Best Nail Care Tips For Healthy and Strong Nails

Whether you’re all about that weekly mani or can’t stop nibbling at your cuticles, we all want those perfectly manicured, healthy nails. They make your hands look instantly polished (pun intended!) and way more youthful.

Have nail problems? Extra hand-washing and skipped salon visits taking a toll? No worries. We chatted with nail-care experts to get the scoop on how to keep nails healthy and in top shape. But first, how can you tell if your nails are actually healthy?

Why It’s Important to Care for Your Nails

Here are some key reasons why nail health is important:

• Prevents Infections – Proper nail care reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
• Indicates Overall Health – Changes in nail colour, texture, or shape can signal underlying health issues.
• Enhances Appearance – Well-maintained nails contribute to a neat, polished look.
• Avoids Pain & Discomfort – Healthy nails prevent painful conditions like ingrown nails or brittle nails.
• Supports Nail Growth – Nourishing your nails keeps them strong and encourages growth.
• Boosts Hygiene – Clean nails prevent dirt and bacteria buildup, reducing the risk of infections.
• Improves Nail Strength – Proper hydration and nutrition prevent breakage, keeping nails resilient.
• Reduces Nail Damage – Regular care minimises issues like splitting, peeling, and chipping.

Enhances Manicure Longevity – Healthy nails provide a smooth base, making manicures last longer.

Common nail health issues:

Here are some common nail health issues that you should know:

Peeling or Splitting:

It could be dryness or a vitamin deficiency. Not good.

Brittle Nails 

Weak, dry nails that easily break or split due to lack of moisture or nutrient deficiencies.

Yellow Nails 

Discolouration caused by fungal infections, smoking, or excessive nail polish use.

Tiny White Spots:

You’re probably biting your nails or painting them too often.

Horizontal Grooves:

Stress, high fevers, or a good finger jam could be the culprit.

Ingrown Nails 

Occurs when the nail grows into the skin, leading to pain, redness, and infection.

Spoon-shaped Nails:

Could mean an iron deficiency or anaemia. Yikes!

What Do Healthy Nails Look Like?

Healthy nails are a reflection of good overall well-being, showcasing a smooth texture and even colour. Here’s what you need to know:

Colour Check:

Nail plates should be a nice pinkish-white.

Moisturised cuticles 

No peeling, redness, or swelling.

Clear surface 

 It should have a clear surface. No white spots, streaks, or dark lines.

Even Look

Nails and their white tips should be the same length.

Half-Moon

That little half-moon at the base of your nail should be visible.

Nail Care Tips

Here are some tips on how you can keep your nails healthy: 

Keep your hands super clean

Sounds basic, right? But it’s key. After you wash up, make sure your nails are grime-free. Ditch the polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid drying out your nails. Then, grab a clean toothbrush, slap on some soap, and gently scrub your nails and the skin around them. This gets rid of dirt and dead skin without harsh chemicals.

Be Gentle With Your Nails

Seriously,  nails are quite delicate. Skip the metal tools under your nails—too much digging can mess things up and lead to a nail infection. Also, cleaning with chemicals and hand-washing dishes? Not great for your nails. Protect them with rubber, vinyl, nitrile, or plastic gloves.

Trim Your Nails Regularly 

Just like your hair, your nails need regular trims to stay healthy and avoid snags and breakage. Aim for every two weeks, but tweak it based on how your nails behave.

Always Keep a Nail File on Hand

If your job or workout routine exposes your nails to potential damage, having a nail file handy is a game-changer. Buff out any rough edges on the spot. For the smoothest finish, always work in one direction with the grain of your nail. Pro tip: Ditch the emery board—it can cause nails to peel and snag. Instead, go for a glass (or crystal) nail file. It creates an even edge and is perfect for even the most weakened nails.

Take Care of Your Nail Tools

Keeping your nail tools clean and sanitised is essential for maintaining nail health. Regularly disinfecting files, clippers, and cuticle pushers prevents infections and supports healthy nails. Follow these tips for healthy nails to ensure your manicure routine is safe and effective. 

Moisturise Your Hands and Nails Regularly

Hydration is key to keeping your nails strong and your hands soft. Use a nourishing hand cream and cuticle oil daily to prevent dryness and brittleness—an essential step to remember in tips for healthy nails.

Additional Nail Care Practices

These are some additional ways how to keep your nails strong:

Don’t Bite Your Fingernails

Biting your nails can weaken them, cause infections, and hinder healthy growth. Break the habit of keeping your nails strong, smooth, and looking their best!

Don’t Pull Off Hangnails

Pulling off hangnails can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection. Instead, trim them gently with sanitised nail clippers to keep your nails and skin healthy.

Don’t Use Harsh Nail Care Products

Harsh chemicals in nail care products can weaken and dry out your nails. Opt for gentle, nourishing formulas to protect nail health and maintain their natural strength and shine.

Don’t Ignore Nail Problems 

Discoloration, brittleness, or pain in your nails could signal underlying issues. Address nail problems promptly with proper care or professional advice to maintain strong and healthy nails.

You need to take care of your nails and give them lots of attention. Being busy with your work is no reason to neglect nail care. You can always visit the nail experts to pamper your nails. Book your nail salon session at Bodycraft Nail Salon today. You will be surprised to get affordable nail treatment starting from just 100 INR! Check it out now!

FAQ’s Around Tips For Healthy Nail

1. How do you get healthy nails after acrylics?

To keep your acrylic nails in top shape, stay hydrated to support nail growth, and maintain a diet rich in omega-3s, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins. Always rely on professionals for removal to prevent damage, and take 2-3 months off between acrylic manicures to let your nails recover. Avoid wearing acrylics for more than four weeks to protect your natural nails. After removal, pamper your nails with clear polish and cuticle oil. Remember, acetone and a file are essential for proper removal—stick to these tips for healthy nails. 

2. How do you maintain healthy nails?

Just like makeup and skincare, not all nail polishes are created equal. Make sure you’re using good stuff. Avoid polishes with toxic chemicals like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene. These can make your nails brittle, split, and crack. Biotin supplements can help. Eating protein-rich foods and keeping your nails hydrated also works wonders. And always use a base coat! 

3. How to care for nails?

To take care of your nails, keeping them dry and clean is essential to prevent bacterial growth under the fingernails. Practising nail hygiene using best-quality manicure tools, using moisturisers, and taking supplements can all add to your nail care efforts. 

4. Do nails need to breathe?

Nah, nails are made of keratin and don’t actually breathe. But giving them a polished break can keep them healthy and strong.

5. Why are my nails growing faster than usual?

It could be the weather! Nails grow faster in the summer. Also, pregnancy and a high-protein diet can speed up growth.

6. What are those white spots on my nails?

 White spots are usually from minor injuries to the nail matrix. No big deal. They’ll grow out. If it’s happening a lot, maybe you’re low on zinc.