Having healthy nails is important for not only your physical appearance but also for your overall health. Our nails can tell us a lot about our health, so taking good care of them is essential for wellbeing.
That's why we've put together a list of 15 suggestions for having strong and healthy nails. From the products you use to the foods you eat, there are many things you can do to ensure your nails are in top condition. So, read on to learn how to keep your nails looking and feeling their best.
1) Eat a balanced diet
Making sure that you are eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to ensure your nails stay strong and healthy. Make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your daily meals.
This helps your body to get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to keep nails strong and healthy. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and other fatty fish can also help strengthen nails. Other beneficial foods for healthy nails include nuts, legumes, dairy products, eggs, and whole grains. Eating a well-balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals can be a great way to keep your nails looking great.
2) Take a biotin supplement
Biotin is a B-vitamin that helps promote strong, healthy nails. If you want to give your nails an extra boost, consider taking a biotin supplement. Biotin supplements are available in drugstores and health food stores.
The recommended daily dose of biotin is 2.5 milligrams per day. You can also get biotin from food sources such as eggs, salmon, and nuts. Keep in mind that it may take a few months to see any visible changes in your nails. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any kind of supplement.
3) Use nail hardeners with caution
Nail hardeners can be useful if you want to strengthen your nails. They can help keep your nails from breaking and can even make them grow faster. However, they should be used with caution.
Nail hardeners are often made with harsh chemicals that can actually damage your nails in the long run. In addition, some contain formaldehyde which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredients on the bottle before using any nail hardener.
If you decide to use a nail hardener, make sure you don’t overuse it. Too much of it can actually cause your nails to become brittle and break more easily. Also, don’t forget to remove it periodically to give your nails a break and avoid potential damage.
It’s also important to consult with a doctor if you have any concerns about using a nail hardener. In some cases, nail hardeners can be beneficial but it is always best to talk to an expert first to ensure that they are suitable for your individual needs.
4) Be careful when using your hands
Using your hands can be a great way to get things done, but it can also do a lot of damage to your nails. When working with your hands, make sure to use tools that are designed to reduce the stress placed on your nails.
Avoid using harsh tools like hammers and screwdrivers directly on your nails. Use gloves when cleaning or gardening to prevent dirt and bacteria from getting under your nails. And never use your nails as a tool or to open packages or cans. Taking these precautions will help keep your nails in better shape for longer.
5) Give your nails a break from polish
Regular use of nail polish can dry out your nails and make them brittle, leading to breakage. To keep your nails healthy and strong, try to give them a break from polish every few weeks.
Start by removing any existing polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. This will help keep your nails from becoming overly dry and brittle. Once you’ve removed all the polish, give your nails a few days to breathe and return to their natural state.
If you’d like to prevent your nails from becoming discolored while they’re taking a break from polish, you can apply a clear topcoat or cuticle oil to the nail bed. This will keep the nails moisturized and prevent them from drying out.
Finally, when it comes time to reapply polish, make sure you use a base coat. This will provide an extra layer of protection for your nails and help them stay strong and healthy.
6) Keep your nails short
Keeping your nails short is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure strong and healthy nails. Long nails are more likely to break and can be harder to keep clean, so cutting them back will help keep them in top condition. If you want to keep your nails looking good but don't want to go too short, you can always file them into a square shape instead.
This will help keep your nails from breaking while still allowing you to show off your style. When trimming your nails, use nail clippers or a nail file instead of scissors, as scissors can cause your nails to fray and break. If you have naturally brittle nails, it's best to avoid using metal nail files and stick with a wooden or plastic option. Finally, make sure to file in only one direction for a smooth finish.
7) Invest in a quality manicure
Having a quality manicure is one of the best things you can do to keep your nails healthy and strong. When you go to a professional manicurist, they will use high-quality products and tools that are designed specifically to help nourish and protect your nails. Plus, they'll be able to give you advice on what products and techniques to use to keep your nails in great shape.
At the salon, your manicurist will start by filing your nails into the desired shape. This helps to keep them from getting snagged on fabric or chipped by everyday tasks. They will also push back your cuticles, which helps promote healthier nail growth. After this, they may apply a clear polish to seal in moisture and protect the nail from damage.
Finally, they will apply a layer of polish or gel. If you choose a regular polish, they will usually finish with a top coat to prevent chipping and fading. Gel manicures offer an even longer-lasting look, but make sure you know how to properly remove the product when it's time for a new manicure.
No matter what kind of manicure you choose, it's important to make sure you invest in quality products and follow proper nail care techniques. Doing so will help ensure your nails remain healthy and strong for years to come!
