6 Tips for Healthy and Beautiful Nails

Take a look at your nails. What do they look like? Healthy nails are strong, smooth, pink, moderately thick and with no discoloration or grooves. They reflect your overall health. Just like your skin and hair, nails require proper care and attention to look their best. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain healthy and beautiful nails.

Keep your nails clean and dry

We all know that washing hands can help stop the spread of germs and keep us healthy. But it is also the key to healthy nails. Cleanliness can prevent the infections of nails, making them smooth and shiny. Make sure to wash your hands and nails regularly with a mild soap and water. Dry your nails thoroughly after washing to prevent fungal infections. And remember to follow up with hand cream.

Trim your nails wisely

Trim your nails regularly with sharp nail scissors or clippers to keep your nails at a moderate length. Cut round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength. Don't cut more than the white crescent-shaped area in case you hurt the nail bed. Use a nail file to shape your nails and smooth out any rough edges. Avoid cutting your cuticles, as they help protect your nails from infections.

Moisturize your nails

Just like your skin, your nails need hydration too. If your nails can be crushed in daily activities, they may need some moisture. Applying a moisturizing hand cream or nail oil around the cuticle can help keep the entire nail hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. It can also restore the natural sheen of your nails. Also, drinking plenty of water helps keep your body and nails hydrated.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Weak and brittle nails may indicate a vitamin deficiency in your body. A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals and multiple nutrients is essential for strong and beautiful nails. Incorporate foods high in biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to promote nail health. Biotin-rich roods include egg yolks, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, legumes and mushrooms. Deep-sea fish like tuna and flaxseed are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoid hurting your nails

Don't bite your fingernails. This habit can damage the nail bed and cause ingrown toenails and paronychia. Picking at your cuticles with your hands may be relaxing, but it can cause small cuts alongside your fingernail and allow bacteria to enter, causing an infection. Cut hangnails with scissors instead of pulling them off. Wear gloves while doing household chores or working with harsh chemicals to protect your nails from damage. Avoid using your nails as tools to prevent breakage.

Give your nails a break

Beautiful gem manicure is attractive, but frequent usage of nail polish and mail polish removers may cause brittleness and damage to the nails. Allow your nails to breathe by going polish-free for a few days between manicures. This will help prevent discoloration and allow your nails to regain their natural strength. Choose nail polishes that are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. Avoids acetone-based polish removers.