Nail care products – Overview

Nail care products – Overview

The products that help to enhance the beauty, health as well as appearance of the nails have a long history. In the beginning of 19th century women liked nails in almond shape and used chamois cloths to buff their nails and also used perfumed red oil to give it a different colour.

The orange wood stick introduced by Dr. Sitts is the first known scientific nail care product. Before this metal instrument, scissors and acids were used as tools for manicure and pedicure.

In the beginning of 20th century women started using metal files to file their nails. Creams were used to massage hands and nails. A sort of glossy varnish made available in the market became popular among women by this time. This can be considered as the first nail polish.

Even today, nail polish is the most popular nail care product available in the market. The question as to whether it is a nail care product or a nail beauty enhancing product is yet to be resolved. However the fact remains that nail polish provides a minimum protection to your nails. At the same time continuous wearing of nail polish is not advisable as it prevents your nail from breathing and does alter the natural texture of your nail.
The main function of nail care products are to keep one’s hands clean and good looking. Countless nail care products are now available in market claiming to be the best in making your nail beautiful and healthy. The most commonly used nail care products are the following:

• Nail polish

It is the first thing that comes to one’s mind when we think of nail beautification. Nail polish is available in market in different colours and shades. Cost of this nail care product is totally dependent on the company that manufactures the product.

• Nail polish removers

Use of nail polish necessitates the use of nail polish remover also. As the very name indicates polish removers are used to remove nail polish from nails. Frequent use of nail polish is not recommendable. Nail polish removers have a tendency to dry at the skin and nails. Better not to use nail polish removers more than twice a week. Also try to avoid use of acetone based nail polish removers.

• Cuticle creams

Cuticle removers are essential for those who undergo a manicure process. This nail care product is very helpful in removing hardened cuticles. The habit of cutting of cuticles may invite serious infections to the skin around the nails. Use of cuticle creams is helpful to avoid the situation.

• Nail whiteners

These products help to give a shiny white color to dull coloured nails. Nails usually become yellowish if you wear nail polish for a long time.

• Nail files

Nail files are commonly used to file nail to shape and them.

• Nail strengtheners

Nail strengtheners are developed with an intention to correct your nail problems. These products are helpful to those who are suffering from brittle, weak and fragile nails. Nail strengthening agents are usually the nail polishes itself that are enriched with natural proteins and vitamins that are meant to make brittle nails to grow fast and strong. Nails strengtheners include a combination of basic nail coat and nail polish. Nail strengtheners can be classified as problem nail products, weak nail products, peeling nail products, brittle nail products etc.

• Nail enhancers

Apart from nail strengthening products, nail enhancers that are specially designed to enhance the nails are also available in the market. Acrylic nail enhancer is an example for this.

• Anti fungal cream

This product is helpful to keep nails away from fungal infections and to protect nails affected by fungal infection. Different brands of anti fungal creams are available in the market. These creams are helpful to keep away germs from nails and the skin around the nails. It is also helpful to prevent spreading of infection to other nails. The most common ingredient of an anti fungal cream is Benzalkonium Chloride or Tea tree oil.