Between spots on your nails showing up due to nutrient deficiencies or having to give your nails a breather between manicures, these are the top fingernail health myths you need to stop believing right this second.
1. White spots on your nails are a sign of a calcium deficiency
It’s just not that complicated. Instead, it’s more likely it’s damage to your nail. White spots on nails are typically caused by an injury to your nail. With that being said, in some cases it can be a type of mineral deficiency, although that’s rare.
2. You need to let your nails “breathe”
If you’re currently giving your nails a breather between manicures, there’s really no need. Letting your nails breathe is indeed a myth since your nails technically get all of their oxygen from your internal blood flow.
3. You need to trim your cuticles
If you’re not into trimmed cuticles, don’t do it. It’s actually better for your nails if you let them be. You don’t need to trim your cuticles. Your cuticle serves a purpose as a protective barrier to bacteria getting under the nail bed, so it’s best to just trim hangnails or skin that’s peeled away and already exposed.
4. Your nails should be soaked during your manicure
Soaking your hands in warm water as you’re getting a mani feels nice, but it’s not necessary. A dry manicure is just as effective as a manicure where you soak your nails. Typically, salons soak to soften cuticles to push them back and have the best nail base surface to paint, but that can be done just as easily with no soaking and the end result looks just as good.
5. There’s no harm in leaving nail polish on too long
If you’re thinking about skipping your manicure appointment to ride your color out a little longer, don’t. Nail yellowing can be caused by keeping nail polish on too long—particularly with dark colors. It’s best to remove polish completely once it starts chipping. And if your nails yellow, a white vinegar mixture works wonders.
