Having nail problems can be scary and painful. You’re not alone! At Vals Beauty Hub, we see clients from Ottawa and Gatineau dealing with these issues every day. From bleeding nails to stubborn infections, we’ve helped thousands of people get their nails back to health.
Let’s tackle the most common nail problems and give you real solutions that work.
What Should I Do If My Nail Is Bleeding After Cutting?
First, don’t panic. Bleeding after cutting your nails happens more often than you think, especially if you cut too short or have sensitive skin.
Immediate steps:
- Clean your hands with soap and water
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth
- Use an antiseptic like hydrogen peroxide
- Cover with a small bandage if needed
When to worry:
- Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes
- You see signs of infection (pus, red streaks)
- The pain gets worse instead of better
Many of our Ottawa clients come to us after home accidents. We always recommend letting professionals handle tricky nail situations to avoid these problems.
How Do I Treat a Hangnail Properly?
Hangnails are those annoying little pieces of skin that stick up around your nails. Whatever you do, don’t pull them! This can make things much worse.
Safe hangnail removal:
- Soak your hands in warm water for 5 minutes
- Use clean nail scissors or cuticle nippers
- Cut the hangnail at the base, not the tip
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Keep the area moisturized
Prevention tips:
- Keep your cuticles moisturized daily
- Don’t bite or pick at your nails
- Use cuticle oil regularly
- Wear gloves when cleaning
Our Gatineau clients often ask about this during manicures. Regular professional cuticle care prevents most hangnail problems.
Why Do My Cuticles Always Look Dry?
Dry cuticles are super common, especially during Canadian winters. Ottawa and Gatineau’s cold weather can dry out your skin and nails.
Common causes:
- Cold weather and low humidity
- Frequent hand washing
- Using harsh soaps or sanitizers
- Not moisturizing enough
- Health conditions like eczema
Quick fixes:
- Apply cuticle oil twice daily
- Use a good hand cream after washing
- Push back cuticles gently when soft
- Don’t cut living cuticle tissue
- Consider a humidifier at home
Professional help: If your cuticles stay dry despite good care, book a professional manicure. We can assess if there’s an underlying issue and provide targeted treatments.
What Causes Ingrown Nails and How Do I Prevent Them?
Ingrown nails happen when your nail grows into the surrounding skin. They’re painful and can lead to infections if not treated properly.
Main causes:
- Cutting nails too short or rounded
- Wearing tight shoes
- Injury to the nail
- Genetics (some people are more prone)
- Thick or curved nails
Prevention strategies:
- Cut nails straight across, not curved
- Leave a small white edge
- Wear properly fitting shoes
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Don’t pick at your nails
When to see a professional:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Pus or discharge
- Red streaks around the nail
- Fever or other signs of infection
Our nail technicians in Ottawa and Gatineau see many ingrown nail cases. Early treatment prevents serious complications.
How Do I Deal With Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is stubborn but treatable. It’s more common than people think, so don’t feel embarrassed about it.
Signs of nail fungus:
- Yellow, brown, or white discoloration
- Thick, brittle nails
- Crumbly or ragged nail edges
- Slightly foul smell
- Separation from the nail bed
Home treatments:
- Keep nails clean and dry
- Use antifungal creams from the pharmacy
- Try tea tree oil (diluted)
- Wear breathable socks and shoes
- Change socks daily
Important: Nail fungus takes months to clear up. Be patient and consistent with treatment. If home remedies don’t work after 2-3 months, see a doctor.
Professional advice: We can’t treat active fungal infections at the salon, but we can help you maintain healthy nails during and after treatment.
Why Do My Nails Hurt After a Manicure?
Some discomfort after a manicure is normal, but severe pain isn’t. Here’s what might be happening:
Normal discomfort:
- Slight tenderness from cuticle work
- Sensitivity to new products
- Adjustment to nail length changes
Not normal:
- Sharp, throbbing pain
- Swelling or redness
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of infection
What to do:
- Soak in warm water with Epsom salt
- Apply a cold compress for swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- Contact your nail technician if pain persists
At Vals Beauty Hub, we train our technicians to work gently and check in with clients throughout the service. Pain shouldn’t be part of your nail care experience.
What Should I Do If My Nail Gets Infected?
Nail infections need quick attention to prevent serious complications.
Signs of infection:
- Increased pain and swelling
- Red streaks extending from the nail
- Pus or discharge
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Warm skin around the nail
Immediate care:
- Clean the area gently with soap and water
- Apply warm compresses 3-4 times daily
- Keep the area dry between treatments
- Don’t squeeze or pick at infected areas
- Cover with a clean bandage
When to see a doctor:
- Symptoms worsen after 2-3 days
- Red streaks appear
- You develop a fever
- You have diabetes or circulation problems
- The infection spreads
Prevention: Proper nail hygiene and professional care reduce infection risk significantly.
How Do I Handle a Broken Nail Emergency?
Broken nails always happen at the worst times! Here’s how to handle the emergency:
For minor breaks:
- Clean your hands thoroughly
- Trim the jagged edge carefully
- File smooth to prevent catching
- Apply a clear base coat for protection
For severe breaks:
- Stop any bleeding with pressure
- Clean the area gently
- Cover with a bandage
- Seek professional help if it’s deep or won’t stop bleeding
Emergency repair kit:
- Small nail file
- Nail clippers
- Clear nail polish
- Small bandages
- Hand sanitizer
Professional repair: For breaks that go into the nail bed or cause significant pain, visit a professional nail salon. We can often repair breaks and make them look good as new.
Preventing Common Nail Problems
The best treatment is prevention! Here’s what works:
Daily care:
- Moisturize hands and cuticles
- Keep nails clean and dry
- Wear gloves for household tasks
- Don’t use nails as tools
Weekly care:
- Trim nails regularly
- Push back cuticles gently
- Apply strengthening treatments if needed
- Check for any changes or problems
Professional care:
- Regular manicures every 2-4 weeks
- Professional cuticle care
- Early treatment of problems
- Quality products and techniques
When to Seek Professional Help
Some nail problems need professional attention right away:
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Signs of infection
- Changes in nail color or texture
- Problems that don’t improve with home care
- If you have diabetes or circulation issues
Quality Nail Care in Ottawa and Gatineau
At Vals Beauty Hub, we serve clients throughout Ottawa and Gatineau with professional nail care services. Our experienced technicians can help with nail problems and prevention.
We believe in education and prevention. During your appointment, we’ll assess your nail health and give you personalized advice for keeping your nails strong and healthy.
Don’t Ignore Nail Problems
Small nail problems can become big ones if ignored. Early treatment saves time, money, and pain in the long run.
Whether you’re dealing with a broken nail emergency or chronic cuticle issues, professional help makes a difference. Our team in Ottawa and Gatineau has seen it all and can guide you to healthier nails.
Remember, healthy nails aren’t just about looks – they’re about comfort and confidence too. Don’t let nail problems hold you back from feeling your best.
Need professional nail care? Contact us to book an appointment or visit our FAQ page for more answers to common nail questions.