Well-maintained nails can always make a great impression on your self and that can boost your confidence too. So it always adds an extra point to your overall health and beauty if you take care of your nails regularly.
Here are some tips that you can follow to make your nails look better.
1. Hydrate Your Nails
Just like your skin, nails need moisture to stay flexible and strong. Proper hydration can improve the overall health and appearance of your nails and cuticles.
How to Hydrate Your Nails
- Use Cuticle Oil:
Apply a few drops of cuticle oil to each nail and gently massage it into the cuticles and nail bed. Do this at least once daily, preferably before bedtime.
- Moisturizing Hand Cream
After washing your hands, apply a generous amount of hand cream, ensuring you rub it into your nails and cuticles. Use a richer cream at night for deep hydration.
- Soak Nails in Oil:
Once a week, soak your nails in a small bowl of warm olive oil, coconut oil, or argan oil for 10-15 minutes. This helps to nourish and strengthen your nails deeply.
2. Trim and File Nails Properly
Proper trimming and filing will help you to keep your nails looking more healthy and beautiful
Trimming Steps
- Choose the Right Tools: Use sharp, appropriate-sized nail clippers or scissors.
- Soften Nails: Trim after a shower or soak nails in warm water.
- Trim Straight Across: Prevents ingrown nails and reduces snagging.
- Round the Edges: Slightly round corners to prevent sharp edges.
Filing Steps
- Choose the Right File: Use emery boards, glass, or crystal files; avoid metal files.
- File in One Direction: Prevents splitting by filing from the side to the center.
- Shape Nails: Choose shapes like square, round, oval, or squoval based on preference.
- Smooth the Edges: Use a fine-grit file and lightly buff nails for a polished look
3. Protect Your Nails from Trauma
Protecting your nails from physical trauma is good for maintaining their health and appearance. Trauma to the nails can lead to issues such as chips, cracks, and even more serious injuries like nail bed damage. To protect your nails from this you should wear protective gloves, avoid using nails as tools, trim nails to a decent length that you can manage, and hydrate your nails.
4. Regularly Clean and Disinfect Tools
Using clean nail tools is important for keeping your nails healthy and avoiding infections. Dirty tools can spread harmful germs and fungi to your nails and skin, causing problems like nail infections and fungal infections. Regularly cleaning your nail tools makes sure your nail care routine is safe and helps keep your nails healthy.
5. Use Nail Hardener Sparingly
Nail hardeners strengthen weak or brittle nails by adding a protective layer. They help nails resist breaking and look healthier.
How to Use Sparingly
- Choose the Right Product: Pick hardeners without harsh chemicals and with nourishing ingredients.
- Limit Use: Apply once or twice a week initially, then reduce to once every two weeks.
- Moisturize: Use cuticle oil and hand cream to keep nails hydrated and flexible.
- Monitor Nails: Watch for brittleness or irritation. Reduce use if these occur.
- Take Breaks: Give your nails regular breaks from hardeners to let them recover.
6. Avoid Acetone-Based Polish Removers
Acetone, found in many nail polish removers, can dry out your nails and skin, making nails brittle and causing irritation. It can weaken nails and lead to long-term damage.
7. Choose Breathable Nail Polishes
Breathable nail polishes let oxygen and moisture pass through them to reach your nails. This helps keep nails healthy and prevents them from drying out or getting damaged.