Do you spend hours primping and preening your nails? Make your efforts count by keeping your nails healthy with the help of this complete nail care guide. Give your nails some caring consideration with these fingertip-friendly tips that will help ensure your nails maintain a health-polished state.
1. Stop biting and picking your nails – “Biting nails or being too aggressive when cleaning out under the nail can create stress fractures on the corners of the edges and eventually cause breaks. “Also, rubbing the top of your nails — it’s a nervous habit some women have and it may cause severe ridges in the top of the nail plate.
2. Always wear rubber gloves while cleaning – Kyees advises women to use rubber gloves when they are using household cleaners to provide a barrier of protection against harmful chemicals that break the nail down.
3. Stay away from hazardous and harsh chemicals – We know what inhaling toxic nail polishes containing formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and toluene can potentially lead to. Choi warns against nail treatments that contain these materials as they will make achieving strong, healthy nails difficult.
4. Don’t forget to take your vitamins – “As far as vitamins, a biotin supplement is great for nails,” says Lippmann. “Products, both treatment and lacquer, that include biotin are also very helpful so that you can apply it directly on the nail.” Kyees’ topical nail care solution: vitamin E gel capsules. She explains, “Use a pin and pop a hole into the capsule, then apply it directly to your nails.”
5. Give your cuticles a much-needed massage – “The actual nail forms just below the cuticle, and when you massage the cuticle you bring blood into that area of the nail which promotes healthier nail growth,” says Lippmann. “It’s more about the action of massaging and getting the blood flowing than an actual treatment.”
6. Keep a nail file handy for emergencies – It’s so important to keep a nail file with you at all times to smooth any rough edge and prevent further damage.
7. Load up your meals with protein – A well-balanced diet and drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated are just a few of the simple ways Lippmann believes will promote healthier nails. Choi echos this advice and calls out protein-rich foods like fish that help to build nail strength.
8. Swipe away that old nail polish – We’ve all been guilty of wearing a manicure out to this unflattering point. To prevent peeling away at chipped nail polish, Choi suggests removing one week after.
Beauty Tips and Tricks 