Nails are not only a part of our appearance, but they also play an important role in the overall health of our hands and feet, so it is crucial to take good care of them. I have found out some basic rules for the nail care throughout the time, reading about it and trying some of the methods by myself. I am not a nail specialist, but these small alterations have been a real plus for me. Here is what has been helping me and might be useful for you as well!
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1. Keep Them Clean and Dry
As for nails, it is vital to keep them clean and dry as this is the basis for healthy nails. There are no advantages of having moisture accumulated beneath the nails as it only leads to weakness and possible inflammation.
Tip: I always make it a point to dry my nails after washing the dishes or when I have been using water for a long time, and I also put a little cuticle oil to avoid dryness.
2. Moisturize Your Cuticles and Nails
Having dry nails is even worse than having cracked heels or a chapped lip as the nails can easily break or peel off. I have noticed that it helps a lot if I keep them hydrated.
Tip: I always have either a cuticle oil or some coconut oil nearby to make sure that my cuticles are soft and my nails are hydrated. It’s a fast, and rather soothing, routine, which I perform right before going to bed.
3. Don’t Skip the Base Coat
When I first began to paint my nails, I didn’t think base coats were necessary. But you know what, they are! Base coats are there to prevent your nails from staining and to make the polish stick better.
Tip: I always use a strengthening base coat that also acts as a nail treatment, so that my nails stay strong even if I am wearing polish quite often.
4. Trim and File Regularly
Prevents nails from snagging and breaking and from needing regular trimming and filing. I use a glass nail file, not a metal one, to do the job—it doesn’t hurt my nails as much and it also helps to stop them from splitting.
5. Avoid Overuse of Harsh Chemicals
Harsh nail polish removers or prolonged contact with cleaning products can cause your nails to dry up.
Tip: I moved to an acetone free remover and always use gloves when dealing with cleaning products. It has made a big difference in how strong my nails feel.
6. Let Your Nails Breathe
Not taking breaks from polish can cause your nails to become weak and brittle over time.
Tip: Sometimes I take a ‘nail break’ and refrain from applying polish once in a while to allow my nails to recover and restore moisture and strength through treatments.
7. Be Gentle with Your Nails
Using your nails as tools to open things or to scratch surfaces will break and damage them.
Tip: For those times when I'd usually use my nails to pry something open, I keep a small tool handy, like a key or letter opener.
8. Eat for Nail Health
You can see it in your nails – what you eat! It is essential to have a balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals.
Tip: I also began to include food rich in biotin (eggs and nuts) and enough water in my diet, for the growth and strength of the nails.
9. Protect Your Nails During Nail Art
But all that polish and acetone can be a real pain, I love experimenting with nail art.
Tip: I always put on a nourishing base coat and then use a strengthening treatment for my nails after I remove nail art.
10. Visit a Professional When Needed
If there is something that seems strange—strong and long-lasting dryness or darkness of the nails, do not try to treat the problem on your own.
Tip: I go to a nail technician or a dermatologist if I have any problems with my nails. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Perfect manicure or nail art is the ideal outcome that anyone can achieve with healthy nails. I have also noticed that my nails are less prone to breaking, and they grow faster and look healthier when I follow these simple tips, without even needing to apply polish. Nail care doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s all about consistency and the little habits that can make a big difference.