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You might think of your nails as a canvas for creative nail art, but did you know they’re also windows into your overall health? Taking care of your nails is more than just a beauty routine; it’s a health practice. In this article, we’re diving into the top 15 tips to keep your nails strong, healthy, and beautiful. So, whether you’re a nail salon regular or prefer a DIY approach, these easy nail care tips are for you!
01 | Keep Nails Clean and Dry
One of the most important nail care tips is to keep your nails clean and dry. This can prevent bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms from growing under your nails and causing infections or diseases. To keep your nails clean and dry, you should:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Scrub the underside of your nails with a nail brush or a soft toothbrush every time you wash your hands.
- Dry your hands thoroughly after washing, using a clean towel or a paper towel.
- Avoid soaking your nails in water for too long, as this can weaken them and make them prone to splitting or peeling.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores, gardening, or handling chemicals that can damage your nails.
02 | Trim Regularly
Another nail care tip is to trim your nails regularly. This can help maintain their strength, shape, and prevent them from breaking or snagging. To trim your nails properly, you should:
- Use sharp nail scissors or clippers that are designed for cutting nails.
- Cut your nails straight across, rounding the tips slightly for maximum strength.
- Cut your nails right after you have showered or bathed, when they are softer and easier to cut.
- Avoid cutting your nails too short, as this can expose the nail bed and increase the risk of infection or ingrown nails.
- File your nails with an emery board to smooth the edges and avoid roughness.
03 | Gentle Filing
Filing your nails is another way to keep them in good shape and prevent snags or splits. However, you should be gentle when filing your nails, as too much pressure or friction can damage them and cause thinning or peeling. To file your nails gently, you should:
- Use a fine-grained emery board that is suitable for your nail type.
- File in one direction only, from the side to the center of the nail.
- File in short strokes, avoiding back-and-forth movements that can create heat and weaken the nail.
- File only when your nails are dry, as wet nails are more vulnerable to tearing or cracking.
- Avoid filing the corners or sides of your nails too much, as this can alter their natural shape and cause ingrown nails.
04 | Cuticle Care
The cuticle is the thin layer of skin that covers the base of the nail. It protects the nail from infection and helps it grow properly. Therefore, taking care of your cuticles is essential for healthy nails. To care for your cuticles, you should:
- Avoid cutting or biting your cuticles, as this can damage them and expose the nail to bacteria or fungi.
- Push back your cuticles gently with a wooden stick or a rubber-tipped tool after soaking them in warm water for a few minutes.
- Moisturize your cuticles regularly with hydrating oils or creams, especially after washing your hands or using nail polish remover.
- Avoid using harsh products that can dry out or irritate your cuticles, such as alcohol-based sanitizers or acetone-based removers.
05 | Moisturize
The last but not least nail care tip is to moisturize your nails and cuticles frequently. This can nourish them and prevent them from becoming dry, brittle, or cracked. To moisturize your nails and cuticles effectively, you should:
- Apply a moisturizing product that contains ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, almond oil, shea butter, or glycerin.
- Massage the product into your nails and cuticles until it is fully absorbed.
- Do this at least once a day, preferably before going to bed or after removing nail polish.
- Wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in the moisture and enhance its effect.
06 | Wear Gloves for Protection
When you are cleaning, gardening, or doing any other activity that exposes your hands and nails to harsh chemicals, dirt, or water, wear gloves to protect them. Gloves will prevent your nails from getting damaged, stained, or infected by bacteria or fungi. They will also keep your nails from becoming dry and brittle due to excessive moisture loss.
07 | Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a vital role in maintaining healthy nails. You need to consume a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen your nails from within. Some of the essential nutrients for nail health are:
- Protein: The main building block of your nails. It helps them grow faster and stronger. Sources of protein include meat, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds.
- Biotin: A type of vitamin B that improves nail thickness and prevents splitting and cracking. Sources of biotin include eggs, salmon, bananas, avocados, and cauliflower.
- Iron: A mineral that prevents nail brittleness and discoloration. Sources of iron include red meat, spinach, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals.
- Zinc: A mineral that supports nail growth and repair. It also helps fight nail infections and inflammation. Sources of zinc include oysters, beef, chicken, pumpkin seeds, and yogurt.
- Calcium: A mineral that strengthens the nail matrix and prevents nail ridges and white spots. Sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, kale, and almonds.
08 | Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Some nail care products can do more harm than good to your nails. They can contain harsh chemicals that strip away the natural oils and moisture from your nails, making them dry and brittle. They can also damage the nail surface and cause discoloration or allergic reactions.
