Indulging in self-care, having a mani-pedi at home with a rejuvenating nail care routine can do wonders for your health, beauty and mood. With the ongoing pandemic, your hands are feeling the effects of non-stop handwashing. Stripping soaps, hand sanitiser and gloves, all take their toll, leaving cuticles split and peeling. That’s not cute, and certainly not comfortable, either. Check these simple tips and easy-to-follow DIYs that will help keep your nails healthy and clean without weighing down your wallet.
7 Major Reasons For Slow Nail Growth
You must have wondered how to grow nails and keep them from breaking. But before you head over to the remedies, learn what causes your nails to grow slow and brittle.
- Biting Nails: A quick distractive trick you can use to avoid biting those nails is keeping your nails coloured with nail polish. When you do remove your nail polish, you can apply a nail strengthening polish to cover your nails and stop you from biting them.
- Eating Habits: A few alterations in your diet will surely make you realise how to make your nails grow faster and stronger. Certain dietary inclusions can be made such as chicken. If you are a vegetarian you should definitely include strawberries, grapes and blueberries. These fruits are a powerhouse of antioxidants that allow better nail growth.
- Constant Nail Cover-Ups: Letting your nails be bare and clean without any nail polish for a day one or two every week gives your nails a chance to breathe. Most of the time we apply different nail polishes every week, not allowing our nails to be bare and grow. This causes growth issues and is visible most of the time when nails appear yellow and chipped.
- Low-Quality Nail Products: Choosing good quality nail polishes and products is important. A nail polish with low quality causes further weakening of your nails. Most of the time the low-quality nail polishes make the nails dry and chipped.
- Gel And Acrylic Usage: Nail art, gel and acrylic nails look attractive. However, these acrylic and gel nails prevent the strengthening and growth of your nails. Getting your nails done with gel or acrylics once in a while is okay. But regularly using nail art, acrylics and gels deteriorate the quality and growth of your nails.
- Lack Of Biotin: Biotin is the powerhouse vitamin for nail and hair growth. You can choose to include biotin-rich food into your diet such as bananas or avocados along with which you can also take biotin supplements. Before you begin taking biotin supplements, do consult a doctor.
- Insufficient Greens: Leafy vegetables, especially spinach, are packed with high levels of folic acid or vitamin B9 which supplement the growth of nails and make them strong. A helping of greens once a day will help you get stronger and longer nails.
10 Home Remedies To Get Stronger & Longer Nails
Nothing can beat some natural, homemade DIYs and we’ve found a few that are oh-so-easy to do.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C which will help to increase the length and strength of your nails.
How To Do It:
- Take a bowl and add one tablespoon of lemon juice along with two or three spoons of olive oil.
- Heat this on the stove or in the microwave and dip your fingers into the mixture.
- Remember to remove your nail polish before you use this.
- Alternatively, you can also rub a lemon slice on your nails, keep it for 10 mins and later wash it off with warm water.
- You can do this every day or thrice a week.
2. Vaseline Or Petroleum Jelly
If you are lost about how to grow nails fast, use this technique. The best way to smoothen your nails and make them strong is by using petroleum jelly.
How To Do It:
- Wash your hands and then apply petroleum jelly for 10 minutes.
- Wash it after ten minutes.
- You can do this every day or thrice a week.
3. Coconut Oil
Another great nail growth supplement, coconut oil does wonders to nail growth and strength. If the question, of how to grow nails, is on your mind, here’s an age-old solution.
How To Do It:
- Warm up the coconut oil.
- Dip your fingers into the oil and massage it in a circular motion to allow blood circulation. Rinse your hands after 10 minutes.
- Do this every night for better results.
4. Salt Bath
Common salt is a great scrub and cleanser for your nails.
How To Do It:
- Take a bowl of warm water and add one tablespoon of salt and two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Dip your fingers into this mini spa.
- Then rinse your hands after a good period of 15-20 minutes.
- Try doing this thrice a week.
