Nothing, and I mean NOTHING ruins an attractive outfit like un-kept fingernails!

For the Apostolic lady well maintained fingernails are a MUST!

Now by well maintained I do NOT mean long, painted, or over done fingernails.  Many in Pentecost do not wear artificial nails or polish of any type.  Well maintained fingernails are those who are cared for and clean.  Remember, when you lay your hands on someone to pray for them you want to not have any distractions!

Right now artificial nails are very popular, but consider the risks before you take the plunge!  They can cause infections and severely weaken your natural nail!  They are an added expense in both money and time to maintain them.  Remember, if it distracts people you meet from Jesus they probably aren't a good idea.

Nail Care Routine & Supplies

Recently I've changed some of my nail care routine with GREAT results!

I've started to use cuticle and nail oil... (there are tons of brand out there, I usually find what I need at Sally's Beauty Supply.)

I also use a "3-way nail file" with awesome results. But a word of caution...only do it about every two weeks, if you use it more often it can thin the nail too much and cause damage! I also use a Glass Nail File only for the nail edge!

Just put a drop on each nail and massage in for about 10 seconds once a day. The growth of your nail will accelerate and peeling, breaking and hang nails are a thing of the past with proper care of the nail (see below).

You can also use just plain Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil as well!

All these products can be found at your local drug store! I include links just so you can see what the product looks like.

Facts about your Nails

The skin on fingertips are protected by nails.

Nails are dead cells & made of protein called keratin (like hair).

Feeding nutrients to the nails go beyond the surface.

The surface of a nail is called the nail plate.

The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root).

Nail moons are found at the base of the nails. They are also known as lunule.

Small or no moons may indicate low metabolism while large moons may indicate an active metabolism.

Nail moons disappear with age.

The average growth rate a day is 0.1 mm.

Nails grow fastest on the more active hand.

Nails grow faster during summer & pregnancy.

Young people grow nails at a faster rate.

Fingernails grow at least 2 times faster than toenails.

Weather, activity, hormonal changes & age all have an effect on the rate of nail growth.

With age nails tend to thicken, harden, grow slower & ridges appear.

When a nail is detached from the skin (nail bed), it could take up to 6 months for a fingernail & almost 18 months for a toenail to grow back.

Though the appearance of nails could often point to any diet imbalance or certain health problems, they are most often not sole indicators but will be heralded by other more prominent signs & symptoms.

Guidelines for Beautiful Nails

Having beautiful hands need not be impossible!  Here are some easy things you can do to always have well-manicured nails.  If you have a trick you use, please send it to us via our contact page we depend upon you to keep this site fresh and up to date!

1.  Take the time to care for your nails.  This may seem silly but often we get so distracted by the day to day things we do not have time for general maintenance!  Why not soak your nails while learning a new praise chorus?  Use that time to memorize your weekly Scripture verse.

2.  To brighten under the free edge, wrap a small piece of cotton around an orange stick, dip in hydrogen peroxide and wipe under the edge of your nail.  Finish by rinsing with water.  This simple step naturally whitens and brightens the tip of your nails.  

3.  Keep your cuticles looking neat, push back gently with the edge of an orangewood stick.  Don't cut the cuticle,  cutting it invites infection on the nail's tissue.

4.  Always wear rubber gloves when doing housework or dishes.  Excessive water and household cleansers weaken your nails leading to peeling, breakage, and discoloration.

5.  Even if your nails don't grow out don't despair!  A clean, smooth short nail is much more attractive than long, jagged dirty nails!

6.  Some sisters have had great success with their hair and nails taking gelatin supplements or biotin supplements.  (always check with your doctor first).

7.  Keep hands and cuticles well moisturized using hand lotion.  This enhances nail growth and reduces nail peeling and breakage.  

8.  File every nail tip from the corner to center. Avoid filing deep into the corners.

9.  Short nails are easier to maintain.

10.  Don't torture nails by using them to scrap, pick, scrub, pull or open things. 

11.  Be sure to put those hands to good use!  Clapping and praising the Lord, Laying on hands in prayer, and working for the Kingdom!

Giving a friend, daughter, or elderly saint a manicure is one of the best ways to stimulate conversation and even minister to another!  You would be amazed what you can talk to your teenage daughter about during a manicure!  Some of our elderly saints need that human contact!  Hold their hand, give them a manicure and end in prayer!  Hallelujah!  We can all do our part to let the Love of Christ shine through!

If you have questions or need help "right now" be sure to stop by and visit our message~boards! There are friendly ladies there daily who can help!

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