame those lethal jagged edges that always form when using an emery board.
Emery boards are rough on your nails but they do get the job done. The coarseness of file you choose to use also depends upon if you have weak, thin, fragile nails or hard, strong hooves.
Unfortunately in doing the job they are designed to do emery boards cause more harm than good to your nails. When using an emery board, you leave the tip of the nail "open" as opposed to being "closed", just like pores on your face being open or closed. Leaving the nail edge "open" means dirt and water can leech inside the nail itself causing chipping, cracking, peeling and weakening of the nails. Also, the harshness of the grinding action of the sandpaper weakens the nail.
Because of the porous nature of the cardboard, glue and sand, dirt and debris can get imbedded into the file and fungus and bacteria can grow rampantly. Though you might not see it with your eyes, a good micro-biologist and a microscope will enlighten you on your science project on a stick! There is no way to clean, let alone sanitize an emery board and they are so subject to bacteria that you should toss out your emery board after each use. This is the mandated practice per the FDA in professional salons and this bring us to the environmental factor. The emery board scores very low on the "green-o-meter". The number of trees used to make millions of files and the landfill space taken up by these little 5 inch sticks, is more enormous than you can imagine. At least one entire football stadium can be filled each year with tossed aside emery boards and it takes years for one to fully decompose in the ground.
Metal files fare slightly better than their bacteria on a stick friend, the emery board, but not by much.
Metal files are manufactured in two ways: one, there are actual tiny flakes of metal adhered to a metal or cardboard stick and two, a metal stick is formed and the stick itself is roughened to create the filing surface. In both cases tiny, minuscule bits of metal flake off when filing. While metal is a lot stronger and more durable than sand granules, the metal used to make the files is usually of a lower grade and actually quite soft as far as metals go.
Metal files also grind the nail and leave the nail tip "open" as opposed to "closed". Due to the nature of the metal bits on the file, dirt and debris can be trapped between the tiny little metal-like "teeth" and can stick to the metal. Metal is non-porous so bacteria growth on the file itself is not likely, however bacteria can grow on the nail debris and any dirt caught in the file itself. You can rinse off a metal file but you need to be careful of rust forming in any cracks and crevices between the "teeth".
The metal files cannot be sanitized to the FDA's satisfaction for the ultimate in cleanliness.
On the green-o-meter metal files score slightly higher than their cardboard friend because of the lack of trees used in its production. Metal does off-gas some nasty chemicals during the production process and metal files should be thrown out after several uses since they cannot be efficiently sanitized. They do take a lot longer than emery boards to decompose in landfills.
Your highest quality crystal files are cut from actual crystal and the surface of the crystal is treated in the manufacturing process to roughen it, creating the filing surface.
The crystal nail file is very smooth as it glides over the nail tip. It doesn't tear the nail like the emery board or metal file, so you can file in both directions and as an added bonus - no more jagged edges! When you file your nails with a crystal file, you'll notice how smooth the nail tip is.
The crystal file closes the nail tip and actually seals it, preventing water and debris from leaching into your nail. After using a crystal nail file for a period of about one month, users report a noticeable difference in their nails being stronger and they "don't chip and crack and peel as much".
Crystal is non-porous and very hygienic. No bacteria or debris can grow on the filing surface, nor get trapped in the roughened surface of the crystal file. The same is true for the crystal pumice file which can be left right in the bathtub without fear of mold, mildew, fungus or bacteria growing in it or on it!
Your better quality crystal nail files are made from recycled crystal. There are some factories that make them from new, large sheets of crystal-glass, but your highest quality crystal factories have found a use for the crystal left over after making vases and stem ware. The crystal is melted down and formed into large sheets. From these sheets, the various sizes of nail files and pumice files are cut.
There are no varying grits of a crystal file, with the exception of the pumice file. The pumice file is made with a coarser surface and can be used for calluses, dry skin, toe nails and artificial nails.
Crystal nail files meet all of the sanitization requirements of the FDA. They can be sanitized in alcohol, under UV light, and baked in an autoclave. Because of their hygienic nature, crystal files are perfect for diabetics - especially the pumice file. You don't have to worry about cutting yourself while you're taking care of your feet, the way diabetics do.
Crystal nail files will last years, if not a lifetime. Crystal is naturally very hard when it is found in nature. When crystal is formed in the earth, it has a slow cooling rate therefore the crystal molecules have more time to form strong lattice type formations, which have a tough, sturdy bond. As compared to glass, which cools very quickly and the molecules don't have time to form the sturdy lattice support system, crystal is the superior material.
The crystal nail file scores high ratings on the green-o-meter because its made from recycled materials and several factories use lead-free, environmentally safe dyes. They last for such a long time that landfills will not be largely impacted by constant consumption such as their cardboard and metal stick friends. One crystal nail file and pumice file could last a person's entire lifetime!
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