Let’s admit it, a lot of us forget to take the chipped nail paint off. And the only time we notice it is when we are all ready to go somewhere out. So if you’re wondering how to take proper care of your nails, here are some tips you can follow.
While we always depend on professionals to take care of our nails, those manicures are sometimes quite expensive. And because scheduling nail care appointments is a pending task on all of our to-do lists, nail care remains forgotten.
Nail care shouldn’t be neglected as nails help you determine the overall health of your body. The most common nail hygiene problem is bacteria growing under your nails. Not only does it look dirty but can also cause health problems. And the last thing you want is to get sick because you neglected to take care of your nails.
Interesting Fact
Your hair and nails are made of the same protein called keratin.
Nail Care Tips To Follow
1. Stop Biting Your Nails
We all know that biting nails is a bad habit but some of us just can’t help it. Not to sound like your pre-primary teacher but yes, please stop biting your nails. Biting your nails can cause damage to the skin around your nails. It also transfers dirt from your nails to your mouth harming your teeth. So while biting nails doesn’t sound that serious, you should never do it.
2. Trim Your Hangnails
If you have ever pulled your hangnail you know how bad it hurts. But leaving it like that isn’t the way to go either. The only solution to this is trimming. The best way to do this is by softening it.
Soak your nails in warm water for 10 minutes and then use a nail cutter to trim them. Make sure to be gentle.
3. Avoid Gel & Acrylic Nails
Yes, we are aware of the fact that salon-done nails look pretty. But at the same time, they are harming your natural nails. Acrylic and gel nails cause problems like nail separation, burning and swelling of your nails. So it might be a good temporary fix but is harming your nails in the longer run.
4. Use An Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
Acetone causes dehydration of nails. It is harmful as it can damage your nails making them brittle and dry. An acetone-free nail paint remover will leave your nails feeling nourished and healthy.
5. File Your Nails Gently
Filing your nails aggressively can damage your nails and lead to infection and in some cases nail bed scarring. Make sure that when you file your nails you are gentle with them. File them in one direction and shape them as you like. But avoid going back and forth with it.
6. Keep Your Fingernails Clean
As obvious as it sounds, nail care starts with keeping your nails germ free. If you notice dirt growing under your nails use a cuticle stick.
Interesting Fact
It’s estimated that 20 to 30%of people bite their nails.
7. Avoid Growing Your Nails Too Long
As dirt accumulates more in longer nails keeping your nails long can cause bacterial infection. Trim it regularly to keep them nice and clean.
8. Moisturise Your Nail Bed For Stronger Nails
If your nails are brittle that’s mostly because they aren’t hydrated enough to grow. Dry and flaky nails break easily. This can be avoided by applying moisturiser on them.
9. Never Scrape Your Nail Polish
When you scrape your nail paint it strips away a layer of your nail too which takes the shone away from the nails. Avoid scraping your nail paint and always remove it with an acetone-free nail polish remover.
10. Wear Gloves While Doing The Dishes
While washing dishes your nails are exposed to water and dish soap which makes it softer and easy to break. So if you want pretty nails and clean dishes both, gloves are the way to go.
11. Eat Healthy
What you eat highly impacts your body. The white lines on your nails are caused by calcium deficiency. That’s why maintaining a healthy diet is important if you want healthy-looking nails.
12. Drink Enough Water
This tip appears everywhere. The world is telling you to drink enough water. Drinking water has several benefits, healthy-looking nails are one of them. Drinking water can help you with nail growth and it also prevents flaky cuticles. So listen to the world and drink enough water.
Interesting Fact
Nails grow faster in summer.
13. Use A Nail Hardener
While there are many things you shouldn’t apply to your nails. Nail hardener isn’t one of them. Nail hardeners are used to protect and strengthen your nails. Acts as a good top coat on your nail polish and makes it last longer.
14. Keep Your Cuticles Free Of Nail Polish
You might have noticed that even after you remove your nail polish. There’s some left under your cuticles. To remove that use a cotton earbud and dip it into a chemical-free nail polish remover. Clean your cuticles using it for shinier nails.
15. Invest In Good Quality Nail Polishes
If you’re a nail polish hoarder or even if you just have your one go-to shade. Make sure that you are buying nail polishes which are free of harsh chemicals.
Following these tips will surely make your nails stronger and healthy-looking. But remember consistency is the key. So don’t forget to moisturise and clean your nails to get those beautiful looking nails at home.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some effective nail care routines?
A. You can follow this 3 step routine every week for healthy-looking nails.
Step 1: Remove your chipped nail polish using an acetone-free nail polish remover.
Step 2: Moisturise your nails and cuticles.
Step 3: Use a filer to file your nails in the desired shape. Make sure that your file nails in one direction.
Q. How to grow your nails faster?
A. Accommodate protein in your diet and drink water religiously, at least 2 litres a day. One trick you can follow is to massage your nails with olive oil every night for faster nail growth. Also, if you’re wondering how to grow nails stronger, check out these effective home remedies.
Q. How do I nourish my nails?
A. While applying moisturiser can help nourish your nails. Proper nourishment can only be possible if you follow a healthy diet. Lack of certain vitamins and calcium can leave with you dry and flaky nails.
