When we take care of ourselves we love to see positive results. So when you are out and look down at your hand and see a cracked or chipped nail, that could ruin your mood for the day. You feel this especially after spending precious time filing and shaping those nails. But don’t lose hope, there are several ways to naturally make them stronger.
Nutrition
The first thing you should focus on is the things you put into your body. Your body is always in need of vitamins from healthy food, and your nails are no exception. Therefore make sure to consume enough folic acid and vitamin A, C, D, E. Also, vitamin B12 is very important as it helps make more blood cells and absorb iron, and without it your nails may change color from a healthy pink to a dark blue. Iron also plays a key role, as it is responsible for carrying around oxygen in your body.
You should always keep in mind that there are some foods that may be harmful and should be avoided most of the time. These include fried and fast food items, fatty foods, processed foods, and foods high in sugar content.
In addition, Biotin further aids healthy nail growth and you can find it in foods such as nuts, fish and eggs. These vitamins are vital for growing strong nails. and if you find yourself unable to eat enough foods containing these vitamins and supplements are a good enough substitute.
Try to always keep your nails smooth with a nail file
Nail files are for keeping your nails clean and smooth, since they help in removing rough edges. Now when it is time to file down your nails, be sure to do so in one direction. This is due to the fact that if you use a back and forth motion, this can be harsh on your nails and increase the likelihood of them chipping or breaking.
Consider changing to a more gentle polish remover
Be sure not to overdo it when you use nail polish. Many of us feel a need to use it and it helps bring out our inner beauty, but like many things we should use these products in moderation. And consequently, the same applies to nail polish remover, since it can weaken your nails even further. Learn to let them take a break, since often the leading form of nail care is to just leave them alone.
As we have said, letting your nails breath is vital for their general health. However, we should keep in mind that acetone is not the most nail friendly product since a high amount of acetone present can severely dry out your nails. Leaving to be brittle and fragile.
There does exist more gentler nail polish removers, and combine this with the use of a base and a top coat. Acetone-free removers are rather mild and do not cause your nails to dry out. When it comes for you to paint your nails, apply a base coat first as this prevents your nails from becoming stained. While a top coat decreases the chances of chipping of your nail polish, and therefore lessens the frequency of how many times you have to remove said nail polish.
Make regular use of cuticle oil
A good aspect to add to your nail care regimen is cuticle oil. It holds great beneficial properties to aid in making sure your nails feel more solid and tough. And through regular use, this oil will help keep your nails looking refreshed and moisturized. You can simply put one drop per nail and massage it or you can use a brush to bathe them with cuticle oil at night to give the most absorption possible before it is time to wash your hands again.
In the case that you find yourself short on cuticle oil, you can mix up your own at home to gain the benefits. Just put together some vitamin E, almond oil, olive oil, and coconut oil. Remember when your cuticles are well nourished, this will greatly help your nails to grow and be much healthier.
Wear rubber gloves when cleaning around the house
When you clean around the house or let’s say washing the dishes without wearing protective rubber gloves can lead to your nails weakening and chipping. There are numerous cleaning products and sanitizing wipes which have harsh chemicals that begin to wear down your nails, which leads them to be more breakable and dry. Save your nails by wearing gloves, since the weaker and more fragile they are the more they will struggle to grow.
Use more organic alternatives in nail polish
We are creatures of habit and love to stay in our comfort zones and just stick to the products we find to our liking. But we should always double check if a beauty product has any harmful ingredients.
You should try as much as possible to stay away from harsh nail polishes. What this means is to keep away from polishes that have dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. As well as, avoid regular usage of ones that have lots of coloring, since this can lead your nails in yellowing or becoming more weak. If in the end you find yourself going back to that bottle of bright and bold nail polish, then once in a while try switching it out to a natural alternative to give them a breather as they say.
Home remedies
Home remedies are often natural, easy, and inexpensive. Many of them can be done at home without the need for fancy equipment or ingredients. Some popular home remedies include:
- Diluted apple cider vinegar and water is a great natural remedy to help fight nail infections, but it cannot be used on cuticles because it can dry them out.
- Coconut oil is great for hydrating dry, brittle nails. Simply massage a small amount into your nails a few times a week.
- Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy nails. Just soak them in lemon juice and water for a few minutes a week to promote growth and strength.
- Olive oil is also great for hydrating and nourishing. Massage a small amount into your nails and cuticles a few times a week.
- To help prevent yellowing of your nails, soak them in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water.
- You can also make a homemade nail strengthener by mixing equal parts of olive oil and lemon juice. Apply this mixture a few times a week.
Learn to not bite at your nails
Biting your nails can be a tough habit to break, it can just be due to something you picked up while mulling over a problem you are facing. Or it can be stress induced. Regardless, it is very important to keep your nails away from your mouth. As it is full of bacteria which can simply pass into your body through the small tears your teeth made in your cuticles.
Something you can try is to put a coating of clear gel on them, which will make it harder for your teeth to reach and cause abrasions. If all else fails, you can try applying a bitter tasting nail polish as to deter you from placing your nails in your mouth.
Stop your routine use of gel polish
Even though gel manicures can make our nails look fabulous, constant use can begin to burden your nails. This is due to gel polish being very durable, hence there is difficulty in removing it. If overused it can also cause your nails to get weaker and start to peel. An 8-week break is recommended to let your nail gain back their strength and grow between each application.
In conclusion
When taking care of our nails, there several things we can do. A big part of it is lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will give them the nutrients they need to stay strong.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners. Instead, stick to gentle soaps and lotions. And second, avoid nail biting and picking, which can cause damage . Finally, make sure to keep them trimmed and filed, and do not forget to moisturize them regularly. By following these simple tips, you can help keep them looking their best.
can try painting your nails with a bitter tasting nail polish, to make you take notice of when you do it and stop. However, some people can get used to the taste