​Frequent handwashing and staying at home are measures we should all be taking to mitigate the severity of the Coronavirus pandemic. Among the more drastic and serious side effects, this also means our hands, nails, and cuticles are more prone than ever to cracking and dehydration and direct help from professionals is not an option.

Even though you can’t see your favorite nail technician in person right now, here are a few dos and don’ts of at-home care that can keep your nails and cuticles healthy and ready for your next visit.

DO: Carefully remove your gel and acrylic manicures with an acetone-based remover.
“To remove soak-off gels at home, begin by filing the ends and the surface of each nail with a nail file,” says Rita Remark, Essie’s global lead educator. “This breaks the seals, allowing acetone to soften the gels quickly. Next, saturate a cotton pad with acetone, lay it on top of your nail, and secure it firmly in place with a square of tinfoil. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the acetone to soften and lift the gels gently off of your nails. Once the time is up, working one finger at a time, press and remove the foils and cotton. If there is any remaining gel residue, gently push it away with a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick.”

Remark says the same process can be used to remove acrylics, but it takes a little more time and work.

“Before you apply the cotton, acetone, and foil, generously file down the surface of the enhancement by half,” says Remark. “Keep the foils on the nails for 20 minutes as opposed to 10 to 15 and if the majority of the acrylic doesn’t soften in the first round, you may have to do two rounds to fully and completely remove the acrylic without damaging the natural nail. Whether you’ve removed gel or acrylic, once your nails are bare, give them a light buff with a buffer block to remove excess residue and to smooth the surface and finish with a hydrating dose of cuticle oil.”

For an alternative option, check out Orly's At-Home Gel Removal Kit, which includes its Genius Remover, Pocket Removers, nail file, and a wooden stick. Orly recommends using the nail file to file off the topcoat layer, soaking your nails with some of the Genius Remover in the Pocket Removers, and after 10 minutes, gently pushing off the rest of the polish with the wooden stick.

DON’T: Pick or peel off your old manicure.
“If you are still hanging on to your enhancements or gel manicure, the worst thing you can do is improperly remove them or pick and peel them off,” says Sigourney Nunez, OPI North America education manager. “Peeling off your old manicure will delaminate your nail plate and will make them weak and brittle.”

DO: Trim and file your nails regularly.
“Try and keep your nails short whilst at home right now, as the longer your nails are, the harder it is to ensure you are able to ensure you are keeping your nails clean and sanitized,” says dermatologist Elizabeth Mullans, M.D. 

The doctor also advises filing your nails in order to avoid trauma during everyday tasks such as opening packages.

DON’T: Use a file that’s too aggressive.
“A gentle, non-aggressive nail file that is 240/180 grit is optimal for natural nails,” says Silva Nahabedian, director of education at Dazzle Dry. “Aggressive nail files designed for artificial enhancements can cause fraying at the free edge and compromise the integrity of the natural nail.”

DO: Remember to take care of your cuticles.
“Cuticle oil is a moisturizing treatment that helps your nails and cuticles stay hydrated, which is an often-overlooked part of our self-care routine,” says Nunez. “When you apply a drop of cuticle and massage it into the surrounding skin of your nail, you are replenishing that moisture and stimulating blood flow at the matrix—root of the nail—which can help promote nail growth.”

According to Nunez, cuticle oil is also critical in preventing breakage, especially since it keeps your nails from getting dry and brittle.

DON’T: Over cut or be too aggressive with your cuticles.
“Gently pushing back your cuticles using an orangewood stick or washcloth daily after a shower can prevent cuticles from becoming unruly or frayed,” says Nahabedian. “Use caution not to be too aggressive when pushing, as this could cause permanent damage to your nail root.”

DO: Moisturize after washing your hands.
“Moisturize one to two times a day with a cream such as CeraVe Cream or Aveeno Eczema Cream,” says Mullans. “Choosing a fragrance-free formula is also a good idea.”

DON’T: Expose your hands to unnecessary damage.
“Wear gloves when you can for hand washing dishes or cleaning to protect your nails and cuticles," says Mullans.