8) Keep your nails clean
Keeping your nails clean is one of the best ways to ensure that they stay healthy and strong. Wash your hands and nails frequently with soap and water and use a soft brush to gently scrub your nails. After washing, apply a nail strengthening serum or cream and gently massage it into the cuticles and nail beds.
If you wear artificial nails, be sure to keep them clean as well. Remove any residue from the adhesive and regularly trim away any dried-out material. Taking the time to clean your nails will help keep them looking and feeling their best.
9) Massage your nails and cuticles
Massaging your nails and cuticles can help keep them healthy and strong. Start by soaking your hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the skin around your nails. Then, gently massage your nails and cuticles using a circular motion.
This will help stimulate circulation and encourage healthy nail growth. It can also help relieve any discomfort or tension in your hands. Additionally, regular massage can help prevent hangnails from forming. To finish off, moisturize your hands with lotion or oil after each massage. Massaging your nails and cuticles regularly can help keep your nails looking and feeling their best!
10) Use lotion
It's important to keep your hands and nails moisturized to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. Using a lotion specifically designed for your hands and nails is a great way to do this. Not only will it help to keep your nails hydrated, it can also make them look smoother and less likely to break.
When applying the lotion, make sure you get in between your fingers and around your cuticles as well. For an extra boost, you can use a cuticle oil to help nourish and protect the delicate skin around your nails. With regular use, you'll be on your way to having strong, healthy nails.
11) Wear gloves
When cleaning your house or doing any kind of work that involves coming into contact with harsh chemicals, it is important to protect your nails by wearing gloves. This will help protect the nail plate from being damaged by the harsh chemicals and also reduce the risk of any bacteria or fungus entering your nails.
It is also a good idea to wear gloves when gardening, as soil can contain various types of fungi that can damage your nails. Additionally, if you are going to be in contact with water for a prolonged period of time, such as when doing dishes or washing your car, it is important to wear gloves in order to keep your nails from becoming brittle and splitting due to prolonged exposure to moisture. Wearing gloves is an easy way to protect your nails and keep them healthy.
12) Soak your nails in olive oil
One of the best ways to keep your nails strong and healthy is to soak them in olive oil. Olive oil contains a variety of nutrients that can help strengthen and nourish your nails, while also providing a bit of moisturizing relief. All you need to do is fill a small bowl with a few tablespoons of warm olive oil and then place your fingertips into the bowl.
Leave your hands soaking for up to ten minutes and then rinse off with warm water. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for extra nourishment. Doing this once or twice a week will help keep your nails looking and feeling great!
13) Avoid harsh chemicals
Using harsh chemicals on your nails can cause them to become brittle and weak. Many nail polishes, gels, and acrylics contain strong ingredients that can break down your nails.
Try to stick to natural nail products, or ones that are free of formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals. When removing polish, use a non-acetone remover, as acetone can be too drying and damaging to your nails.
14) Don't bite your nails
Biting your nails is a bad habit that can lead to significant damage and poor health of your nails. Biting can cause trauma to the nail plate, leading to nail brittleness, peeling and splitting. It can also increase the risk of infection and spread of bacteria and other germs that may be on your hands. If you find yourself biting your nails, it's important to try to break the habit as soon as possible.
To help break the habit, try keeping your nails trimmed short, which makes them less tempting to bite. Applying a bitter-tasting nail polish or topical solution may also discourage nail biting. If these methods aren't enough, consider seeking help from a therapist who specializes in behavioral therapy. With the right guidance, you can break this habit and protect your nails from further damage.
15) See a doctor if you're concerned
If you're concerned about your nail health or have been experiencing issues with your nails, it's important to visit a doctor. A doctor can assess your nail health and offer advice on how to keep your nails in good condition.
They can also diagnose any underlying issues that may be causing problems with your nails and recommend treatment options. Your doctor may also be able to advise on which products or treatments may be most beneficial for your nail health. So don't hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor if you're worried about your nail health.
Conclusion
Strong, healthy nails don't just happen overnight. To achieve them requires time and effort, but it's definitely worth it. Eating a balanced diet, taking a biotin supplement, and investing in quality manicures are some of the best ways to have strong healthy nails. Be sure to give your nails a break from polish and harsh chemicals.
Additionally, be sure to keep your nails short and clean, massage them and cuticles, use lotion, and wear gloves when necessary. Finally, if you’re still concerned about your nail health, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor. With these fifteen suggestions, you can finally have the strong healthy nails you’ve always wanted.