Are you taking good care of your nails, or do you neglect
them in your daily beauty routine?
There are at least three reasons why you should take good
care of your fingernails. First, well maintained nails make your hands look
more beautiful and elegant. If you are suffering from the latest nail art
craze, then having trimmed and well groomed nails is a must. Secondly, clean
hands and nails prevent the spread of germs and help you stay healthy. Finally,
one look at your nails can help a doctor tell what your general health status
is. Nails tell a lot about your style, your personal hygiene habits, and your
health, so do not neglect them.
Here are few tips on how to have gorgeous fingernails
without too much trouble.
Keep Fingernails Dry and Clean
Keep your fingernails clean to prevent bacteria from forming
under them. Soak your hands in soapy water and brush gently around and under
your nails. Moisture also allows the bacteria to grow, and prolonged contact
with water makes the nails brittle and cause cuticles to crack. Not to mention
that harsh chemicals weaken the nails and make them split. Always keep the
nails dry by wiping your hands with a cotton towel or by wearing gloves when
washing dishes, cleaning your house, working in garden, or using any
detergents.
Apply Moisturizer
While applying hand lotion, make sure to rub the lotion into
your nails and cuticles as well. While at it, take some time to massage your
hands and especially your fingertips. This will stimulate blood circulation and
improve the growth of your nails. Any hand lotion or moisturizer would do, or
simply use pure olive oil or jojoba oil as great moisturizers and nutrients.
Get into habit of massaging your nails at least once a week.
Vitamins for Greater Nail Strength
Vitamins facilitate the processing of proteins, which in
turn keep hangnails at bay. Vitamin B deficiency may lead to ridges and brittle
nails. Biotin, which is a member of the B-complex of vitamins, is essential for
nail health and is used to treat split-prone nails. Regularly eating egg yolks,
soy beans and whole grains should provide you with sufficient amounts of
biotin. Another option is biotin supplements. Vitamin C is responsible for the
production of collagen – the building block of nails. Lack of vitamin C will
slow down your nails’ growth. To avoid this, eat a lot of berries, peppers,
greens, and citrus fruits. Finally, vitamin D is essential for calcium
absorption, and there are no strong nails without calcium.
Minerals for Greater Nail Strength
We’ve already mentioned calcium which is needed to avoid
brittle nails, discoloration, and chipping, and for nail growth. Best way to get
calcium, although diet is the best option, there are some other options, for
example calcium supplements which can be a good alternative.
In addition to calcium, iron prevents discoloration and
occurrence of ridges. That whitish, crescent shape at the base of your nails
might indicate inadequate iron intake. Dried fruits, chickpeas, beans and dark
leafy veggies are a rich source of iron. Zinc contributes to your immune
system, and your overall health, which directly impacts the health of your
nails. Try eating more zinc abundant foods like fish, meat, mushrooms, and
sunflower seeds.
Apply a protective
layer
Brittle and paper-thin nails break more easily. To restore
strength to your nails, first consider giving them a rest from nail polishes.
Instead, apply clear nail polish that also has nail hardening properties. Most
hardeners provide the glossy look to your nails, so as long as you keep the
dirt away, your nails will still look pretty.