DO: Use products that will keep your nails strong.
Nunez recommends using a natural nail strengthener like OPI Nail Envy, and Mullans recommends keeping Nailtiques 2 Plus or Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails in your nail care kit.

Plus, keeping your nails strong doesn’t mean you have to completely forego color. Many brands are now incorporating strengthening products into polishes.

“Wearing a polish such as the Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer System adds mechanical protection and resilience to the nail so that you can keep your desired nail length,” says Nahabedian.

DON’T: Be afraid to get creative on your own.
While Michelle Saunders, celebrity manicurist and owner of Saunders and James (Oakland, CA), does recommend giving your nails a break, if you’re itching for color on your fingertips, she has a few easy suggestions up her sleeve.

“It’s ok to take a beauty break,” says Saunders. “If you find inspiration in painting your nails then I recommend something simple like a sheer pink or beige base. If you want to add a perk of color, choose your favorite and add a dot, line, or streak somewhere on top of the neutral color for a modern look.”

Remark also had a few simple suggestions, including using common household items to add flair to your DIY manicure.

“To create polka dots, you can use toothpicks, the backs of sewing pins, or makeup brushes or bobby pins,” says Remark. “All of these makeshift tools are perfect for creating a variety of dot sizes. Simply pour a small puddle of nail polish onto a palette or a piece of tinfoil, dip your preferred dotting tool into the polish, and dot lightly onto the nail for a perfect circle every time.”

Also, if you’re looking for more long-wear options, Saunders recommends an at-home gel brand, like Essie’ Gel Couture line. “Essie has the best product for long-wearing nail color, and you don't need a base coat,” says Saunders. “The colors are beautiful, and it’s a system, so be sure to use the Gel Couture topcoat in the white bottle.”
 
While it’s easy to forget about our nails without regular visits to the salon, it’s important to keep in mind that taking care of our nails and cuticles keeps them healthy, clean, less prone to infections, and primed and ready for your next trip to the salon when the time comes.

​This information is brought to you from American Spa

What: Split ends are exactly how they sound: ends of hairs that have divided like a frayed rope, and, like a frayed rope, are basically caused by neglect; usually accidental, rarely by design. Unmoisturized hair is always the precursor to split ends, and dry hair can be caused by many factors, any of which breakdown the hair shafts and follicles. How do you know if you have them? Beard split ends are easy to identify. Your beard will feel rough and dry, it will look unloved however much you are trying to care for it, and in the worst case, may appear messy and mussed up. On closer inspection, you will see the individual hairs - and there will always be lots rather than just one - have separated from the main shaft into two or more unruly mini-strands. Not only can your beard become itchy, but will feel uncomfortable for both you and your significant other.

Why: Either you’re subjecting your beard to products that are unsuitable for it, drying it too harshly, not trimming regularly or correctly, or not replacing the essential sebum oil needed for condition. Or maybe your diet is terribly off-kilter! Split ends are much more likely to occur in longer beards, but if you’re really clever at being neglectful even the shortest of facial hair can suffer.

So let’s look at these issues in more detail, and how to get rid of split ends on beards...

Unsuitable products: You may have noticed that your beard hair is quite different to the hair that grows on the top of your head. It’s generally courser and more wiry, so why would you use your normal, everyday shampoo to wash your beard, when quite clearly the two types of hair are miles apart in their structure and texture? Head shampoo should not be your automatic go-to for your beard. Yes, for some it’s no big deal, but we couldn’t advise more strongly that you shouldn’t neglect those facial hairs by using the wrong product. Beard washes address this balance because they are designed specifically for these special hairs with their course make up and bristly feel. Likewise, any other product that you wouldn’t think twice about subjecting your head hair to, should give you pause for thought. Conditioners and dyes, even brushes and combs – these all need to be considered carefully to maintain the beard of your dreams.

Harsh drying: Guilty of stealing your partner’s hairdryer whenever you want to get ready to go out in a hurry? Don’t! The worst thing you can do is use the hot air of a hairdryer on a fast blow setting. Not only will it dehydrate the entire hair shaft, but it can also erode the very follicle itself, resulting in the worst dry hair ever! The very best way to get your beard dry is to hold the hair between the flat sheets of an absorbent towel, or for shorter hair, hold the towel against the face. Don’t rub it up the wrong way and get it mad! If you must use any type of movement other than a little pressure to sponge dry, make sure you go with the grain of the hair, i.e. the direction it grows. Hairdryers are notorious for creating dehydrated, rough hair - your girlfriend gets away with it because it’s in her genes to know how to handle it!

