Who doesn’t want beautiful and healthy nails? Maintaining your nails doesn’t need to be an expensive or tedious affair. With a simple list of Dos and Don’ts, you too can have beautiful strong nails!
Why Nail Care is Important
Did you know that nail care isn’t solely about beauty? Apart from improving the general appearance of your hands and feet, proper nail care can have several health benefits as well. For starters, healthy nail beds and cuticles significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Neglecting your nails can make the tissues beneath your nails vulnerable and more prone to infections brought on by foreign objects that you touch and interact with every day.
Furthermore, nails are an indication for how well your body is functioning. If anything is wrong with your body, you will probably see the early signs in your nails. For instance, nails are made up of keratin, which is the same protein found in your hair. Ergo, brittle nails mean brittle hair. This is why it is important to dedicate a good amount of time per day to caring for your nails, which will help with the overall health of your body.
What Your Daily Routine Should Look Like
Having a regular nailcare routine is important. Constant and thorough care will maintain your nails for longer while helping them grow stronger and healthier. Here are some great tips you can incorporate into your daily nailcare routine.
Trim Frequently!
We all love having long and beautiful nails. But did you know that trimming your nails regularly can actually help them grow stronger? It gives your nails time to regenerate, and it also avoids the possibility of chipping or breaking them. Regular trims are also good to ensure you don’t get a lot of dirt and grime stuck under your nails.
Moisturiser Is Your Best Friend
Using a cream or lotion is a great way to keep your hands and feet soft and supple. Moisturising also helps keep your fingernails and toenails hydrated, and prevent them from growing brittle, cracking or peeling off.
Cuticle Care Goes a Long Way
When you moisturise your hands and feet, make sure to give your cuticles some attention as well. Use a cuticle cream or balm to keep them hydrated and healthy. A good cuticle cream helps prevent your nails from drying out, which in turn reduces the risk of hangnails from developing.
Apply a Protective Layer
Occasionally, apply a layer of nail hardener to help strengthen your nails. Nail hardeners are usually advised for those who have extra brittle nails.
Wear Gloves While Doing Chores
You can never be too careful when it comes to taking care of your nails. Daily exposure to hot soapy water or chemicals can do a number on even the strongest nails. This is because too much exposure to these conditions can dry out your nails, along with the rest of your skin. To counter this effect, wear a pair of gloves when engaging in daily chores such as washing dishes, handling harsh chemicals and detergents, scrubbing or washing clothes, gardening, and other tasks.
Try Over-the-Counter Supplements
For those who have weaker nails than average, it can be helpful to take some over-the-counter supplements like biotin, which is a source of vitamin B. Biotin can aid in strengthening your nails and increasing their rate of growth. However, remember that dietary supplements only work best when incorporated into an already existing healthy diet and exercise plan. Make sure to have a varied diet and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Take Infections Seriously
If you sustain any cuts or injuries to your nails, don’t take it lightly. If left unattended, wounds can fester and develop into serious bacterial or fungal infections. If you notice any redness, puffiness, swelling or pain around your nail bed, try a topical treatment. However, in some cases, more urgent medical attention, like medical prescriptions, might be required. This is why it is important to see a doctor if you experience prolonged pain and discomfort.
Things To Steer Clear Of
Now you know what you can do to kickstart your daily nailcare routine. However, there are certain things you should avoid if you want to sustain and promote healthy nail growth.
Don’t Bite!
We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re lost in thought or feeling slightly anxious, and before you know it, you’re chewing on your nails. Apart from making your fingers look stubby and ugly, this habit can severely damage your nail bed and make you more prone to infections.
Let Your Nails Breathe
We all love nail polish. It adds a pop of colour to your appearance and is a great way to express your creativity. However, constant application of nail polish can lead to discolouration over time. Furthermore, if your nails are always coated in nail polish, it can strip off the superficial layers of the nail. This causes rough and patchy irregularities to appear on the surface of your nails. So, you should give your nails a break from time to time and go easy on the polish.
Avoid Frequent Mani-Pedis
Frequently visiting the salon for a manicure or pedicure can have some adverse effects on your nails. Try to skip getting acrylics often since it can cause abrasions on the nail’s surface. Some studies even show that there is a slight risk of developing skin cancer from too much exposure to the UV lights used to fix solar nails.
If you do make a trip to the salon, just go in for general shaping, a fresh coat of polish and general grooming. Make sure to instruct the nail technician not to cut off your cuticles as this can make you more vulnerable to infections.
Avoid Harsh Products
Always use gentle products on your nails. Wherever possible, choose acetone-free nail polish remover and try to limit using cheap brands of nail polish, as these often contain traces of toxins and harsh chemicals in them.
Healthy Nails For The Win!
All it takes is a little time, effort and discipline. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, your nails will love you for it. Give them the care and attention they deserve and flaunt your beautiful healthy nails all year round!
