When it comes to taking care of your nails, getting a manicure is not the only solution. Instead, you must take care of your nails on a day-to-day basis.
Here are some simple nail care tips which you should include in your daily self-care regime.
1. Trim Regularly:
Regular trimming will help you avoid ingrown nails. Take a nail cutter or manicure scissors to trim your nails straight across while rounding the tips in a gentle curve. Try doing this right after you’ve bathed or showered so that the nails are softer. If you’d like to soften the edges or corners of your nails, use an emery board or nail file.
Pro Tip – File nails in a consistent direction and avoid filing back and forth as it may cause severe damage to your nails over time.
2. Keep Nails Clean and Dry:
Clean your nails regularly and make sure you dry them after washing, thereby leaving no scope for germs and bacteria to breed. Always ensure that the skin around the nails is clean and dirt-free.
Pro Tip – Take a toothbrush, apply some salt onto it and use it to gently scrub your nails and the skin around them.
3. Avoid Harsh Nail Polish:
Read the label carefully before purchasing nail polish. Make sure you avoid the ones containing chemicals like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene as they lead to brittleness, splitting, and cracking of nails.
Pro Tip – Choose natural and chemical-free nail paints that are eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
4. Stop Biting Nails:
While biting nails can be a difficult habit to break, it’s essential because it may cause severe damage to your nails. It will make your nails look pathetic and the contact with your saliva will make them brittle and weak and can also harm your cuticles.
Pro Tip- Apply a nail polish that smells or taste bad and puts you off to help you stop biting your nails.
5. Protect Nails with a Base Coat:
Basecoat adds a protective layer and prevents your nails from getting stained and discoloured. Applying a base coat on your nails will enhance the colour of your nail paint. So, the next time you decide to paint your nails, do not skip applying a base coat – because it’s completely worth it.
6. Prevent Nail Chipping with a Top Coat:
Topcoat adds a shine to your nails and prevents them from chipping off easily. It helps your nail colour last longer and also adds a much-needed gloss finish to your nails.
Pro Tip – Apply a top coat to your nails every 3-4 days to help keep your nail paint stay on longer.
7. Moisturize Your Nails Regularly:
You won’t go to bed without applying moisturizer to your face so why not to your nails? Your nails too need some TLC. Before going to bed, dab some almond or avocado oil onto your nail and cuticles to prevent them from getting dry, brittle, or flaky.
Pro Tip- You can choose from a wide range of hand creams, cuticle oil/creams or nutrient-rich moisturizing oils that will help keep your nails and cuticles healthy and strong.
8. Wear Gloves when doing Household Chores:
Many cleaning detergents contain chemicals and can cause harm to your nails when they come in contact with them. Frequent contact with water can increase your likelihood of getting split fingernails.
Pro Tip- You can wear rubber or plastic gloves that can protect your fingernails from undue stress.
9. Indulge in Acrylics and Gel Manicures Sparingly:
Sure, Acrylics and Gel manicures are super pretty, long-lasting and convenient but, sadly can cause severe damage to the nails. The main problem with a gel manicure is the exposure to UV light in the drying device, which can damage the skin around the nails, leading to an increased risk of cancer. The acrylic powder consists of, a lot of chemicals that can roughen the nails and cause dents in them. So if possible, avoid them completely.
Pro Tip- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 before going for a gel manicure to help block the damage from the harmful UV rays. Instead, you can choose to press on as they are less harmful and easy to apply.
10. Eat a Balanced Diet:
The secret to strong and beautiful nails is eating a balanced diet. Make sure to add protein (adds clarity and shine), vitamin B (strengthens your nails), vitamins A and C (makes your nails more hydrated and glossy), zinc (eliminates white spots), and iron (stops the formation of nails ridges). You can consume them in the form of nuts, soy, beetroot, beans, whole grains, lentils, greens, etc. for healthier and stronger nails.
We don’t indulge in caring for nails as much as we do for skin and hair. But your nails too need some daily TLC. Follow these above nail care tips for strong and healthy nails.
All Images Source/Courtesy: Pinterest