And don’t forget, your beard hair is very different from her head hair, as if you hadn’t noticed! If you really must use a dryer, which, if you have a very long, thick beard is understandable, apply a little beard oil first, put the dryer onto the coolest, least blowy setting and use it gently. Take your time rather than rush what could actually be a very pleasant experience!

Neglectful trimming: The tip of each and every hair is the oldest part of it; the part that has been out in the living world for the greatest amount of time. It’s seen the most pollutants from the air we breathe, put up with your twiddling and fussing even when it’s not completely necessary, and had the most washes any of your hairs have been subjected to. If you think of it in those terms, why shouldn’t it protest a little? However, every chap is different. Some can grow really long beard hair before it shouts out; others have less resilient hair that gives up at the first sight of any real length. The key here is to get to know what you are capable of, keep it nourished with the right products, and then trim regularly, if only incrementally, to remove the ends that are likely to suffer real soon. Ultimately a regular trim will keeping everything in good shape and minimize those older hairs from doing the splits in a demonstration of defiance. The bonus is that your nicely shaped beard, whatever its length, is more comfortable and attractive, so really you can’t lose out here.

​Lack of an oil change: If you have excellent hair heritage and have always been able to maintain a dense growth of facial mane without dehydration or dandruff, then indeed you are exceptionally lucky. With your outstanding service history you probably won’t need an oil change! However, this won’t apply to the majority of bearded guys, for whom the normal trials and tribulations of facial growth includes dryness, prickly bristles and an uncomfortable, rough texture. Every hair follicle emanates from a sebaceous gland, which in turn allows sebum oil to grace the hair as it grows, keeping it smooth and well nourished. But this miracle oil isn’t a bottomless pit and can only cope with hair up to a certain length, so at some stage you will need to add oil to your beard to stop it becoming dry and brittle – the main cause of split ends. It will also help to protect it from environmental factors such as pollutants and external toxins, and also the effects of severely cold (or hot) weather.

If you have a good grasp of how split ends occur, you also possess the knowledge on how to avoid them. Once those hairs have decided to split on you there’s very little you can do to repair them. Damaged beard hair can’t be undone with a snap of the fingers, but with careful management it can become a thing of the past. Letting the growing cycle continue with better ongoing care, and using products that will limit recurrence, will benefit your beard forever more.

How to prevent split ends in a beard: prevention is better than cure

The best way to stop split ends before they start is to have a habitually healthy, daily routine, looking after yourself and your beard. Not only will this stave off all kinds of problems – split ends, dandruff, brittleness, entanglement and hair loss - but will ensure your pride and joy can be admired by all, not just by you in the mirror. Fingers (yours or perhaps a loved one’s?) should be able to comb through your mane easily, enjoy its soft, smooth qualities, and appreciate its silky feel.

Wash your beard: Good quality beard washes are the only way to go when keeping your facial hair clean and healthy. When using, be sure to reach right under the hairs and into the skin, cleaning the pores and ridding the face of dead skin and grime. Sounds skanky? Well yes, it will be if you neglect these basic but oh-so-important aspects of your daily cleansing routine. Don’t be tempted to use ordinary hair shampoos; remember, beard hair possesses a different chemical make up to head hair. Our all natural Real Bearded Men beard washes are especially formulated for facial manes. Gentle but sanitizing, their restorative qualities will leave your beard feeling uniquely refreshed. Your beard may require a wash 2 – 3 times a week; however, the thicker the hair, the less frequently it will need cleansing, while thin, fine hair may need a wash every 2 days. The aim is to maintain a clean, healthy beard which stays nicely hydrated.

Apply Oils and Balms: Beard oils and balms are the essence of your beard care routine. Not only are they essential after washing to restore any moisture that may have been lost, but used daily they also supplement your naturally produced sebum oil with nutrients to keep the hair succulent, giving it a fighting chance against the onset of split ends. So which one should you use? Checkout our guide plus our range of beard balms here.