5. Egg Shells
The extra calcium in eggshells helps strengthen your nails. It is a great answer to how to grow nails fast!
How To Do It:
- Take a couple of clean eggshells.
- Run them through a grinder to get a fine powder.
- Mix this powder with clear nail polish and apply it to your nails.
- You can do this overnight once a week.
6. Orange Juice
Vitamin C in orange juice can help in the production of collagen that keeps your nails strong and healthy.
How To Do It:
- Squeeze the juice of an orange into a bowl.
- Soak your nails in it for 10 minutes and wash them.
- Remember to moisturise your nails.
- Use this remedy once a week.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains Vitamin E, which improves blood circulation and facilitates nail growth.
How To Do It:
- Heat up some olive oil and massage it into your nails and cuticles for about five minutes.
- Wear gloves and let it sit overnight.
- Alternatively, you can soak your nails in warm olive oil for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do this once every day for the best results.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, which works by neutralising the alkaline environment that encourages fungal growth.
How To Do It:
- Fill a foot bath or large bowl with equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water.
- Soak your feet for at least 20 minutes.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Use this remedy twice a week.
9. Honey
Honey helps fight bacterial and fungal growth and can help keep your nails and cuticles nourished and supple.
How To Do It:
- Create a honey and lemon nail mask by mixing 2 teaspoons of honey with a few drops of lemon juice.
- Massage this into your nails and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off thoroughly.
10. Garlic
Garlic is rich in selenium, which helps promote nail growth.
How To Do It:
- Rub your fingernails with a sliced piece of garlic.
- If that is too pungent for you, you could make your own garlic oil.
- Use this garlic oil as a nail mask.
- Try this once a week.
Looking for more remedies to nourish and replenish your nails? Here’s an ultimate DIY list just for you!
10-Step Salon Style DIY Mani-Pedi At Home
Not all of us have the time to visit the parlour and get a salon-style mani-pedi. That shouldn’t stop you from getting fabulous nails and soft hands and feet. Pamper yourself with a DIY manicure and pedicure at home!
- Start With Polish Remover: Pick a good quality nail polish remover and take off the existing polish. Even if you don’t have a nail colour on, using a polish remover takes the oils and dirt off the nails.
- Shape Your Nails: Clip, file and buff your nails to the shape you desire. Go for the classic oval or round shape or go bold with square or almond-shaped nails. File gently in one direction. If you have thin nails, tilt the filer slightly so that you file from underneath. Next, use a nail buffer to create a smooth surface.
- Prep The Cuticles: Use cuticle oil or balm to soften the cuticles first. Fret not if you don’t have those, for coconut or olive oil work just fine. Then, with the help of a cuticle remover, take off the dead skin around the nail beds. After that, use a cuticle stick to gently push back the cuticles. This will clean the nail bed of the accumulated bacteria.
- Exfoliate Your Skin: Grab your favourite body scrub and exfoliate the hands, arms, wrists, legs, soles and feet. This eliminates dead skin and cleanses the skin excellently. In case you are experiencing cracking of foot skin, try these home remedies for cracked heels. Make sure you wash your fingers and toes to get rid of dirt underneath the nails.
- Soak Your Hands And Feet: Fill up a bowl with warm soapy water and soak your hands and feet. This helps you relax and get rid of all the dirt and grime. The warm water acts like a gentle, stimulating massage and promotes blood circulation enabling faster nail growth as well. So, sit back and soak in!
- Moisturise And Hydrate: Moisturising before you apply the nail polish will ensure a smudge-free appearance. A regular moisturiser works just fine. But if you own hand cream, foot cream and cuticle cream, do use those. Swipe off the moisturiser from the nails with a polish remover.
- Apply A Base Coat: Applying a base coat of polish helps hydrate as well as prevents chipping. Experts state that we should wait for at least two minutes between each coat of polish. A base coat locks the colour and keeps it from staining your nails. But feel free to skip this step if you don’t have one of these.
