Yup, Your Nails Need TLC Too. Here Are 10 Ways To Take Care Of Them!
Give your nails much-needed attention!
Fortunately, basic nail care isn’t complex or expensive. None of these tips involve religiously hitting the the nail salon for manicures, pedicures, and other spa treatments (but feel free to do so every now and then in the name of self-care). Instead, they require small lifestyle changes that aren’t too difficult to adapt. The sooner these practices become a habit, the sooner you can say bid broken, brittle nails adieu!
Swipe through the gallery below:
Nail Health
Nail Health
Practice good hygiene!
Long, glamorous talons are nice to have, but they are potential breeding grounds for dirt and bacteria simply because there’s more room for growth. Keep them short, trim them often, and don’t forget to soap the undersides (a nail brush goes the extra mile) when you wash your hands.
Photo Credit: Ron Lach on Pexels
Protect your hands!
A must when doing household chores! Wear gloves when washing the dishes or doing the laundry to keep your hands safe from harsh chemicals. Detergents and cleaning fluids can cause nails to weaken. It’s also good to use hand creams afterwards.
Photo Credit: Anna Shvets on Pexels
Stay hydrated.
Lack of moisture = poor nail health. Drinking water is a good and easily doable way to stay healthy. Stick to your eight glasses a day—or even go over—and you’ll be just fine.
Photo Credit: Maria Orlova on Pexels
...but don't over-hydrate.
Avoid excessive water exposure. Over-hydration leaves nails soft and prone to peeling. Be mindful of how long you’re in the shower—especially a hot one—or in the swimming pool.
Photo Credit: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Be mindful of your diet!
What you eat always matters. Food rich in biotin, protein, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen your nails and even give them a shiny, healthy appearance. Salmon, mackerel, eggs, walnuts, soy, legumes, and whole grains are just some examples.
Photo Credit: Photo by Geraud pfeiffer from Pexels
Look into biotin supplements.
While a good diet goes a long way, taking supplements can also help you meet your nail care needs. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that isn’t stored by the body, so it’s good to consume it daily. Before you take any supplements, please consult a healthcare provider to ensure your safety.
Photo Credit: SHOP NOW
File the right way.
Yes, there is a correct way to file your nails. Filing itself makes them more durable and less prone to breakage, but doing it wrong will do more harm than good. File only when dry and go in one direction using the same pressure. When done, go over with a buffing block for optimum shine.
Photo Credit: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Don't go overboard with the manis and pedis!
Your nails need to breathe. Constant exposure to nail polish and acetone can and will weaken the nails. Leave your polish on for about a week, take it off with acetone-free remover, and let them rest for another week. Be careful when going for gel nails, too, as exposure to the UV lamp can raise risks for skin cancer and premature aging.
Photo Credit: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Don't use your nails as tools.
Please don’t. Go look for that tool kit. Your nails will thank you.
Photo Credit: Anete Lusina on Pexels
Talk to your doctor.
If you notice any discoloration, changes in nail shape, thickening or thinning, separation from the skin, or any other abnormalities, it’s best to get in touch with a board-certified dermatologist.
Photo Credit: Sam Lion from Pexels
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