Getting strong and healthy nails is an important part of a good beauty regimen. Oftentimes though, people don’t take the time to properly care for their nails leading to brittle, lackluster nails. Luckily, with just a few simple steps and small changes to your nail care routine, you can have strong and beautiful nails. Read on for our Nail Care 101 guide with essential tips for keeping your nails healthy.
1. Easy Ways to Give your Nails some TLC
When it comes to self-care, caring for your nails is often overlooked. However, paying a bit of attention and giving them some TLC can go a long way towards making them feel stronger and more attractive. Here are some easy ways you can show your nails some love:
- Soak away – Give your nails a break from the cold weather with a moisturizing soak. Simply fill a bowl with warm water, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (or any other oil you prefer) and let your nails soak for 15-20 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much softer and healthier they will look and feel!
- Go for a mani-pedi – Getting a professional manicure and pedicure is one of the best things you can do to show your nails some much-needed love. Not only will it make them look beautiful, but it will also remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped beneath the surface of your nails. Plus, it’s a super relaxing way to spend a few hours!
- Massage in moisture – An easy and cost-effective way to keep your nails looking great is to massage a nourishing moisturizer into them several times a week. This will soften and nourish your nails, keeping them from becoming brittle and unappealing. You can also apply a few drops of essential oil to give your nails an extra boost.
- Trim it down – Make sure to trim your nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long. Long nails are more prone to breaking and they can also become painful if you accidentally hit them against something. Aim to keep your nails at a length that is comfortable for you.
- Protect your nails – Always be sure to wear gloves when doing household chores to protect your nails from harsh chemicals. This will also help prevent any dirt or bacteria from getting stuck underneath your nails.
Caring for your nails is a simple and incredibly effective way to show yourself a bit of love. Try out these tips and see how much healthier and your nails look and feel!
2. Combat Weak Nails with Clever Solutions
Having weak nails is a common problem many of us face. But there’s no need to despair, as there are plenty of tips and tricks we can employ to make our nails stronger. Let’s look at:
- Diet: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich with Vitamin B and other vital nutrients is essential to the health of our nails. This gives our nails the strengthening minerals they need to stay strong.
- Nail Care: It’s essential to keep our nails clean and healthy. Keep away from harsh chemicals, opt for natural brands instead and wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes or handling caustic materials.
- Nail Brushes: Even though they look small, nail brushes are a great way to stimulate the growth of new nail cells. Simply brush your fingertips and nails in a gentle circular motion and you’ll be surprised by the difference.
Good nail care is always important but if our nails are particularly weak, it’s wise to seek advice from a doctor or similar healthcare professionals. Professional assistance can be indispensable when it comes to finding the right solution.
Nail hardening treatments are another great way to go. Draw attention away from weak nails and turn to a trusted nail treatment product. Such products can restore strength and protect nails from future damage.
All in all, weak nails can certainly be a nuisance but there are tricks and solutions to combat them. In addition, knowing your own body and its boundaries is key. If you ever feel like something might be wrong, always consult a professional and always start small.
3. Shine On: Nail Care Tips for Your At-Home Manicure
1. Invest in quality nail supplies
Creating beautiful and long-lasting manicures starts with investing in quality nail supplies. From professional acetone nail polish remover to cuticle oil and nail buffer files, having the right tools is essential. Investing in even just a few professional supplies will not only make your manicures look higher-end, but will ensure your nails are cared for properly, and your mani will last longer.
2. Keep your nails filed and clean
If you’re looking for a perfect at-home manicure, having healthy nails is key. Use a good-quality nail file to file and shape the edges of your nails. Keeping your nails short will help prevent breakage and will make painting easier. After filing, clean your nails with soap and water. This will get rid of any dust, dirt, and oils that can prevent the nail polish from adhering properly.
3. Remove your old manicure
Take some time to remove a old chipping manicure and clear the slate. Use professional acetone-free finger nail polish remover, and wrap each finger in a cotton ball soaked in remover for a few minutes. Then, use a cuticle stick to gently push back the cuticles and clean the nail edge. Make sure to moisturize your cuticles and nails with a good-quality cuticle oil afterward.
4. Apply a base coat
Painting your nails with a base coat is critical. A base coat helps adhere your polish better, prevents smudging, and keeps your actual nail color from discoloring. Make sure to apply base coats thinly and wait for it to dry completely before applying the color polish.
5. Experiment with colors
When it comes to nail art, there’s endless possibilities. You don’t need fancy tools or equipment to get creative. You can start with stripes, polka dots, and ombre effects, and then move on to marble, animal print, and watercolor designs to create unique aesthetic looks. Experiment and embrace the art of nail design.
6. Protect your nails with a top coat
The finishing touches is to apply a top coat. A top coat not only gives your nails a glossy shine, but it also enhances the longevity of your manicure. Allow your nail color to dry before applying the top coat, and apply multiple thin layers. Doing this will keep your nails looking their best.
4. Protective Care: Strategies to Keep Nails Strong
Grow & Moisturize: While it can seem time-consuming to focus on something as small as nails, the slight effort can pay off in helping keep them strong and healthy. For those seeking to keep their nails growing and moisturized, some strategies may be helpful.
- Start by trimming nails regularly. Doing so helps keep the edges from becoming jagged and weak.
- Moisturize nails and cuticles with a nourishing oil, like coconut or jojoba. This helps the nails retain their strength and natural flexibility.
- Apply a nail strengthener, if desired. There are many products designed to help nails remain strong and healthy.
- Eat a balanced diet. Vitamin A, C, B, magnesium, and calcium are all nutrients that can help maintain strong nails.
Protect from Chipping & Breaking: Chipping and breaking are common problems that many face with nails, but thankfully, you can take steps to prevent them.
- Apply a base coat before painting nails. Doing so helps form a protective shield against moisture, which helps reduce the risk of nails chipping and breaking.
- Choose to use acetone-free nail polish remover, as using one with acetone can dry out the nails and make them more prone to breakage.
- Don’t pick and bite at the nails. This can cause the edges to become weak and brittle.
Keep Nails Healthy: It’s not just about avoiding breakage and chipping, but making sure that nail health is kept as well.
- Soak nails in warm water and then brush them with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and bacteria.
- Use rubber gloves when doing household chores like dishwashing and laundry.
- Make sure to check for signs of injury, such as splits, cracks, and discoloration.
- If pain or signs of infection are present, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper treatment.
Daily nail care is essential to keeping healthy and strong nails which can make a huge difference to your appearance and confidence. With just a few easy tips, you can have beautiful, healthy nails in no time. Remember: “You Nailed It!” Good luck!