- Get The First Coat On: Apply the first coat of nail polish, making sure to go all the way down to the tip of the nail. Keep the layer thin and cover the corners as well. For toes, use toe separators or spacers (if you have them) to avoid smudging.
- Time For The Second Coat: Once the first coat is completely dry, it’s time to apply the second coat. For pastels or sheer colours, you may need a third coat. Just like the first coat, apply a thin second coat, covering the entire nail. If you are doing nail art, this is the time to flaunt your creativity.
- Final Topcoat To Finish: A top coat of clear polish adds shine to your nails and keeps the colour from chipping away. It makes the polish last a long time. Remember to wait until the last coat is completely dry before applying the topcoat. Make sure it is applied smoothly as it can cause a wrinkled effect when it dries.
Make your own scrub at home with ingredients from your kitchen. Here are 25 DIY recipes for exfoliators for you to try!
7 Nail Care Products That You Actually Need
If you are looking to get manicured nails at home or make your usual nail paint look better, then here are a few products you need to invest in.
- Base Coat: Bold colours like dark pink or red, often leave your nail stained by the polish. And when you need to let your nail breathe, or even go to a clear/no-paint nail, the stain stands out. Hence at times like these, you need to apply a base coat to protect your nail. This process might take longer, but it is worth it when your manicure lasts a couple of extra days longer, and it prevents staining on your nails from the bold paint. This not only protects your nails but also strengthens them.
- Cuticle Oils & Lotions: Another thing that ruins your nail look is dry and peeling skin near your nails and palms. And since we are on the topic of strengthening nails, investing in cuticle oils, lotions and hand creams, ensures you don’t have any dry hands.
- Cuticle Pusher: You remember those weird nail kits would have strange tools and you never figured out what is what! Well, one of those tools was a cuticle pusher. They push back the skin that creeps over your nail and ensures a smooth surface for your nail paint. Also, pushing back your cuticles regularly will keep your nails clean, healthy and even prettier than usual.
- Curved Nail File: Filing your nail gives the nail a defined shape and a cleaner look. It smoothes out the rough cuts with the nail clipper. And when buying a nail file, look for one that is curved. A curved nail file is easier to use. It avoids mess-ups and follows your nail’s natural shape.
- Nail Clippers: Small nail clippers are good for travel purposes. But when looking for a nail clipper, buy one that is sharp and strong. It shouldn’t break when you try to clip your nails and also shouldn’t damage your nails. Please do not use scissors to cut your nails, especially if you have short nails. You might cut yourself.
- Matte Top Coat: After you finish your nail art, add the last layer of matte top coat for a clean and solid look. This will make sure that your nail colour does not chip off. It also gives your nail polish a matte finish that looks pretty!
- Anti-Chew Treatment: Biting your nails may be a sign of impatience, frustration or pure boredom. And the results ruin your nails. Keep your teeth and nails separated with an anti-chew nail treatment. The treatment is a liquid formula that is unpleasant to taste and strengthens your nails.
Want to build up your nail care collection? Here’s a guide to filling up your vanity with just the right products.
Say Goodbye To Brittle Nails With These 5 Home Remedies
Weak and brittle nails could be a sign of ageing or nutritional deficiencies. These home remedies can help you learn how to grow nails fast & strong
1. Vitamin E Massage
Vitamin E is an essential component of our skin and hair that provides a youthful appearance and makes it strong and supple. If there is a lack of moisture in your nails, it will lead to nail splitting. Avoid this by massaging vitamin E into your nail cuticles for complete nourishment on a regular basis.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural medicine for many skin problems in humans. As tree tea oil is extremely strong, always dilute it with either water or another oil like olive oil. Brittle nails treatment and discoloured nails can be remedied with a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with ½ tablespoon of olive oil and applied on the nails for 30 minutes. Wash your nails with lukewarm water and apply a moisturising lotion for a month daily.
