A healthy body isn’t just about clear skin and glossy hair. It also includes having healthy and strong nails – something we often ignore! Nails reflect our overall health, especially our gut health, which is why it’s so important to maintain them.
One of the biggest signs of healthy nails is that they will be smooth and without any grooves or ridges. If you have recently started noticing that your nail needs a bit of care and maintenance, then here are some useful tips and tricks on how to keep them strong and shiny!
1. Keep Your Nails Dry and Clean
One major reason why so many people suffer from worn-out or unhealthy nails is that they have germs growing underneath the nails.
If you’re washing dishes or cleaning the house, make sure you wear soft rubber gloves to prevent water and dirt accumulation under the nails. Repeated contact with water, especially dirty water, can cause weakened nails.
Wear cotton-lined gloves or protective gear when you’re dealing with harsh chemicals to keep your nails clean and dry.
2. Take Biotin Supplements
Biotin, the combination of vitamins H and B7, helps you to maintain healthy nails. These two vitamins are water-soluble, so they aren’t stored in the body. This means that you have to take biotin supplements or food items rich in biotin every day.
Biotin not only keeps your hair and nails strong but also aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Food items like sardines, cooked eggs, and legumes are rich in biotin. If you’re looking for alternatives to these food items, try taking a vitamin B supplement after consulting your healthcare professional.
3. Be Gentle with Your Nails
Another big mistake that people tend to make during their nail care routine is rubbing or filing their nails excessively. This not only gives a bad shape to your nails but also leads to long-term damage.
Therefore, be as gentle as possible when you’re cutting the edges around your cuticles or shaping your nails.
Skip the harsh metal tools altogether because they react with your skin and cause infections. Too much digging and filing also cause severe nail infections. Look for hypoallergenic products that are gentle on your skin and nails.
4. Visit A Professional Nail Salon
If you see that your nails need a bit of reshaping or touch-up, you can do it at home. However, you might need to visit a professional salon if your nails look too damaged or dry.
And if you’re wondering where to get your nails treated, look no further than London – the hub of high-standard beauty and self-care. London-based nail salons offer more than just treatments. You can opt for premium services that reflect the vibrant city’s fashionable vibes and nail trends.
Visit a specialised nail salon in East London to get a complete makeover, including manicures, pedicures, and other nail treatments. Based on your specific nail concern, you can opt for different types of treatment services.
A licensed professional will also give you tips on how to take care of your nails at home. Be regular with these appointments and follow their advice diligently.
5. Drink Enough Water
Staying hydrated offers so many benefits to both your body and mind. If your body doesn’t have adequate levels of moisture, your nails will become brittle and weak. You might also notice redness underneath or around the nail bed.
So, you must drink at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. If you forget to drink the required amount of water, add reminders on your phone or carry a small flask with you. When you’re well-hydrated, your nails will stay strong and won’t break off easily.
6. Don’t Bite Or Pick Your Nails
Biting or picking your nails constantly has long-lasting negative effects. Continuous biting damages the nail bed permanently, which slows down your nail growth.
Even a minor scratch from biting or picking your nails can cause the entry of germs into the nail bed. This can cause swelling or infections in your fingers.
If you see that your nails are out of shape or have been growing too fast, use cuticle scissors or nail cutters to shape them instead of biting the edges off. Instead of pulling off hangnails, gently clip them off with clean scissors.
7. Eat Well
Pay extra attention to your diet to maintain healthy nails. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals will lead to better nails. Supplements like zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and iron will keep your skin, hair, and nails strong.
You can also add collagen peptides to your diet to promote nail growth. Some of the best sources of collagen are lean beef, pork, peanuts, lentils, poultry, and black beans.
8. Be Careful About What Products You Use
Many nail polish removers and nail paints contain toxic chemicals that cause serious nail injuries. Their high acetone concentrations also impact nail health. Use non-toxic nail polish and removers that are gentle on the nail bed and your skin.
If you frequently use hand sanitisers, go for low-alcohol options to prevent drying nails.
Conclusion
With these tips, you can enhance your nail health a lot. However, if something is severely wrong with your nails, talk to a nail salon or a dermatologist for more help.
