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Maintain the health and beauty of your nails with our simple yet effective tips and tricks
Dealing with hangnails, torn nails, and nail ridges can be frustrating. But fear not! Keeping your nails in top condition is easier than you think. All you need is the right products and a little knowledge. Keep reading to discover the best ways to care for your nails, along with dietary tips to strengthen them from within.
Important Information
- Trim your nails weekly and use a nail file to maintain their shape and smoothness.
- Apply cuticle oil and nail hardener to fortify your nails and the surrounding skin.
- Opt for natural products free from acetone to avoid nail damage.
- Incorporate biotin- and zinc-rich foods into your diet to support healthy nail growth.
Procedures
Nail Care Essentials
Clip your nails every other week. Avoid the urge to bite your nails when they grow long. Instead, maintain beautifully trimmed nails by regularly cutting them. While the temptation may be to let them grow, aim for a manageable length. Use sanitized nail clippers to achieve an even, uniform trim.
- You don’t need to constantly trim your nails. Cutting them too short can damage the nail bed.
- For best results, cut your nails straight across with a slight curve at the corners to prevent ingrown nails.
Keep your nail edges smooth with a nail file. If you break or snag a nail on a rough surface, don't resort to biting or tearing it. Instead, use a gentle file to smooth out the sharp edge. File in smooth, swift motions, always in one direction. It's wise to carry a nail file with you at all times for unexpected situations.
- If your nails need frequent attention, consider keeping a nail file in your purse as well as at home.
Trim hangnails at the root with nail clippers. Avoid tearing hangnails with your fingers, as this can damage the skin around your nails. To prevent infection, use clippers to cut hangnails at the base. Refrain from biting or picking at hangnails, as this can worsen the situation.
- Deal with hangnails promptly to prevent them from worsening.
Apply cuticle oil daily. Keep your nails hydrated and refreshed by applying cuticle oil every day. Use the brush applicator to generously apply oil around the cuticles. Unless the oil is dripping, there's no need to wipe it off.
- If you're out of cuticle oil, you can make your own using essential oils or a blend of vitamin E, coconut, almond, and olive oil.
- Healthy cuticles contribute to stronger, healthier nails.
Apply a nail strengthener to reinforce your nails. Are your nails feeling weak or brittle? Consider using a nail strengthener to fortify them. Apply the product once daily like regular nail polish, allowing it to penetrate the nails. Over time, your nails will become stronger and more resilient.
Resist the urge to mess with your cuticles to prevent infections. Avoid picking or biting around your nails. Healthy cuticles act as a barrier against harmful bacteria. If your cuticles are bothering you, gently push them back with a cuticle pusher.
- Inflamed cuticles may indicate an infection.
Opt for nail products free from acetone. Steer clear of products containing acetone, which can damage your nails. Explore alternatives for removing polish, such as hydrogen peroxide or toothpaste. Experiment with different methods until you find one that suits your nails.
- Prolonged use of harsh chemicals can deteriorate the appearance of your nails.
Clean beneath your nails using soap and water as necessary. Refrain from picking at dirt or debris with sharp objects, as this can cause damage. Instead, wash your hands regularly and gently scrub beneath your nails.
- Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously, as it can harm your nail beds.
Ensuring a Balanced Diet
Incorporate biotin-rich foods into your diet to promote thicker nails. Include foods such as cauliflower, eggs, beans, bananas, lentils, salmon, and peanuts. Monitor your nail health over a few weeks to observe any improvements.
- You may also consider taking a biotin supplement. Always consult your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine, and ensure you follow the recommended dosage.
- Biotin can also contribute to stronger hair.
Increase your protein intake to strengthen your nails. Include foods like chicken, lean red meat, dairy, eggs, whole grains, soybeans, and nuts in your diet. Pay attention to any improvements in nail strength and appearance as you make these dietary adjustments.
- Protein is essential for maintaining healthy nails, even if they are already strong.
- When possible, opt for low-fat options when selecting foods and beverages. For example, choose skim or 2% milk over whole milk.
Avoid processed foods to support nail health. Choose fresh, natural foods or minimally processed options whenever possible. Prioritize fresh produce and whole foods over packaged snacks and meals to promote nail growth and vitality.
- While processed foods may not directly harm your nails, opting for healthier dietary choices benefits overall well-being, including nail health.
Strengthen your nails by consuming zinc-rich foods. Incorporate cashews, oysters, lobster, lean beef, soybeans, and green beans into your diet to address nail brittleness. Consider zinc supplements for a concentrated source of zinc.
- If you regularly consume zinc-rich foods, supplements may not be necessary. Consult your doctor before adding supplements to your regimen.
Exploring Creative Manicure Ideas
Get creative with nail painting for an instant style boost. Choose your favorite nail polish color and apply it evenly on each nail. Avoid excessive brushing; instead, gently spread the polish across the nail surface. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat.
Try a French-inspired manicure for a polished look. Use a rosy pink or nude polish as the base color and add a white tip for definition. For a sleek finish, visit a salon for professional results.
- Consider a reverse French manicure for a unique twist.
Consider gel, shellac, or acrylic nails for a glamorous touch. Treat yourself to longer, artificial nails with options like acrylic, gel, or shellac manicures. Ensure you visit a licensed professional for optimal nail health.
- Artificial nails should be reserved for special occasions to prevent damage to natural nails.
- For new salon visits, always prioritize licensed professionals.
Experiment with a dip powder manicure for a shimmering finish. Opt for a low-maintenance manicure with dip powder nails at your salon. Unlike gel or acrylic, dip powder nails don't require UV light curing.
- Dip powder nails are easy to remove compared to traditional options.
Pro Tips
The advice shared here comes from Mytour readers, just like you. If you have a helpful tip to share, please submit it below.
- Instead of using nail hardeners, which can make nails stiff, try massaging jojoba, vitamin E, or coconut oil daily to maintain flexible yet strong nails. These oils provide nourishment without harsh chemicals. You can even mix different oils for a more potent home remedy.
- Be cautious with glitter polishes or long-lasting stick-on nails as they may cause damage when removed. Reserve these products for special occasions rather than daily wear. Avoid ripping off fake nails, as it can harm your natural nails.
- When painting your nails, start by applying polish close to the cuticle, then smoothly drag the brush to the nail tip. This ensures an even coat for a professional-looking manicure.
- Deter nail biting by using a bitter anti-bite polish. Although the taste may not be pleasant, it quickly discourages the habit. Additionally, keep your nails filed to avoid temptation.
- Never share manicure tools, polishes, files, etc., with others to avoid the risk of transferring infections or fungus. Invest in your own nail care items for personal hygiene.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water to remove dirt and bacteria from beneath your nails, especially visible dirt!
