Care of the Hands.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue IX, 1 March 1902, Page 403

Care of the Hands.

Because a woman does housework is no reason why she should have rough, red hands, with carlessly kept nails. If not for their looks, then for comfort the hands should have some care. Dish-washing will not hurt ’he hands if they are not put into too hot water, and are washed and rinsed well afterwards and thoroughIv dried. The woman who does not

have to work, and has plenty of time to take care of her hands, soaks them in warm water every day before she trims her nails and polishes them. After washing dishes the hands are well soaked, and it is a good time to give a few minutes to trimming and cleaning the nailsand pushing back the cuticle, to show the pretty white cresents and prevent hang nails. Never use a hard instrument for cleaning the nails, as it roughens them and makes them

much harder to keep clean. One needs a pair of curved nailscissors. a nail-brush, and a fine nailfile. If the nails are brittle rub a little oil or vaseline into them at night. After cutting the nails rub the edges smooth with the file. If you wish to polish the nails a polisher may be bought, or a piece of chamois-skin will answer the purpose. There is a powder which helps the polishing, but only a little should be used, putting a little cold cream or vaseline on the nail first and not rubbing hard enough to heat the

nail. After this the hands should l»e washed, to remove all the powder. If the hands are stained, tomato or leomn juice will usually remove it. When paring fruit, if strips of cotton are wrapped about the forefinger and the thumb it will prevent staining. and cutting also. Children should be taught while young to keep their hands tidy. The habit of caring for the hands and of brushing the teeth cannot be formed too young, for the effects will add mrch to the personal appearance ot both child and adult.