You just got your nails done and want them to stay healthy that will make your nail polish lasts longer. Our nails can be easily breakable if we don’t take care of them properly. Nails need the same nutrients as your hair, which is keratin. Getting a regular manicure can make your nails 10 times more beautiful and healthier. Here are some simple and effective nail care tricks to keep your nails stay healthy:
1. Keep Your Fingernails Dry and Clean
Bacteria and germs weaken nails and they should be blocked from the source. A humid environment facilitates their growth and can really harm your nails. You should always dry your hand after washing. It will prevent bacteria and dirt from accumulating underneath your nails.
Applying soap to your nails and skin is also beneficial as it can keep your nails refreshed. Gently scrub your hand to remove any dirt. However, do not overdo it as prolonged contact with water can lead to splits.
2. Stop Biting Your Nails
It’s a common habit but definitely not a good one. This bad practice will damage the nail bed and saliva will make your nails weak and brittle. If you bite and caused even a small cut along your nails, it will allow fungi or bacteria to enter your nails. Infection may be resulted and can grow into a bigger issue.
3. Do Not Cut Cuticles
Taking good care of cuticles should be an essential part of your nail care routine. Cuticle serves the purpose of sealing the base of the nail. It is highly suggested not to cut cuticles by yourself as any breaks in the skin can lead to an infection. Therefore, it is always safe to let your favorite nail professional do it for you.
4. Frequently Use Hand Moisturizer
Generally speaking, the more moisturized your hands and nails are, the less likely your nails are going to chip, crack, or split. When you apply hand lotion, gently rub the lotion into fingernails and cuticle areas as well.
If you would like a higher-level moisturization of cuticles, try nourishing your nails with coconut and almond oil and do some massage. It will keep your nails shiny and healthy.
5. Wear Gloves When Doing Chores
Protection ladies! Always wear a pair of rubber gloves when performing household chores such as washing dishes and gardening. A lot of the cleansing detergents contain harsh chemicals and will bring harm to your nails when you frequently expose your nails to be in contact with them.
If you tend to clean dishes in hot, soapy water, also remember to put on gloves as you don’t want to weaken your nails in any chance.
6. Take Biotin Supplements
Researches have shown that the nutritional supplement, Biotin has positive impacts on nails and help recover weak and brittle nails. As a part of the vitamin B family, it is believed that biotin can increase nail thickness and prevent nails from breaking.
However, there is little scientific evidence that other supplements such as calcium or gelatin have any significant benefits on nail health. Consider consulting a doctor should you have any questions.
7. Avoid Acrylic Nails
With no doubt, acrylic nails look awesome but also can cause harmful damage to your nails health. The chemicals in acrylic powder harden nails and the difficult application process can cause dents in them. The acrylic layer is also preventing your nails to breathe by completely suffocating to your nail bed.
Try to stay away from acrylic nails as far as possible. You can consider press-
8. Always Use Base and Top Coat
Never skip the base and top coat, ever. Before putting any nail polish on, always apply a layer of base coat. This does not only protect your nails from being discolored and stained by the nail polish, it also makes the polish stays longer.
And, always finish with a top coat. It keeps the polish color stay in place, lowers the chance of chipping, and adds a shiny or matte finish (your choice) to your manicure. It is highly recommended to apply a top coat every other few days to get the most out of your manicure.
9. Don’t Go Barefoot in Public Areas
Last but not least, your toenails are just as important as your fingernails. Especially in hotel rooms, it is a common practice for people to walk around without shoes, not even flip flops or slippers. Bacteria often hide in the carpet and the floors in hotel rooms just might not be as clean as you thought.
Wearing a pair flip flop can greatly reduce the chance of your feet picking up undesired bacteria and fungus. And of course, it is always better not to go barefoot in the streets.