Nail Care Tips for Stronger Nails

The nails are very susceptible to whatever goes on inside and outside your body. When exposed to certain elements, like detergents, nails become frail and weak over time. Luckily, there are ways to strengthen your nails and make them healthy again! Use these tips to make your nails stronger, and you will notice a dramatic change over time:

Drink enough water

Water is the basis for good health, and they have a major effect on nails. When you drink water, you give your nails the moisture they need, which makes them stronger. If you do not like gulping down glasses of water, take a bottle with you wherever you go and sip water every few minutes. Can also add fruit and natural sweeteners to your water to make it delicious and healthy.

Minimize exposure to water

While consuming water is great, constantly exposing your nails to water will harm them. Soaking your hands in water or washing them often will make them brittle and weak. So, try to minimize exposure to water for more than a few seconds at a time.

Try a biotin supplement

Biotin is one of the B vitamins, and is soluble in water, and is not stored in the body. Biotin is responsible, among other things, for strong hair and nails. So, when you take a biotin supplement, you will be healing your nails from the inside out. Before you do so, consult your physician to make sure that it is okay for you to take the supplement. If not, or if you prefer to get your biotin from natural sources, incorporate the following food in your diet: legumes, cooked eggs, sardines, nuts, soy products, lean meats, and seeds.

Take a break from nail polish

Using nail polish, even the non-toxic kind, can weaken your nails. Yes, nail polish looks great, but it can negatively affect your nails. Avoid the application of nail polish often, and give your nail the chance to breathe from time to time. It will only make them stronger.

Lotion your fingers and nails

If your hands tend to be on the dry side, or you cannot avoid exposure to water, use a moisturizer. A quality hydrating moisturizer will help your nails become stronger over time. To get the best results, use a moisturizer that is all-natural, and keep it with you at all times. Whenever you feel that your hands are dry, whip out the cream, and give your fingers and nails the moisture they need.

Watch what you eat

When you do not consume enough vitamins and minerals, your nails are affected. You should consume vegetables and fruits in your diet, as well as varied foods that contain healthy ingredients. Also, taking a blood test from time to time can help you strengthen your nails; with regular tests, you can find out if you have low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, and correct your diet accordingly.

File your nails the right way

When it comes to filing nails, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it; filing your nails back and forth is the WRONG way to file them; it causes ridges and cracks to form on your nails, making them weak and fragile. The RIGHT way to file your nails is in one direction – either left to right to right to left. Also, you should avoid using a nail filer that is too coarse; it will damage your nails.

Take a closer look at your shampoo

Yes, your shampoo may be negatively affecting your nails. When using a shampoo for an oily scalp, it strips your head from various oils. While you are shampooing with various types of drying shampoos, you are using your fingertips and nails. The shampoo also strips your nails of oils, which can weaken them. So, either switch up your shampoo or use sturdy gloves while you are shampooing your hair.

Take care of your cuticles

When your cuticles are not healthy, your nails aren't healthy. Frayed, dehydrated cuticles are susceptible to infections and damages nailbeds. So, you should not neglect your cuticles when caring for your nails. Use a good quality cuticle oil or cuticle cream daily. These types of products contain protective, natural oils and vitamins that protect the cuticles and make nails healthy and strong.

Healthy nails look and feel great. When your nails are frail and weak – the opposite is true. Luckily, you have several ways in which you can improve your nail health. By using the easy and affordable tips we listed here, you are guaranteed to have strong and beautiful nails always.