5 Tips For Strong and Healthy Nails

A Healthy Nail Means A Beautiful Hand
Your nails are more than something you use to scratch an itch or pick a small object with. For some women, great-looking nails are part of looking beautiful and smart. One sign of a well-groomed man is handsome hands with clean and neatly trimmed nails. More importantly, nails are windows to your health. When you have brittle and cracked nails, it is most likely that you are suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Ignore your nails and you could end up with more serious conditions such as ingrown nails and fungal infections that may require medical attention. Follow these tips for well-groomed, healthier and stronger nails on your fingers and toes.
  1. Keep your nails hydrated.Use lotion or moisturizer after washing your hands to prevent your hands and nails from becoming dry. Rub your nails and cuticle with petroleum jelly or castor oil.Massage your nails and surrounding skin with Argan oil. This oil is from the rare Moroccan tree called Argan. It is rich in essential fatty acids that can help keep your nails moisturized and hydrated. Argan oil is also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that can help keep nails strong, healthy and protected from becoming brittle and prone to breakage. Keep a small bottle of this Moroccan oil in your purse and massage a drop or two on your nails whenever needed.
  2. Protect your nails.Wear rubber gloves when washing, scrubbing floors, gardening, cleaning the bathroom and other activities that may expose your hands and nails to aggressive physical activity, harsh chemicals and too much water.Always dry your feet thoroughly before putting on your socks and shoes. This habit will help protect your nails from fungal infection. Air out your shoes and use 100% cotton socks to help protect your feet and nails from becoming damp and developing fungal infections.
  3. Do your manicure right.Trim your nails. Your hands are busy machines! When you have short nails, they have less chance of catching unto something which can result to nail breakage. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown. Ingrown nails can become very painful and may require minor surgery in serious cases.When pushing back your cuticles, be very gentle and do not cut them. Damaged cuticles can damage your entire nail. Apply a fresh coat of nail polish at least every week. Remember to not let your polish stay on your nails for more than 10 days straight as they tend to dry and discolor nails. Avoid using polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals known to dry out your nails and cuticles. File your nails correctly. Never go back and forth but instead file in one direction only. This will avoid cracks and breaks. Do not file wet nails because nails are at their most vulnerable when wet thus breaking easily.
  4. Eat right!A healthy diet promotes a healthy body and of course, healthy nails. Eat food groups packed with Vitamin D, Calcium and Zinc such as fruits, vegetables, egg as well as milk if you want strong and healthy nails. Take vitamin B biotin supplements to further strengthen nails.
  5. Avoid nail tappingNail tapping and other mannerisms such as nail biting all contribute to making your nails weak and brittle. Avoid tapping the table with your nails when you are trying to make a point or when just simply bored. Stress can lead you to nail biting, a very unhealthy and unsanitary habit. Keep busy and avoid stress.
Nails are important and you should take proper care of them and maintain their overall health. Remember that having strong and healthy nails mean that you have a healthy and strong body, too.