3. Aloe Vera Scrub
Aloe vera is a good source of hydration and is an effective answer on how to make nails stronger. Simply, cut a small piece of the aloe vera leaf and apply the gel onto your nails and massage them into your cuticles. After rinsing, apply lotion to keep your nails supple.
4. Milk & Honey Soak
If you’re wondering how to grow strong nails naturally, one effective home remedy is milk and honey soak. When nails lack nutrients, that’s when they become weak and dry. Mix 2 tablespoons of milk with a tablespoon of honey and soak your nails for 15 minutes before cleaning them with warm water.
5. Tomato Juice
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and proteins that can help heal brittle nails. Simply add 2 drops of rosemary oil to 2 tablespoons of tomato juice and dip your nails in this mixture for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
Looking for remedies that prevent your nails from splitting? Here are a few DIY recipes to combat brittle nails.
5 Tricks To Finally Stop Biting Your Nails
If you’re wondering how to stop biting your nails for good and get strong, healthy nails that haven’t been incessantly gnawed on, here are some of the best tips to finally kick the bad habit to the curb.
- Bitter Flavoured Nail Paint: Coat your nails with a bad taste. One of the most common ways to stop nail biting is to apply a foul-tasting lacquer to the nails. If you don’t like the taste, then you will stop putting it in your mouth. The terrible taste will definitely make you think twice before nibbling!
- Putting Moisturiser On Your Nails When You’re Tempted: Think of this method as two positive habits. Keep a hand moisturiser with you and use it when the impulse to bite kicks in. This will not only distract you, but you’ll also keep your hands soft and moisturised. The taste and smell of the moisturiser will stop you from biting your nails.
- Wearing Nail Polish: Putting nail polish on your nails may help to discourage you from nibbling on them. A vibrant colour can catch your attention and snap you out of your nail-biting habit. You’ll also have more motivation to avoid biting your nails since you won’t want to ruin the nice appearance. Choose a colour you like so that you don’t peel it off. Get a design. This will make you not want to peel off the polish if you like the design. Make polishing your nails a hobby. If you keep nail polish on long enough, your nails will have a chance to grow back!
- Stick On Ready-To-Wear Nail Art: If you’re a nail-biter and you’re having trouble kicking the habit, you might try to fake it for a while. That is, consider the fabulousness of fake nail products such as acrylics, wraps, gels and press-on nails. Ready-to-wear nail art not only looks great but also does a great job of preventing you from nibbling away at your nails.
- Get Gel Or Acrylic Nails: Getting fake nails put on your tips can also do the trick. Also, acrylic nails are too thick and solid to bite, so they may deter nail-biting long enough to break the habit. This is another great way to keep your nails covered. Get your nails professionally manicured, which involves getting acrylics glued to your nails. They last for ages and when you get them taken off, you will have your real natural nails underneath. If you’re determined, you can get a particularly expensive manicure with artificial nails. This will make you feel even worse about biting your nails and ruining your pricey look.
Want to know more about how to stop chewing your nails? Click here and get started.
15 Tips For Healthy, Stronger Nails
If you’re wondering how to take proper care of your nails, here are some tips you can follow.
- 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.
- 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.
- Avoid Gel & Acrylic 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 to them.
- Never Scrape Your Nail Polish: When you scrape your nail paint it strips away a layer of your nail too which takes the shine away from the nails. Avoid scraping your nail paint and always remove it with an acetone-free nail polish remover.
- Wear Gloves While Doing The Dishes: While washing dishes your nails are exposed to water and dish soap which makes them softer and easy to break. So if you want pretty nails and clean dishes both, gloves are the way to go.
- Eat Healthily: 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.
- Drink Enough Water: Drinking water has several benefits, and healthy-looking nails are one of them. Drinking water can help you with nail growth and also prevents flaky cuticles. So listen to the world and drink enough water.
- Use A Nail Hardener: While there are many things you shouldn’t apply to your nails, a 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.
- 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.
- 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 that are free of harsh chemicals.