Tools: Let’s start with combs and immediately say ‘consign that piece of plastic to the trash’! Plastic combs are so damaging they can actually cause split ends with their imperceptibly sharp edges that create a tearing action on each and every hair. They may be cheap, but they’re definitely not cheerful where beards are concerned! Instead, choose quality combs made of sandalwood or ox horn; both natural materials that will give your hair optimum health benefits, preventing static, and gently untangling twisted locks. Beware not to over comb; 3 – 4 times a day is plenty, enabling oils to be distributed evenly throughout. Any more will risk damaging hair cuticles and after finally getting your beard in great shape you don’t want to be undoing all the good work! Note that long thick beards will need combs with widely spaced teeth to ensure that tugging the hairs is kept to a minimum.

Now to brushes... easy really and fun, actually! Give your mane the chance to experience a superb massage with a natural boar bristle brush, which will encourage the production of sebum oil, then use it to straighten the hairs to the shape you desire. Again, the all natural bristles can only enhance the health of your hair rather than damage it further.

For trimming, electric trimmers are an easy and affordable option, but if you’re having a real problem with split ends you should seriously consider hand shears or sharp scissors so that you can give each hair individual attention. These will slice the hair cleanly while trimmers tend to tear the hair, often resulting in tugging and yet more split ends. Whatever you choose, be sure to keep them clean, sharp and well maintained to limit the chance of further damage. You should only trim once a week at most, probably best once every two weeks, snipping off any deteriorated hairs below the split, leaving a neat shaft with no damage.

Dyes and colorants: We’re not going to tell you not to use color because none of us like the physical effects of getting older, particularly when grey hairs appear prematurely. But you should know that dyes are full of chemicals such as peroxide and ammonia which will always have the effect of seriously drying your hair, leading to damage and split ends. Neutralizing these effects is difficult but not impossible if you start from the first time you use color. The use of beard oil is imperative, replacing lost natural oils, followed by beard balm to nourish the hairs and seal in the moisture.

However, for the more senior distinguished gent, please consider that a beard of silver grey can be quite an attractive attachment. Do you really need to add damaging chemicals to cover it up?

Diet: You are what you eat, so they say, and we all know that eating healthily is essential to being, and feeling, healthy. This applies to your beard too. Proteins are a fundamental intake as your hair, wherever it’s growing, is composed of the protein keratin. Without the nutrients that take care of keratin, your hair (and your nails) may become dry and weak, leading to the easy onset of split ends. To combat these effects be sure to eat plenty of seafood, milk, yogurt, eggs, and white poultry meat. For the vegetarian option, try lentils, quinoa, and edamame pods. A regular intake of biotin-rich foods is also beneficial, including liver, yeast, nuts and seeds, avocados and dairy products, all playing a part of keeping you and your luxurious locks healthy.

To sum up, keeping your facial hair clean, well nourished and moisturized will lessen the chances of ever experiencing embarrassing split ends. Repair is difficult and time consuming, so it’s worth the effort to look after your beard before trouble starts by carefully planning your daily routine and religiously sticking to it. We know you can do it; you’ve already proven your commitment by growing the beard, so now it’s a case of ‘done that, got the t-shirt’... and if you haven’t got the t-shirt yet, you can find our superb Real Bearded Men selection here!
​
I found these beard tips at Real Bearded Men

​Some people fill up on trashy reality TV show, others indulge in a pint of ice cream. The guilty pleasure going around at Mane Addicts HQ, on the other hand? Picking split ends. Either through twirling or pulling, any chance to separate the dry, drab-looking dead ends gets us giddy. Our old habits would’ve died hard, but we’re sensible, and decided to seek help from an expert. Ahead, the reason why you shouldn’t pick split ends, according to Lee Rittiner, executive stylist at Alen-M Salon in Los Angeles, who keeps a fresh cut on some of our favorite Instababes, including Sazan Hendrix and Rocky Barnes.

