Are your nails starting to show the signs of wear and tear? Maybe they’re brittle, weak, and dry. With regular manicures on the back-burner due to the pandemic, looking after your nails has become even harder. That’s why establishing a nail maintenance routine is essential for healthy, long-term nail health. Read on for our guide to help you stay on top of your nail health.
1. The Foundation for Long-Term Nail Health
Having strong, healthy nails is essential for any number of everyday tasks, such as preparing for a special event, performing simple maintenance, or expressing yourself through using nail art. But long-term nail health can be more elusive. In order to maintain tough, good-looking, natural nails, there are some basics that should be kept in mind.
- Keep your nails and cuticles moisturized. When moisturizing, look for an oil-based product that is free from added fragrances, alcohol, and other drying agents.
- Protect your nails from the elements. If you go out into the sun or cold weather with bare nails, be sure to cover them with a protective coating.
- Practice safe nail care. Always use sterilized instruments during your manicures and pedicures and be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your nails.
- Maintain proper nail hygiene. Cut the nails in a straight line and file the edges lightly and even. Cuticles should not be cut, but gently pushed away from the nail plate.
Frequent buffing, painting, and dipping can be very damaging to the nails and cuticles.
If your job or daily routine requires frequent or daily exposure to harsh elements, it is best to use protection. Wear gloves when going out in the cold, and use a sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher on your hands and nails year-round when outside.
If you enjoy salon services, find a salon that follows industry standards and safety protocols. Lastly, treat your nails with the care they need and watch out for signs of infection or deterioration. Keeping these things in mind will ensure that your nails stay healthy and strong long-term.
2. Crafting a Nail Maintenance Routine
It is important to have a regular nail care routine to ensure healthy and strong nails. But where to start? Read on to get some tips and advice on for your lifestyle:
- Rinse Your Hands: Begin by washing your hands and nails with warm water and a mild soap. This helps to keep dirty and debris from clogging up the nail bed. Once you’ve rinsed off, pat your hands dry with a clean towel.
- Gently Clip Your Nails: Using a pair of sterilized nail clippers, carefully clip your nails to the desired length and shape. It is best to clip nails often, as this prevents them from becoming too long and weaker.
- Buffers & Shine: To achieve a softer look to your nails, use a buffer or file to gently polish the nails and even out any ridges. This also helps to make the nails stronger. To bring out the glossy shine, use a cuticle oil to finish.
- Regular Moisturizing: To keep your nails and cuticles conditioned, make sure to apply cuticle cream or oil, thoroughly working the product between your nails and cuticles. This helps to keep nails hydrated and prevents them from chipping or breaking.
- Nail Polish: To make nails look more vibrant and colorful, apply nail polish. Be sure to use a base coat to protect the nails from any potential damage and use a top coat to add shine and longevity.
- Protect Healthy Nails: To avoid damaging your nails, keep them away from acetone-basedPolish removers as much as possible and wear gloves when cleaning.
Following these steps will help you keep a healthy nail maintenance routine. Regular and consistent treatment of your nails will ensure that they look great and stay strong for the long haul.
3. Practicing Proper Nail Care
When it comes to , the most important thing to remember is to clean your nails. Keeping your nails clean removes dirt that can build up underneath the nail and cause bacteria to accumulate. This is especially important to keep in mind when engaging in any activities that involve wet or damp hands as bacteria can easily enter and cause irritation or infections.
The second step is to keep your nails trimmed. Keeping them clean will also help as it will be easier to keep them neatly trimmed if the dirt, oil, and bacteria around them are removed. Keeping them properly trimmed will also help keep them from becoming brittle or too weak.
Lastly, if you use nail polish, make sure to use products designed for nails, as well as to always brush on a base coat before applying nail polish. A base coat keeps the nail stronger and protects its color from the dye in the nail polish. Additionally, make sure to remove any nail polish between applications and always let your nails completely dry before applying nail polish again.
- Clean your nails – Removing dirt that can build up underneath the nail and cause bacteria to accumulate
- Keep your nails trimmed – Keep them from becoming brittle or too weak
- Use products designed for nails and always brush on a base coat – Protects its color from the dye in the nail polish and helps keep the nail stronger
- Remove nail polish between applications and always let your nails dry – Before applying nail polish again
4. Reaping the Rewards of Healthy Habits
Living a life of healthy habits can have a huge impact on your overall wellbeing. Even if they seem small and insignificant on the surface, the rewards for living a healthy lifestyle can be remarkable.
Better Energy Levels
One of the immediate differences you will notice when you start to adopt healthy habits is an increase in energy. Eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active will give you the energy and vitality to make it through the day. Improved energy levels can also give you the drive to take on more projects, have better concentration, and reach your goals faster.
A Stronger Immune System
Healthy habits can also help to strengthen your immune system so you are less likely to get sick or injured. Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and taking supplements can help you boost your immune system. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help to flush away toxins from your body and keep your cells functioning optimally.
Better Mental Health
Eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, and getting plenty of rest can also have a positive influence on mental health and wellbeing. Having a balanced diet, avoiding too much stress, and having regular breaks can help to keep our minds sharp and ward off depression. Taking time to relax and do activities that bring joy can also lift our spirits.
Improving Quality of Life
Adopting healthy habits can have a major positive impact on the overall quality of life. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest can improve physical health, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. Taking the time to form good habits can lead to increased longevity, better mental health, and a more fulfilling life.
- Increase in energy
- Stronger immune system
- Better mental health
- Improve quality of life
The rewards to be gained from healthy habits are undeniable. While it may take time and effort to make these habits a routine part of your life, the payoff in the end is more than worth it.
A nail maintenance routine is an essential step towards happier, healthier nails. With regular visits to the manicurist and the right care at home, your nails can be well on their way to long-term health. After all, your nails should be a reflection of your overall health and beauty. So make sure those babies stay in top condition – don’t let anything stand in your way!
