Nail slugging is a novel technique for hydrating and reviving dry or damaged nails. It is an outgrowth of the well-known Korean skin-slugging fad. Similar to how skin slugging includes covering the skin with a thick layer of an occlusive ointment (usually Vaseline), nail slugging entails coating the nail and cuticle with the same substance. Consider nail slugging as deep conditioning for your cuticle and nail compared to cuticle oil, which is easily rubbed off. The ointment forms a barrier that effectively traps moisture in the nail.
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What Are The Benefits Of Nail Slugging
Nail slugging can encourage healthier, stronger growth, hydrate the cuticle and nail, and prevent splitting and cracking. It all boils down to how crucial the cuticle is. “The cuticle is essential for a strong, attractive nail since it serves as the nail’s natural protective seal.
Similar to the grout between the shower tiles, it prevents moisture and microorganisms from entering the nail unit. Imagine old, dry grout. That seal becomes damaged when it is removed, as may happen during a severe manicure, or when it becomes dry and dehydrated.
The nail unit can be penetrated by water and moisture, which can result in a variety of concerns, including redness, swelling, abnormal nail development, and problems including white patches, lumps, thickness, and discolouration.
Who Might Think About Nail Slugging?
Everyone can benefit from nail slugging. Depending on your particular demands and how damaged your nails or cuticles may be, the frequency of how frequently you do it may simply fluctuate. But up to that point, those who suffer damage from acrylics or gel polish should consider nail slugging as a particularly good alternative.
Considering that cuticles are typically drier in the winter, it’s also an excellent habit to get into. Similar to how it can aid with damaged cuticles, it’s a fantastic option for individuals with them as well.
How Do You Do It?
Even if applying a thick ointment is the most common definition of slugging, there are several preparations you need to make in order to get the best results. You should first exfoliate your nails.
Using a cuticle oil, apply moisture as the following step. Apply it freely to the skin, cuticle, and nail’s surrounding area. You can then go to the slugging part. Apply a generous layer of something like Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly on each nail.
Applying this occlusive layer creates a barrier to guard against moisture loss and locks in the cuticle oil so that it may penetrate deeper. Wear finger gloves or even a standard glove to guarantee that everything is kept tightly closed.
Do this for at least 15 to 30 minutes, but ideally overnight. A superb hand cream, such as Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, can treat both dry hands and brittle nails.
Again, the state of your nails will determine how frequently you slug. You can do this every night, but if you do, make sure you only exfoliate once a week. The best technique to mend dry, brittle nails, according to the experts, is to incorporate this into your regimen once or twice a week.
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