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Empower your natural nails with these expert strategies
Whether your nails are fragile, discolored, or injured, enhancing their health over time is achievable. Perhaps you've recently removed gel or acrylic nails or simply want to prevent nail breakage. Regardless of your goal, we offer effective solutions. Strengthening your nails is feasible with home remedies and proper precautions. Explore these methods to quickly heal damaged nails and maintain their well-being.
Essential Insights
- Avoid applying nail polish for 2 to 3 weeks to aid in natural healing and fortification.
- Accelerate nail recovery post-damage or acrylic removal by daily moisturizing with oil or serum.
- Remember, complete nail healing may take 4 to 6 months.
Procedures
Reviving & Strengthening Your Nails
Allow your nails a 2 to 3-week hiatus between nail polish applications. Dermatologists advocate reducing nail polish usage to promote nail health, as prolonged exposure to chemicals can dehydrate nails. Initiate nail healing by removing polish and abstaining for 2 to 3 weeks before reapplication. Monitor for nail improvement.
- White spots on nails signify keratin buildup, remediable by a polish hiatus.
- Opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover to preserve natural nail integrity.
- Select nail polish fortified with vitamin A and other nutrients for subsequent application.
Trim and file your nails short. Despite intuition, nail trimming fosters growth and strength. Employ small nail clippers to shorten nails, ensuring alignment with natural nail arches. Subsequently, file nails horizontally with a nail file, applying consistent pressure until desired length is achieved.
- Repeat periodically to maintain nail length just above fingertips.
- Buff nail surfaces using the soft side of the nail file to enhance blood circulation and impart shine. Follow with nail cream for added strength and shine.
Hydrate your nails daily. Apply nail-specific cream or serum
throughout the day, particularly after hand washing. Before bed, generously apply moisturizer and wear cotton gloves or socks to preserve nail moisture overnight.
- Hand washing may dehydrate nails; station hand lotion at every sink and apply post-wash.
- Incorporate cuticle cream or oil into your moisturizing regimen for overall nail health.
Treat nail infections with a saltwater soak. Health professionals often recommend soaking ingrown toenails or toe fungus in salt water, a method applicable to fingernails. Prepare a warm water and 4 tsp (23 g) salt solution in a medium bowl. Soak nails for up to 20 minutes 2 to 3 times daily. Follow with moisturizer application for enhanced healing.
- Alternatively, immerse hands in warm milk or olive oil.
Mend torn or split nails using a tea bag. Cut a small piece from a paper tea bag. Apply a clear base coat to the affected nail. Position the tiny tea bag piece over the tear, split, or crack. Smooth out any air bubbles, then add another layer of clear polish.
- Keep the tea bag patch on for about a week, removing it with nail polish remover as needed. Replace it with a fresh patch if necessary.
Combat nail infections by applying tea tree oil to damaged nails. Tea tree oil's antifungal properties make it effective for discolored, brittle, or malodorous nails. Administer a few drops of tea tree oil to affected nails twice daily until improvement is observed.
- If tea tree oil irritates, lemon juice applied with a cotton ball can aid in fungal eradication due to its acidic nature.
- If prescribed an antifungal medication by a healthcare provider, use it instead of home remedies.
Preserving Nail Health
Enhance overall nail health with nail-strengthening products. Nail experts advocate for the application of nail hardeners to fortify nails. Available in oils and polishes, these products provide an additional protective layer, particularly beneficial for frequent nail painting or professional treatments.
- Adhere closely to the product's usage instructions to ensure optimal results.
Protect against harmful substances with gloves. When engaging in household chores or cleaning, don latex or heavy plastic gloves. Harsh chemicals in cleaners can harm nail beds, and wearing gloves provides a safeguard against potential damage.
- Even exposure to dish soap can weaken nails, so consider glove usage during dishwashing.
Opt for milder cleaning solutions. Chemicals in certain antibacterial sprays, furniture polishes, and cleaning wipes may irritate your skin and nails. When purchasing cleaning supplies, select natural or less abrasive options. Steer clear of products containing ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, or lye.
Consider taking a biotin supplement. Dermatologists suggest oral biotin supplements to promote robust and healthy nail growth. Try incorporating biotin vitamins into your daily routine for 4 to 6 months to observe improvements in nail strength. Remember, results may not be immediate.
Adopt a diet rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, and stay hydrated. To nurture strong and resilient nails, ensure your diet includes ample foods containing vitamins A, B, C, and E. These nutrients play a vital role in fortifying nails and cuticles. Foods like olive oil and eggs are excellent sources. Additionally, aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to ward off dehydration, brittle nails, and dry cuticles.
- Boost your intake of these nail-nourishing vitamins by incorporating carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, milk, strawberries, broccoli, and seafood into your diet.
Combat nail biting, picking, or tearing habits. Persistent nail biting or picking may contribute to nail damage. Work towards eliminating these behaviors by applying lemon juice or a nail-biting deterrent polish.
- Consider wearing socks or mittens at night to prevent nighttime nail biting.
- Avoid using your nails for tasks like scratching or opening items, as this can lead to breakage and tearing.
- If nail biting becomes compulsive, seek assistance from a therapist or counselor.
Visit a reputable nail technician. If your nails are in poor condition, consulting a professional for nail treatments or applications may be beneficial. Inform the technician about your concerns and inquire about suitable treatments. If available, indulge in a hand massage to enhance blood circulation and aid in healing.
Be patient—nails require 4 to 6 months to heal. Healing your nails takes time; there are no quick fixes! It typically takes between 4 to 6 months for your nails to fully grow and recover. Avoid rushing the process with aggressive treatments, as these can do more harm than good. Instead, try the aforementioned methods and allow nature to take its course.
Managing Nail Injuries
Evaluate potential nail injuries before treatment. Before deciding on a treatment plan, carefully assess your nails for signs of damage. Check for any abnormalities in shape, unusual colorations, or surface irregularities that may indicate infection or fungal issues.
- White patches could signal a keratin build-up or a deficiency in vitamins or minerals like zinc or magnesium. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and potential blood tests to identify deficiencies.
Address cuts or open wounds on your nails. For open wounds or cuts on your nails, cleanse the area with soap and water, followed by sanitization with alcohol. Apply antibiotic cream or gel to the affected area, and cover large cuts with a band-aid if necessary. Allow minor injuries to breathe and maintain cleanliness.
Consult a medical professional for significant nail injuries. In cases of blunt trauma or severe separation of the nail from the skin, seek medical attention promptly. Doctors can conduct assessments, including X-rays if needed, and provide appropriate treatment to prevent infections and further nail damage.
Prevent the spread of fungal infections through proper hand hygiene. If you've contracted a fungal infection, it's crucial to prevent its transmission. Fungal infections can transfer from fingernails to toenails, eyes, or other individuals, so adhere to these precautions for your safety and others':
- Wear gloves to avoid spreading the infection.
- Avoid handling or preparing food for others during this period.
- Maintain hand cleanliness and address any nail-related skin injuries.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for applying antifungal cream.
Weekly Nail Care Regimen
Sample Weekly Nail Care Regimen
