Natural from Toe to Head - Toe Nail Care

 
How to cut them:
I've been told by my Esthetician that toe nails are best trimmed straight across with no tapering or rounding on the corners. Cut your toenails by using a clean, sharp toe nail clipper and cut the toenails no shorter than the edge of the toe. Keep in mind, curved toe nail edges can cause in-grown nails - buff out any sharp edges the clipper leaves with a nail file.

Fungus oh no!
Toe nail fungus infection will in many cases change the colour of the nail. Fungus infects both finger and toenails and is common. The toenail can become yellowish or brownish in color, develop streaks and marks and sometimes not smell so great. People who who enjoy swimming pools, gyms, and use shared dressing rooms are more likely to have this problem. Another reason for toenail fungus is bad foot hygiene.

A few things that might help:

• Probiotics (kombucha yum!), Olive Oil which is a natural anti-fungal and Garlic in the foods you eat help your immune system stay strong.
• Tea-tree oil is said to be great at curing toe nail fungus if rubbed into the nails nightly, as is oregano oil, and sage oil which have antiseptic and antibacterial properties in addition to being an anti-fungal. 
• Apple cider vinegar/White Vinegar is an age old cure of toe nail fungus - soak feet in a foot bath with one cup added or rub on your toes directly

In order to avoid toenail fungus it is recommended to always wash and dry your feet properly after working out, swimming or even if your feet have been wet or not. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, socks or shoes with anyone, especially those who have toenail fungus. If you have toenail fungus, keep your nail trimmed short and avoid applying nail polish so that your nails can breathe.

Source: Dailyglow

Nail Polish:

Okay so they aren't chemical free but, sometimes a girl just has to paint her toes blue you know? Here are the best "friendly" polishes I know of - If you have any other brands you use that you use I'd love to hear about them

1. Suncoat Water -based Nail Polish:
   A water based nail polished that won the Canadian Alive Award of Excellence in 2004 and 2005. In Suncoat water-based nail polish, the chemical solvents (toluene and acetates etc) are replaced by water. Most of the colours are vegan - there is a list on their site of which ones are and aren't.
2. Zoya:  Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl, Phthalate (DBP and Camphor free, Vegan. The brainchild of Zoya Reyzis who, as a pregnant aesthetician and salon owner in 1984, realized the need for a healthier and more durable solution. 

*I've put links to these products and other things I've mentioned in my Amazon Store section as well to make them easier to find.