8 Tips for Healthy, Strong Nails
Your nails might be small, but they sure do pack a punch when it comes to beauty. Regular nail care is easy and inexpensive. It can make you proud to show off your nails and decrease the signs of aging!
Tip 1: Biotin
Supplements can help fill the gaps where our diet fails. Using a supplement like Biotin can be beneficial for those with weak nails by increasing the B vitamin, Biotin, in your body. Some people do not need a supplement because they have a nutrient-rich diet, but it is worth consulting your doctor if you have frequently breaking or dry nails.
Tip 2: Wearing Polish
We’ve all seen how gel or acrylic nails can weaken and thin the nail out. Wearing gel nails and having manicures done all the time can be harsh on your nails. Did you know that normal polish wear and acetone nail polish remover can do that too? It is important to always protect your nails prior to applying any polish, and even nail polish strips. Aside from protecting your nails, the base coat will provide something for the nail polish strips to adhere to and help them last longer!
Tip 3: Cuticle Care
Cuticles are a safety barrier between your nail and skin. When we pick at our cuticles, push them back, or cut them, we are putting our precious nails at risk of infection. Many dermatologists recommend moisturizing the cuticles and not even pushing them back in order to keep the risk of infection low. If you do have any signs of infection after cuticle care, consult your doctor.
Tip 4: Regular Trims
Keeping the nails at a natural length is becoming very fashion-forward. Trimming the nails regularly can reduce any tears, breaks, or snags on the nails. Depending on how fast your nails grow, you may require frequent trims or barely any time trimming your nails at all. File the edges with a fine file to smooth out the edges.
Tip 5: Use a Nail Brush
Without the use of a nail brush, many people are missing the space between the nail and the nail bed. Especially before trimming the nails or using any manicure clippers, you should be scrubbing your nails with a nail brush to remove debris from those hard to reach areas. This is especially important if your nails are becoming long.
Tip 6: Dish Gloves
Rock some dish gloves while you tidy up! Immersing your hands in hot, soapy water can break down the nail and dry out the hands and nails. Protective nail care calls for gloves to protect your hands while you clean.
Tip 7: Skip the Salon
Going to the nail salon can cost a pretty penny and there doesn’t seem to be much merit in the salon in terms of nail health. Acrylic or dip nails can cause damage from over-filing the nail, gel nails expose your hands to harmful UV rays when drying the polish, and cuticle clippers can never be trusted. If you must visit a salon, have them just shape the nails and give you a coat of polish instead of going the whole nine yards.
Tip 8: Watch for Infection
Wrapping a broken nail in a bandage or smoothing ragged edges of your nail are both fine, but if you see any signs of infection, call your doctor for the needed care. Redness, swelling, and pain are all signs of a bacterial infection. Puffy, red, irritated skin are early signs of a nail fungal infection. Fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter treatments, but it is worth getting medical attention in the event that prescription medication is needed.
And that is all the tips we have for now to maintain healthy, strong nails! Did you find it helpful? If you have any other tips, please share it in the comments!
