Women’s beauty often faces numerous challenges that threaten its longevity, largely due to changes in our diets and care routines, which now frequently involve chemical products that can worsen the situation. One common issue is the weakness and breakage of nails, which can arise from various factors. Today, we will explore the healthiest and most sustainable solutions to keep your nails strong and beautiful with minimal effort.
Unhealthy nails are prone to breaking easily, and growing them can be a slow process. Fortunately, you can strengthen your nails and enhance their health through several methods recognized by cosmetic and health experts.
How to :
- Cut Your Nails Properly: Use sharp, sterilized nail scissors to cut your nails, and round the edges slightly for a healthier shape.
- Avoid Biting and Peeling: Refrain from biting or peeling your nails, as this can lead to damage.
- Don’t Use Nails as Tools: Avoid using your nails to open closed items, like boxes, as this can cause breakage.
- Keep Nails Clean and Dry: Maintain cleanliness and dryness to prevent bacterial growth beneath the nails.
- Wear Gloves for Prolonged Water Use: If you’ll be in water for an extended period, such as while washing dishes, wear gloves to prevent nail breakage.
- Moisturize Your Nails: Regularly apply moisturizer to keep your nails hydrated.
- Give Your Nails a Rest: Try to minimize the frequency of nail polishing, as constant application can weaken them.
- Choose High-Quality Nail Products: Invest in quality nail polish and avoid products containing harmful chemicals like dibutyl phthalate.
- Clean and Sterilize Your Nail Kit: Regularly clean and sterilize your nail tools to maintain hygiene.
- Consult Your Doctor About Supplements: Talk to your doctor about taking biotin and vitamin B supplements, as they can help strengthen weak and brittle nails, especially for those with a severe deficiency.
- Focus on a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Eat foods high in vitamins and minerals that are crucial for nail health, such as:
- Biotin: Found in salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, and nuts.
- B Complex Vitamins: Present in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
- Iron: Available in green leafy vegetables, peanut butter, and cereals.
- Magnesium: Found in quinoa, almonds, and cashews.
- Use Essential Oils: Incorporate beneficial essential oils into your routine, such as lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils, to promote nail health.
Tips for toenails
Now that we’ve covered general nail care, let’s focus on specific tips for maintaining healthy toenails:
- Soak Your Toenails: Before trimming thick toenails, soak them in warm water with salt. This softens the nails, making them easier to trim without breakage.
- Choose Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit your feet well and avoid tight shoes to protect your toenails from injury.
- Opt for Open Shoes in Public: Wearing open shoes, like sandals, in public places can help reduce the risk of fungal infections that can affect the nails, especially after being in closed shoes or sneakers for extended periods.
- Assess Nail Health: Healthy toenails typically have a white-pink color. Look for a raised, white, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail, and ensure that your nails do not stain easily. These are indicators of good toenail health.
Home remedies for nail care
Green tea:
green tea to strengthen your nails and prevent yellowing. To do this, steep a cup of green tea and then add a few drops of wheat oil to it. Allow the mixture to cool, then soak your nails in it for 15 minutes. For optimal results, repeat this treatment twice a week.
Lemon:
Incorporate lemon into your nail care routine to promote growth and prevent yellowing. Mix equal parts lemon juice with castor oil or argan oil, then soak your nails in this mixture for 10 minutes. For the best results, repeat this treatment several times a week.
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is excellent for keeping your nails moisturized and strong, which is crucial for their growth. Massage your nails with warm coconut oil for 10 minutes each night before bed to reap its benefits.
Honey:
Honey is a natural moisturizer and one of the healthiest options for hydrating your nails. Apply honey using a clean paintbrush, then polish your nails with it and leave it on for several hours for optimal results.
