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.

Having 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 keeping your nails in top shape. But first, how can you tell if your nails are actually healthy? 

Why It’s Important to Care for Your Nails

Worried about your dry brittle nails or some other nail issues? Time to call a dermatologist. Nails are super visible indicators of health issues. So, if something seems off, get it checked out early.

Common nail health issues:

Peeling or Splitting:

Could be dryness or a vitamin deficiency. Not good.

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.

Red, Swollen Skin:

Likely from removing or biting cuticles. Stop that!

Spoon-shaped Nails:

Could mean an iron deficiency or anaemia. Yikes!

What Do Healthy Nails Look Like?

Healthy Nail Check 

Colour Check:

Nail plates should be a nice pinkish-white.

Cuticle Care:

Don’t touch them! Healthy cuticles are intact.

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.

Alright, let’s keep those nails looking fabulous with some quick tips for healthy nails!

First up, cuticles. They’re important. They seal the base of your nail. So, think twice before cutting or removing them. Break that seal and you’re open to bacteria and infections. Plus, you’ll get those painful, ugly tears. Want fewer hangnails? Take care of your cuticles. If you need to push them back, do it once a week after a shower when your skin is soft. Use a wooden orange stick. Then, massage with cuticle oil or treatment. Serum-like strengtheners? Perfect. They absorb fast and rehydrate dry, brittle nails.

Next, don’t skip the base coat. Painting your nails at home? Use a base coat. It stops your nails from getting stained and makes the colour look vibrant with just one coat. No colour? No problem. Strengthening varnishes leave a shiny, hard coating. They make your tips look thicker and protect against damage. Want to go pro? For indulging in a perfect nail care procedure, visit a Bodycraft Salon Service near you! 

Tips for healthy nails

Let’s dive into some nail care real talk!

First off, 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.

The Takeaway 

You need to take care of your nails and give them lots of attention. Being busy in 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 to get healthy nails after acrylics?

Alright, let’s dive into the essential details of acrylic nails aftercare. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your nails in top shape:

• • Stay hydrated! Water boosts circulation and helps nails grow strong.

• • Eat right: Omega-3s, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins—get ’em in for nail health.

• • No DIY removal. Pros only to avoid nail damage.

• • Give nails a break: Wait 2-3 months between acrylic manicures.

• • Don’t overdo it: Max 4 weeks with acrylics to avoid weakening natural nails.

• • After removal, show nails some love with clear polish and cuticle oil.

• • Use acetone and a file for removal—nothing else works!

Follow these tips for healthy nails, whether you rock press-ons or classic acrylics.

2. How to 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 polish break can keep them healthy and strong.

5. Why are my nails growing faster than usual?

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.