What exactly are split ends? How are they formed? 
A split end is just what it sounds like. The end of a hair strand that’s damaged, resulting in the strand separating into two or more fragments. Split ends are the result of damage to your hair, either from heat, combing, washing, coloring or even wearing a ponytail. When you damage your hair, the outer layer (the cuticle) starts to peel away, leaving hair frizzy looking and more prone to breakage and splitting.

So, how bad is it to pick split ends?
You can damage your hair further. I describe it to clients like a thread on a knitted sweater—once you pull the thread it will keep unraveling and ruin the garment. Pulling a split end works the same way…so hands off!

Will picking your split ends create more split ends?
The damage to your hair will come when you tear away at the split ends. Pulling them apart actually makes the problem much worse. Instead of having small splits, you could end up with long lengths of hair that have been thinned as a result of pulling the split end apart. This thinned out hair shaft is more apt to tangle. It may also break off entirely, leaving you with shorter hair that is more prone to even more split ends. Any type of “break” to the hair is not “clean” or blunt like it would be from a scissor cut. Some people acquire hair so damaged that a single hair shaft has multiple splits on it.

Do you slow hair growth when you pick split ends?
Yes, because it will continue breaking which will not allow the hair to grow longer.

What styling products would make your split ends worse?
Anything with a high alcohol content will amplify dryness since split ends are looking for hydration.

You can find the full article at Mane Addicts

Given that we are housebound amid a global crisis, you may think that a short back and sides would be the last thing on anyone’s mind. But you would be wrong. Physical distancing has not stopped people around the world, from Phillip Schofield to Malala Yousafzai, reaching for the scissors – with varying degrees of success.

Since the temptation to give yourself, or your loved ones and housemates, a quick cut appears matched only by the desire to bake banana bread, here are a few points to consider.

Should you cut your own hair?
Hairdressers advise regular appointments to keep your hair in good condition and your cuts looking fresh, so it is little wonder that so many of us are keen to keep this up. But most stylists have one word of advice: don’t.

“I feel sorry for all the stylists who, after this, will be dealing with a lot of DIY disasters,” says Keri Daniel, the owner of Danique Hairdressing in Leicester. “If you really have to, then it’s worth investing in the right tools – even a professional would struggle to get a good result using the kitchen scissors. You can get cheap hairdressing scissors and cutting combs online – even razors – and they’ll give you a better finish.”

What about fringes?
Being poked in the eye by your own fringe is no fun. Many fringe-wearers will have already experimented with DIY trims, but, if you are new to this, the advice is to cut upwards, not across, using just the tips of the scissors. Daniel goes further: “I’d suggest using a wide-tooth comb, pulling the hair down to the eyebrows and then lifting it slightly [before cutting]. Any lifting of the fringe will give it a slight graduation and make it look softer. This way, even if you do make a mistake, it’s unlikely to look horrific.”

Should you just shave it all off?
With hairdressers and barbers closed, some people – Riz Ahmed and David Beckham among them – have opted to simply lop off the lot. It is quite the lockdown look, but it is not as simple as you might hope.

“You need to make sure that the guard you put on the clipper is secured properly – otherwise you can go from a grade four to a grade zero by accident, and there’s no fading that out,” says the salon owner and celebrity stylist Jamie Stevens. “You may think you can just do grade three all over, but the parietal bridge and the occipital bone [towards the back of the head] protrude slightly, and a few days later it will start to have a weird shape because these areas should be slightly tapered.”

Should you do it yourself or hand the scissors to someone you live with?
“Think about what’s best for your household, because you have to live with these people,” warns Daniel. Like most professionals, hairdressers have a knack of making their job look easier than it is.

“If you cut your own hair, you’ll need one mirror in front and one behind you,” says Stevens. “I’ve seen people using their phones, but it gets a bit tricky because you need to hold that, the comb, the scissors and the clippers. Get help if you can.”

How do you cut kids’ hair?
“The biggest challenge when cutting children’s hair is that they don’t like to sit still,” says Kelly V, the owner of Pixal-Rose Hair Design, a vegan salon in Swindon, who suggests keeping them occupied with a tablet or a book. For short hair, a simple cut with clippers is advised. For long hair, “brush the hair down, have the head tilted forward and cut the very, very ends off”, she says. “Don’t attempt anything too drastic.”