Some of the chemicals to avoid in nail care products are:
- Formaldehyde: A preservative that hardens the nails but also makes them brittle and prone to splitting. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Toluene: A solvent that gives nail polish a smooth finish but also thins the nail plate and causes yellowing. It can also affect the nervous system and cause headaches and dizziness.
- Acetone: A solvent that removes nail polish but also dehydrates the nails and cuticles. It can also cause skin irritation and inflammation.
To avoid these chemicals, look for nail care products that are labeled as “3-free”, “5-free”, or “10-free”. These products do not contain the most common harmful chemicals found in nail care products.
09 | Hydrate
Drinking enough water is not only good for your overall health but also for your nail health. Water keeps your body hydrated and helps flush out toxins that can affect your nails. It also keeps your nails from becoming brittle and breaking easily. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your nails healthy and hydrated.
10 | No Nail Biting
Nail biting is a bad habit that can damage your nails and your health. When you bite your nails, you are not only weakening them but also exposing them to bacteria and germs that can cause infections and diseases.
Nail biting can also damage the skin around your nails, causing inflammation, bleeding, and pain.
To break the habit of nail biting, try these tips:
- Keep your nails short and trimmed so that you have less to bite on.
- Apply a bitter-tasting nail polish or a deterrent product that will make you stop biting your nails.
- Find a substitute for biting your nails, such as chewing gum, playing with a stress ball, or wearing a rubber band around your wrist.
- Identify the triggers that make you bite your nails, such as stress, boredom, anxiety, or frustration. Then find healthy ways to cope with them, such as meditation, exercise, or talking to someone.
11 | Safe Nail Products
Many nail products contain harsh chemicals that can weaken your nails and cause them to peel, crack or split. Some of these chemicals include formaldehyde, toluene, acetone and phthalates. These substances can also dry out your cuticles and skin, making them more prone to infections.
To protect your nails from these harmful ingredients, choose nail polishes and removers that are non-toxic, organic or natural. Look for products that are labeled as “3-free”, “5-free” or “10-free”, which means they are free of the most common toxic chemicals. You can also opt for breathable nail polishes that allow moisture and air to reach your nails, which can prevent fungal growth and discoloration.
12 | Nail Health Check
Your nails can reveal a lot about your internal health. For example, pale or white nails can indicate anemia, yellow nails can indicate liver disease, blue nails can indicate poor circulation, and dark spots or streaks can indicate melanoma. Other signs of nail problems include ridges, grooves, pitting, splitting, curling and inflammation.
If you notice any changes in your nails that are not normal for you, consult a dermatologist or a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Some nail problems can be treated with topical or oral medications, while others may require more serious interventions. Do not ignore or self-treat your nail problems, as they may worsen over time or lead to complications.
13 | Professional Help for Issues
Some nail problems are more difficult to treat at home and may require professional help. For example, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, nail psoriasis and nail trauma can cause pain, discomfort and infection if not treated properly. A dermatologist can examine your nails and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your condition.
To prevent ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight across and avoid digging out the corners. To prevent fungal infections, keep your nails clean and dry and avoid sharing nail tools or polish with others. To prevent nail psoriasis, moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly and avoid picking or biting your nails. To prevent nail trauma, wear gloves when doing manual work and avoid using your nails as tools.
14 | Breathable Polishes
Breathable nail polishes are a new trend in the nail industry that claim to be healthier for your nails than traditional polishes. Breathable polishes have a porous formula that allows water and oxygen to pass through the polish layer and reach the nail surface. This can help prevent dehydration, discoloration and fungal growth that can occur when the nail is sealed off from the environment.
Breathable polishes also have fewer chemicals than regular polishes and do not require a base coat or a top coat. They are easy to apply and remove and come in a variety of colors and finishes. However, they may not last as long as regular polishes and may chip or peel more easily.
15 | Regular Breaks from Polish
While nail polish can enhance the appearance of your nails, it can also cause some negative effects if used too frequently or for too long. Nail polish can stain your nails with pigments that are hard to remove, especially if you use dark or bright colors. Nail polish can also weaken your nails by stripping them of their natural oils and moisture, making them more brittle and prone to breakage.
To avoid these problems, give your nails a break from polish every once in a while. Let them breathe and restore their natural color and strength. You can also use a nail strengthener or a moisturizer during this period to nourish and protect your nails. Aim for at least one week of polish-free time every month or two.
By following these 15 best simple nail care tips, you can achieve balance and boost health for your nails. Healthy nails are not only attractive but also indicate a healthy body and mind. Remember to treat your nails with care and respect, and they will reward you with beauty and confidence.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association – Tips for Healthy Nails
