5 Tips for Strong and Healthy Nails
What you do between your manicures can make a big difference in the look and feel of your nails. Adding just a few changes to your beauty routine could go a long way to keep your nails looking great. From preventing peeling to caring for your cuticles, here are some tips to keep your nails strong and healthy!
Tip 1: Stay Well Hydrated
Peeling and dark nails could be a sign of dehydration, particularly if they are peeling near the nail bed or at the sides of nails. So, try drinking more water if you notice it as a persistent problem. Drinking green tea on a regular basis will help repair and strengthen your nails thanks to its antioxidants–it’ll give your immune system a boost, too!
Tip 2: Keep Your Cuticles
Cuticles are a good thing–they keep moisture in your nails and they help keep bacteria out of your skin. When they are torn or removed, you can get ridges in your nails and they can become more brittle making them prone to cracking. A simple solution? Every night, massage in cuticle oil or coconut oil, followed by your usual hand cream. This practice will keep your nails and the skin around them supple enough to make cracking and breakage less lightly.
Tip 3: Eat a Healthy Diet
Did you know your eating habits can affect nail growth? A healthy diet can help your nails stay strong. Enjoying plenty of healthful, whole foods, including lean protein (like salmon) and vitamin D sources (like milk) can make a big difference. Have a sweet tooth? Some swear by gelatin in helping nails to grow, so why not have some sugar-free Jello as a nightly treat?
Tip 4: Get Your Vitamins
Taking a multivitamin can help your health and appearance in many ways, including your nails. B vitamins, in particular, are known to strengthen nails and promote growth. In addition to eating lots of leafy greens and whole-grain foods, you can get more B from a multivitamin. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement may not only help nail health but also help lessen hardened skin around nails. You can tell you probably need more vitamin B if you have streaks and discolorations on nails.
Tip 5: Do a Smart Soak
Are your nails dark and discolored? Here is a simple DIY fix: Juice a half of a lemon and drop in a little bit of olive oil. Then, soak nails your nails in them for a little while to immediately brighten them up. The lemon will lighten discoloration due to its vitamin C, and it can also help decrease your chances of developing hangnails. Doing this practice regularly will also help to strengthen nails.