When washing your hands, how should you brush under your nails?

When washing your hands, brushing under the nails is important for ensuring proper hygiene and removing dirt and pathogens that can accumulate in that area. The recommended technique involves using a brush to clean effectively without damaging the nail bed.

Brushing horizontally back and forth provides a thorough cleaning action that can reach the hidden areas beneath the nails. This lateral movement can help dislodge any trapped particles and germs more effectively than other methods. By moving the brush in a horizontal direction, you can cover a wider surface area and ensure that you are addressing both the surfaces of the nails and the skin underneath adequately.

Using vertical motions or circular motions may not provide as thorough a cleaning in terms of reaching the full extent under the nail, while diagonally brushing could miss areas that need attention. This is why the horizontal technique is favored in handwashing practices, particularly in settings such as barbering, where cleanliness is crucial.