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Nails are more than just a cosmetic accessory. They are an indicator of your overall health and well-being. Healthy nails are smooth, shiny, and strong. They don’t break, peel, or split easily. They also reflect your personal style and preferences. But how do you achieve healthy nails? It’s not as hard as you might think. With some simple nail care tips and tricks, you can keep your nails in tiptop shape and prevent common nail problems. Here are seven nail care tips for healthy, strong and beautiful nails.
Tip 01 | Keep your nails dry and clean
One of the most important nail care tips is to keep your nails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria, fungi, and other germs from growing under your nails and causing infections. It also prevents your nails from becoming soft and brittle due to excess moisture.
To keep your nails dry and clean, wash your hands with mild soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Avoid soaking your nails in water for too long, such as when washing dishes, bathing, or swimming. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when doing chores that involve water or chemicals. Clean under your nails with a nail brush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Tip 02 | Trim your nails regularly
Another nail care tip is to trim your nails regularly. This helps prevent your nails from becoming too long and snagging on things. It also prevents dirt and bacteria from accumulating under your nails.
To trim your nails, use a sharp nail clipper or scissors and cut them straight across. Then, round the tips in a gentle curve to follow the shape of your finger. Don’t cut your nails too short or too close to the skin, as this can cause ingrown nails or infections. Trim your nails every two weeks or whenever they start to chip or break.
Tip 03 | Use a moisturizer
Moisturizing your hands and nails is another nail care tip that can make a big difference. Moisturizer helps hydrate your skin and nails, preventing them from becoming dry, brittle, and cracked. It also improves the appearance and texture of your nails.
To moisturize your hands and nails, use a hand cream or lotion that contains ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or jojoba oil. Rub the moisturizer into your hands, nails, and cuticles at least once a day, especially after washing them or exposing them to harsh weather. You can also use a cuticle oil or balm to nourish and protect your cuticles.
Tip 04 | Apply a base coat
Applying a base coat is another nail care tip that can help you achieve healthy nails. A base coat is a clear or tinted polish that you apply before applying color polish. It acts as a protective layer between your nail and the color polish, preventing staining, chipping, and peeling.
To apply a base coat, choose one that suits your nail type and condition. For example, if you have weak or brittle nails, use a base coat that contains strengthening ingredients like keratin or calcium. If you have ridged or uneven nails, use a base coat that smooths out the surface of your nail. Apply one or two thin coats of base coat on clean and dry nails, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next one.
Tip 05 | Choose quality nail products
Choosing quality nail products is another nail care tip that can improve the health and beauty of your nails. Quality nail products are those that are made with safe and effective ingredients, free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These chemicals can damage your nails and cause allergic reactions or other health problems.
To choose quality nail products, look for labels that say “3-free”, “5-free”, “7-free”, or “10-free”, which indicate how many harmful chemicals are excluded from the product. You can also look for certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA, which indicate that the product is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Avoid buying cheap or counterfeit nail products from unknown sources, as they may contain low-quality or unsafe ingredients.
Tip 06 | Wear UV nail gloves
Wearing UV nail gloves is another nail care tip that can protect your hands and nails from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is used to cure gel manicures or pedicures at salons or at home. While gel manicures offer a long-lasting and shiny finish, they also expose your hands to UV light for several minutes at a time.
UV light can damage your skin cells and cause premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer. It can also weaken your nails and make them more prone to breaking or peeling.
To wear UV nail gloves, choose a pair that is made of a UV-blocking material like polyester or nylon. The gloves should cover your fingers and the back of your hand, leaving only your nails exposed. Wear the gloves whenever you get a gel manicure or pedicure, or use a UV lamp at home.
Tip 07 | Give your nails a break
Giving your nails a break is another nail care tip that can help them recover and rejuvenate. Constantly applying and removing nail polish, gel, or acrylics can take a toll on your nails, making them dry, brittle, and discolored. It can also increase the risk of nail infections or damage.
To give your nails a break, go polish-free for at least a week every month. This allows your nails to breathe and restore their natural moisture and oil balance. It also gives you a chance to inspect your nails for any signs of problems and treat them accordingly.
During your nail break, you can still pamper your nails with some natural remedies, such as soaking them in olive oil, coconut oil, or lemon juice. These ingredients can help nourish, strengthen, and brighten your nails.
FAQ Section: Nail Care Tips for Healthy, Strong and Beautiful Nails
Q1: How can I make my nails grow faster and stronger?
A: There is no magic formula to make your nails grow faster and stronger, as nail growth is largely determined by genetics, age, and health factors. However, you can try some tips to improve your nail health and prevent breakage, such as:
- Eating a balanced diet that includes protein, biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin C
- Taking a multivitamin or a biotin supplement if you have a deficiency
- Massaging your nails and cuticles with oil or cream to stimulate blood circulation
- Avoiding biting, picking, or peeling your nails
- Wearing gloves when doing chores that involve water or chemicals
- Using a nail file instead of a nail clipper to shape your nails
- Applying a base coat and a top coat when using nail polish
- Avoiding harsh nail products or treatments like gel or acrylics
Q2: How often should I get a manicure or pedicure?
A: The frequency of getting a manicure or pedicure depends on your personal preference and budget. However, as a general rule, you should get a manicure or pedicure at least once a month to keep your nails clean, healthy, and well-groomed.
If you use regular nail polish, you may need to get a manicure more often, as it tends to chip or fade within a week or two. If you use gel polish, you may need to get a manicure less often, as it lasts for up to three weeks without chipping or fading.
However, keep in mind that getting too many manicures or pedicures can also damage your nails, especially if you use harsh products or treatments like gel or acrylics. Therefore, it’s important to give your nails a break from time to time and treat them with some natural remedies.
Q3: How can I prevent nail infections?
A: Nail infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs that enter the nail through cuts, cracks, or injuries. Nail infections can cause pain, swelling, redness, pus, discoloration, or odor around the nail. They can also affect the shape and appearance of the nail.
To prevent nail infections, you should:
- Keep your nails dry and clean
- Trim your nails regularly and avoid cutting them too short or too close to the skin
- Avoid biting, picking, or peeling your nails
- Wear clean and dry socks and shoes
- Avoid sharing nail tools or products with others
- Sterilize your nail tools before and after each use
- Choose reputable salons or technicians for manicures or pedicures
- Avoid using artificial nails or extensions
If you suspect that you have a nail infection, you should see your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible. They can diagnose the type and cause of the infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Do not try to treat the infection yourself with home remedies or over-the-counter products without consulting your doctor first.
Sources:
– Mayo Clinic. (2020). Fingernails: Do’s and don’ts for healthy nails
– Stylecraze. (2020). 25 Easy And Natural Nail Care Tips And Tricks To Try At Home
– Luxe Luminous. (2020). 15 Tips For Beautiful Healthy And Strong Nails
