Everyone wants healthy, immaculate nails; some people paint their nails regularly as a self-care ritual, while others scratch and bite at their cuticles continuously. Possessing well-manicured nails not only makes you look more put-together (pardon the pun!), but they may also provide the illusion of younger hands.
So that you can protect your nails from the damaging effects of over-washing and neglected salon visits, here are a few tips to learn the ins and outs of nail care. But before we get into that, how do you identify healthy nails? Keep an eye out for these signs.
Indicators of Strong Nails:
- Polished nails have a pinkish-white hue.
- The cuticles are real; you shouldn’t remove them.
- The thickness of the nail and white tip is uniform.
- The lunula is a prominent white area at the base of the nail that resembles a half-moon.
When Your Nails Aren’t Healthy:
- Dryness or a lack of vitamins might cause peeling or splitting of nails.
- If you see little white dots on your nails, it’s likely because you paint them too frequently or bite your nails.
- Stress, high temperatures, or a jammed finger are all potential causes of horizontal grooves.
- The removal or biting of cuticles can cause red, inflamed skin surrounding the nails.
- Nails that are spoon-shaped may indicate anemia or iron insufficiency.
See a dermatologist if you have any worries regarding the condition of your nails. New York dermatologist and nail care expert Dana Stern, M.D., adds that since your nails are so visible, it’s easy to see when an issue develops, so you can address it early if you seek treatment. Get strong, healthy nails by following these steps:
- Don’t ever be without a nail file.
If your nails are at risk of damage due to your work or exercise regimen, carry a polishing file with you so you can quickly smooth out any rough spots and polish them. Keep going in the same direction as the straight line of your nail for the most even finish.
Use a glass (or crystal) nail file instead of a memory board; the latter can grab and peel nails. “A glass file gives an even edge to the nail and may be used to repair the most vulnerable, brittle, and damaged nails,” according to Dr. Stern.
- Maintaining your nail tools is also important.
Like with your makeup brushes, it’s crucial to disinfect your nail tools after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria. Moreover, you should clean metal instruments with water and soap and then wipe them with rubbing alcohol to prevent infections in your nails.
Replacement of emery boards and other disposable instruments should be done regularly. Using a worn-out tool is pointless when a new one can be easily purchased for a few dollars.
- Don’t touch your cuticles.
Sealing the space at the bottom of the nail is one of the cuticle’s crucial functions. Cutting or scraping the cuticle can damage that protective barrier, making you susceptible to illness, discomfort, and ugly tears. So, proceed with caution. According to Dr. Stern, one way to reduce the likelihood of getting hangnails is to maintain healthy cuticles.
Dermatology Associates of New York’s medical director, Debbie Palmer, D.O., of Harrison, NY, suggests using a wooden orange stick to push back cuticles once a week after a shower when the skin is soft. Apply cuticle oil or treatment and massage it into your nails and cuticles.
- Supplement with biotin.
Some persons with brittle nails may benefit from biotin. Research indicates that ingesting 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) of biotin may enhance nails’ thickness, hardness, and stiffness. In one research, the thickness of the nails increased by 25% in more than half of the participants consuming 2.5 mg of biotin daily.
Thus far, there have only been a few low-quality studies examining the relationship between biotin and nails. For this reason, further studies are required to confirm that biotin contributes to stronger nails.
- If you can help it, try not to use acrylic or gel nails
Despite claims that they are a simple solution for people with nail growth issues, using them too often could damage your nails by causing them to peel. You should wait at least a few days between applying them to your nails if you insist on wearing them. Although further study is necessary, it has been shown that exposure to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) light needed for gel polish can increase the risk of cancer.
The skin with a healthy nail in place likewise gets older with time. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s best to put sunscreen on your hands twenty minutes before you’re outside in the sun.
- Dishes are a great place to wear gloves.
Wearing vinyl, nitrile, rubber, or plastic gloves—some of which include a cotton liner—is a must if you work with strong chemicals, garden, or engage in any activity that might wet or soil your hands. Not only may washing dishes in soap, hot water without gloves damage the nails, but gardening soil requires cleanliness, so you should avoid it at all costs.
The same goes for cold weather: don’t forget to wear gloves or mittens so the wind and cold can’t dry up your skin after all that hydrating.
In the end!
A person’s nails convey a lot of information to others around them; having fragile nails might make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are many options for enhancing and strengthening your nails.
Go to the doctor if you’ve exhausted all the other options. You can’t expect your nails to grow thick and strong again until you address the underlying issue, making them weak and brittle.
