Essential nail health knowledge protects your natural nails:

Nail Anatomy:
• Nail plate: The visible part that grows from the nail matrix
• Cuticle: Protective skin that seals the nail plate to finger
• Nail bed: Pink area under the nail plate
• Lunula: White crescent at the base of the nail
• Free edge: The part that extends beyond the fingertip

Health Indicators:
• Healthy nails: Pink nail beds, smooth texture, minimal ridging
• Warning signs: Discoloration, unusual thickness, or pain
• Normal growth: About 3mm per month for fingernails

Safety Practices:
• Always use base coat to protect natural nails
• Give nails rest periods between polish applications
• Keep cuticles moisturized and never cut them aggressively
• Sanitize tools to prevent infection

Regular nail assessments help maintain healthy nails:

Visual Inspection:
• Check for discoloration or unusual spots
• Look for ridges, dents, or texture changes
• Examine cuticle condition and surrounding skin
• Assess nail thickness and flexibility

Health Evaluation:
• Test nail strength by gently pressing the free edge
• Check for pain or sensitivity around the nail area
• Look for signs of fungal or bacterial infections
• Evaluate growth patterns and rate

When to Pause Nail Art:
• Active infections need professional treatment first
• Severely damaged nails require healing time
• Allergic reactions to products need investigation

Professional consultation: See a dermatologist or nail technician for persistent problems.

Understanding allergic reactions keeps nail art safe and enjoyable:

Common Allergens:
• Formaldehyde: Found in some nail hardeners and polishes
• Toluene: Solvent used in nail polish and treatments
• DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate): Plasticizer in some formulations
• Acrylates: Common in gel polishes and artificial nails

Reaction Symptoms:
• Redness and swelling around nails and cuticles
• Itching or burning sensation during or after application
• Peeling or blistering of surrounding skin
• Contact dermatitis extending beyond the nail area

Prevention Strategies:
• Patch test new products on a small skin area first
• Choose '3-free' or '5-free' formulations when possible
• Read ingredient lists carefully before purchasing
• Keep a reaction diary to identify trigger ingredients

If reactions occur: Remove products immediately, cleanse the area, and consult a dermatologist for persistent symptoms.

Proper nail hygiene prevents infections and maintains healthy nails:

Hand and Nail Cleaning:
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after nail art sessions
• Clean under nails with a soft brush to remove debris
• Sanitize tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol between uses
• Use fresh materials like orange wood sticks for each session

Workspace Hygiene:
• Clean work surface with disinfectant before starting
• Use disposable towels instead of reusable cloths
• Store tools properly in clean, dry containers
• Replace old products that may harbor bacteria

Personal Protection:
• Avoid sharing tools with others unless properly sanitized
• Don't bite nails or cuticles to prevent introducing bacteria
• Keep cuticles moisturized to prevent cracks where germs enter
• Remove polish regularly to allow nails to breathe

Professional standards: Follow the same hygiene practices used in professional nail salons.