Beautiful nails are a fetish for every woman, plus it’s also a sign of sound health. However, sometimes even though our nails look beautiful, yet they are not as strong as they should be. With few lifestyle changes and habits, we can strengthen our nails and make them healthier.
Here are 11 easy to implement tips that can help you take care of your nails in the best possible way:
1. Always keep your hands clean
After washing your hands, first use an acetone-free makeup remover that will not dry your nails to remove all traces of polish and make sure that your nails are completely free of dirt. Apply soap to a clean toothbrush, then gently scrub your nails and surrounding skin to remove dirt and any dead skin without using harsh, dry chemicals.
2. Treat your nails gently
Your nails are very delicate, so treat them very delicately. Avoid using metal tools under the nails, because excessive digging can cause the nail plate to separate from the skin (called oronychia), which is common in people over the age of 50.
3. Cut your nails regularly
Consistent trimming is as important to your nails as to your hair and it is essential to make your nails less prone to chipping and breaking. Therefore, the goal is to trim once every two weeks and adjust the frequency as needed after seeing the nail’s condition.
4. Prioritize nail health rather than length
Long nails are elegant, but if you are someone who has been fighting with barbs or breakage, at least for a while, then you should focus on making them stronger. Shorter styles with rounded edges look neat and tend to be easier to manage, so you don’t have to subject your nails to additional breakage. As long as the shape of each nail is uniform.
5. Always carry your nail file with you
If your work or daily exercise can potentially damage your nails, bring a nail file with you so that you can sharpen any rough edges on the spot. To get the smoothest surface, you need to work in one direction with the texture of your nails.
6. Don’t forget to take care of your nail tools
Disinfecting nail tools between uses is as important as cleaning makeup brushes regularly, and for the same reason, i.e., bacteria. In order to keep the nails from being infected, you should wash the metal tools with soap and water first, and then wipe them with rubbing alcohol. And don’t forget to replace disposable tools like sand boards regularly. If you can easily replace a new tool with a few dollars, there is no reason to continue using broken tools.
7. Leave your cuticle
The cuticle has a very important function: it seals the area at the base of the nail. Therefore, think twice when cutting or exfoliating the cuticle, as it will break the protective seal and leave you vulnerable to bacteria and the possibility of infection (as well as painful tears). Moreover, taking care of your cuticles will also help reduce those terrible hangnails.
8. Protect your nails with primer
Don’t skip the primer while applying nails at home. This step can not only prevent the nails from being stained by the polish, but also help the color look more saturated and only apply a layer of opacity. Even if there is no color, the fortified varnish will leave a shiny hard coat on the nails; strengthen the tips to make them look thicker; and can prevent damage.
9. Read the label on the polish
Just like cosmetics and skin care products, not all nail polish brands are the same, so make sure you buy or use quality products. Avoid polishing agents that contain toxic chemicals such as dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene, as these toxins can cause brittleness, splitting, and cracking.
10. Give your nails a break
Keep carefully crafted manicures and bold colors with lots of pigments on weekends, and for the rest of the week, give your nails time to rest and repair them with a clear gloss. Changing from one intense polished color to another without letting the nails rest can dry them out, turn them yellow, and even weaken the structure of the nails over time.
Besides, nail polish remover may also be the cause of weakening of your nails. Sometimes going completely natural may be exactly what your nails need to rejuvenate and refresh.
11. Eat more protein-rich foods
Your nails are made up of a protein called keratin, so just like your skin is clear or your hair is shiny, you can improve your nails by adjusting your diet. It is recommended to add more vitamins and supplements to your daily diet, such as biotin, vitamin E, and fish oil. Dr. Palmer recommends protein-rich foods such as beans, fish, and nuts. One thing that every expert agrees: Once you find a combination that suits you, you will get stronger, clearer nails.
Taking care of your nails regularly will ensure that they are always in their best condition. Following the above tips can help you make your nails grow longer, healthier and stronger.
