Healthy and strong nails are an important part of any beauty routine. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can also give insight into your overall health. Fortunately, there are a few simple things that you can do to help keep your nails in great condition. To help you with this, we have compiled a list of 12 tips for keeping your nails healthy and strong. From eating nutritious foods to using the right nail care products, these tips will help ensure your nails stay looking their best.
1. Eat a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to keep your nails healthy. Eating foods that are high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D helps promote strong and healthy nails. Foods such as fish, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and nuts are all great sources of these important nutrients. It’s also important to make sure you’re drinking enough water to keep your body hydrated and your nails moisturized. Making sure you get all the nutrients you need will help keep your nails looking healthy and strong.
2. Take a biotin supplement
Biotin is a type of vitamin B that helps promote healthy nails, hair, and skin. Taking a biotin supplement can help strengthen your nails and reduce the risk of breakage. When shopping for a biotin supplement, look for one with at least 2,000 mcg of biotin. Start by taking one tablet per day to see if it makes a difference in the health of your nails. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement to make sure it won’t interfere with any medications you may be taking.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage and weaken your nails, making them more prone to breakage. Be aware of the products you use on your hands and nails, such as cleaning products, nail polish remover, and nail hardeners. Try to find natural, non-toxic alternatives or use gloves when cleaning with harsh chemicals. Plus, avoid acetone-based nail polish removers, which can dry out your nails and cause them to break easily.
4. Wear gloves when cleaning
Wearing gloves while cleaning is an important part of taking care of your nails. Exposure to harsh chemicals like bleach, detergents and other cleaning agents can be damaging to your nails. When using these products, wearing gloves helps protect your nails from coming into contact with the chemicals.
It’s also a good idea to wear rubber or latex gloves when washing dishes, as the hot water and soap used can cause your nails to become dry and brittle. Gloves are also an excellent way to protect your hands and nails when gardening.
Besides helping keep your nails healthy, gloves can help keep your hands clean and free of germs and bacteria. They also act as a barrier against harsh chemicals, which can lead to discoloration and thinning of the nails. So, make sure you wear gloves when doing any cleaning or gardening in order to protect your nails and keep them looking their best!
5. Limit manicures and pedicures
Manicures and pedicures are an excellent way to keep your nails looking awesome. But it’s important to remember that these services can weaken the nails if done too often. To prevent this, limit manicures and pedicures to every two to four weeks. If you do decide to get one, make sure that the salon is reputable and uses sterilized equipment. In addition, be sure to ask for products that are free of harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Lastly, be sure to use a cuticle oil or cream afterwards to keep your nails healthy and hydrated.
6. Don’t bite your nails
Biting your nails can not only damage the appearance of your nails, but it can also be detrimental to your health. It can introduce bacteria and germs that can cause an infection, and can increase your chances of developing an allergic reaction to something on your hands. Not to mention, it can weaken your nail beds and even cause them to break off, making them more prone to damage. If you have a habit of biting your nails, the best thing you can do is to try to break the habit. Find something else to do with your hands or keep them busy, such as twirling a strand of hair or playing with a stress ball. You could also keep your nails trimmed short or paint them with a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage yourself from biting.
7. Trim your nails regularly
Keeping your nails in good shape means regular trimming. Nails should be trimmed every two to three weeks. Cut straight across to avoid split or frayed edges. Use a quality pair of nail scissors or clippers and file the edges to finish. When trimming, make sure not to cut too short as it can leave your nails vulnerable to infection. When filing, use the same technique, stroking the file in one direction only. Doing so will help keep your nails looking neat and help prevent splitting.
8. Keep your nails hydrated
Hydration is key to healthy nails. Just like the rest of your body, your nails need to stay hydrated in order to be strong and healthy. There are a few ways you can keep your nails hydrated.
First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. This will keep your nails from becoming dry and brittle. You can also apply oil or lotion to your nails on a daily basis. This will help seal in moisture and prevent your nails from drying out. You can also try using products specifically designed for nail hydration, like cuticle oils and creams. These products can be found at most beauty supply stores.
Ultimately, try to avoid activities that can dry out your nails, like frequent use of nail polish remover or soaking them in water for too long. If you do need to use nail polish remover, opt for a natural version without harsh chemicals.
9. Protect your nails in the cold
In the wintertime, the cold weather can make your nails feel brittle and dry. To keep your nails healthy during this time of year, it is important to take a few extra steps.
First, consider wearing gloves when you’re outside. This will help protect your nails from the cold, as well as from any harsh chemicals you might come in contact with.
You should also consider using a moisturizer on your nails to keep them hydrated. Look for one that is formulated specifically for nails. This will help seal in moisture and keep them looking healthy.
Lastly, make sure to take regular breaks from using nail polish, which can be especially drying in cold temperatures. Give your nails a chance to breathe and replenish their natural oils.
10. Consider using olive oil
Olive oil is an incredibly versatile product that can be used for many things, including keeping your nails healthy and strong. Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E, which helps nourish the nails and keep them hydrated. You can apply olive oil directly to your nails and cuticles to help soften and protect them. Additionally, soaking your fingers in warm olive oil can help restore moisture to the nail beds and strengthen them. To get the most benefit, use extra virgin olive oil as it is cold-pressed, meaning it contains more of the natural vitamins and minerals. Olive oil is also very affordable, making it a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive way to keep their nails healthy and strong.
11. Wear closed-toe shoes
It may seem obvious, but wearing closed-toe shoes is a great way to keep your nails healthy and strong. Open-toe shoes can put your toes at risk for trauma and injury, which can cause breakage or damage to your nails. Wearing shoes that fully cover your toes will protect them from any potential harm. Additionally, wearing closed-toe shoes can help keep your nails clean, as dirt and debris won’t be able to enter the shoe and cause damage. Keep your nails safe by investing in a good pair of closed-toe shoes!
12. Give your nails a break from polish
Polish can be a great way to protect and add color to your nails, but it’s important to remember to give them a break from time to time. When you wear nail polish for an extended period of time, the nail polish can cause your nails to become brittle and weak. This can lead to nail breakage and other problems.
To give your nails a break from polish, try leaving them completely unpolished for at least a few days or even a week or two. During this time, take extra care to keep your nails hydrated and healthy. Consider using a nourishing oil on your nails and cuticles to keep them looking their best. You can also use a cuticle cream or lotion to help keep the area around your nails soft and nourished.
It’s also a good idea to get regular manicures during this time without polish. A professional manicure can help remove any dirt or grime that has built up under your nails and help keep them looking neat and healthy.
Giving your nails a break from polish is an important part of keeping them healthy and strong. Try to take some time off from polish every now and then to let your nails rest and breathe. With regular breaks, your nails will stay strong and look great!