What about your roots?
This can be the biggest giveaway that you are overdue a trip to the salon, but there are better solutions than home-dyeing.

“A zigzag parting can help disguise that regrowth line and, depending on the colour of your hair, mascara can be a great way to cover up greys,” says Stevens. “Or just have a bit of fun – we put a luminous green feather in one parting. It looked like Billie Eilish’s green roots.”

Kelly V says the biggest problem with DIY dyeing is when those with blond hair switch to brunette to avoid root regrowth. “The trend is to go for ashy, cool, brunette colours, but this will simply leave your blond hair khaki,” she says. Instead, “you’ll need to select a dye that contains a lot of red tones [to get the colour you want]. Also, always do the patch test.”
​
Daniel suggests visiting your salon’s website to find out which products they used and investing in those. “You may be able to buy them through the salon, which can be a great way to support them while they are closed,” she adds. “Dyes that you might buy in the supermarket are not professional products, and it can make it a lot harder when it comes to colouring in the future.”

How should you care for afro hair?
“An inch of growth in afro hair doesn’t make as much difference,” says Stevens, whose salon specialises in afro hair. “It’s easier to disguise that it’s overdue a cut. Relaxed hair will have curly roots, but I would never recommend using a home relaxant – you will get snappage. You could go through it with straightening irons, but it would be very time-consuming. I would suggest just wearing your hair up.”

What if you run out of shampoo and conditioner and can’t get to the shops?
Join the “no-poo” movement and break free from the shackles of commercial haircare! Well, it is one option – and the lockdown offers a chance to wait out the initial greasy period in relative privacy. Otherwise, shower gel can substitute for shampoo if you are desperate, according to Stevens, while mayonnaise, avocado or coconut oil can replace conditioner. “If you look at what branded products use in their ingredients, you can get an idea of the kitchen cupboard alternatives,” says Daniel. Of course, you are probably washing your hair far more than you need to anyway.

How often do you need to bother washing your hair when no one can see?
“Realistically, you don’t need to wash your hair more than once a week, unless you are doing a sport or have a job in a kitchen,” says Daniel. For those of us who like to wash our hair daily, this may seem like a big ask. But she assures me it is possible. “On the third day, you could spritz it with some water and blow-dry again to give it a bit of lift. Stay away from the straighteners if you can. On the fourth day, you can start to wear your hair up. Dry shampoo and texture sprays can also give unwashed hair a little bit more life. You’re with your family and loved ones, staying home – it’s the best chance to give your hair a rest.”
​
What about body hair – is it time to grow it out?

Removal of body hair – particularly pubic hair – is often best left to the professionals. While shaving your own legs may be straightforward, waxing your bikini line is another matter. So, is it time to go au naturel? “We’ve had lots of inquiries from clients who are midway through laser hair removal courses asking what they should do,” says Dr Chloë Butler, the founder of the Chloë Edit clinic in Worcestershire. “We advise not attempting DIY waxing, as it can be quite tricky unless you have the right equipment and patience.” While trimming or shaving pubic hair may seem straightforward, Butler believes some people would be better off leaving well alone. You may even discover you prefer your new look.

“Make the right choice based on the type of skin and hair you have, not on whatever style is ‘trending’,” says Butler. “If you have a thicker hair follicle, you may be more prone to ingrown hairs or a shaving rash. If you’ve got oily skin, you may get blocked pores and irritation. Dry skin tends to be thinner and more likely to tear.” Ouch.

Is now a good time to experiment with hairstyles?
Rather than shaving your head, Stevens suggests men try growing their hair long or cultivating a beard. If you are tempted by a complete restyle, he suggests ordering a wig online: “Walk around the house and see how you feel. What kind of reaction do you get when you’re FaceTiming friends and family?”

Daniel believes that, aside from the buzzcut, other hair trends are likely to emerge after the lockdown. “It’s exciting from a hairdressing point of view. People who wanted to grow out their grey hair, or go from being very blond to a more natural colour, have an opportunity to do that.”

“Ultimately, chill out,” says Stevens. “Embrace your new hair and, if you’re really that bothered, put a hat or a scarf on.”

Shave it or Save it brought to you from The Guardian