Discover the secrets to maintaining healthy nails for manicure lovers. Dive into easy tips for strong, gorgeous nails!
For many Indian women, and increasingly men too, a good manicure is more than just
aesthetics; it’s a statement of personal style and self-care. But frequent manicures, coupled with our daily chores, can sometimes take a toll on the health of our nails.
Brittle nails, fungal infections, and chipped polish are common woes. Fear not! You can flaunt gorgeous nails without compromising on their well-being. This guide offers simple yet effective tips to keep your nails healthy and strong, even if you are a manicure enthusiast.
Protect nails from daily stressors to maintain health & promote growth
The first step towards healthy nails lies in understanding the impact of our everyday activities. From washing dishes and using harsh cleaning agents to simply typing away on a keyboard, our hands are constantly exposed to elements that can weaken the nails.
Constant exposure to water, for instance, can make nails brittle, increasing the chances of breakage and splits. The chemicals present in some household cleaners can strip the nails of their natural oils, leading to dryness and weakness. Then there's the impact of the weather.
Dry winter air can make nails prone to cracking, while excessive sun exposure can dehydrate them leaving them pale and weak. Taking proactive steps to protect your nails from these daily stressors will go a long way in maintaining their health and promoting their natural growth.
This means wearing gloves while cleaning, moisturizing hands regularly after washing, and using a good quality sunscreen on your hands when exposed to the sun for extended periods. Also consider limiting the time your hands are constantly in contact with water.
Choose nail products wisely to prevent damage
Choosing the right manicure products and techniques is paramount. Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers, as acetone can severely dehydrate the nails, leading to brittleness and peeling.
Look for nail polishes that are free from harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These chemicals can cause allergic reactions, nail discoloration, and weakening of nail structure over time. Also, be mindful of the frequency of gel or acrylic manicures.
While long-lasting, these types of manicures often require harsh removal processes that can severely damage the nail bed, leading to thinning and increased susceptibility to infections. If you love gel manicures, consider taking breaks in between to allow your nails to breathe and recover.
Never peel off gel polish, as this can remove layers of the natural nail along with it. Instead, always opt for a professional removal or use a gentle soak-off method at home.
Ensure that the salon you visit follows strict hygiene practices to prevent the spread of fungal or bacterial infections – tools and utensils should be sanitised well.
Proper nail care: nourish from within with balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals
Proper nail care also involves nourishing them from within. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for healthy nail growth. Ensure you are consuming adequate amounts of biotin, which is known to strengthen nails and promote growth.
Foods rich in biotin include eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Calcium is also essential for nail strength, so include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods in your diet.
Iron deficiency can lead to brittle and spoon-shaped nails, so ensure you are getting enough iron from sources such as spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals. Additionally, staying well-hydrated is important for overall health, including nail health.
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your nails moisturized and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. Apart from dietary changes, you can also consider taking a good quality multivitamin that contains essential nutrients for nail health.
Always consult with your doctor or a registered dietician before starting any new supplements.
Moisturize nails daily with quality products for healthy growth
Regular moisturizing is an absolute must for healthy nails. Just as we moisturize our skin, our nails too need hydration to prevent dryness and brittleness. Invest in a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil and apply it several times a day, especially after washing your hands.
Look for products that contain ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and almond oil. These ingredients are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Don’t forget to massage the cream or oil into your cuticles as well, as healthy cuticles are essential for protecting the nail matrix, where nail growth originates. Massaging the cuticles also helps improve blood circulation, promoting healthy nail growth.
You can also consider using a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles after showering, but avoid cutting them as this can increase the risk of infection.
Also remember to apply moisturiser and cuticle oil at night before sleeping, as this allows the products to work their magic while you rest.
Proper nail care: trim, file, shape gently to avoid damage
Maintaining a proper nail care routine involves regular trimming and shaping. Use a sharp nail clipper or scissor to trim your nails to your desired length, avoiding cutting them too short, as this can increase the risk of ingrown nails.
File your nails in one direction to prevent splitting and weakening. Avoid sawing back and forth, as this can create microscopic cracks in the nail, leading to breakage.
The shape of your nail is a matter of personal preference, but generally, a rounded or square shape with rounded edges is less prone to breakage than sharply pointed nails. When filing your nails, use a fine-grit nail file and be gentle to avoid damaging the nail surface.
If you are unsure how to properly trim and shape your nails, you can consult with a professional nail technician. Also remember to clean your nails regularly with a soft brush and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate under the nails.
Give nails breaks, use base coat, thin polish layers, top coat, avoid picking polish
Give your nails regular breaks from polish. Constant application of nail polish can prevent your nails from breathing and can lead to yellowing or discoloration. Try to leave your nails bare for a few days or even a week between manicures to allow them to recover and rehydrate.
When applying nail polish, always use a base coat to protect the nails from staining and to create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to. Apply two thin coats of polish rather than one thick coat, as this will help the polish dry faster and prevent chipping.
Finish with a top coat to seal the polish and add shine. Reapply the top coat every few days to prolong the life of your manicure and prevent chipping. And, as tempting as it may be, resist the urge to pick or peel off your nail polish, as this can damage the nail and lead to peeling.
Tips for healthy, beautiful nails in daily routine
So there you have it! By incorporating these simple tips into your routine, you can enjoy beautiful manicures without compromising on the health of your nails. Remember, healthy nails are not just about aesthetics but also about overall well-being. Happy manicuring!
